description Ausangate Overview
Ausangate is a 6,384-meter mountain peak located in the Cordillera Vilcanota range in the Cusco Region of Peru. It is the highest mountain in the region and is heavily glaciated, featuring several peaks that rise above the surrounding high-altitude plateau. In traditional Andean cosmology, Ausangate is venerated as an important apu, or sacred mountain spirit, and remains a central figure in local religious practices and annual pilgrimages. The mountain is also traversed by popular trekking routes that attract travelers to the surrounding region.
insights Ranking position
Ausangate ranks #80 of 187 in the Mountain ranking, behind Muztagh Ata, ahead of Annapurna II.
help Ausangate FAQ
How tall is Ausangate mountain?
Ausangate stands at an elevation of 6,384 meters (approximately 20,945 feet) above sea level. It is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range.
Where is Ausangate located?
The mountain is located in the Cusco Region of southern Peru, situated roughly 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco. It rises above a vast, high-altitude plateau known as the altiplano.
What is the cultural significance of Ausangate in traditional Andean religion?
In traditional Andean religion, Ausangate is revered as an Apu, a sacred mountain spirit that protects the local people and livestock. It remains a central figure in the annual Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage, which attracts thousands of indigenous Quechua pilgrims.
Is Ausangate heavily glaciated despite its location?
Yes, Ausangate is heavily glaciated, featuring several major ice caps and glacial tongues that feed into the region's river systems. Climbers attempting to summit the peak must navigate complex, crevassed ice routes to reach the top.
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