The importance of Muleteers in the Ausangate expeditions

The importance of Muleteers in the Ausangate expeditions

Information

Muleteers are the people in charge of logistical transportation from one camp to another, using pack horses, mules or donkeys. Their importance is fundamental, as it comes from the word "arrear", which means to stimulate the horses to move forward. In today's expeditions to Ausangate, it is crucial to hire these muleteers to handle the pack horses and facilitate logistical transport between camps.
Horseman of the expeditions to Ausangate

Horseman of the expeditions to Ausangate

The muleteers are people from the highlands of Ausangate who live at 4,300 m.a.s.l. They range in age from 18 to 55 years old and play a crucial role in the economy of many families who depend on this work. In addition, many women participate in this trade and are an active part of the expeditions. Being a muleteer requires a period of preparation that includes mastering equestrian skills and knowledge of the responsibilities during expeditions.

The average cost of muleteers ranges from S/. 45 to S/. 80 per day, varying according to the difficulty of the expeditions and the services offered by the companies that hire them. These services may include food, lodging and other additional benefits.

Muleteers eating the coca for the descent to Ausangate Base Camp

Muleteers eating coca for the descent to Ausangate Base Camp.

Most of the muleteers of Ausangate speak Spanish, although some also know words from other languages that they learn during expeditions. Their native or first language is Quechua, a language spoken in several Andean regions of the Americas. They are very friendly, cheerful and extremely strong people.

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