One of the Best Treks in the World Has No Hikers. I Found Out Why

This video is sponsored by Outdoor Vitals - High performance ultralight gear: alnk.to/esWoCBQ
My gear list for this trek:
Tent: alnk.to/e76IsKv
Backpack: alnk.to/flw1krY
Mattress: alnk.to/4BFNuI7
Sleeping Bag: alnk.to/dWbXtYj
Water Purifier: alnk.to/bisALNJ
Camp Chair: alnk.to/4qL2vX2
Pillow: alnk.to/9T8wVgk
Sun hoodie: alnk.to/faBloi2
HIking Pants: alnk.to/3ybkEsq
Hiking Pants: alnk.to/9mol1oy
Mid-weight Jacket: alnk.to/g3b3fTg
Puffy Jacket: alnk.to/6TzJhZJ
Rain Jacket: alnk.to/gp0Eg3x
Rehydration Bag: alnk.to/2FBsHRR
Camp Stove: alnk.to/ei1trIJ
Headlamp: alnk.to/1C6ZRyD
Kristi's Gear:
Rain Jacket: alnk.to/6IETgHQ
Backpack: alnk.to/1N1FNS9
Sleep System: alnk.to/9xj0XAp
Mattress: alnk.to/hDpS55E
Pillow: alnk.to/7M9r9sT
Hiking Pants: bit.ly/4dz5An3
Hiking Pants: alnk.to/7fpffKy
Midweight Layer: alnk.to/gzVpeYp
Puffy Jacket: alnk.to/dLhhxVy
Ausungate is a high altitude trek in Peru that never dips below 14,000 feet. It is in the Cusco region and circumnavigates Ausungate, considered to be one of the most sacred mountains in Peru. The trek is strenuous, but incredibly rewarding. Yet mysteriously, almost no one hikes here, or has even heard of the trek. This is a curious thing, as it rivals the best treks in the world for its astounding beauty. So, why does no one hike here? The answer goes back into the history books.
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[@kristirauckis]

You truly made a masterpiece with this one, my dear. You have worked so hard and it’s totally paid off. I love seeing the growth you’ve had in this last year in your storytelling and cinematography. Bravo!! ❤️ This trip with you was a dream.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you my love! We're on a pretty fun journey together. Thanks for being willing to go to the ends of the earth with me. Cheers to more adventures!

[@karmahavok]

Best hiking channel on KZbin. Hope you get enough support to keep doing such high quality work.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I hope so too (it's going that way).

[@viscachaventures390]

Another brilliant experience for the rest of us to drool over! Without a doubt one of the best story tellers on the platform. Sound, cinematography, editing, storyline… it’s so good. So, so good!

[@doloreshunt8676]

My favorite outdoor videos are those that make me feel like I'm right there with you. And this one did that in spades. And so many disparate camera angles, including amazing drone footage. Wow. I think too few viewers realize the complexity involved in that, not to mention the editing! And the music was notably super complementary. Loved this one dearly and hope to see more. Only suggestion would be to take Kovu next time. Your guide's dog needed a buddy and he'd have fun trying to herd alpacas. ;-)

[@eric_hanson]

I appreciate you noticing the work that goes into these videos. It is indeed a lot, especially when the garage filmed videos often perform even better. But I'm passionate about bringing these stories to life! So I'm truly glad that you and others are enjoying them. And yes! Kovu would have lost his dang doggie mind out there!

[@musingwithreba9667]

Truly, "gobsmacked" is probably the best word for it! I don't have the vocabulary. And I'm sitting only about 200ft above sea level, so I can't use oxygen deprivation as an excuse! You really are a master at showing a place's natural beauty Eric. No fancy words needed. And generous to boot! Im sure Mario will put that sleeping bag to good use 🤗

[@eric_hanson]

It was definitely funny to me how many times my brain just had nothing going on (not totally abnormal I suppose 😂). But I'm glad I could come up with a few fun words occasionally! And with how may nights Mario sleeps outside, I'm sure he is going to get great use out of it!

[@euphonek]

"Machu Picchu, a beautiful distraction" - Eric Hanson PERFECT...😂

[@KarlaStorm]

Eric, you and Kristi are putting out the best, beautiful, inspiring, and exciting footage. ❤❤❤ I look forward to see you every week.

[@eric_hanson]

Aww thank you so much! I definitely am trying to put out hiking films and videos that have some soul to em. Glad you like them!

[@yirbeeltalbertotorresgarci9927]

OMGGGG!!!! I’m speechless, I’m one month away from being walking this same route, and men I have watched a lot of Ausangate videos and I can tell you this is the best one so far, you guys managed to show the incredible beauty and roughness of this place so well, I'm even more excited now, thank you so much!!!!!

[@eric_hanson]

I love this! I'm so glad you are stoked. It's an incredible adventure that I'm sure you will love!

[@DPM-dp9on]

This is my favorite trekking video ever. Beautiful scenery, you show such respect to the locals and their culture, while your wife just adds a personal touch. Great job around.

[@omro2007]

Abosolutely magnificent! An unalienable reality is that no one can do it all, but thanks to talented, compassionate adventurers such as you and Kristy, we can. Share your exoerience. Thank you!

[@anthonylangham5801]

What a classic trekking film you’ve made here. I’m off out for a walk with the dog now. 😂 thanks

[@WesleyKor9]

What an amazing videography and storytelling, Eric! My favorite backpacking channel hands down. Hope one of your videos gets picked up by algorithm soon and your channel blows up, you definitely deserve it. Would love to see you backpacking Sierras one day.

[@MrWmjacobs]

Great story with some incredible views. Giving Mario that bag of feathers to keep him warm at night was so thoughtful. Hope you left him some more things to ad to his kit. His tent was looking pretty ragged as well. Keep it up!!!

[@hannahcollins1816]

So very stunning - looks like it was such a fabulous trip! Also, at that altitude, I think we can classify "frickin' cool" as poetry 😂

[@kristirauckis]

I feel so seen. 🤣🤣 So we are in agreement! Frickin’ cool.

[@eric_hanson]

haha this is my favorite.

[@amyhinson1587]

Seeing how beautiful this place is almost made me cry. There is a sacred feeling in this video. Incredible. Thanks for sharing.

[@eric_hanson]

The place is incredible and it is indeed a sacred place. I'm honored that a sense of that came through in the video. Thank you!

[@anninwhack1998]

Wow! What an adventure! You guys prevailed! Thunder hail yikes!! At 37 min just breathtaking. Your videography is just better and better. Artsy influence by Kristi!? Very kind of you to give away your bag. You are a true cultural ambassador and it is an inspiration how you use your great language skills to really communicate with your hosts and guides. Mad respect. I think a Balrog lives up on that thundering pass.

[@eric_hanson]

Kristi's influence is all over this video. She is so good at capturing the details and definitely has the artsy eye that does rub off on me. And yes! It was definitely the balrog that gave us such a good scare! haha

[@arielshirazi]

I’ve been traveling for 9 months all over South America, so many backpacking trips and hiking. Ausangate trek is definitely the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen, so many colors that it’s feels like candy land. Best experience of my life and I will come back for the area for sure. The video gave me that feeling again, incredible landscape with minimal amount of tourists. Mario looks like a great guy, all of the community are so kind, in the first day I’ve got lost because the mountains + camera made me do a mistake on trail, I came back to Pacchanta and immediately got help from them, one guy made me a chocolate and he’s brother gave me a ride to the way to upis and the guide came to pick me up back to camp. Go travel there and support the community

[@weekendshermit]

Thanks for showing the world for those who cannot see it for themselves. It's such a positive message.

[@karissamarietv]

Right after I heard Eric conversing fluently and thinking to myself ‘I gotta step up my Duolingo game” 😅 He goes: “This video was brought to you by Duolingo” 😂 Thanks for the inspo reminding me how effective it is!

[@eric_hanson]

haha thanks Karissa! Always good to brush up on those language skills! (The video isn't actually sponsored by Duolingo😂)

[@josiebones1]

What an amazing adventure! I lived in Peru as a child and the scenery is incredible! The people are amazing. Real top shelf humans. Another excellent video!

[@peterfagley772]

The photography as usual takes my breath away, what a spot to travel. Also inspiring was your generosity to Mario at the end of the video, nicely done Mr, Hanson!

[@DollyTheLlama]

Agreed! Eric told Mario that it was "another gift". I must have missed it, but I hope the first gift was that camp chair. Fantastic video!

[@GrumpyForester]

My GOODNESS....(KZbin won't let me use the words that I would most like to use in describing this incredibly austere yet blindingly beautiful landscape)...what a Spectacular Place to experience! I can kinda see, from the trek you and Kristi had, why people might not flock to Ausangate to experience a constant altitude higher than the cabin pressure of the airliner taking them there. That's a long way to travel in order to willingly be constantly out of breath for a few days...😁 BEAUTIFUL cinematography, beautiful story-telling, and a beautiful gesture to your guide in giving him a decent sleeping bag!! That got to me a bit...😂. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey, Eric!! Thanks for taking us along....

[@eric_hanson]

You managed to use some pretty good descriptive words there instead of whatever else you wanted to say. Haha. Yeah, it's a big challenge for sure. But I'm still genuinely surprised more people aren't hiking here. So glad you enjoyed this one!

[@tomcappy3956]

An epic adventure! You and Kristi are making the best of memories. Truly...envious of you both.

[@tonymartens2332]

this video in 4k is astounding . thank you for sharing as always, looking forward to the next one . stay well both of you.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you so much Tony!

[@SmokedBlack16v]

"which is impressive considering your highschool days" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 solid

[@lynn465]

This is my favorite to date. I'm so glad you left Mario the bag!

[@karissamarietv]

Can’t wait to get my popcorn and watch my friends EPIC CONTENT 😭🥰 “With my wife” also gave me the warm fuzzies

[@eric_hanson]

haha thanks friend!

[@5ervalkat192]

Wow. Well done! I almost never watch 47 minute videos but I watched yours. The filming, editing, music, and goddamn, the SCENERY, had me watching. I’ve been to upper elevation Peru and your video made me want to do it again. I’m wondering how Kristi’s back is doing? I’ve canceled two years worth of backpacking trips due to damaged disks and back pain. It’s improving but I’m still not ready to go. You guys are younger though, so hopefully hers healed faster.

[@eric_hanson]

So glad I could keep you for the whole video! haha yeah it's a bit of a commitment but it's just too good of a place to cut it up all fast. Kristi is doing well with her back recovery. She was able to hike over 80 miles while in Peru and on this one she carried a small pack which was perfect for her. She still has some healing to do but we're encouraged.

[@TylerCampbellOutdoors]

Unbelievable! I definitely need to add that to the short list of hikes to do. Thank you for sharing. And I appreciate your generosity and interactions with Mario.

[@eric_hanson]

Thanks Tyler! I think you would've enjoyed this one. Too bad you refused to stay behind in South America and just keep hiking with us.

[@flutingaround]

I hiked the circuit solo in 2016. Life changing

[@ILC6476]

wOw! Beautiful! Keep it coming, you guys are the best....

[@mulsanne215]

The best hiking/travel video I have ever seen! You don't need to be a hiker to enjoy this video. Just beautiful photography of an incredible place and Eric's commentary if the trip was great.

[@EdTobar]

Dear Eric, thank you for sharing this trail... I'm from Chile and I've been running out of thru-hiking routes, so this will be definitely coming into my to-do list (together with the Salcantay trek, of course). Regards, and keep on with your inspiring work. ;) PS: I must say, your spanish is very good.

[@davidcooper8390]

Just stunning and wild elevations to be hiking at.

[@Riko0027]

Thank you for sharing your adventure with us all Eric! Beautiful video. Cheers to Mario, too.

[@sregister]

You always mange to get great footage in the backcountry. I'd love to hear your photography tips when hiking. Those who consider taking a camera often have some tough decisions to make regarding which lenses, protection, tripods ect we should use (and how not to completely destroy our gear along the way).

[@AuTheExplorer1129]

Eric your the best!Thank you for showing us another wonderful location🎉

[@safromnc8616]

The absolute best view of Peru I've ever seen...

[@thecasualmtnhiker1603]

Nicely done guys! Beautiful cinematography and the narrating was on point 👍🏻

[@Gmamapolly]

I’m watching this video & just love the content you’ve created lately…by far, my favorite KZbin channel now. I’ll keep telling you I’m loving your cinematography. Wonderful!

[@eric_hanson]

aww thank you! I'm definitely trying to bring some good cinema to the hiking YT world.

[@Nova2032-]

Absolutely stunning. I put it on Mute…. I prefer the natural quiet of hiking., and the scenery.

[@VenturesOutside]

wow this was so incredibly inspiring! i did the salkantay trek last year and trekked to mount vinicunca and i thought that was rough. this makes me want to go back to see it all again!!

[@j.stephens257]

Beautiful landscapes, and that sunset at 37:40 was amazing!

[@eric_hanson]

My mind melted just about every day on this trek. The sunsets for suuuure out there

[@oakandnop]

You both have such a good heart ♥️

[@brandonhutchins3041]

Unbelievable beauty, masterfully captured. 👏

[@HybridHiker556]

Amazing! Awesome video techniques. Keep up the great work Eric and Kristi!

[@eric_hanson]

thank you so much!

[@vipvip5356]

i loved every bit of this video Eric ! i like your wife so much , her energy and her clerverness is something else :-) good work man ! what an superbe film !

[@JosephineG101]

Absolutely wonderful video, pure magic! And your last point about giving back is so important

[@kathyls74]

Kristi, you're incredible, so tough! Very touching when you shared your gear, Eric… Loved the video, it was fantastic!

[@eric_hanson]

Kristi really kicked some ace on this one, especially given that she was/is recovering from a back injury. And thank you! I'm so glad that Mario has a warm sleeping bag now.

[@DebCampos]

Another beautiful video Eric!! I'm also impressed with your Spanish! Lo hablas muy bien 👍👍👍!!

[@Harry-Giles]

Enjoyed the hell out this one. Agree that you have elevated the hiking YT genre. Awesome work Eric.

[@eric_hanson]

Thanks so much Harry! I'd say I elevated this one up to about 17,000 feet.

[@sagas001]

Amazing video. Loved you guys supporting the locals, Mario seems like a genuinely great guy. You just earned another subscriber for sure. Great content guys.

[@eric_hanson]

Glad to have you here, thank you! Mario is a wonderful guy.

[@rungavagairun]

Amazing trip. Great photography and video. Bring Mario on all your adventures.

[@ILEANARITCHEY]

Magical! Thanks for sharing.

[@markford2606]

Stunning. Thanks for the great trip!

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Thanks for the great video.

[@corysutton6847]

Thank you for presenting this. Very impressive project and accomplishment of the trip.

[@manng1214]

Another lovely video. Thank you, Eric!

[@TanjaTucker]

Stunning landscape! Thank you for sharing this beautiful adventure with us!

[@eric_hanson]

You're absolutely welcome!

[@donnamcswain1898]

That is incredible, Eric. I will, for sure, be adding this to my bucket list!

[@eric_hanson]

Great to hear! It's such an incredible place.

[@garagebrewer]

Top notch videography, as usual. Cheers!

[@andreasweber7828]

Just adding this trail on my to-do list😮

[@user-zj4cb6po5u]

You. Always. Deliver! Thank you so much for sharing. It was a stunning capture of the colors, mood , landscape and experience. Always grateful, Kathy, Colorado Girl

[@bushcrafters3909]

Very Cool. Seemed to be a lot of scenery and exertion and ... Good time

[@Loudrock48]

Excellent vid brother!

[@bluefire025]

those drone videos are legitimately taking my breath away

[@deanwinchester6654]

Nice camera work. Mountain views look awesome

[@rmccarthy175]

Mario in the chair 😂❤

[@lilianm7151]

Stunning video and thanks for supporting the locals. Mario will enjoy his new sleeping bag for sure.

[@howardjackman3242]

Simply amazing! Eric you and Kristi are such inspiring, talented, genuine and kind people. Thank you for sharing such beautiful places through beautiful work with us. But my list of places to visit keeps getting longer with each video...

[@Luckyhikes]

Eric Hanson is an international man of mystery. 😂 loved the video, and the place looks amazing. 👌

[@eric_hanson]

haha I'll take that! Thank you! Ausungate is ridiculous

[@tomaszwozniak4343]

Amazing trail!

[@andymidkiff9378]

Eric, have you ever considered tag alongs to help fund your travels? I know you have done sponsored travel company trips (and this one was sponsored by Outdoor Vitals) you promoted in the past but the cost seems so step with the houses need to make a profit. Understand all the leg work, but if you are doing mainly for content could you do just to cover you and Kristi’s cost with a small group?

[@CJoy076]

Incredible place!

[@toddramsey6893]

Is that Judah & The Lion I hear?! Great choice! And another great video.

[@eric_hanson]

You know it! I love that song. Thank you very much!

[@toddramsey6893]

@@eric_hanson Same! And so appropriate in the context of backpacking!

[@NessieJapan]

Looks like you could mountain bike a lot of that route.

[@cincopasos8122]

Nice video!

[@carrdoug99]

Rockstar level trip!👍👍❤️

[@philhorne3293]

Pretty Epic!

[@GraeNormal]

“Ancient trolls! Balrogs!! Behemoths!!!” 😂

[@Bigtreesandthings]

Just saw you and that Becker dude at buffalowildwings haha

[@cuzco63]

I'm scarcely halfway through the video and I'm inspired to return to Cuzco. And also determined to improve my photography and video skills. Eric, what gear did you take with you?

[@richardcliff3510]

Eric, you didn't tell us what was the donkey carrying! Did it carry any of your gear or was it just along for the ride?

[@kristirauckis]

The horse was mostly there to carry my gear because I’m recovering from a back injury. Mario would have brought him anyway for his gear and hay as well.

[@kimb8348]

I hope you gave him the chair ❤

[@eric_hanson]

haha I didn't. I did also give him a headlamp though because he often has to fetch his horse in the dark and has had to do so without illumination! Which also kind of blows my mind!

[@kimb8348]

​@eric_hanson well a headlamp is thoughtful too! 😊 Your video is absolutely beautiful, and of course Kristy is a great addition!

[@kimb8348]

​@@eric_hansonI have to apologize I hadn't finished watching the video when I wrote about the chair...I didn't know about the sleeping bag yet! ❤ He looked so happy.

[@peterclyne2480]

Hi Eric. I’ve walked the Salkanty, which runs onto the Inca Trail. It adds 3 days to the Inca Trail and goes up to 5,000 metres. I’m thinking of walking the Ausangate next year. As I’m getting older, I’m moving towards ultralight. Which part of an ultalight clothing setup would it be safe to take on the Ausangate and which parts should be standard stuff? I would be using a trekking company so tent, food and cooking gear would be carried by the horses or donkeys. I’m using a Zpakcs Solo quilt - is that warm enough (I don’t like sleeping in my clothes). Would the Zpacks Vertice coatand pants be too flimsy? Was your Outdoor Vitals down coat warm enough and what did you wear under it?

[@JasonWicklund]

Did you give Mario the chair too? If not, let’s send him one!

[@8282steve]

did you prefer this trail over the cordillera huayhuash?

[@beverlypeacock8201]

Was this before or after the Machu Picchu hike?

[@kathleenbutler8879]

Epic

[@Alex_Coolen]

Great spanish dude!

[@michaelking5490]

Anyone know what song is playing at the 12:30 mark?

[@tonymartens2332]

I forgot to ask, what is who is the manufacturer of your hat ? I didn't see it in you gear list.

[@eric_hanson]

Right, I keep forgetting to update that. It's from American Hat Makers - Crushable Outback Hat.

[@tonymartens2332]

@@eric_hanson thank you, being a red head my doctor told me to start wearing wide brim hats , I like the way yours looks. thanks again

[@SomeoneVx]

your going to bring mario back onto the channel right?!

[@medogandcatadventure]

Hilarious, because I just finished a lesson on Duolingo. 😂😂😂

[@jennadeegee8407]

I sure hope you sent Mario a chair when you got home!

I started learning Spanish

[@eric_hanson]

buena suerte!

@@eric_hanson Duolingo 😅 It kind of works

[@matthewnighthawkcolson1109]

Have you tried Ibuprofen and Coca candy? I've done a few trips to peru to climb and found both kept the headaches away.

[@pyronymph-868]

You do realize that Coca is the plant that the drug (add ine to the plant name) is made from that? People need to be able to make informed choices about what they put in their bodies.

[@eric_hanson]

I didn't do the coca candy much but I definitely drank a lot of coca tea while I was there. Luckily neither of us dealt with headaches much, just shortness of breath.

[@eric_hanson]

coca leaves and cocaine are very different, even though the drug is derived from the plant.

[@generallost]

1st

[@eric_hanson]

nice

[@karissamarietv]

Do you guys also feel the natural mountain high that I assume comes from the higher elevation? Idk know how science explains it but I don’t care. Interesting how spiritual seekers climb mountains and sit on mountain tops to get closer to God. 😂

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

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