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Ausangate

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Ausangate is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcanota range, standing at 6,384 meters above sea level and located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco. In Andean cosmology, it is revered as one of the most powerful 'Apus,' or sacred mountain spirits, believed to provide water and protect the local livestock. The surrounding landscape is world-renowned for its dramatic scenery, including turquoise glacial lakes, high-altitude plateaus, and the famous multi-colored Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Every year, the region hosts the Qoyllur Rit'i festival, a major pilgrimage where thousands of devotees gather at the Sinakara glacier to celebrate the 'Star Snow' festival, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Geologically, the mountain is characterized by its massive glaciers and steep ice walls, which serve as crucial water reservoirs for the Cusco region. The indigenous communities living on its slopes remain some of the last traditional pastoralists in the Andes, raising alpacas and llamas as they have for centuries. The Ausangate Circuit provides one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking experiences in Peru, traversing passes higher than 5,000 meters.

Location: Peru
Top sights: Abra Paloman · Ausangate · Nevado Queullacocha
Nearby: Chivay (77 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	5	5	5	5	4	4	4	5	6	6	6
Rain mm	127	130	92	45	12	6	11	9	18	64	65	134

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Expeditions generally begin with a long bus ride from Cusco to the high-altitude village of Tinqui, which serves as the traditional starting point for the multi-day trekking circuits around the massive peak.

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Best season

The optimal window for undertaking this demanding trek is during the Andean dry season from May to September, guaranteeing clearer skies and significantly minimizing the risk of heavy snowfall blocking the high passes.

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Terrain & paths

The circuit traverses extremely challenging high-altitude terrain, involving numerous steep ascents over rocky passes exceeding 5000 meters, sprawling glacial moraines, and vast open puna grasslands.

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What to bring

Specialized trekking equipment is mandatory, including sub-zero sleeping bags, sturdy mountaineering boots, robust four-season tents, and heavily layered alpine clothing to combat the freezing nocturnal temperatures.

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Parking

Most trekkers arrive via public transport or private transfer services organized by tour agencies, leaving personal vehicles safely parked back at their respective accommodations in the city of Cusco.

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Safety

Severe altitude sickness and hypothermia are genuine threats on this remote route; comprehensive acclimatization prior to departure is absolutely critical, and hiring experienced local guides and muleteers is strongly advised.

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Time needed

The full circuit trek typically demands a commitment of five to seven days of continuous hiking to complete safely, allowing sufficient time for necessary acclimatization and maintaining a manageable daily pace.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.78880, -71.22690

Facts

Ausangate stands at an elevation of 6,384 meters (20,945 feet).
It is considered the primary 'Apu' of the Cusco region.
The Ausangate Circuit involves crossing several passes above 5,000 meters.
The Rainbow Mountain was hidden under snow until climate change revealed its colors in recent decades.
The mountain was first summited in 1953 by an expedition led by Heinrich Harrer.
Local communities still use the ancient 'ayllu' social system for land management.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ausangate Alpaca Herds1 km · NExplore →

Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)9 km · SExplore →

Raqchi23 km · SWExplore →

Tintaya Mine40 km · WExplore →

Pikillaqta55 km · SExplore →

Constancia Mine66 km · SExplore →

Tipón67 km · SExplore →

Pisac Ruins70 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ausangate (4)

Abra Paloman 🌿 nature

Located at an extreme altitude on the Ausangate trek, this majestic mountain pass features hikers sweeping panoramic views of the glacier-covered Andean peaks.

Ausangate 🌿 nature

A prominent high-altitude peak in the Andes, serving as the highest mountain of the Vilcanota range.

Nevado Queullacocha🌿 nature

A glaciated mountain peak in the high Andes.

Upis Hot Springs 🎡 recreation

A series of natural thermal baths situated at a high altitude in the Andes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the hike to Ausangate difficult?

Yes, it is a demanding hike at high altitude.

When is the best travel time?

May through September are the months with the best weather.

Do you need camping equipment?

Yes, if you want to do the full loop trail, camping equipment is essential.

What is the weather like there?

It can be warm during the day, but extremely cold at night.

Should you acclimatize beforehand?

Absolutely, spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco before starting.

Ausangate: where is it located?

Ausangate is located in Peru.

Ausangate: what is there to see?

Highlights include Abra Paloman, Ausangate, Nevado Queullacocha.

Ausangate: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

Ausangate: why is it worth visiting?

Ausangate is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcanota range, standing at 6,384 meters above sea level and located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco.

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