Ausangate In April
Is it worth visiting Ausangate in April?
As the autumn season arrives in the Peruvian Andes, many travelers begin returning to the mountains as hiking conditions become more relaxed and comfortable. Ausangate in particular is also more popular during April too, given we can expect more blue skies and high chances of spotting lots of local wildlife.
In this guide we’ll explore what it’s like hiking Ausangate in April. This includes looking at the weather, preparing for the trek, the advantages and disadvantages of this month, as well as anything else you’ll need to know.
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Is It Worth Visiting Ausangate In April?
Quick Answer: A shoulder season month, April marks the shift from the rainy wet season to the clearer dry season. Whilst rainfall is still likely, the showers are much less frequent and intense as they were in the previous months.
Given the improved weather, as well as the fact that this hiking route isn’t so popular – this makes April a great time to hike around Ausangate Mountain. Whilst other treks in the region like the Inca Trail will begin to see a quick increase in hiking groups, during April you’ll be able to have this incredible outdoor paradise all to yourself!
It’s also good to know that temperatures are still relatively warm in April before we move into the colder winter season. The combination of this and the less-heavy rains make this month one of the best to hike Ausangate from a climate perspective, where it’s also possible to see different animals and flowers blooming along the trail.
Important Things To Know
- Rainfall begins to significantly reduce in April when compared with the previous months of March and February.
- We can enjoy clearer landscapes with less mist at the end of the month.
- Temperatures will still vary from day until night, so it’s important to bring both light layers and a warm jumper or coat.
The Pros Of Hiking Ausangate In April
- Rainfall begins to reduce as we begin to make our way into the dry season for Ausangate.
- There will be less crowds on this route when compared with other trails that start to see increases in groups in April.
- Given there are less storms and rainfall, there’s more chance of clear blue skies along your trek.
The Cons Of Hiking Ausangate In April
- Rainfall can still be sudden with showers coming out of nowhere, and especially so during the first couple of weeks in April.
- We still recommend having some hiking experience before taking on Ausangate in April, and especially so if heading on the longer multi-day treks.
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Ausangate In April
Below we’ll now explore what Ausangate in April is like. This includes what the weather will be like, how to get to Ausangate as well as how you can prepare for your trek.
The Weather Of Ausangate In April
As we now move into the dry season, April begins to see a sudden drop in storms and rainfall as the month progresses.
Overall the autumn month of March was the wettest of the year, and so the first one or two weeks of April usually still have a few light showers. If you want to maximize your chances of having little to no rainfall, then the last weeks of April are best as we transition into the dry season for Ausangate.
It’s important regardless to bring waterproof clothing in case you get caught out – given the higher elevations here mean you can get cold quick. Temperatures are still relatively warm, although they are beginning to drop now so you’ll want to bring extra layers in your day pack and for the nighttime.
How To Get To Ausangate In April
As the weather begins to clear up in April, access to Ausangate mountain is more simple regardless if hiking independently or if going with an organized trekking group. This is because there is very little chance of flooding or landslides, which was a potential problem in the previous months of February and March.
The beginning of the trailhead of the Ausangate Trek is in Upis, which takes a few hours to get to from Cusco. If you are looking to hike Ausangate, then here at AB Expeditions we include all transport and hiking equipment on our various Ausangate Tours, as well as an experienced hiking guide to lead the way.
Preparing For Your Ausangate Trek
One of the biggest considerations to take seriously is the altitude along the Ausangate Trek, as we will be hiking anywhere between 4500-5200m above sea-level. We suggest spending at least a few days in Cusco beforehand to acclimate properly, and also to buy Coca Leaves and Soroche Pills which will help prevent unwanted symptoms along the trek. It’s also a good idea to do one or two more simple hikes in the region beforehand, so your body can get used to hiking at these more difficult altitudes.
Whilst April is technically a dry season month, there’s still a chance of rains in the early weeks. For this reason you’ll want to pack waterproofs and a poncho ready, and also to pack several layers for when the temperatures get cooler come the evenings. Another important thing to bring are quality hiking boots, as the Ausangate trail can sometimes be slippery or difficult to walk – which is made much easier with proper footwear.
Overview Of Visiting Ausangate In April
And that’s all for this guide to visiting Ausangate in April.
As we start to move out of the wet season, April makes for a really memorable month to hike Ausangate. Here we can expect clearer skies when compared with previous months, beautiful scenery as well as getting to enjoy a route which still has little crowds on it.
Here at AB Expeditions we operate numerous multi-day Ausangate Treks, which include all transport, food, lodging and an experienced guide to lead the way. Check them out now and enjoy this less-crowded Andean trekking route!