Ausangate vs Salkantay

Ausangate vs Salkantay

Peru is a land of wonders, offering breathtaking landscapes and diverse natural beauty to visitors. Two of the most popular trekking routes in Peru are the Ausangate and Salkantay trails, each offering unique experiences and challenges. In this blog, we will compare the Ausangate and Salkantay trails to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.

The Ausangate Trail

The Ausangate Trail is a remote and challenging trekking route that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru. This 68-mile trek circumnavigates the stunning Ausangate mountain, which is considered sacred by the local Quechua people.

The trek offers spectacular views of the Andes, glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and traditional Andean communities, such as Chillca and Machuracay. Along the way, you will encounter llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, which are some of the unique wildlife that inhabit the region.

The Ausangate Trail is not as well-known as other trekking routes in Peru, which makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a more remote and authentic experience. The trail is physically demanding, with high altitude, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it suitable for experienced hikers.

The Salkantay Trail

The Salkantay Trail is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail, which offers stunning views of the Andes and takes you through high-altitude passes and remote Andean villages. The trek is named after the Salkantay mountain, which is considered sacred by the local Quechua people.

The trail takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from the high Andean plains to the lush tropical forests of the Amazon basin. Along the way, you will pass through traditional Andean communities, such as Soraypampa and Chaullay, and see unique wildlife, such as spectacled bears and Andean condors.

The Salkantay Trail is less crowded than the Inca Trail, making it a good option for those seeking a quieter trekking experience. The trail is also physically demanding, with high altitude and steep ascents and descents, making it suitable for experienced hikers.

Which Trail is Right for You Ausangate or Salkantay?

Both the Ausangate and Salkantay trails offer unique and unforgettable trekking experiences, but which one is right for you depends on your preferences and abilities. Here are some factors to consider:

• Physical fitness: Both trails are physically demanding, with high altitude and steep climbs, making them suitable for experienced hikers. The Ausangate Trail is longer and more challenging than the Salkantay Trail.
• Crowds: The Ausangate Trail is less known and less crowded than the Salkantay Trail, making it a better option for those seeking a more remote and authentic trekking experience.
• Scenery: Both trails offer stunning views of the Andes, glaciers, and traditional Andean communities. However, the Ausangate Trail offers more unique wildlife sightings and high-altitude lakes, while the Salkantay Trail takes you through a more diverse range of landscapes, from the high Andean plains to the lush tropical forests of the Amazon basin.
• Time: The Ausangate Trail is longer than the Salkantay Trail, so if you have limited time in Peru, the Salkantay Trail may be a better option.

In conclusion, both the Ausangate and Salkantay trails offer unique and unforgettable trekking experiences, but each has its own challenges and highlights. Whether you choose the more remote and challenging Ausangate Trail or the diverse and less crowded Salkantay Trail, you are sure to have an adventure of a lifetime in the stunning landscapes of