Important Information about the Ausangate Trek

1. Acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, proper acclimatization is crucial. Consider doing another hike at lower altitudes before attempting this trek to gauge your body’s reaction and adjust accordingly.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water is vital while hiking at high altitudes. Carry a Lifestraw bottle or water purifying tablets, as the cleanliness of the water from creeks and rivers can be uncertain due to alpacas roaming the mountains.
3. Self-Sufficiency: There are no lodges or established campsites with facilities along the trek, so be prepared to be self-sufficient. Bring all necessary camping gear and equipment.
4. Navigation: It is highly recommended to have a good map or GPS navigation device for this trek, as the route can be challenging to navigate at times.
5. Limited/No Cell Reception: Keep in mind that there is very limited or no cell phone reception along the trek. Plan accordingly for communication purposes.
6. Cold Temperatures: Be prepared for low temperatures, as it can drop below 0°C at night. Ensure your camping gear is reliable and suitable for such conditions.
7. Rainbow Mountain: Expect a large number of people at Rainbow Mountain. If you prefer a more authentic trekking experience, you can skip it and visit as a day trip from Cusco instead.

Ranking of the Ausangate Trek:

• Difficulty Level: Rated 5 out of 5 due to remote location, high altitude, and steep ascents and descents.
• Scenery: Rated 5 out of 5, as the trek offers breathtaking landscapes, including colorful lakes, snow-capped peaks, rainbow mountains, and waterfalls.
• Touristy: Rated 2 out of 5, as the Ausangate trek is relatively less crowded compared to other hikes near Cusco. However, Rainbow Mountain may have more tourists.

Altitude Sickness:

The Ausangate trek differs from other high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, as it starts and remains at high elevations throughout the route. Proper acclimatization is crucial, considering the entire trek is above 4000m. Altitude sickness is common when traveling from low altitudes to locations exceeding 3000m. Allow your body time to adjust to the decreasing oxygen levels at higher elevations.