7 Steps to Acclimatize Before Your Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate Trek takes you through some of the most impressive landscapes in Cusco, Peru, but its high altitudes require proper preparation. Acclimatizing to the altitude is essential for ensuring that you stay healthy, safe, and energized for the journey ahead. Here’s a guide to help you get ready for this extraordinary trek:

1. Start in Cusco: The Perfect Base for Altitude Adjustment

Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet (3,400 meters), making it an ideal starting point for adjusting to the altitude. Spend a few days here getting used to the thinner air and exploring the city’s rich history. Whether you’re wandering through the central plazas or visiting nearby ruins like Sacsayhuamán and Pisac, the moderate altitude will help your body start adapting.

2. Take Your Time with a Gradual Ascent

As you approach Ausangate, don’t rush straight to the highest points. It’s essential to gradually gain altitude to give your body time to acclimate. Plan your itinerary carefully to include several days where you stay at altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet (3,000 to 4,500 meters).

3. Hydration: Keep Your Body Ready

At higher altitudes, dehydration can occur more easily, so staying hydrated is key. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid over-consumption of alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate the body. Hydration is crucial to helping combat altitude symptoms, keeping your energy levels steady, and improving circulation.

4. Add Short Hikes Before Your Trek

Prepare your body for the conditions ahead by taking short hikes before your main trek. These hikes don’t have to be long; just a couple of hours at nearby trails around Cusco or nearby areas like Pisac, Sacred valley, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake can be enough to adjust your body to longer hikes at altitude.

5. Rest: Give Your Body Time to Recover

It’s easy to get excited, but it’s equally important to get enough rest when adjusting to higher altitudes. Proper sleep is essential for ensuring that your body is well-rested and capable of handling the demands of the trek. Built-in rest days in your itinerary will give your body time to adapt before you begin the next phase of the journey.

6. Fuel Your Body with the Right Nutrition

Eat light, nutrient-dense meals to fuel your trek. Focus on carbohydrates to provide sustained energy, and consume foods rich in antioxidants to help boost your immunity against the stresses of the high-altitude environment. Some excellent options include whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Your Ausangate trek organizer will likely offer hearty meals that align with these principles.

7. Consult a Doctor If Needed

If you have concerns or previous health issues that might affect your ability to acclimatize, consult a healthcare professional ahead of time. They can help guide your preparations and offer personalized recommendations.

Aditional Tips

Considerations for Personal Safety

• When trekking in remote and high-altitude environments, your personal safety should be a priority.
• Stay with your group and follow the guides’ instructions.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit, especially with medications for altitude sickness, headaches, and stomach upset.
• Make sure someone knows yout itinerary in case of emergency.

The Role of Local Communities and Support on the Trek

During your trek to Ausangate, you may encounter local communities, known for their traditional Andean practices. Many trekkers are moved by the opportunity to experience the kindness and culture of the Peruvian highlands. You may pass through villages where you’ll see families practicing centuries-old customs, like farming alpacas or weaving textiles. Supporting these communities during your trek can help preserve their way of life.

Protection of Electronic Devices During Storms and Lightning

When trekking in the Andes, it’s essential to be prepared for sudden changes in weather, including thunderstorms and lightning. The high-altitude environment increases the risk of electrical storms, especially in the afternoons. It’s highly recommended to store any electronic devices such as cellphones, cameras, and tablets in waterproof pouches or bags to protect them from the rain. Furthermore, in case of lightning, it’s safer to turn off electronic devices and store them in a safe place to avoid any damage from the electrical discharge.

Related Posts: 

• Ausangate Mystical Tourism: Everything You Need to Know
• Ausangate Mountain: The Most Important Sacred Mountain
• The Apus and Their Significance in Andean Culture in Peru