Ausangate Trek 5 days

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE AUSANGATE TREK 5 DAYS

• Acclimate before starting your Ausangate trek, spend at least 3 days in Cusco before your Ausangate trek
• June, and July are the busiest seasons for Ausangate
• Our Ausangate trek is based on an occupancy of 2 people 
• It’s not recommended to hike from December to March by the Ausangate
• There is no access to a wheelchair to the Ausangate
• The Ausangate trek is flexible

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE AUSANGATE

The weather is one of the most important factors to consider while hiking to the Ausangate. You can get check out the weather forecast, but it is nearly impossible to predict accurately. 

Tourists, professional guides, and locals trek to the Ausangate throughout the year. However, there are ups and downs throughout the seasons. The best-suited time to trek by the Ausangate is in the dry season (March to December). Normally, during these periods, the sky is clear from dusk to dawn. The clear azure skies provide the most spectacular views at the Ausangate.

The dry Season (March to December) is one of the best seasons to trek to Ausangate. As the hailing and snow slowly end, perfect trekking weather emerges, and most trekkers head to the Ausangate during this time. The temperature goes up to 20 degrees in the daytime and falls to – 0 degrees at night. This is the best season to enjoy the views.

The weather gets frigid from December to February, and it starts to hail and snow. The weather in the Ausangate is unpredictable, and the temperature may change very quickly – often in a few hours.

ACCLIMATIZATION

Acclimatization before high treks for the Ausangate is very crucial. As a general rule, you are at risk of altitude sickness if you go above 8000ft (2438.4m). Please allocate 3 days in Cusco for acclimatization. Altitude sickness in high mountain journeys is a common problem, but it is preventable and needs immediate treatment. However, if you ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness, it may get serious. Mountain sickness often starts from an elevation of 3,500m. Our trekking tour guides are well-experienced and use oximeters to monitor your oxygen level for early detection of altitude sickness.

Please be aware of the adaption time required to prevent altitude sickness by providing time for acclimatization. As a precaution, we also encourage you to drink plenty of water. However, you need not worry about altitude sickness, as our team takes care of your health and suggests ways to take precautions. In case of severe sickness, the only effective cure is to descend immediately.  Your group leader decides whether to stop your trek based on each team member’s overall condition.

WHAT I CAN EXPECT AT THE TREK AT THE AUSANGATE

The Ausangate trek is not tricky at all, all it requires is endurance, a previous adaptation to the high altitude and physical fitness, it is a high-altitude trek and such changes of altitude sickness are quite high but with adequate hydration, rest, and a well-planned itinerary taking into consideration to the acclimatization criteria will help you counter such issues. 

The Ausangate trek from starts from Upispama, to diminish the risks of being at a higher altitude for some time, we hike on a moderate pace and try to cover short distance every day. While the Ausangate hike is not dangerous, a variety of factors added to the difficulty of the trek like the terrain, and the elements of nature will definitely test the trekkers.

Get ready for extreme weather conditions as weather on high altitude is unpredictable. Layer properly to regulate your body temperatures and stay comfortable while hiking. When it is sunny, the weather can get quite warm and you may even have to discard a couple of layers in the first day of trekking, so even if you are having a nice time during the day, please take into account that sunburn may also be an issue, get the proper gear to avoid sunburn. However, after 4:30 pm, the temperature at drops pretty quickly.

A TYPICAL DAY ON THE AUSANGATE TREK

Every day will provide you with a unique trekking experience that includes- enjoying the trek and scenery, taking photos, and exploring the local communities.  During the expedition, your tour guide will be sharing information and historical facts about the Ausangate.

Our Horses and horsemen will carry most of your luggage, but you might need to carry a small regular bag for your valuables. In the morning after breakfast, we set off on that day’s hike around 4 AM to Noon or 1 pm, depending on the duration and nature of the trek. After trekking for three to four hours, we will have lunch and then an hour of rest before continuing the hike to our local family house.

The afternoon hike is generally shorter – about two to three hours. Once you reach your overnight local family you can enjoy the snacks, and afterward, you are free to explore nearby places.

We serve dinner from around 6 PM to 7 PM. After dinner, you get time for friendly conversations. The tour guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. After the briefing. Most of our guests engage in learning common Quechua words or reading books before sleeping.

BIGFOOT MACHU PICCHU ACCOMMODATION FOR THE AUSANGATE 

Accommodation includes a 2-night stay at the local communities on our trekking path. All rooms are twin-sharing rooms. We will stay overnight in rooms with shared attached bathrooms at the Ausangate. 

Meals

Ausangate trek is at a higher elevation, so your body needs enough carbohydrates and proteins. The meals we provide you on this trek are very convenient and hygienic, but you cannot compare them with the options you get in big cities. On the trek, we will provide you with breakfast, lunch, and dinner some of the popular menu items are;

Breakfasts – Lunch – Dinner –

We highly encourage you to avoid dairy and cheese items and strongly suggest not to consume alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and hot chocolates, as experts suggest avoiding such items at high-elevation treks.

TREK DIFFICULTY

Ausangate Trek’s difficulty level is challenging, and so it is equally rewarding. This physically demanding trek requires a bit of proactive preparedness to succeed. Exercising and jogging regularly for a couple of weeks before the trek departure is a good idea as it builds up stamina.

Novice trekkers with normal fitness levels can accomplish the trek. However, the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the trekking gets. Past hiking experience would be an added advantage, but no technical experience and skills are necessary. Participants who can hike 4 to 6 hours a day at a reasonable pace with a light daypack can complete this trek. The trekking route takes you through rocky mountains, steep ascents, and descents. To join in trekking, all participants should be in good health. They need to have normal physical fitness, a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us or consult their physician before booking the trek.

BIGFOOT MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL – TREKKING TEAM AUSANGATE

During the Ausangate Trek, our well-trained and experienced Tour guide & Quechua crew will accompany you to make your journey joyful and memorable. All our guides are well trained, licensed, and have spent years trekking activities around Cusco.

Horses will carry most of your luggage. Our crew members come from the Ausangate, they have high endurance and are well-adapted to living at high altitudes. All of our staff members are very valuable to us, they are well-paid, and we take care of their insurance, clothing, food, and lodging throughout the trek. We provide basic accommodation, food, and warm drinks for our guides, cook, and horseman.

AUSANGATE TREK SAFETY

Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel guarantees the safety, security, and satisfaction of all our customers- Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. We will be carrying all the necessary gears, equipment, and first aid kits for each trek. Our tour guides have taken extensive First Aid Training. If a trekker falls sick due to the altitude, we will move forward by assessing the situation and keeping everyone safe. In case of emergency, our local families will always be ready to bring you back to Cusco city. During the trek, every team member will be together for safety, and there are no chances of getting lost in the hostile terrains around the Ausangate.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I TAKE DURING THE AUSANGATE TREK

For the Ausangate trek, there is no weight limit, although we can calculate around 9 kg per trekker, we try not to overload our horses. However, each trekker will need to carry their own backpack or backpack (with valuables or anything important). Only carry the essentials. You can leave excess baggage safely, either at your hotel or at the Bigfoot Machu Picchu store for free. We will recheck everything (luggage, equipment) during our briefing before starting the journey.

LAST-MINUTE AUSANGATE TREK IN PERU

It is best to book in advance, but if you are unable to do so Bigfoot Machu Picchu travel has a special provision for a last-minute booking. In the case of last-minute booking, we must receive 100% percent trip payment 24 hours before the trek departs. We do our best to operate treks at any time. However, keep in mind that there might be delays due to events beyond our control. Contact us for more information at +51950378824 (Andrew) or email bigfootmachupicchu@gmail.com

KEEPING THE AUSANGATE CLEAN – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 

Our trek by the Auasangate is to take photos of the journey and leave only footprints behind. We are for sustainable tourism and conduct eco-friendly treks only. Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel works together with the locals and organizes eco-friendly treks that meet the expectations of both travelers and communities in the trekking regions. 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE 

• Age 14 years 
• Experience of any high-altitude trek, at least 1 trek of 3.500m 
• The trekker must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover at least 5 Km per day without stress 
• The trekker should be able to carry a 12 to 16 kg backpack 

WHAT I CAN EXPECT AT THE TREK 

The Ausangate trek is not tricky at all, all it requires is endurance, a previous adaptation to the high altitude and physical fitness, it is a high altitude trek and such changes of altitude sickness are quite high but with adequate hydration, rest, and a well planned itinerary taking into consideration to the acclimatization criteria will help you counter such issues. 

The Ausangate trek from starts from Upispama, to diminish the risks of being at a higher altitude for some time, we hike on a moderate pace and try to cover short distance every day. While the Ausangate hike is not dangerous, a variety of factors added to the difficulty of the trek like the terrain, and the elements of nature will definitely test the trekkers.

Get ready for extreme weather conditions as weather on high altitude is unpredictable. Layer properly to regulate your body temperatures and stay comfortable while hiking. When it is sunny, the weather can get quite warm and you may even have to discard a couple of layers in the first day of trekking, so even if you are having a nice time during the day, please take into account that sunburn may also be an issue, get the proper gear to avoid sunburn. However, after 4:30 pm, the temperature at drops pretty quickly.

BIGFOOT MACHU PICCHU ACCOMMODATION FOR THE AUSANGATE 

Accommodation includes a 2-night stay at the local communities on our trekking path. All rooms are twin-sharing rooms. We will stay overnight in rooms with shared attached bathrooms at the Ausangate. 

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I TAKE DURING THE AUSANGATE TREK

For the Ausangate trek, there is no weight limit, although we can calculate around 9 kg per trekker, we try not to overload our horses. However, each trekker will need to carry their own backpack or backpack (with valuables or anything important). Only carry the essentials. You can leave excess baggage safely, either at your hotel or at the Bigfoot Machu Picchu store for free. We will recheck everything (luggage, equipment) during our briefing before starting the journey.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE IN PERU USD TO PERUVIAN SOLES 

Sol or Peruvian soles is the local currency. 1 USD = 3.50 Peruvian soles, the exchange rate varies every day. You can exchange most foreign currencies through a local legitimate money exchange around Cusco city. We recommend you bring cash and then exchange them in Cusco. You can also withdraw cash USD $ in Cusco from one of the many ATMs around the main square. ATMs in Cusco are working 24/7. In the trekking trails, there are no banks or money exchanges, so you should exchange your money in Cusco.

Please note that if you are using a foreign card, the maximum withdrawal maximum will be determined by your bank. Most of the established businesses in Cusco will accept foreign currency. Please ensure that you have new bills, torn, or faded bills will be rejected. 

DIETARY NEEDS

We are able to cater to any food restrictions, we work with different dietary requirements; Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more Options are Available Upon.

STRIKES

Strikes in Peru can interfere with the Ausangate trek, when this happens; people block the main roads for a period of 24 hrs, or more. If this happens during your trek. We will let you know in advance and do our best to change the Itinerary. This may entail extra expenses on the Traveler’s side, and modifying the original itinerary.