The Ausangate Trek is the highest trek in Peru. It takes you through some of the country’s wildest scenery, and is the perfect opportunity for travelers to get off the beaten track. Here is Mark’s account of his time on the trail. Complete guide to the Highest Trek in Peru Trail of the Apu A lodge-to-lodge trek around Mount Ausangate has been on my bucket list for some time, so I was thrilled to experience it recently. I had very high expectations, and I’m delighted to report that it exceeded them. The Ausangate Trek takes place in the Cordillera Vilcanota, a breathtakingly beautiful mountain range approximately four-hours south of the city of Cusco. This region receives comparatively few visitors than the more well-known treks closer to Machu Picchu, but hikers are rewarded with privileged - and often private - panoramas. We witnessed towering snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and the other-worldly landscapes of Vinicunca and Red Valley. Getting Acclimatized Altitude and acclimatization is a very important factor in this region. The entire 26 mile (42 kilometer) trails sits at elevations of between 4,290 meters (14,000 feet) and 5,150 meters (16,900 feet). With these altitudes in mind, the recommendation is to allow for a minimum of 2 nights in the Cusco region before embarking on the trek. Many hikers opt to complete the hike after completing alternative treks near Cusco at lower altitudes. Our trek began at our hotel in Cusco. After meeting with our guide we were driven several hours south along the Vilcanota River towards the hamlet of Japura. Following a tranquil river-side picnic lunch, the first day of hiking consisted of a short and steady stroll to our first lodge at Chillca Tambo. This was a gentle and enjoyable warm-up ahead of the more challenging full-day hikes to