About Ausangate

The  majestic Ausangate towering over the Peruvian Andes mountains holds a sacred place in Inca legend. Ancient Incas believed that Mother Earth herself gifted them the alpaca, a gentle creature whose soft fleece became integral to their survival. For centuries, the Incas sheared these animals humanely, a practice of respect and sustainability that continues to this day. The alpacas gentle grazing of the grasslands surrounding Ausangate, a name that might be tricky to pronounce but evokes images of breathtaking beauty, highlights the harmonious relationship between humanity, nature, and the enduring spirit of the Andes.  Check out a short video of the trail to Ausangate. There is no right or wrong way to pronounce Ausangate.In Quechua, "Ausangate" may derive from "Awsanqati", which means "maiden of the water". This meaning likely refers to the glaciers and lagoons surrounding the mountain, which are a vital source of water for local communities.