Ausangate Trek Review: Spectacular Views and Hot Springs
The Ausangate trek in Peru is something you hear whispered among those who crave trails a bit less traveled, right? You know, a trek that’s demanding but gifts you views that kind of make you forget all about that burning sensation in your legs. Plus, there are those amazing hot springs waiting for you, which add an extra layer of “ahhh” to the whole experience. Anyway, I spent some days doing it, and this is basically my experience with some thoughts that may help you too.
What’s the Big Deal About the Ausangate Trek Anyway?
Okay, so what makes Ausangate a total standout? It isn’t only that this trek circles around the humongous Mount Ausangate, basically the Cusco area’s highest peak. You see, it is a peek into a completely different part of Peru than the usual Inca Trail scene. As I hiked, I passed communities where people are wearing clothes with bright, happy colors and taking care of their herds of llamas and alpacas – basically, a snapshot of what life looks like way up high in the Andes. Then, the views—oh, the views! They’re expansive, and seriously, they’re of that perfect postcard material with ice-capped peaks, glowing turquoise lakes, and all. That’s it.
My Day-By-Day Look at the Ausangate Experience
Okay, so here’s how my trek went, day by day; that’s if you’re interested. It’s sort of what you may experience too, or maybe it won’t, but you get the idea.
Day 1: Up to the First Camp
So, we left Cusco pretty early; it was still dark, as a matter of fact. After a handful of hours in a van, bumping around on a road that, I swear, was held together by hope and dreams, we arrived in Tinki. It’s kind of a tiny town that felt like the starting gate for our adventure. Now, from here, the trek took us on this very gradual climb. The scenery was what people consider classically Andean—wide-open valleys and some gigantic mountains keeping watch in the distance. The thing I definitely wasn’t prepared for? How much the weather could change on a dime. It went from this super-sunny moment to needing every single layer I packed faster than I could actually say “alpaca sweater”. I was seriously feeling the altitude on the last stretch to the campsite, which was somewhere around 13,000 feet. So, when I finally saw the tents, I tell you, it was one happy moment.
Day 2: Conquering the Highest Pass
Day two was a doozy; basically, it was all about crossing Palomani Pass, you see. It’s the highest point on the trek and I mean, it felt like I was climbing a staircase straight up into the sky. The air was super thin, and I really had to tell myself to keep putting one foot right after the other. But then, when I got to the top? Totally spectacular! Seeing the glaciers spread out underneath me felt like something from another planet. That afternoon, the descent was no picnic, so too it’s almost as tough on my knees, but the views just kept going, which honestly, kept me going as well. That day, we ended up camping near this absolutely breathtaking valley. It felt seriously remote, right in the heart of the mountains.
Day 3: Hot Springs, Finally!
Day three, this was all about treating myself after the toughness of the last days. So, the trail dipped and climbed, right along this super-scenic route. The thing I noticed the most, maybe, was how the geology was always changing, with rocks showing pretty much all different kinds of colors. But the true prize? Those hot springs in Pacchanta; in some respects, they felt like they had been sent from the heavens themselves. That is that soaking in the warm waters, and my tired muscles could finally chill out and forget about all those kilometers. Believe me, there couldn’t have been a more happy ending to a hard day of trekking.
Day 4: Farewell, Ausangate
So, the final day was all about heading back. It was very much a downhill walk, mostly, back to Tinki. I used this walk to take in as much of the scenery as possible and, frankly, think about how I managed to pull this off. I was reflecting a bit on the experience as I walked; the feeling of doing something very hard and finishing was truly amazing. We piled into the van and started bouncing back to Cusco again once we got back to Tinki, but the images? They are really stuck in my mind, right? Ausangate is really a gem, I think.
Getting Real: What You Need to Know
Alright, now for a few things that you maybe would like to hear. If you want to actually have a chance to enjoy the trek, basically.
Gear Up Right
Okay, so the key to enjoying Ausangate, I think, is gear. Layers are incredibly important, since you might deal with sunshine, rain, and wind all within about, say, an hour? A poncho for rain? Yes, a very, very big yes! Footwear that’s properly broken in is totally essential; you really do not want blisters out there. And trekking poles? So, they’re lifesavers, mostly when you’re going uphill and downhill.
Altitude Is No Joke, Friends
Altitude sickness can mess up your trek so much. So, you may spend some days in Cusco getting your body used to the height before the trek starts. Coca tea does appear to help, too. Then there’s the hiking speed; go slow. It’s really not a race, I promise. Finally, maybe talk to a doctor about altitude sickness pills. They sometimes can do a bit of help.
Picking Your Tour: Do Some Homework
There are so many tours. But make sure to see that they are okay. The well rated companies will be there to help. Read reviews!
Be Kind to the Land
Pack out everything you pack in, obviously. Stay on those trails, so that you do not damage nature around the trails. Try and respect locals and their customs, that too.
Hot Springs: Choosing Your Soaking Spot
Okay, so everyone loves a good hot spring, right? At Ausangate, you might have a chance to visit a handful of different spots; so too it’s almost depending on the route you pick and what your tour puts together. Those springs at Pacchanta? Seriously, that’s amazing. I heard there are other, so very little hidden springs scattered here and there as well, right, but you need to talk to the local guides to find them. Wherever you wind up, definitely take a moment and appreciate how glorious it feels to sink into those waters. That’s what is important, right? It’s sort of an elemental reward after pushing your body.
Who’s This Trek For?
Is this for you? Well, if you’re alright with hard work, the Ausangate trek might just make you pretty happy. I feel like if you have some experience walking around up high, you should manage to pull it off, right? I guess what I am trying to say is this isn’t for beginner level hikers.
My Final Two Cents? So Worth It
Okay, so the Ausangate trek? Well, I hope I helped here with some information! What to do is for you to choose! Happy walks and hot springs.
Okay so these were some facts to think about.
- Views of big mountains
- Hot springs
- Go prepared with great equipment