Ausangate, Mountain summit in Cusco region, Peru.

Ausangate is a mountain summit in the Cusco region that rises to 6,384 meters and ranks as the fifth highest peak in Peru. Its snow-capped cone and glaciated slopes dominate the landscape, with various routes leading climbers to the top.

Ausangate has been venerated as an Apu, a guardian mountain spirit, since the Inca Empire; Quechua myths collected in the village of Kauri in 1938 describe the Apu living on the summit, protecting local llamas, alpacas and vicuñas and commanding the Ccoa, a striped feline that stole the first fruits of the fields. The north face was first climbed only in 2023, by Japanese climbers Yudai Suzuki and Kei Narita, and is easily seen from Pacchanta, 8 km north of the summit. The normal route lies on the opposite south face, where only 0 to 4 teams succeed each year.

Quechua communities venerate Ausangate as an Apu, a guardian spirit that protects their llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. A myth collected in the village of Kauri in 1938 describes the Apu as master of the Ccoa, a striped feline the size of a puma that stole the first fruits and struck the fields with lightning. The llama and alpaca herders of Chillca are called guardians of these lands.

The best climbing season runs from April through September, particularly June and July when weather conditions are most stable. Proper footwear, weather protection, and time to adjust to the altitude are essential for a successful ascent.

The area surrounding the mountain features naturally colored hills and multiple glacial lakes that rarely appear in standard guidebooks. These vivid hues result from mineral deposits and create an almost painted appearance across the terrain.