Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -7C on Fri morning, min -10C on Wed night). Chefs and all meals during the trek will also be included in the price. This does, however, draw more crowds to Cusco. Youll likely see more herds of alpacas and llamas here. The Nevado Ausangate is a natural tourist attraction located in the district of Ocongate, in the province of Quispicanchi, in the city of Cuzco. Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 Days. Ausangate is one of the less popular hikes around Cusco. You will need more changes of clothes as the Ausangate trek is longer. The dry season is considered from May to November, with mostly sunny days and blue sky. The Ausangate Trek is one of Cusco's best options for nature and trekking lovers. You will be walking down slope towards the village of Pajchanta (4,010m / 13,156 ft). You can go days without another tourist in sight. Ausangate is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and the 5th highest mountain in Peru. The expedition team also conducted in-situ monitoring of the atmosphere and analyzed snow-pack properties, obtaining direct measurements of snow water equivalent from the snow-pack. Ausangate And Sibinacocha Lake Trek 7 Days The itinerary is almost identical to the one above until you get to the final day. National Geographic Explorer Ruthmery Pillco joined Perry and Matthews for part of the expedition to examine the, headwaters in Ausangate and investigate how they impact the cloud forest where her research on. Along the way, you can appreciate the attractive geography and biodiversity of the place. AUSANGATE TREK and RAINBOW MOUNTAIN 4-DAYS It is a 500m (1,640 ft) ascent up the pass. You will rise early and begin your day passing herds of vicunas, alpacas, and llamas. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -8C on Mon morning, min -11C on Mon night). On the one hand we have the largest ancient Read More, Hello travelers, are you looking for thrills and breathtaking scenery? A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Mon afternoon. Instead of trekking from Pajchanta to Tinki, you will trek from Pajchanta to Laguna Armaccocha instead. It is important to keep in mind the crowds and higher elevation (higher than any other point on the classic Ausangate) to decide if youd like to add this portion to your Ausantage hike. You will climb a steep shoulder and cross a narrow pass to reach an incredible lookout point (4,940 meters / 16,207 feet). You may also contact your healthcare provider for a recommendation for anti-altitude sickness medication as well. Look out for vizcacha, vicuas, and bobcats. Ausangate Trek 5 Days - Epic High Altitude Adventure The Ausangate trek is very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. Welcome to my complete guide to hiking Perus Ausangate Trek. To do so, you must hike from the town of Pacchanta (Ocongate district). The village is also home to some very picturesque natural thermal pools. You will start trekking through the Vilcanota Valley before steadily climbing upwards through high grasslands. The nights are getting much colder, and youll need a high-quality sleeping bag to stay warm until morning. Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Tour 5D From $605 Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights Availability : Every Day. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -6C on Tue morning, min -8C on Tue night). After lunch time, hikers have an opportunity to hike mystical thermal lakes and marvel at the uniqueness of its surrounding glaciers. On the Ausangate Trek, you will experience a wide range of temperatures. Formed by weathering, environmental conditions and sedimentary deposits over time, the mountains unique minerology created a marbling effect, with layered hues of gold, lavender, red and turquoise towering into the sky. It is difficult to find accommodation along the way. If you are a member of the media with an inquiry or interview request, please call during regular business hours or email, National Geographic Headquarters 1145 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20036, National Geographic Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization. And, if you are extremely lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a bobcat or puma. The bus will collect you here for your trip back to Cusco. Next, you will start crossing the Mapacho river. Rolex supports these expeditions as part of its Perpetual Planet initiative. Say goodbye to your guide and pack up your horses (and say thank you with a nice tip). Here are my 5 favourite day tours around Cusco: Camping is usually the norm for sleeping and resting on this route. The sun warms things up for the afternoon and is very strongmake sure you stay well-protected. Keep this in mind when traveling at this time of year. Youre guaranteed some incredible views of the glistening snowy landscapes and crystalline lagoons. An expanding portfolio of other partnerships embraced by the Perpetual Planet initiative now include: the Under The Pole expeditions, pushing the boundaries of underwater exploration; the One Ocean Foundation and Menkab, both protecting cetacean biodiversity in the Mediterranean; the Xunaan-Ha Expedition, shedding light on water quality in Yucatn, Mexico; the B.I.G expedition to the North Pole in 2023, gathering data on threats to the Arctic; Hearts In The Ice, also collecting climate change information in the Arctic; the Monaco Blue Initiative that brings together experts on solutions for ocean conservation. Mossy passes and glaciers add to the mystical feel of this route. This means group sizes are usually small if not completely private. Generally, you can expect to pay between $450-$850 for this trail. Raincoat or lightweight waterproof poncho. If present, it would likely indicate long distance atmospheric transport microplastics carried by winds from far away. Expect to see loads of tourists and decorated alpacas at this famous Peruvian landmark. This is a great location to spot solitary condors and marvel at their enormous size! Seasonal shoulder months are April and October. The dry season is also the high season for the area, so Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail tend to be more densely populated. To secure your spot, its always a good idea to book a bit in advance during this time of year. From here, you will descend down to the shores of lake Singrenacchocha (4560m / 14,961 ft). The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America. Iceland is the perfect place!, Hey adventurers, are you planning a trip to Tanzania and considering a safari in the, Hello travelers! * NOTE: not all weather observatories update at the same frequency which is the reason why some locations may show data from stations that are further away than known closer ones. Luckily, were coming to the end of the wet season now, and theres a dramatic decrease in the amount of rainfall. The trek offers an array of wildlife including soaring condors and vicunas (a wild relative of the alpaca). Youll get to observe some fascinating bird species and other wildlife along the way as well as spectacular landscapes. After breakfast, you will have an easy descent. All the hikers on the team can pool their tips and then hand to the trekking team, who will distribute among themselves. I recommend taking a day or two to shop around and adjust your budget. Our expeditions in Peru Anyone with a good level of fitness can manage this hike, but it is recommended that trekkers have experience with multi-day hikes at high elevations. From here, you are able to see the peaks of Mariposa and Caracol in the distance. The tropical high Andes of southern Peru contain essential water towers that support nature and human communities from the glacier margins to the Amazon basin. The What is Machu Picchu? Traditionally, the 6 day Ausangate trek does not include connection to Machu Picchu. These also happen to be the quietest months in Cusco, so this might be your idea of heaven if you prefer to avoid crowds. This is also true for the dry season which is Peruvian wintertime. On July 25th, National Geographic Explorers Baker Perry and Tom Matthews, supported by a local Peruvian Quechua team and female Bolivian climbing experts the Cholitas Escaladoras worked together to climb Nevado Ausangate the highest peak in southern Peru to investigate important meteorological processes driving the climate and glacier behavior and to install a weather station near its peak. All rights reserved. It is fairly easy, and arguably better, to take a bus to visit Rainbow Mountain. Ausangate 7 lakes weather The winds, the cold, and the sun's heat will also say "hi" at that high and make you good company. The nighttime temperatures range between 14 F / -10, whereas the day temperature reaches 77 F / 25 C. Best time to hike Ausangate 7 lakes However, this is when the real downpours start, too. From here its a gentle descent towards your lunch spot before you reach the town of Pacchanta where youll be rewarded with a dip in the towns mineral rich thermal baths a perfect chance to relax after a long, demanding day of hiking. Instead, you have to fly into the city of Cusco. Through this Peru trek, youll ascend and descend through the mountain range, finding sweeping Andean vistas, thermal lakes, mystical glaciers, green mossy passes and enormous snowy mountains. Most of the Ausangate trek is at an elevation above 4,000m; it crosses three passes above 5,000m, the highest of which is 5,200m. for more information about inclusions for guided tours. Dry season in Ausangate is from April to October and rainy season from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in dry season or the sun from coming out in rainy season so just be prepared. Local organizations and institutions including Universidad Nacional de San Antonio de Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC), Servicio Nacional de Meteorologa e Hidrologa (SENAMHI) del Per and Universidad Mayor de San Andrs (Bolivia) were critical partners in this expedition. Winds increasing (light winds from the WNW on Thu night, fresh winds from the WNW by Sat night). From Ollantaytambo, you can take a 90-minute train to Aguas Calientes. At this elevation of Ausangate, temperatures can reach lows of -15 C and lower at night. Ausangate, a five-day trek, is an unforgettable hike recommended for mountain trekking lovers, searching for an intense experience in remote areas and wild nature. This is the coldest time of the whole year, and the nights go well below 0C. From your campsite, you can choose to climb a nearby ridge to view the red-tinged lake of Vino Qocha. Image: Ausangate Landscape by Petr Meissner is licensed under CC BY 2.0. The village is an extremely authentic insight into traditional Peruvian culture where local village people make their living here from herding and farming. Ausangate trek is one of the most beautiful circuits to explore with impressive views and landscapes. Thinking of visiting Iquitos? If theres one thing that can slightly ruin your experience, its bad weather. During the day it can be up to 20C, and there are cold winds during some parts of the day. You can leave your bags at camp and hike to Rainbow Mountain and back. For nearly a century, Rolex has supported pioneering explorers pushing back the boundaries of human endeavour. The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is a more popular hike of the region, and for that reason more crowded and limited in availability. The showers arent usually too heavy, though, and it very rarely rains all day. Are you coming? Nevado Ausangate, the Sacred Mountain of Peru You may need to hire additional equipment and prices vary between rental agencies. Ausangate Trek Packing List The equipment and packing list for the Ausangate trek is similar to that for other Cusco hikes. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Cusco for a fabulous Peruvian adventure to remember. Basically, you will only be paying for transport, food, and equipment rental. For more insights, see our packing list for the Inca Trail. Fortunately, the remote Ausangate Trek is a unique choice, making it clear of crowds year round even during peak season. Ausangate is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and the 5th highest mountain in Peru. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly. The land surrounding the mountain features Andean uplift, glacial valleys with hanging glaciers, Permian formations and cretaceous limestone forests. It is only possible if you are a seasoned hiker who is acclimatized with the necessary gear and ample experience backpacking, hiking high elevations, and managing low temperatures/sometimes extreme weather conditions. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the incredible experience. Unlike the Inca Trail, no permit is needed for the Ausangate trek. What to find in Ausangate During this time, there is a mix of rain and sunshine. . Namely, the beautiful Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range. Feel free to share my article with friends or link to your blog. This includes guides, transport, horses, and camping gear. There is a serious lack of hand-held maps for the Ausangate trek. You'll also know authentic Andean Communities, thermal waters, and crystal clear lagoons. Later, youll continue on to the beautiful lake of Huacarpay and the town of Andahuaylillas with its famously decorated church, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. Youll need a good level of fitness and stamina as youll be trekking over many undulating sections. As long as you make use of this detailed guide, you'll be more than prepared for the epic journey. Between the high altitude naturescapes, the spiritual flourishes and the amazing local guides, its an adventure like no other. Here you can see these iconic mountains with rich mineralization bringing red, orange and yellow hues across a seemingly endless mountain expanse. Measures to combat acute mountain sickness include acclimatizing in the Andes for 48-72 hours, eating a light and high calorie diet, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and alcohol, easing into the hike and taking breaks whenever necessary. Keep in mind, however, that the dry season, containing Perus winter months, is also the colder time of year. Ausangate or Auzangate [1] (in Hispanicized spellings) is a mountain of the Vilcanota mountain range in the Andes of Peru. Its also when tourist season really picks up, but you can avoid crowds on this off-the-beaten-path route. You will celebrate the end of your epic Peru adventure trek with a pachamanca, a unique and ancient style of Andean cooking. Only about 5 percent of hikers do this trek independently. This post is also available in: You should arrive by midday and visit Rainbow Mountain the same afternoon. Items like dried fruit, instant pasta, packet soup, and instant oatmeal are lightweight and convenient food choices. These two are bang in the middle of the dry season, but the nights get extremely cold. If you have a little more time (and money) on your hands and want to see the magnificent ruins, then this is a great option. The looming form of Ausangate watches over you from your left. Visit beautiful lakes and impressive panoramic lookouts. It is especially inclimate between January-March, with February bringing the most precipitation. As in any high mountain route, weather conditions can change suddenly, so you have to take into account the weather on the days you go and look in advance if possible. Many thin layers of clothing to take on and off as you warm up/cool down. Many of the days have steep sections that cause rapid altitude gain in a short time. We recommend doing this trek with a guide. With formidable views and awe-inspiring vistas, this path less traveled has an unquantifiable value. After heading back down, you will follow the Jampamayo River through the small village of Jampa. A voyage to Ausangate mountain is one of natural beauty, living history and ancient spirituality. As part of the snow assessment, the team collected samples to screen for microplastics in this remote and relatively pristine region. If theres one good bit of advice we could give you, its: always be prepared! The Ausangate is also a hard trekking route and not signposted that runs at high altitude, including a pass at 5200 meters above sea level. The nights on this trek are usually around 20F/-7C. If you are looking for a stunning destination to take, Hello, ice adventurers! During this time, especially in February, rain can be torrential, which may cause closures on the trail. WhatsApp ;), The team typically replies in a few minutes. Climate and temperature The predominant climate in the area is quite cold, with temperatures below 5C at night. For a hike like the ausangate trek, it is highly likely that you will experience some form of altitude sickness, as elevations reach as high as 16,800 ft. For this reason, it is important to acclimate properly, take your time on the trail and take measures to combat symptoms. It is important to factor the low temperatures and your tolerance to cold and snow when determining your suitability for this trail. Considered challenging, this 6 day trek is recommended for seasoned hikers only, who have experience hiking at high elevations. I have reviewed a number of travel insurance providers and the most affordable and best is World Nomads. The team was also joined by National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Tom Peschak who documented their efforts. Don't worry We've got your back and put together the ultimate packing list for the Ausangate Trek. The important thing is not to rush during your trek - slow and steady is better for descending a steep mountain pass. We recommend the following when trekking to Ausangate: Now you understand the different seasons, and when to avoid the rain, its time to start planning your trip. Since pre-Inca times (see Inca trail history), the mountain has been a place of worship. On the way, youll pass by the beautiful ecological landscape of Quinsapucyu and the mountain Huarmisaya. Privacy Notice| Sustainability Policy| Terms of Service| Code of Ethics, e at 6,349m/ 20,830ft now the highest weather station in the tropical Andes. There are no support crew fees. This is because of sediment variations in the nearby mountains, which makes for an alluring experience. Like most Andean regions, Ausangate has a wet and dry season. Winds increasing (light winds from the WNW on Thu night, fresh winds from the WNW by Sat night). The Iquitos Culture: everything you need to know before going there, Myths and Truths about safaris in the Serengeti. Ausangate Mountain stands with 11 other sacred apus of the Cusco area, namely Salkantay, Mama Simona, Pillku Urqu, Manuel Pinta, Wanakawri, Pachatusan, Pikchu, Saksaywaman, Viraqochan, Pukin and Sinqa. Winter is coming to a close, but nights are still very cold. It is truly, as deemed by the Inca, sacred. They can also enjoy the magnificent gastronomy of the place, such as a succulent Pachamanca a la tierra. Book Now Contact Us Highlights Lying 100 km / 62 mi south of Cusco is the impressive Cordillera Vilcanota. This portion also tends to be, by far, the busiest part of an otherwise remote journey. "Our tours are Fully Customizable and leave 365 days a year!". Because it is at a high altitude, it is not . If you have any further questions about the Ausangate trek, please leave a comment below. Expect the days to be cool, no warmer than 40 degrees F, and the nights to drop to freezing temperatures as low as 10 degrees F. The rainy season is between October and April. It's not uncommon to experience blizzard conditions in these parts. Temperature during the first hours of our . This is closer to 100km / 62 miles if you extend your trek to Machu Picchu (see more on this below). From here you descend to the settlement of Huchuy Phinaya and continue on a gentler gradient through high flat land until reaching your campsite in the shadow of snow-capped Hatunpampa mountain. The mountain range has several peaks over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) high, including the sacred Ausangate peak (6,372m / 20,906ft). During this month, the showers will begin, although theyll be a little sporadic and wont happen every day. Logan in 2022 as well as to Mt. In fact, in Quechua. This is different. The answer is simple: the experience is mesmerizing and unique. Ausangate Weather | Ausangate The Ultimate Guide - Peru Hike The best glaciers in Iceland that you cant miss.
