Ausangate – Dazzling Glacier Wonder in Cusco
The majestic Ausangate snow-capped mountain, located in the district of Ocongate, province of Quispicanchi, in the department of Cusco, is an unmissable destination for every visitor to the region. This imposing Andean giant, considered the highest mountain in Cusco and one of the most sacred in Peru, offers a landscape of incomparable beauty, where one breathes a deep sense of peace and a powerful spiritual energy. Visiting Ausangate is a unique opportunity to connect with nature, admire its colorful lagoons, glaciers, and Andean valleys, and experience the mystical and cultural essence of the Quechua peoples who still venerate this protective apu as a source of life and wisdom.
Ausangate Glacier: Location
The Quispiqanchis glacier is precisely located in the district of Ocongate, province of Quispiqanchi, department of Cusco, within the Vilcanota Mountain Range, at an altitude of 6,385 meters above sea level and about 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco. This majestic mountain, regarded as the highest in the department and the fifth highest in Peru, rises as a sacred symbol of the Andes and a vital spiritual reference for the Quechua communities of the region.
Etymology and Origin of Ausangate
The term Awsangate does not come from Quechua, but rather from Aymara, the language of the ancient Qollasuyo. According to the etymologies proposed by Büttner and Condori (1984), the name derives from the roots:
JAWSA: meaning called, invited, or gathering of people. JATHA: meaning seed, progenitors, or ancestors of a family.
The union of these words gives rise to the idea of “the one who summons the ancestors” or “the seed that gathers,” symbolizing Apu Awsangate as a creator father, giver of life, and origin of the Andean lineage. In oral tradition, he is also known as Machu Awsangate, the “Old Ausangate,” a title that reinforces his ancestral, protective, and wise nature, capable of bringing together the other Apus and maintaining harmony between nature, humankind, and the spiritual world.
Legend of Apu Ausangate
The worship of Ausangate, possibly of pre-Inca origin, endured even during the time of the conquest due to its deep spiritual significance. Considered a runa kamaq, or giver of life, he was believed to possess the power to animate and renew existence.
According to Cieza de León (1550), it was believed in his temple that souls left their bodies, traveled to a great lake — the paqarina, or source of origin — and from there returned to give life to newborns. Recognized as a principal waka (sacred place), Awsangate was the protective deity of agricultural and livestock activities: from his slopes spring the waters that fertilize the land, safeguard crops from natural disasters such as hail, and protect herds from disease.
Communication with the Deity
In a mythical time, there was communication and understanding between humans and the divinity. Ausangate spoke with shamans (mesayoq) and told them what he needed and how offerings should be made (offerings with wine or liquor). Farmers prayed to him with confidence — as to a father or brother — asking for the success of their work or the well-being of their animals.
Ausangate as Progenitor
In the Myth of the Distribution of Products, Apu Awsangate, father of the world, gave his daughter Tomasa Saq’apuma in marriage to his son-in-law Qolla Mariano. His eldest son, Sawasiray, feared that the son-in-law would take away all the produce, so they agreed that he would receive only cattle. Awsangate also gave him corn seeds, but a bird, the chihuaku, stole their spirit and dropped them in La Raya, marking a natural boundary: since then, corn grows only on one side (Cusco), while cattle thrive on the Qollao (Altiplano).
Landscape Attractions: The 7 Ausangate Lagoons
Traveling on Your Own or with a Tour Agency?
On Your Own
For adventure enthusiasts, it is essential to prepare in advance and maintain good physical condition, as both factors allow one to fully enjoy every experience and successfully face the challenges along the way.
With a Tour Agency
Choosing an agency ensures a well-organized experience, as it takes care of meals, accommodation, luggage transport, and other important details, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the unforgettable journey to the imposing Ausangate snow peak.
Recommendations
To live an unforgettable experience at the Ausangate glacier, it is crucial to be properly prepared. This majestic glacier is located in a zone of extreme climate and high altitude, where low temperatures and demanding terrain require good physical condition and appropriate equipment. Careful preparation ensures not only safety but also the chance to fully appreciate the magic and serenity that this impressive Andean destination offers.
To complete the Ausangate route, it is essential to bring a sturdy tent, thermal sleeping bag, warm clothing, trekking shoes, water or a purifier, light food, a rechargeable flashlight, a comfortable backpack, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and a waste bag — ensuring safety, comfort, and respect for the natural environment throughout the journey.
Conclusion
The Ausangate snow-capped mountain represents far more than a tourist destination: it is a sacred symbol of the Andes and a source of deep spiritual connection with nature. Its imposing beauty, the myths surrounding it, and its ancestral energy invite travelers to live a transformative experience where history, faith, and harmony of the Andean world intertwine. Visiting Ausangate means entering a realm of reverence and admiration for the Apus and Pachamama — a meeting with the living essence of Cusco and the spiritual force that continues to guide the highland communities of Peru.
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