The Ausangate Trek is one of the most spectacular and demanding routes in the Peruvian Andes. Circling the sacred 6,384 m peak of Ausangate, it crosses passes above 5,000 m, skirts glacial lakes in impossible colors and reaches the famous Rainbow Mountain. It is also genuinely cold and remote, which makes packing the right gear the difference between a magical trip and a miserable one. Use this checklist to arrive prepared.

Understand the conditions first

Ausangate is high, exposed and cold. Daytime sun can feel intense, but nights regularly drop well below freezing, and several passes sit above 5,000 m. There are no shops or lodges to bail you out, so you must be self-sufficient in warmth and sun protection. Pack for strong UV by day and sub-zero temperatures by night.

Clothing: the layering system

Layering is everything on Ausangate. Aim for versatile pieces you can add and remove as conditions swing.

  • Base layers: Two moisture-wicking tops and one pair of thermal leggings. Merino wool or synthetic — never cotton, which stays wet and cold.
  • Mid layers: A warm fleece or light down sweater for daytime, plus a thicker insulated jacket for camp and passes.
  • Outer shell: A waterproof, windproof jacket and waterproof trousers. Even in dry season, wind and the odd snow flurry are common at altitude.
  • Trekking trousers: Two pairs, quick-drying. Convertible zip-off styles are handy.
  • Warm accessories: Insulated gloves plus thin liner gloves, a warm beanie, a buff or neck gaiter, and a sun hat.
  • Socks: Three to four pairs of wool hiking socks, plus thick sleeping socks for the night.

Sleeping gear

Cold nights are where unprepared trekkers suffer most. Your operator usually provides tents, but confirm sleeping arrangements and bring or rent:

  • A sleeping bag rated to at least -10 °C (ideally -15 °C for comfort)
  • An insulated sleeping pad (your operator may supply a foam mat; an extra inflatable pad adds warmth)
  • A small inflatable pillow or stuff sack for clothes

Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots: Sturdy, broken-in and ankle-supporting. Wet, frozen feet ruin a trek.
  • Camp shoes: Lightweight sandals or trainers to rest your feet in the evening.
  • Gaiters: Useful for boggy sections, stream crossings and the occasional snow patch.

Sun and altitude protection

The combination of altitude and reflective snow makes UV fierce on Ausangate.

  • High-SPF sunscreen and SPF lip balm, reapplied often
  • Quality sunglasses with full UV protection (category 3 or 4)
  • A wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Personal first-aid kit and any prescribed altitude medication, discussed with your doctor beforehand

Hydration, snacks and extras

  • Two-litre water capacity (bottles or a bladder) plus water purification tablets or a filter
  • High-energy snacks: nuts, chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Power bank — cold drains phone batteries fast
  • Trekking poles, a real knee-saver on the steep passes
  • Quick-dry towel, biodegradable wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper
  • A dry bag or liner to keep your sleeping bag and clothes dry
  • A small daypack for the day's water, snacks and layers

What you usually do not need to carry

On a guided Ausangate Trek, horses or porters typically carry the main duffel with tents, food and your heavier gear, so you only hike with a light daypack. Confirm the weight limit for your duffel with your operator, and keep daytime essentials — water, snacks, a warm layer and rain shell — accessible at all times.

Frequently asked questions

How cold does the Ausangate Trek get? Nights regularly fall below freezing and can reach -10 °C or colder at the highest camps, even in the dry season. A warm sleeping bag is essential.

Do I need to bring my own tent and sleeping bag? Tents are usually provided by your operator. Sleeping bags are sometimes included or available to rent — always confirm and bring a warm-rated bag.

Can I rent gear in Cusco? Yes. Cusco has many outfitters where you can rent sleeping bags, pads, poles and jackets, which is convenient if you do not own cold-weather gear.

How heavy should my daypack be? Keep it light — just water, snacks, layers and personal items. Pack horses or porters carry the rest on guided treks.

Pack smart, trek happy

Ausangate rewards trekkers who respect its cold and altitude with some of the most surreal scenery in the Andes. Get the layers, the sleeping bag and the sun protection right, acclimatize in Cusco first, and the mountain takes care of the magic. Explore our guided Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain treks, and we will share a personalized gear list and handle the logistics so you can focus on the views.