Peru is synonymous with trekking. For adventure seekers arriving in Cusco, the question often isn’t if they should trek, but which trail to blaze. While the Classic Inca Trail has its fame, two other giants stand out for their breathtaking scenery and raw challenge: the Salkantay Trek and the Ausangate Trek.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we often hear clients debating between these two masterpieces of the Andes. Both offer snow-capped peaks and unforgettable memories, but they cater to very different types of adventurers.
To help you decide, we’ve broken down the key differences between the “Savage Mountain” (Salkantay) and the sacred “Protector of Cusco” (Ausangate).
The Salkantay Trek: The Diverse Backdoor to Machu Picchu
The Perfect Blend of Biodiversity and Iconography
If your dream is to reach the Lost City of the Incas on foot while traversing a kaleidoscope of ecosystems, the Ultimate Classic Salkantay Trek (5 Days) is unrivaled.
The Highlights:
- The Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake: Experience the raw power of the high Andes. From the turquoise glow of Humantay Lake to the dramatic 4,630m (15,190ft) Salkantay Pass, the mountain scenery is breathtaking.
- From Glaciers to Tropical Rainforest: This is a journey of contrasts. You’ll leave the snow-capped peaks behind to descend into a lush cloud forest, trekking past hidden waterfalls and exotic flora.
- Exclusive Small Groups: We believe in intimacy and safety. While other agencies lead crowds, we limit our groups to a maximum of 8 travelers with 2 expert guides, ensuring personalized attention every step of the way.
- Authentic Cultural Immersion: Taste the soul of the Andes with a traditional Pachamanca cooking experience (earth oven) and go behind the scenes with an Organic Coffee Tour, roasting your own beans in the heart of the jungle.
- The Llactapata Sunrise: This is our “secret weapon.” Wake up at a high-ridge campsite directly facing Machu Picchu. Seeing the citadel from across the valley at dawn is a spiritual experience few tourists ever witness.
- The Grand Finale: A comprehensive, expert-led tour of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire.
Who is it for?
The Salkantay Trek is perfect for the traveler who wants variety. It is physically demanding but rewarding, offering a mix of high-alpine challenges and lush jungle trails. It is also the best choice if visiting Machu Picchu is a non-negotiable part of your trekking itinerary.
The Ausangate Trek: The High-Altitude Wilderness
The Purist’s Journey into the Spirit of the Andes
The Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Day is a deep dive into the remote high-alpine wilderness. Unlike Salkantay, this route is a circuit that focuses on the sacred “Apu” Ausangate, offering a level of solitude and geological wonder that is hard to find elsewhere.
The Highlights:
- Pristine Glacial Lagoons: Journey past a series of crystal-clear lakes in striking shades of turquoise and emerald, each cradled by towering Andean peaks.
- Intimate & Exclusive Expeditions: Just like our Salkantay route, we maintain a strict limit of 8 travelers and 2 guides. In Ausangate, crowds are non-existent; you will likely have the entire trail to yourself or share it with only one other small group.
- Alpine Grandeur: Behold jaw-dropping vistas of jagged snow-capped summits and deep, dramatic valleys that define the heart of the Cordillera Vilcanota.
- Living Andean Heritage: Walk alongside herds of alpacas and llamas, an essential part of daily life for the local communities who have inhabited these mountains for centuries.
- The Hot Springs of Pacchanta: Relax your weary muscles in the natural thermal waters of Pacchanta village, offering a rare window into rural Andean life and hospitality.
- Sunrise at Rainbow Mountain (Optional Variation): If you choose our Ausangate with Rainbow Mountain 5-day route, you’ll experience the world-famous Vinicunca at both sunset and sunrise—avoiding the thousands of day-trippers for a private, awe-inspiring view of its mineral-striped ridges.
Who is it for?
The Ausangate Trek is designed for the true mountain purist. It is ideal for experienced hikers who seek deep solitude and a profound connection with raw, untamed nature. If you are a photography enthusiast looking for dramatic glacial landscapes, or a traveler interested in the authentic, unchanged traditions of high-Andean herding communities, this is your trek. It requires a high level of physical fitness and a passion for challenging, high-altitude environments far away from the traditional tourist circuits.
Weather: What to Expect on the Trail
The weather in the Andes is notoriously unpredictable. At Tunqui Expeditions, we recommend being prepared for “four seasons in one day.”
Salkantay Trek Weather: From Ice to Tropics
Because Salkantay traverses multiple ecological tiers, the weather is highly variable.
- Temperatures: The first half of the trek is dominated by alpine cold. Near the Humantay and Salkantay peaks, nighttime temperatures often drop below 0°C (32°F). However, as you descend into the Cloud Forest, the climate becomes tropical. Daytime temperatures here range from a comfortable 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
- Precipitation: The rainy season runs from November to March. While rains make the trail greener and more lush, they also make paths muddier and more technical.
Ausangate Trek Weather: High, Cold, and Constant
The weather at Ausangate is more stable but significantly colder due to the sustained high altitude.
- Temperatures: Expect chilly days and freezing nights. Daytime averages hover between 0°C and 15°C (32°F to 59°F). In the dry season (May to October), the sun is intense during the day, but as soon as it sets, the temperature plummets well below freezing.
- Precipitation: Similar to the rest of the region, the rainy season peaks from November to March. Clouds and rain can cause temperatures to feel even colder, making high-quality waterproof and thermal layers a non-negotiable part of your kit.
Altitude and Difficulty: Knowing Your Limits
Choosing the right trek depends on your physical preparation and how your body reacts to the thin Andean air. Both routes are demanding, but for different reasons.
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek ranges from moderate to challenging. The primary hurdle is the dramatic change in altitude and environment. Reaching a peak of 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) at the Salkantay Pass, the thin air can be a significant challenge for those not fully acclimatized.
Beyond the altitude, the terrain is rugged. You will navigate uneven, rocky trails, steep slopes, and—depending on the season—muddy paths that can become slippery. This physical demand is balanced by the rapid descent into warmer jungle climates, which aids recovery.
How hard is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is classified as strenuous and challenging. While Salkantay offers a descent into the jungle, Ausangate stays consistently high, with elevations often exceeding 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). This requires an exceptional level of acclimatization and a high baseline of physical fitness.
In addition to the altitude, the extreme cold is a major factor. During the frost season (June through August), nighttime temperatures frequently plummet below 0°C (32°F). Proper thermal gear and mental fortitude are essential for this high-altitude expedition.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Salkantay Trek (5-Day Ultimate) | Ausangate Trek 5 Day |
|---|---|---|
| Final Goal | Machu Picchu | High-altitude circuit & Rainbow Mt. |
| Group Size | Exclusive (Max 8 travelers / 2 guides) | Exclusive (Max 8 travelers / 2 guides) |
| Ecosystems | Glacial peaks to tropical jungle | Pure high-alpine & glacial lakes |
| Max Altitude | 4,630 meters (15,190 ft) | 5,200+ meters (17,060+ ft) |
| Cultural Perks | Pachamanca & Coffee Experience | Hot Springs & High-Andean Herding |
| Best For | Diversity, History, and First-timers | Solitude, Photography, and Purists |
The Verdict: Which Path Will You Blaze?
Choose the Ultimate Salkantay Trek if: You want it all—the challenge of the high pass, the heat of the jungle, delicious local gastronomy, and the unmatched reward of seeing Machu Picchu from a unique perspective. It is the gold standard for a complete Peruvian adventure.
Choose the Ausangate Trek if: You have already seen Machu Picchu or prefer a rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience. If you are a mountain lover who thrives in thin air and silent landscapes, Ausangate will steal your heart.
Why Trek with Tunqui Expeditions?
At Tunqui Expeditions, we don’t just lead hikes; we craft memories. With our focus on small-group dynamics, high-end camping equipment, and deep respect for our local communities, we ensure your journey is as responsible as it is spectacular.
Your Andean odyssey begins here. Contact us today to secure your spot on the trail.
