Ausangate Trek Packing List: Everything You Need For The Hike

Are you looking for a complete Ausangate trek packing list to prepare for your upcoming expedition?

One of the most underrated hikes around the Cusco region, Ausangate is special for many reasons. Not only can we see glaciers, snow-capped mountains, green lakes and multi-colored rainbow mountains, we can also enjoy a much quieter trail compared with others like the classic Inca Trail trek. Once you’ve planned or booked your trek, now comes the important pack of getting everything you need together before arriving here.

In this guide we’ll explore our Ausangate trek packing list, which covers everything you will need during your expedition. As well as seeing how our itinerary can vary depending on how many days we explore this area (and what we will need), we will also answer any questions you may have in our FAQ section.

Everything You Need For Your Ausangate Trek Packing List

Let’s now take a look at our essential packing list for Ausangate, and everything you will need to get together before departing Cusco for this iconic region.

Important Essentials

Let’s start with some of the most important items that you will need to add into your Ausangate trek packing list. From years of experience operating various treks around Ausangate, each of these have come in very important – so don’t forget these!

Passport – Bringing your original passport is necessary for our check-in process for the tour, although it won’t be needed for entry into the route. You can also bring a photocopy of it too if you prefer.
Cash – Although we provide everything you need on our Ausangate hiking tours, you may want some extras along the way. Bring some cash if you want to buy snacks, drinks or for other souvenirs you can find on the route.
Backpack – You will only need to carry your smaller daypacks with you when hiking (our team will carry the larger ones), however you’ll need a good 40+L backpack for everything that you will need.
Day Pack – A 20-30L day pack is perfect for hiking Ausangate, where you can store water, snacks, extra layers as well as waterproofs if necessary. Anything not needed whilst hiking can be left in your main backpack, which you will be reunited with during the evenings.
Waterproof Cover – Make sure you have one ready for both your daypack and main backpack in case it begins to rain.
Camera / High Quality Mobile Phone – You will be seeing many unforgettable landscapes during your trek, so make sure you bring a good camera or phone to take those perfect shots along the way!
Portable Power Bank – We will have no electricity in the campsites given how remote they are, so bring a power bank ready to recharge your devices.
Altitude Sickness Medications – The treks here often rise above 5000m in altitude which can often cause unwanted symptoms, so be sure to bring Coca Leaves or Soroche Tablets to keep everything in check.

Clothes

Hiking Socks – Be sure to opt for long and thick socks which will protect your feet whilst hiking, and ideally those which are made from thicker materials to keep your feet warm.
Hiking Boots – It’s important to have a high quality pair of hiking boots for the trail given the unpredictable terrains, and especially so if heading during the wet season!
Extras Shoes For Camping – Bring an extra pair of comfortable sneakers which you can change into when relaxing at the campsites.
Underwear – Quick-drying materials are preferred, and also some spares to change into after a long day of hiking.
Trekking Pants – As well as being waterproof you will want a quick-drying pair, and ideally ones that are more comfortable for hiking in.
Base Layers – Synthetic or Merino wool does the job well here, as you will be warm but also have a comfortable elastic primary layer to regulate your body temperature.
Sports Bra (Women) – Perfect choice for these longer hikes, where you will want one that is both quick-drying and made out of breathable materials.
T-Shirts Or Vests – These will be your main trekking layers, and also your primary layer during the hotter daytime temperatures.
Fleece Jacket Or Jumper – Ideal for the cooler evenings and when sitting around in the basecamps.
Insulated Coat – This is very important for the nighttime and early morning starts, given temperatures can be very cold.
Poncho Or Waterproof Coat – Again very important during the wet season to prevent you from getting overly wet on the trails.
Gloves – Thick, insulated pairs are a must bring for your Ausangate trek packing list.
Warm Hat – Be sure to invest in a snug warm hat, such as a chullo which you can buy before in Cusco.
Baseball Cap – This is also important during the daytime to prevent you from getting burnt from the intense overhead sun.
Pyjamas – Of course a nice comfortable pair of pyjamas will make your night sleep even better in the campsites.

Essential Hiking Gear

Water Bottle – You will need this during our long hikes, and will be able to fill-up at our campsites each afternoon.
Sleeping Bag – We include warm sleeping bags in our Ausangate Hike Tours, which is necessary for the chilly evenings.
Comfortable Pillow – For an extra comfortable night’s sleep.
Trekking Poles – Whilst not compulsory, we recommend them for those who have less hiking experience or for those who are prone to fatigue or injuries.
Headlamp – We will need a headlamp when trekking in the early mornings before sunrise.
Microfibre Towel – Quick to dry-off and store after taking a shower each day.

Miscellaneous Items

Sunscreen – Try to get a SPF 50+, as the sun is even more intense up at these higher altitudes.
Lip Balm – Essential for preventing dry and cracked lips in these cold conditions.
Biodegradable Soap & Shampoo – Keep both yourself and the environment clean.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste – We will also have water for you to rinse and clean your teeth with at each camping area.
Deodorant – Keep body odours at bay during our long day hikes.
Moisturiser – Again this will come in handy and keep skin from drying out in these cold environments.
Toilet Paper – Essential you bring your own, as some campsites may not provide toilet paper.
Wet Wipes – To clean yourself and your gear after a long day of hiking.
Personal Medications – If necessary.
Small First-Aid Kit – Whilst our head guide will have medical experience and a first-aid kit, having your own small first-aid kit can also be useful in some cases.

What Conditions Can We Expect On The Ausangate Trek?

As we have seen above in our Ausangate trek packing list, there are a variety of layers and items that we suggest bringing. This is because the climate can vary hugely by night and day, and as such we must be properly prepared.

During the daytime temperatures can get very warm, and getting sunburns is a risk given how intense the sun can be high up in these Andean regions. However as soon as we enter the shade it can get chilly quickly, so this is why it’s good to hike with less layers on, but have a jumper or coat ready in your day pack if necessary. Even more important is to have a waterproof jacket or poncho in the wet season, given showers can sometimes come out of nowhere.

Once the sun goes down around the high altitude Ausangate mountain, things can get very cold, very quickly. It’s not unusual for temperatures to reach below minus in certain months, and as such you’ll want a warm coat, gloves and a hat ready. You’ll also want high quality camping gear to keep you warm, which we provide on all of our Ausangate hikes here at AB Expeditions.

Ausangate Trek Packing List FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about planning together your own Ausangate trek packing list, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

How Long Is The Ausangate Trek?

The Ausangate trek length can vary depending on how long you have, and also on how much of this incredible region you want to see. Whilst there is a day tour to the seven lakes, the real hiking trips start at 3 days, and usually go up to 6 days. It’s possible for even longer too, although you’ll need to get in touch with us to organise this.

Will My Ausangate Packing List Vary Depending On The Season?

Everything mentioned in this Ausangate trek packing list is suitable for expeditions in both the dry and wet season. However, if coming during the wet season, then it’s especially important to have additional layers ready to change into, as well as high quality hiking boots and waterproofs.

Do AB Expeditions Provide Hiking Gear On Their Ausangate Treks?

Here at AB Expeditions we can provide everything that you will need on our various Ausangate hiking tours. This includes sleeping bags, thermal mats, trekking poles and headlamps. Be sure to let your lead guide know what you will need during our briefing session before the trek begins.

Overview Of The Ausangate Trek Packing List

And that’s all for this guide on the essential Ausangate trek packing list.

One of the most up-and-coming treks in Peru, the Ausangate hike is full of adventure and novelty. Here we can explore multicoloured lakes, see wild Andean animals along the route and also hike to Rainbow Mountain before the crowds arrive. Making sure you pack everything you need is important for this varied trek, and in this article you can find a full-breakdown of what you will need.

Are you ready for an incredible Ausangate hiking experience? Book your spot on our 4 Day Ausangate Hike now, and have the adventure of a lifetime without the crowds around!