During the summer months, temperatures along the trail can exceed 45 °C (113 °F) leading to risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Most people walk the trail during winter when the days are cooler.
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Young adventurers 7+ will learn about: • Navigating, and what to do if you get lost • Essential hiking equipment • How to leave no trace and protect the environment • Pooping in the woods! • Staying safe in the heat, snow, and rain • Fire safety and setting up camp • Encountering wildlife and safety • Locating the North Star and understanding the night sky
Now that Nepal required you hire a guide for almost all high altitude treks, Peru might offer the easiest logistics for similar independent adventures.
Of many great options in Peru, we like the Ausangate Circuit best. You can side trip to the Rainbow mountain, if you like. And nearby Red Valley. AND Red Lake.
Megs from Wisconsin has traveled over 70 nations. Here’s how she trekked Ausangate independently.
Mileage: Around 45 Miles, depending on route
Difficulty: Extremely Difficult
The Ausangate trek without a guide is extremely difficult due to the trail’s remoteness, altitude, and being unmarked. Additionally, the weight of carrying all your gear and food for at least 5 days
This high-altitude trek in Peru never dips below 14,150 feet (4,000m)
The weather can change fast at this altitude and there are risks associated with doing the trek guided or not. NEVER HIKE ALONE
Duration: 5 – 7 Days
The most popular time to hike Ausangate is between the months of April to October. Peru has two main seasons, dry and rainy. In general, dry season is from May to October, while rainy season is from November until April. …
The altitude of the Ausangate trek is insane. Remember, this trek never drops below 14,000 feet!
Many of the passes are grueling and top out at over 16,000 feet. The mountains are Apus, or Gods, to the Indigenous, so go in with the mindset of respecting them. By the way, the mighty mountain of Ausangate is a staggering 20,945 feet (6,384 m).
The National Park Foundation (NPF) today announced a historic $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
This transformative grant — the largest ever received by NPF and the largest grant benefitting national parks — celebrates a pivotal moment in safeguarding the future of America’s treasured national parks. …
Lilly Endowment’s grant will serve as a catalyst to scale and accelerate NPF’s impact. Working together with the National Park Service and park partners, NPF will allocate the funds to four key priority areas:
Inspire the Next Generation of Park Stewards: Creating opportunities for youth and young adults that will foster a deeper understanding of history, appreciation for environmental stewardship, and connection with our natural world.
Conserve and Preserve Threatened Parks and Wildlife: Addressing critical initiatives that will ensure the health and longevity of the fragile ecosystems and diverse species that call our national parks home.
Ensure a World-Class Visitor Experience: Securing a future where national parks can accommodate unprecedented growth and leverage new technology, while remaining accessible and awe-inspiring for all visitors.
Tell a More Complete Story of America: Delivering a more comprehensive historical narrative, including the experiences of communities whose voices and contributions have not been fully told as a part of the American story. …
To learn more about the National Park Foundation’s mission and donate today, visit nationalparks.org.
16 miles (25 km) from Chamberlain’s Ranch to Temple of Sinawava in the Park
June through October best months
usually closed from mid-March to mid-May due to spring snowmelt and runoff
in places chasm up to 1,968 ft deep and 20 ft wide
about a 1500 ft descent
walk in water up to half the time
9 – 13 hours. Confirm the time of the last shuttle out of the park!
a long, tiring day or you can camp overnight. Be aware that there are only 12 campsites available and they book quickly. Start as early as possible if you are doing it in a day.
besthike.com 