Ausangate: Peru's Majestic Peak
Qoyllur Rit’i: The Radiant Festival
Ascending Ausangate
Getting to Ausangate
In the ancient city of Cusco, a gripping saga unfolded with two brothers, Salkantay and Ausangate, at its heart. Faced with a ruthless drought, their audacious journey to foreign lands became a lifeline for their people. Salkantay ventured north, navigating through jungles, entangled in a forbidden romance with a captivating maiden named Veronica. Meanwhile, Ausangate took the southern route, stumbling upon a lush valley and becoming the savior of Cusco by supplying it with a bounty of potatoes, corn, llama meat, and alpaca.
This captivating legend of the mountain brothers has echoed through the generations among the Quechua people, an epic tale of courage and resilience.
Ausangate: Peru's Majestic Peak
Meet Ausangate, the towering giant that is among the highest peaks of Peru. This majestic summit crowns the second longest and glacier-laden mountain range in Peru—the Cordillera Vilcanota, stretching over 74.564 miles (120 kilometers). Located approximately 62.137 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of Cusco, in these icy realms, the mighty Vilcanota River originates, carving its path into the Amazon and eventually flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Soaring to a breathtaking height of 20,945 feet (6,384 meters) above sea level, Ausangate stands as Peru's fifth-highest mountain, trailing behind the peaks of Huascaran, Yerupaja, Coropuna, and Huandoy in the Latin American hierarchy.
In the mid-20th century, numerous expeditions embarked on the daring quest to conquer Ausangate's summit. The first attempt in 1950 was led by the Italian pioneer Piero Ghiglione. After an initial setback, he rallied a multinational expedition and returned in 1952. However, even in this second attempt, reaching Ausangate's main peak proved elusive. Finally, in 1953, an Austro-German expedition successfully reached the summit. It took another three decades for the first Peruvian expedition to proudly conquer this towering peak!
Qoyllur Rit’i: The Radiant Festival
Ausangate, revered as one of Cusco's primary gods Apus, comes alive during the Qoyllur Rit’i festival. Despite the passage of time and the arrival of Spanish colonizers, this celebration, a fusion of ancient Inca reverence and Christian piety, still enchants the region.
Held at the end of May to the beginning of June, Qoyllur Rit’i is a multi-day extravaganza. Translated as "shining, gleaming white snow" in Quechua, the festival unfolds at the Temple, nestled at the base of the Ausangate glacier. The air is charged with excitement as pilgrims, not only from nearby villages but also neighboring countries, gather for a vibrant fair. Traditional dances, performed by individuals adorned in dazzling national costumes, create a spectacle that captivates the senses.
In the shadow of Ausangate, indigenous groups clad in the vibrant tapestry of their traditional costumes embark on a sacred journey to the summit. This pilgrimage, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, unfolds over several days of challenges and spiritual devotion.
Foreigners are respectfully barred from partaking in this sacred ascent, a measure taken to preserve the reverence for Apu Ausangate, the mountain spirit. Pilgrims traverse perilous paths, endure chilling halts, and confront the thin mountain air, braving numerous obstacles along the way. Sadly, mishaps occasionally occur, and not all return from this sacred odyssey—whispers echo that Apu Ausangate has claimed a soul.
All these tribulations serve a paramount purpose: reaching the summit to collect a fragment of snow from the glacier. Believers hold steadfast in their conviction that this sacred ice bears the power to bestow luck and heal ailments. When melted, this revered ice, when poured onto the earth, is believed to usher in bountiful fertility. The pilgrimage becomes a profound testament to unwavering faith and a deep connection between the spiritual realm and the earthly domain.
Ascending Ausangate: A Thrilling Challenge for the Bold
Embarking on the ascent of Ausangate is no venture for novices! If you consider yourself seasoned enough for such a formidable climb, ensure you spend ample time in Cusco before commencing your trek—it's vital for acclimatization.
This daunting expedition demands more than just physical prowess; it requires a mental fortitude honed through experience. The elevation, terrain, and unpredictable weather pose challenges that demand respect and readiness.
As you set foot on this exhilarating journey, remember that preparation is paramount. Gauge your fitness, equip yourself with the essentials, and familiarize yourself with the nuances of high-altitude trekking. The mesmerizing vistas that Ausangate promises are earned through sweat, determination, and a profound connection with the rugged Andean terrain.
Getting to Ausangate: Unveiling the Paths
Embarking on this epic journey to Ausangate unveils two thrilling routes, each laden with its own set of challenges and wonders.
1. Chillca Route: Board an intercity bus destined for the village of Chillca. From here, a heart-pounding 4-5 hour hike awaits, leading you to Campo Base, the gateway to the glacier ascent.
2. Tinqui Route: Opt for a bus ride to Tinqui and set forth towards Pacchanta. Traverse through the Acero valley on an 8-10 hour trek to reach Base del Ausangate – a preferred starting point endorsed by seasoned climbers.
For those seeking a less perilous but equally thrilling experience, Ausangate and its mesmerizing surroundings await under the expert guidance of seasoned local adventurers.
Get in touch, and we’ll help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
