Ausangate  Trek  FAQs

WHAT IS YOU AVERAGE PARTICIPANT LIKE?

The average age of participants on our Group Treks is 47 years.  Most are between the late 20s and early 60s, although the range is about 10 to 76.  The gender gap is fairly evenly split with slightly more women than men. About 40% of participants sign up alone, 40% sign up with a partner, and 20% as a family.  Most importantly, however, is this: most people who join us for the first time are nervous about the "group tour" experience but most alumni rate it as one of the best parts of their vacation.  You'll never know until you try.

WHAT ABOUT TRIP LEADERS AND TOUR GUIDES?

Our experienced local bilingual trip leaders/guides are the key to making each trip a unique adventure and we provide the very best. They have in-depth knowledge of the language, customs, culture and history. They take great pleasure in sharing their insights and expertise and will make your adventure an unforgettable experience. Leaders are detail oriented, making sure everything runs safely and smoothly.

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE TREKKING?

The Ausangate trekking is a somewhat demanding high mountain trek off the beaten path. Therefore you should be in good health and physical condition. The difficulties are mostly related to the altitude, ranging from 13,000 to 16,700 ft / 4,000 to 5,100 m at the highest pass. Be prepared to climb up and down with significant altitude changes during the course of the day.

WHEN SHOULD I HIKE AUSANGATE?

The best time to hike is from May to September in the dray dry season.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

We were there in May and enjoyed weeks of uninterrupted sunshine. Unbelievable!
During the dry season your odds of good weather are excellent.
Still, every Ausangate hiker comments on how much colder the hike is than they expected. Most wish they had brought more clothes or a better sleeping bag. It is freezing during the 13 hour nights!

WHAT IS THE BEST THING TO DO IN THE EVENT OF ALTITUD SICKNESS?

Wherever possible "go down". But, if you are staying in Cusco, you may still feel the effects. The best advice is to sleep, take plenty of fluids and you could also try coca tea. The porters and horse handlers chew coca leaves wrapped around a black resin called llipta. When you are actually walking and active (especially on day two of the trail), this may help since it dilates vessels to increase the blood flow to the parts of the body that need it.

DO I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN LUGGAGE?

While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a day pack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail.) Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag to the next lodge.

WHO SHOULD NOT HIKE AUSANGATE?

Anyone not yet well acclimatized for altitude.
NOT those with chronic knee, ankle or back injuries.
There are rough & steep sections. Evacuation from the far side of the mountain is nearly impossible.

DO YOU RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE?

We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance.  This type of insurance is relatively inexpensive, in the range of $60 - $200 depending on the trip you book.  The reason we are so keen on you having travel insurance is because it protects you if you have an unexpected change in travel plans.  Here is an example. Let's assume you are signed up for a trip and hurt your leg a week before you are supposed to leave.  If you have no insurance, you will call us on the telephone and we will be very sad to tell you there is no refund - because our costs are mostly fixed and you might have displaced someone who otherwise could have gone in your place.   You might then be unhappy with us, even though you took the risk of not getting travel insurance!   If you do have travel insurance, you can usually receive your entire airfare and trip cost from the insurance company and can start planning for your next trip!
There are many different companies who offer trip insurance.  Please contact insurance companies directly for information about their plans.  One that our travelers have used successfully is TripInsurance.com, one of the industry leaders.

WHAT KIND OF FOOTWEAR DO I NEED?

Take strong, comfortable footwear. Heavy boots are probably not required or advised; all you need is something that you can walk in all day, that gives good traction and which supports the ankle. Lightweight modern hiking boots are probably ideal. Remember to wear your boots in thoroughly before you go and get used to walking in them. Blisters will reduce your enjoyment significantly. Using high quality wool socks, moleskin, and/or duct tape applied to trouble areas on the feet will also help you avoid blisters. Check with your local mountaineering or outdoor gear store for more advice.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

All meals are included on our trips. You will be treated to an extensive variety of fabulous Peruvian cuisine. will give you the opportunity to taste a great variety of local delicacies and flavors. In camps our cooks are experts in preparing nourishing wholesome and delicious meals. We will accommodate any special diet requests you may have including vegetarian, please request prior to the trip.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?

Our trekking and tour groups in all Peru, including Inca Trail are always small - 4 to 16 participants maximum.