Ausangate In December 

Is It Worth Visiting Ausangate In December?

Quick Answer: December sees a higher amount of rainfall than the previous month of November, and as such is recommended for hikers with a little more experience.

Showers are more likely along the path, and can also sometimes happen out of nowhere. For this reason you’ll want to bring waterproofs and extra layers, given this can quickly make temperatures drop if caught out in the rain. However the benefit of this is that December also sees a transformation of the pastures and scenery that were otherwise very dry in earlier months, with more greens, wildlife and even snowfall falling if you’re lucky.

December also marks the start of the Peruvian summer season, and as such temperatures will generally get warmer (and especially so when compared with months like August and July). This is especially felt during the day so you’ll need to use sunscreen, although at night temperatures will still be cold – however not nearly as cold as they can get during winter months.

Important Things To Know

• December is the first month of the Peruvian summer season, so nighttime temperatures will further increase.
• Rainfall will be heavier this month, although not as heavy as wet season months like January and February.
• If you want to hike Ausangate in December then it’s a good idea to have some prior hiking experience.

The Pros Of Hiking Ausangate In December

• You will see more beautiful landscapes and potentially snow given the increased rainfall.
• There are still few crowds around Ausangate this month, making it perfect for a more authentic hiking experience.
• Evening temperatures will be warmer this month when compared with the earlier Spring and Winter months.

The Cons Of Hiking Ausangate In December

• Rainfall is likely, and as such you’ll need waterproofs and a poncho to avoid getting cold during a shower.
• Visibility of nearby mountains may temporarily be obscured during misty weather and showers.
• The paths may be slippery in certain areas, so you’ll want to bring high quality, sturdy hiking boots.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Ausangate In December 

Below we’ll now explore what Ausangate in December 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 December 

December marks the official start of the summer season here in Peru, and therefore we can expect some noticeable changes when compared with earlier months or the year.

First of all temperatures will further warm up along the Ausangate route, and within the surrounding region. This is mostly felt at night given it will get much cooler when the sun goes down. During the day the sunlight can be intense so you’ll need light layers and lots of sunscreen – although occasional clouds will help us to cool down whilst hiking.

The other big change in the weather of Ausangate in December is the rainfall. The first official month of the wet season, here we can expect more infrequent showers along the route. This means you’ll want to bring waterproofs, sturdy hiking boots as well as a poncho. It’s also important to pack a spare change of clothes in your day pack ready to change into in case you get wet.

How To Get To Ausangate In December 

As with the other hikes around Cusco during December, getting to Ausangate can be a little more complicated if heading alone. You’ll need to take a bus to Ocongate, followed by a taxi up to the remote town of Upis which marks the start of the trailhead. However given the rainfall there may be delays, and the actual hike itself can be more complicated if going alone.

We instead highly recommend heading with a local tour operator when hiking Ausangate in December. Using a private van transport (like we do here at AB Expeditions), you’ll have no delays or issues getting to Ausangate. You can check out the numerous Ausangate Treks that we operate, which include all gear, transport, meals, lodging and a local expert guide.

Preparing For Your Ausangate Trek

One of the most important parts of having an enjoyable and successful hike around Ausangate is planning properly before your trek. The route here occasionally exceeds 5000m in altitude, where altitude sickness symptoms are common. For this reason it’s important to spend a few days in Cusco acclimating beforehand, and also heading on a few gentle hikes around the Sacred Valley which will help you to adjust quicker.

You’ll also need to pack properly before heading to Ausangate in December. As it’s the beginning of the rainy season, showers are likely so you’ll need waterproofs, a poncho as well as a spare change of clothes in your bag in case you get wet. High quality hiking boots are also important as you’ll need good grip on the wet paths. Finally you’ll also want several light layers underneath, given it can get quite hot when the sun comes out.

Overview Of Visiting Ausangate In December

And that’s all for this guide to visiting Ausangate in December.

Marking the true starting month of the wet season, December usually has a lot more rainfall in Ausangate when compared with previous months. For this reason it’s important to pack properly, although it does also mean we can enjoy some slightly warmer and more comfortable temperatures during the evenings. As with any summer season month here in the Andes, we’ll also enjoy fewer crowds when hiking Ausangate in December.

Here at AB Expeditions we operate several Ausangate hiking tours where you can enjoy these surreal Andean alpine landscapes. Not only will you have an expert guide lead your group, you’ll also have all meals, lodging, camping equipment and transport all included on your Ausangate trek.