But, as weve mentioned already, this trek is never overrun. May, September, and October are the best three months to avoid the freezing nights and also (hopefully) avoid the rain. This effort marks a significant milestone in the, 2022 National Geographic and Rolex Amazon Perpetual Planet Expedition. The reward for your effort is breathtaking views across the southeast mountain range. If you are not a confident rider (or dont like horses) then trekking-only tours on foot are a more suitable option. Below, we take a closer look at how the climate and weather change each month during the wet and dry seasons. You will be amazed by the amount of work and dedication that the guides, chefs, porters and other crew bring to your experience. Insurance for any multi-day trek in a foreign country is a must. Camping Gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and cooking set): approximately 40 soles per day. Winds increasing (light winds from the WNW on Thu night, fresh winds from the WNW by Sat night). Try to budget for about 300 soles ($80) for 6-7 days. To learn more, visit. "Our tours are Fully Customizable and leave 365 days a year!". Acclimatization is the key factor in ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable trek. We sell virtually all services available in Peru, Galapagos, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. Vinicunca also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, or more simply Rainbow Mountain was discovered four years ago when the snow covering it melted, revealing the natural beauty of the rock beneath. More progressed cases can result in vomiting, shortness of breath and high altitude cerebral edema, which is associated with lethargy, nausea and disorientation. You can breathe a sigh of relief, the Ausangate trek does not require permits like the one needed to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Efforts like Baker, Tom and Ruths to study Ausangates critical ecosystem, coupled with Tom Peschaks unparalleled storytelling are at the forefront of our partnership with Rolex. The dry season brings with it plenty of sun and clear skies. From the top of the pass, you can see several stunning lakes glimmering in the sunlight. Obviously, this means certain altitude sickness risks. Weather can be friendly up there, but it soon turns either cloudy or sunny. Washington, D.C. (August 3, 2022) Today, the National Geographic Society announced the placement of a weather station just below the summit of the Nevado Ausangate at 6,349m/ 20,830ft now the highest weather station in the tropical Andes. Sign up to receive our newsletter for great articles, and special deals. Approximately 6-7 hours of hiking time. The weather in the Ausangate region is highly variable due to the high altitude and mountainous terrain. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -6C on Tue morning, min -8C on Tue night). Thinking of visiting Iquitos? Eventually your journey through this ancient landscape ends at the town of Tinki. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. Please Note: You usually need to pay extra for sleeping bag rental. During this month, the showers will begin, although theyll be a little sporadic and wont happen every day. Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca, is a spectacular multi-colored mountain in the Andes near Cusco. Don't worry We've got your back and put together the ultimate packing list for the Ausangate Trek. On this hike youll come close to nature and feel the connection while you observe the impressive views that surround you. It is a very attractive place for people who practice adventure sports, thanks to its geographical features. It is fairly easy, and arguably better, to take a bus to visit Rainbow Mountain. AUSANGATE WEATHER. Specifically, it celebrates the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the night sky, marking the beginning of harvest season. For nearly a century, Rolex has supported pioneering explorers pushing back the boundaries of human endeavour. The mountain range has several peaks over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) high, including the sacred Ausangate peak (6,372m / 20,906ft). In Andean spirituality, the mountains, called apus, are highly revered and believed to have a spirit. During the day it can be up to 20C, and there are cold winds during some parts of the day. After heading back down, you will follow the Jampamayo River through the small village of Jampa. June and July are usually the most popular months for tours in Cusco due to the fact that its the middle of the dry season. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Try particularly for July or August, the driest months of the year. Its size is so large that it can be appreciated even if one is in the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. The Nevado Ausangate is the source of life that we have for this region of Cusco, said Santos Huaman, Mayor of Chilca, the Peruvian township encompassing much of the Ausangate Valley. For every trek you go on, you need to make sure you have a rain jacket or lightweight poncho. You may also contact your healthcare provider for a recommendation for anti-altitude sickness medication as well. * 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. Nights will still be cold, as they always are high up in the snowy mountains, but during the day, you should feel the warmth of the sun. compelling history, and a legacy of fascinating cultures, You will need more changes of clothes as the Ausangate trek is longer. Sleeping bag - temperatures at Ausangate can reach freezing at night, so you'll need a very warm sleeping bag Tent - if you're heading during the rainy season, a tarp is . is considered strenuous, with a few moderate days sprinkled in. The Ausangate Trek is one of Cusco's best options for nature and trekking lovers. Andean bears takes place. Say goodbye to your guide and pack up your horses (and say thank you with a nice tip). Instead of ending day 6 at Tinki, you would continue on to Laguna Armaccocha, reach a viewpoint and lake Singrenacchocha on day 7, hike alongside the river to Mallma on day 8, and finally board a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu on day 9. Unlike the Inca Trail, no permit is needed for the Ausangate trek. Its also when tourist season really picks up, but you can avoid crowds on this off-the-beaten-path route. Be warned that the trail might still be slippery from all the showers. country has to offer. The weather in this region is very unpredictable, so you never know when itll rain. A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Sun morning. Seasonal shoulder months are April and October. W To talk about the Plazas de Armas of Peru, is to talk about history, tourism, art, culture and recreation of each locality where they are located. 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. Approximately 9 hours of hiking time. Approximately 9 hours of hiking time. After lunch time, hikers have an opportunity to hike mystical thermal lakes and marvel at the uniqueness of its surrounding glaciers. ABOUT ROLEXS PERPETUAL PLANET INITIATIVE. With an elevation of 6,384 metres, it is situated around 100 kilometres southeast of Cusco in the Cusco Region, Canchis Province, Pitumarca District, and in the Quispicanchi Province, Ocongate District. The What is Machu Picchu? Required fields are marked. Well get back to you within 24 hours. Some companies also offer Ausangate trek as a lodge trek in which you will stay in very basic huts along the route. Although the city has much to be proud of, many of the areas delights can be found beyond the city limits. Instead of ending day 6 at Tinki, you would continue on to Laguna Armaccocha, reach a viewpoint and lake Singrenacchocha on day 7, hike alongside the river to Mallma on day 8, and finally board a train to, Another compelling aspect of the Ausangate trek is that you can conveniently arrange to do. Please Note: This trek is not suited for first-time trekkers. Local legend tells of the baths medicinal properties. The Ausangate Trek is a high altitude 70km hike in the Peruvian mountains near Cusco with an average altitude of over 4000m. In the day, the sun will be strong. Here, you will get your first glimpse of the Vilcanota range. Are you coming? Please Note: If you are visiting Rainbow Mountain, you will probably camp at Ananta. The climate gets a little warmer in March. Weather at Vinicunca Mountains in Ausangate Published on: 26 de August de 2019 - By: Action Peru Treks The weather in general for the area of Rainbow Mountain Peru is divided in two big seasons: dry and wet. The Jkulsrln marine wildlife: what animals can be found? This has been going on for centuries. 1996 - 2019 National Geographic Society. There is a serious lack of hand-held maps for the Ausangate trek. Seasons in Ausangate There are two main seasons in Ausangate: the dry season and the rainy season. If you are planning on hiking Ausangate without a guide, you will need to be completely self-reliant. You will follow the Pampa Jutunpata valley along the shores of Lake Ticllacocha. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -6C on Fri morning, min -9C on Sat night). As a result, the 6-Day Ausangate Trek, while being a visually stunning adventure, is something of a spiritual pilgrimage. A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Mon afternoon. From there, you will head to Ollantaytambo where you will check into a hotel. In the Vilcanota Range, there is a dry season and a wet season. 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. Day 1 itinerary includes the archeological site of Tipon with its impressive water fountains, irrigation systems, and other marvels of pre-Columbian engineering. On day 3 of your trek, you will conquer the highest pass on the trek - the Palomani pass. 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. The festival draws over 10,000 pilgrims each year. Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a health effect that can arise at high elevations. We recommend this month to visit Cusco, as the big crowds dont arrive quite yet. are designed to showcase all that this country has to offer. If the day is dry, youll feel warm in the sun. Ausangate mountain itself is considered a holy mountain (or mountain spirit) by locals. The trek offers an array of wildlife including soaring condors and vicunas (a wild relative of the alpaca). Wind will be generally light. At the top of Palomani pass, you will be 5,051m / 16,571 ft above sea level. Temperature during the first hours of our . The team was also joined by National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Tom Peschak who documented their efforts. Given the high elevations, it doesn't get hot (on our trip it reached into the 70s Fahrenheit) but the sun is extremely strong and that's the biggest battle. Ausangate Mountain is considered by the Quechua people to be one of the most holy mountains in all of the Andes. The trail takes hikers through landscapes bursting with glaciers, snow capped mountains, thermal lakes, high flatlands and lush green valleys. Only about 5% of hikers on the Ausangate Trek do it solo. However, this can be rewarding if you are a seasoned multi-day trekker. Keep in mind, however, that the dry season, containing Perus winter months, is also the colder time of year. The snow-capped Nevado Collque Cruz peak sits directly above you, making this a lovely place to camp. You will climb a steep shoulder and cross a narrow pass to reach an incredible lookout point (4,940 meters / 16,207 feet). These powerful spirits are believed to protect the local people in the highlands. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. The peak of the mountain is 6,385 masl, but we wont go quite that high. as a side excursion. for more information about inclusions for guided tours. Whilst most Ausangate treks are offered on a 6-day itinerary, certain companies will combine the trek with a visit to Machu Picchu as well. During this time, there is a mix of rain and sunshine. This is different. Next, you will start crossing the Mapacho river. The shoulder months of October and April bring more moderate weather with mixed rainy and dry days. All rights reserved. Among these massive peaks, we will find the Ausangate at over 20,100 feet (6372m). 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. Continue on through local community villages towards the base of Ausangate. For more insights, see our packing list for the Inca Trail. Along the way, youll catch a glimpse of interesting wildlife, like condors, chinchillas and groups of vicunas. In Mallma, you will have lunch before boarding a bus that will take you back to Cusco. It then continues on to the ancient settlement of Pikillaqta, which was originally settled by the Wari culture. The combination of the two stations provide critical data to study climate-glacier interactions in the accumulation zone and characterize the extreme climate at the highest elevations in the Andes. At this point you will be at a breathtaking 16,800 feet above sea level, enjoying unique views of the vast mountain chain that runs below you. Data from the weather station will aid local and scientific communities in monitoring the impact of climate change on critical water tower. Its extremely important to our community.. Considered challenging, this 6 day trek is recommended for seasoned hikers only, who have experience hiking at high elevations. Tipping is not mandatory on a guided Ausangate Trek, but it is highly recommended. Our expeditions in Peru The road of the Apu Ausangate, or Ausangate Trek, is believed to be the most profound pilgrimage in the Andes and is one of the most renowned hikes in Peru. This is a lot more adventurous and also works out much cheaper. Please Note: Planning on hiking the Ausangate solo? Sure you have thought about exploring the Peruvian jungle, but what are you going to do while you are in Iquitos city? The nights are getting much colder, and youll need a high-quality sleeping bag to stay warm until morning. However, with the rainy season approaching, youre a little more likely to get wet. Sometimes, the first and final meals are not included. Your camp for the evening is usually beside this lower lake. You can go days without another tourist in sight. Approximately 8 hours of hiking time. Flights generally run on time and dont face any issues. Mossy passes and glaciers add to the mystical feel of this route. Heavier rainfall will make things a little colder overall this month. AUSANGATE WEATHER | The Ultimate Guide USA/Canada Toll Free: 1 (800) 986-4304 Blog Client Reviews Social Projects Contact Us Espaol Mon-Sun 9am-7pm PET +51 958 191 179 Enquire Now Alternative Peru Treks Cusco Day Trips About Us The Ultimate Guide Ausangate Weather Looking for a day tour? Hikers should be prepared for a range of weather conditions, including sunshine, rain, and even snow. Id advise being a little sneaky while in Cusco. Youll need a good level of fitness and stamina as youll be trekking over many undulating sections. It's an epic journey through the foothills of the most important sacred mountain south of Cusco: The incredible Ausangate glacier that sits at 6,372 m / 20,905 ft. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking. Since pre-Inca times (see Inca trail history), the mountain has been a place of worship. Stumbling onto the Lost City of the Incas is just one part of the journey. On the way, youll pass by the beautiful ecological landscape of Quinsapucyu and the mountain Huarmisaya. Fortunately, the remote Ausangate Trek is a unique choice, making it clear of crowds year round even during peak season. See our Ausangate Trek page, where you can find more in depth information about the daily itinerary, inclusions for the trek, and high and low elevations of trail and campsites. I have reviewed a number of travel insurance providers and the most affordable and best is World Nomads. Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley 2 Days. The Ausangate trail has some of the most stunning scenery of all of Perus hiking areas. However, the nights are also the coldest this time of year, so you might want to reconsider. The valley is a great place to spot wildlife. 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. Youll get to observe some fascinating bird species and other wildlife along the way as well as spectacular landscapes. It is considered an apu, or protective deity of the surrounding villages, as well as the most representative mountain of the region. Considered challenging, this 6 day trek is recommended for seasoned hikers only, who have experience hiking at high elevations. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. This is the coldest time of the whole year, and the nights go well below 0C. Ausangate is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and the 5th highest mountain in Peru. . The village is an extremely authentic insight into traditional Peruvian culture where local village people make their living here from herding and farming. Welcome to my complete guide to hiking Perus Ausangate Trek. No matter what season you are hiking Ausangate trek, make sure that . Every year huge pilgrimages are made to the mountain. Its maximum altitude is 6384 meters above sea level. Look out for vizcacha, vicuas, and bobcats. The journey to Tinki takes roughly 3.5 hours. Ausangate is actually the 5th tallest mountain in Peru, standing at 20,945 feet above sea level. Tents are set up along the route, and often alongside a turquoise lake. Triunfo Street 346, Main Square of Cusco, Peru. Below is a daily itinerary and highlight breakdown of the classic 6 Day Ausangate trek. From here, you will descend down to the shores of lake Singrenacchocha (4560m / 14,961 ft). You will be walking down slope towards the village of Pajchanta (4,010m / 13,156 ft). Be sure to check with your tour company about whats included in your tour package as well as extra expenses. As the zone of Rainbow Mountains Cusco forms part of the Cordillera Vilcanota in the Peruvian Andes. The dry season is considered from May to November, with mostly sunny days and blue sky. TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind. Whether youve already booked your vacation to Peru or are still planning the logistics, youll be putting together an itinerary. Please Note: There are no established campsites on the Ausangate trek. Logan in 2022 as well as to Mt. After breakfast, you will continue trekking northeast. Check out our Ausangate Trek tour for more information about inclusions for guided tours. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the incredible experience. Youll still be able to travel, though. Manu National Park: What makes it special? This is also true for the dry season which is Peruvian wintertime. Expect to see loads of tourists and decorated alpacas at this famous Peruvian landmark. The showers arent usually too heavy, though, and it very rarely rains all day. table. Occasionally, a tour operator will offer the Ausangate trek in conjunction with a visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Temperature: Cold with varying temps throughout the day Difficulty: Challenging Considerations: Enjoy a great intro to Ausangate trekking without needing to commit to an overnight experience. In fact, in Quechua. If you're planning a trip to Iceland, you're probably looking for some, Todos los derechos reservados 2021 Howlanders. Lets delve into the month-by-month description during the wet season. 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. Iceland is the perfect place!, Hey adventurers, are you planning a trip to Tanzania and considering a safari in the, Hello travelers! If you know what to expect, you can avoid the rainy season or at least know that its likely to occur during the wet months. In the morning, you will make your final trek back to Tinki. Along the Ausangate trek, temperatures range from 10-20 C (50 - 68 F) during the day if it is sunny, to 05-10 C (41 - 50 F) during the day if it is not sunny. Where to stay? Its best to pack lightly for Ausangate hiking. As you can see, the climate can get pretty cold at this altitude, and youll need to ensure you stay warm at all times. Many of the days have steep sections that cause rapid altitude gain in a short time. Unlike most other hikes in the region Ausangate is not about Inca ruins, it's all about beautiful scenery; snow peaks, glaciers, colorful mountain lakes, and the Rainbow mountain. You will pass small villages where time has stood still. 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.