You’ve booked your adventure on one of the most breathtaking and authentic alternative routes in the Cusco region: our Ausangate Trek packages!
There’s no doubt you’re excited to venture into the heart of the majestic Andean mountains, where snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and remote trails await. But before you set off, it’s essential to pack wisely. The high-altitude conditions and freezing nighttime temperatures mean that preparation is key to enjoying the journey to the fullest.
No need to stress—we’ve got you covered. We’ve created the ultimate Ausangate Trek packing list, designed to help you stay warm, comfortable, and fully prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
We strongly recommend bringing only the best-quality trekking gear to ensure maximum protection against the elements and to make your trek as safe and comfortable as possible. Keep reading for our expert tips, detailed gear recommendations, and must-have essentials to conquer the Ausangate Trek with confidence.
Planning to hike the Ausangate Trek in Peru? We’ve got you covered with the essential packing list to make your adventure smooth and unforgettable. From must-have hiking gear to smart travel essentials, this detailed guide will ensure you’re fully prepared for one of the most epic trekking experiences in the Andes.
The most important item on your Ausangate Trek packing list is your original passport. You’ll need it not only to enter Peru but also to pass through checkpoints along the route and, in many cases, to register your trek in Cusco. Without it, you may not be allowed to start your hike.
💡 Pro Tip: Double-check that all your trek permits and tickets exactly match your passport details to avoid any last-minute issues.
While our team of muleteers will carry your main duffle bag with most of your belongings, you’ll still need a lightweight daypack for daily essentials on the Ausangate trails. Think of it as your personal backpack for high-altitude trekking—perfect for snacks, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, extra layers, and of course, your camera to capture the stunning Andean landscapes.
When selecting the best daypack for the Ausangate Trek, look for:
Many trekkers recommend models like the Osprey Talon or Deuter Trail series—lightweight, durable, and designed for multi-day treks at high altitude.
When you trek with Tunqui Expeditions, you’ll receive a special Ausangate Trek duffle bag during your pre-trek briefing. This bag is where you’ll pack your clothes and extra gear, with a maximum weight allowance of 7 kg / 15.4 lbs.
Our professional muleteers will carry your duffle bag along with food and camping equipment. You won’t have access to it until you reach the campsite each evening, so make sure your backpack has everything you’ll need during the day:
A 30-liter daypack is usually the ideal size for the Ausangate Trek, giving you enough space without being too heavy.
When it comes to Ausangate Trek clothing essentials, underwear is often overlooked—but it’s one of the most important items. You’ll be trekking long distances across high-altitude passes and remote valleys, so comfort is key.
Pack at least 4–6 pairs of breathable sports underwear to stay fresh and dry during the hike. The best hiking underwear for the Ausangate Trek is made from moisture-wicking and quick-dry fabrics, which help manage sweat and prevent chafing. Reliable options include Icebreaker merino wool, Adidas sports performance, and Under Armour trekking underwear.
Packing the right shirts is vital for comfort along the diverse climates of the Andes. Bring 4–5 trekking shirts, with a mix of short and long sleeves.
Avoid cotton (which traps moisture) and instead choose quick-dry, breathable fabrics. Excellent choices include Icebreaker merino wool shirts, Columbia performance hiking shirts, or Hanes lightweight trekking shirts.
The weather in the Andes is famously unpredictable—especially during the rainy season (November–March). A hard shell jacket is one of the most important items on your Ausangate Trek packing list. Durable, waterproof, and breathable options like the North Face Resolve Jacket are ideal.
In addition, carry a lightweight rain poncho to quickly cover yourself and your backpack during sudden showers.
Your insulated jacket is essential when crossing the Ausangate mountain passes. As your outer layer, it should be windproof, waterproof, and warm.
We recommend investing in a high-quality trekking jacket such as the North Face Nuptse, Patagonia Down Jacket, or Arc’Teryx Atom. Synthetic alternatives are also practical—warm, affordable, and quick-drying.
For your second layer, a fleece jacket is perfect. Lightweight, breathable, and warm, it provides just the right insulation for chilly mornings and evenings in the Andes.
Great options include the Polartec 200 Fleece Jacket, or alternatives from The North Face, Patagonia, or Helly Hansen.
The Ausangate Trek takes you from warm valleys to icy mountain passes, so clothing flexibility is essential. Convertible trekking pants, such as those from Craghoppers, are perfect since they can be turned into shorts.
Bring two pairs of trekking pants and one pair of hiking shorts to cover all conditions. Trusted brands include Columbia and O’Neills, known for their quick-dry and durable fabrics.
After a long day on the trail, you’ll want to change into something cozy. Pack a pair of warm pajama pants or fleece sweatpants for the cold Andean nights at camp. This small detail makes a huge difference in how refreshed you’ll feel each morning.
Your hands need proper layering too, especially in the cold winds of the Ausangate region. Pack:
This combination ensures warmth and protection against the unpredictable Andean weather.
At the high altitudes of the Ausangate Trek, the sun’s UV rays are much stronger than at lower elevations. That’s why a trekking sun hat in Peru is an absolute must-have. The right hat will protect your face and neck from sunburn, while also helping to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion during long, exposed stretches of the trail.
Look for a UV-protection trekking hat that is:
Adding a sun hat to your Ausangate Trek packing list is a simple but crucial step to stay safe and comfortable as you hike through open valleys, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes.
While days on the trail can be warm, nights on the Ausangate Trek are extremely cold—especially near the mountain passes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft). To stay comfortable at camp and during early morning climbs, pack a warm beanie or fleece headband.
Trusted brands like The North Face and Berghaus offer durable, high-quality cold-weather headwear designed specifically for trekking in the Andes.
The Ausangate Trek includes some of the highest-altitude trekking routes in Peru, where the air is thin and cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. A neck gaiter or trekking balaclava is an essential accessory for protection.
Including one of these cold-weather accessories in your Ausangate Trek packing list ensures you’ll be ready for every climate change the Andes might throw your way.
Your hiking boots are the single most important item on your Ausangate Trek packing list. Since your feet will carry you across high-altitude passes, rocky trails, glacial valleys, and long descents, choosing the best trekking boots for the Ausangate Trek is critical for both comfort and safety.
🚫 Never wear brand-new boots on the trek—breaking them in beforehand is essential to avoid painful blisters or injuries. To check the right fit, try this: place your foot inside the boot without tying the laces and slide your toes forward. You should be able to fit one index finger between your heel and the back of the boot. Too much space means the boot is too big; no space means it’s too small.
Trusted brands for high-quality trekking boots in Peru include Salomon (Quest range), Scarpa, Berghaus (Explorer range), Hi-Tec, and Karrimor. These models are durable, supportive, and specifically designed for rugged Andean terrain.
Investing in comfortable and durable boots for the Ausangate Trek will make all the difference—allowing you to focus on the stunning Andean landscapes instead of sore feet.
After a long day of hiking through the Andes mountains, nothing feels better than changing into lightweight trekking shoes or sandals at camp. This extra pair of footwear is essential for giving your feet a much-needed rest.
We recommend Merrell trekking shoes or durable outdoor sandals for maximum comfort.
Packing an extra pair of camp shoes for the Ausangate Trek ensures your feet recover properly and stay ready for the next day’s challenge.
Just like boots, socks are crucial for trekking comfort. Pack 5–6 pairs of hiking socks and 4–5 pairs of moisture-wicking liners to help reduce friction and prevent blisters.
The best socks for the Ausangate Trek are breathable, quick-drying, and cushioned. Recommended options include Coolmax socks, Smartwool, Bridgedale, and Point6—all designed for multi-day high-altitude hikes.
🚫 Avoid cotton socks, as they trap moisture and can quickly lead to blisters. Instead, stick to technical trekking socks that keep your feet dry and comfortable.
During the freezing nights at higher camps (above 4,800–5,000 m), you’ll need 1–2 pairs of thermal socks. These provide extra insulation and comfort, making them a key part of your cold-weather trekking gear for the Andes.
Great choices include Smartwool thermal socks, Wigwam, and Bridgedale—all known for warmth, durability, and blister prevention.
Waterproof trekking gaiters are a smart addition to your Ausangate Trek gear. They cover the top of your boots and lower legs, keeping out mud, dust, rain, and small stones.
Gaiters are especially useful when crossing streams, trekking in wet conditions, or walking along dusty Andean trails. Lightweight and easy to pack, they help keep your boots and socks dry and clean—so you can stay focused on the adventure.
A sleeping bag for the Ausangate Trek is one of the most important items on your packing list. Nights in the Andes mountains can be brutally cold, especially at high-altitude campsites above 5,000 m (16,400 ft), where temperatures often drop well below freezing. Having the right sleeping bag is essential to ensure comfort, recovery, and a good night’s rest after long trekking days.
The best sleeping bags for trekking in Peru are filled with duck or goose down, offering superior insulation while staying lightweight and compact. However, these premium models can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, a synthetic sleeping bag is also a great choice—just make sure it is rated to at least -10°C (14°F) to handle the cold Andean nights.
When choosing a sleeping bag for the Ausangate Trek, look for:
A reliable pair of trekking poles for the Ausangate Trek can make a huge difference in your hiking experience. The trail includes steep ascents, glacial valleys, and long downhill sections, and poles help reduce impact on your knees and ankles by up to 20%. They also provide extra balance when crossing uneven or rocky terrain.
Choose lightweight, adjustable trekking poles (around 350 grams per pair) for maximum flexibility. Adjustable designs adapt to different terrains and can be collapsed for easy storage when not in use.
Trusted brands like Black Diamond trekking poles and Leki walking poles are highly recommended for their durability and comfort. Adding poles to your Ausangate Trek packing list will make your trek both safer and more enjoyable.
At the high altitudes of the Andes, UV rays are much stronger, and sunlight often reflects off snow, ice, and rocky landscapes. That’s why a good pair of sunglasses for the Ausangate Trek is absolutely essential.
Look for trekking sunglasses that:
For maximum protection, we recommend Julbo mountain sunglasses, designed specifically for high-altitude trekking and mountaineering. They’ll keep your eyes safe so you can fully enjoy the stunning Andean views.
While you won’t be hiking at night, a headlamp for the Ausangate Trek is a must-have for campsites. Many are in remote Andean locations without electricity, so having a reliable light source makes tasks like organizing gear, walking to the bathroom, or reading much easier.
A headlamp is more practical than a flashlight since it keeps your hands free. The Petzl Tikka headlamp is a top choice, known for its brightness, comfort, and long battery life.
Don’t forget to pack extra batteries or a rechargeable model to ensure you always have light when you need it.
Trekking at high altitude demands more hydration than usual—expect to drink 2–3 liters per day. Carrying a reliable hydration system for the Ausangate Trek is non-negotiable.
Options include:
Whichever you choose, staying hydrated is key to keeping your energy levels high and avoiding altitude-related fatigue.
The Ausangate Trek in Peru offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Andes, from snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes to colorful valleys and remote highland communities. Bringing a camera for the Ausangate Trek ensures you capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments.
For photography, consider a lightweight DSLR or mirrorless camera, such as the Panasonic Lumix, which balances image quality with portability. For adventure shots, a GoPro is perfect—rugged, compact, and ideal for videos or action shots hands-free.
Your photos will become lifelong memories of your epic Andean adventure.
While not strictly necessary, packing a notebook for the Ausangate Trek can add great value to your adventure. Writing a few notes each evening about the landscapes, challenges, and personal reflections creates a meaningful keepsake of your journey.
A compact trekking journal is lightweight and easy to carry, letting you capture both the highlights and the challenges of your trek. Later, your notes can inspire travel blogs, social media posts, or simply serve as a personal reminder of your time in the Andes.
Beyond your main gear and clothing, there are several personal items and medical supplies that will make your trek safer, cleaner, and far more comfortable. These small details are easy to overlook, but they can make a big difference on the trail.
Health should be a top priority on the Ausangate Trek, especially when trekking at altitudes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft). These items are strongly recommended:
We’ve already mentioned how important it is to bring a lightweight daypack for the Ausangate Trek, but knowing what to carry inside is just as crucial. Since your duffle bag will be with the muleteers, your daypack should contain only the essentials you’ll need during the day.
Here’s a simple Ausangate Trek daypack checklist:
By keeping your backpack essentials for trekking in Peru light yet complete, you’ll ensure comfort, safety, and convenience throughout each hiking day on the Ausangate Trek.
