Ausangate In May

Are you thinking of hiking Ausangate in May?

This incredible mountain trek is perfect for those who want beautiful alpine scenery without the crowds, and especially if you want a more authentic trekking experience too. The month of May is often considered one of the best times of the year, as we now move into the long-awaited dry season for the region.

In this guide we’ll explore what it’s like hiking Ausangate in May. 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.

Is It Worth Visiting Ausangate In May?

Quick Answer: May is the first dry season month of the year, meaning we will have incredible weather on all fronts and is a good all-round choice for all hikers regardless of their experience.

Whilst the previous month of April began to see less rainfall, here we will see a more significant drop in the first week or two. This means you will have a much better chance of having clear blue skies each day along the route, and also have better visibility of the giant surrounding mountains.

Temperatures in May do begin to drop somewhat as we enter the cooler winter season, although it’s definitely warmer than later months like July and August. Regardless it’s going to get cold anyhow at night whichever month of the year – so it’s important you pack properly with a coat, warm layers and also short layers for the daytime.

Important Things To Know

May officially marks the beginning of the dry season for Ausangate.
Whilst somewhat rare, it’s still possible for a shower or two in May – especially during the first week or so.
Temperatures begin to drop during this month so it’s important to pack a range of thicker layers for the hike.

The Pros Of Hiking Ausangate In May

Levels of rainfall are much lower here compared with earlier months of the year.
Despite being a more popular month, there’s still hardly any other hikers here.
Ausangate in May remains an off-the-beaten-park hiking experience, and is an ideal month for hikes of all abilities.

The Cons Of Hiking Ausangate In May

Temperatures begin to fall during this month so you will want multiple layers for the cooler nights.
Whilst conditions are more favorable in this dry season month, it’s still a challenging hike so you’ll need to prepare well.
You may still get some showers during the trek in early May.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Ausangate In May

Below we’ll now explore what Ausangate in May 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 May

Marking the first true dry season month of the year, May sees a much bigger reduction in rainfall when compared with the previous month of April.

Rainfall will be sparse, and if showers do occur they will be light and usually within the first week or two of the month. As a result the slopes and paths we walk along will be much more stable, although we still recommend bringing hiking poles and high quality hiking boots regardless.

Temperatures begin to gradually drop throughout the month, so will be cooler than earlier months of the year such as January and February. However it can also quickly get hot in the daytime, especially as the skies become much clearer. It’s important to note that the nights will be quite cold regardless of the month, so at this time of the day there’s not too much of a change here in May.

How To Get To Ausangate In May

Although access to Ausangate is open all months of the year (unlike the Inca Trail which closes in February), this month is definitely more simple in terms of getting here. The roads from Cusco to the trailhead in Upis will be back to normal with regular transport schedules, where earlier in the year this could have likely been impacted by landslides and heavy rainfall.

Hikers of all levels will find May a great month to hike around Ausangate, given the overall easier conditions. If you’re thinking of trekking here, then you can check out our different Ausangate hiking circuits and learn why you’ll want to plan your experience with us here at AB Expeditions.

Preparing For Your Ausangate Trek

As with any multi-day hike within the Andes around Cusco, preparation is extremely important and can be the difference between an enjoyable hike and a challenging one. The altitude is the biggest factor here, where we will often be between 4500-5200m above sea-level. It’s important to have acclimated well before the trek, and to bring anti altitude sickness medications such as Coca Leaves, Soroche Pills and Diamox if you choose to take it.

Overall May is a more simple month to plan for when compared with earlier months of the year. This is because rainfall is dropping significantly (you may get zero showers on your entire trek – especially later in the month), as well as shoulder-season comfortable temperatures. You’ll still need to pack properly though, which includes a thick coat for the night, gloves, a hat, comfortable hiking boots as well as thin layers – given temperatures can get quite warm during the daytime.

Overview Of Visiting Ausangate In May

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

This month welcomes the beginning of the more comfortable dry season, which usually sees more clear blue skies and less showers. May is also an ideal month to visit as conditions will be more favorable too, which include clearer, sturdier paths as well as comfortable temperatures.

Are you looking to hike Ausangate Mountain? Here at AB Expeditions we operate numerous multi-day hiking circuits, where you’ll have all meals and camping equipment included as well as an experienced trekking guide leading the way.