Ausangate Traverse, Peru

• Trekkers tackling this route do so between May and late September. Outside the height of the dry season, expect afternoon storms. This weather pattern will likely demand early starts and early campspots – though even if it’s clear, you’ll probably want to camp early to soak up those views! Carry food for 3 days just in case.
• Getting there from Cusco will require a long day of pavement riding, or a few hours on a bus. There are bus connections from Pitumarca and Tinki.
• There are two high passes to contend with: Arapa and Apuchata. In between, lies a series of stunning, turquoise lakes, like Jatun Cocha and Jatun Puka Cocha.
• Given that we had crossed the border from Bolivia, we rode from Pitumarca to Tinki – making for a particularly memorable descent from the first high pass down to the lakes. Considering the more gentle climb into the mountains, I’d say this is the better direction. But I expect it would be fun either way.
• Navigation can be a little awkward at times, as there’s a network of paths used by trekkers and alpaca herders, some of which make for better riding than others.
• There is a dirt road being built between Tinki and Upis, approx 15km.
• If you’re coming from Cusco, Ocongate makes a good base to spend the night, with plenty of accommodation options, places to eat, stores and a market. If you’re coming from Juliaca, Pitumarca has everything you’ll need.
• Although we didn’t have any issues ourselves, be especially vigilant with your gear, and don’t leave anything outside your tent, or in the porch. There have been numerous cases of theft.
• The ride reaches over 4900m (16100ft) in altitude, so make sure you are acclimatised.
• Culturally, the high pastures are inhabited by the Q’eros people, who trade alpacas and llamas with communities in the lower elevations. In fact, the relationship between land, man and animal that’s felt throughout Peru is especially strong here given Incan legend. It’s said that Ausangate’s daughter takes care of the llamas and alpacas of the world, and it’s from these lakes that they emerge to serve the Quechuan people. For this reason, Ausangate ensures they be treated with due care and respect.

• Camping opportunities abound – just be careful with your gear, as noted in Need to Know.
• Anywhere around the lakes, like Puma Cocha, would be especially scenic.
• We hunkered down behind a stone house in the tiny settlement of Ausangante to avoid a storm.
• There are hot springs at Upis (4450m), where many people trekkers pitch their tents.

• Stock up in Ocongate or Pitumarca – both have stores as well as cheap restaurants to carbo load before the ascent. Tinke, at the turnoff to the route, is also well served by cheap restaurants.
• Water is abundant throughout the ride.

Additional Resources

• My original trip report, riding north, can be found here.
• I also wrote a feature about Ausangate and the surrounding region for the first issue of Cranked Mountain Bike magazine.
• Mike, who I rode with, tells his side of the tale here.
• And Paul Griffiths’ account, riding south, can be found here. Incidentally, Paul had his bike stolen en route, but thankfully managed to retrieve it!
• The guidebook Hiking and Biking in the Sacred Valley includes this route in its cycling chapter, though the details themselves are hazy, and even inaccurate at times. This said, it’s an excellent source of inspiration for mountain biking and bikepacking in the area.
• Thanks to the inimitable Kurt for the inspiration!