Ausangate In November
Is it worth hiking around Ausangate in November?
One of the most up-and-coming hikes that you can head on within the Cusco region, Ausangate has almost everything you could ask for from a true mountain hike. Here we can see multiple glacial lagoons, experience unforgettable close-ups of snow mountain peaks and also see wild Andean animals. November marks the beginning of the wet season, so we will start to experience changes in both the climate and local scenery along the trek.
In this guide we’ll explore what it’s like hiking Ausangate in November. 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 November?
Quick Answer: Despite being the first month of the wet season, November is a really great month for hiking around Ausangate.
First of all we can begin to experience warmer temperatures, as we start moving into the summer season of Peru. Whilst daytime temperatures will already be quite warm given the altitude, it will also mean that the evenings are more comfortable and tolerable (especially when compared to the cooler lows during the winter months of June and July).
Of course rainfall does begin to fall around Ausangate in November, however it’s still quite light compared with the following wet season months. In fact you may get lucky and have very little showers at all during your trek, whilst enjoying the landscapes which will be a little more green and less dry compared with the previous dry season months.
Important Things To Know
- November marks the shift into the wet season for Ausangate, although rainfall is still relatively low for this month.
- Temperatures begin to warm up during the evenings along the trekking route.
- Crowds will still be much smaller here when compared with other more popular treks in the Cusco region.
The Pros Of Hiking Ausangate In November
- Sparse showers and rainfall mean that you could have little-to-no rainfall on your Ausangate trek in November.
- You can enjoy slightly warmer nighttime temperatures which are otherwise much colder in the winter season.
- The scenery will begin to feel more fresh given the incoming rainfall.
The Cons Of Hiking Ausangate In November
- Like with any Andean hike in the wet season, the weather is unpredictable so you may get a few showers in November.
- Despite having warmer evening temperatures, you’ll still need to bring multiple layers, gloves and a hat.
- Visibility of mountains can sometimes get obscured due to the showers.
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Ausangate In November
Below we’ll now explore what Ausangate in November 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 November
As already mentioned November marks the start of the wet season, as we begin moving towards the Peruvian summer. This means we can expect some changing scenery and weather conditions along the hiking route.
Temperatures continue to warm-up, and whilst October saw a nice increase, visiting Ausangate in November will mean even more comfortable temperatures. This is best felt at night given you won’t be as cold, although it’s still necessary to bring multiple layers, a hat and gloves anyhow. During the day temperatures will be hot if the sky is clear, so you’ll need a hat and to keep reapplying sunscreen.
As November marks the start of the wet season for Ausangate, we can of course expect some light showers here and there. They remain quite random during this month, and you may find you don’t get any at all (which is more likely if hiking the route during the first couple of weeks of November). During this month we’ll also begin to see more fertile lands and greener hues as the much-needed rains arrive after the dry season.
How To Get To Ausangate In November
The official trailhead of the Ausangate loop begins in the town of Upis, which is a remote town Iocated within the mountains above Ocongate. It’s possible to catch public transportation here as then take a taxi up, however schedules will begin to be more erratic as the rains begin to arrive and cause road issues.
We highly recommend heading on a guided Ausangate trek if you want to head here in November, or during any of the wet season months. This is regardless of your hiking abilities, given the trail can be more dangerous and challenging. With our tours we also provide all transport in a safe private vehicle, meaning you’ll avoid any delays or issues getting to or from the trailhead.
Preparing For Your Ausangate Trek
Like with any other high altitude hike in the Cusco region, it’s extremely important to prepare properly for your hike here. This firstly means bringing the right equipment with you, which includes light hiking layers and sunscreens during the day when temperatures are hot. You’ll also need thick layers, gloves and a hat for the evenings, as well as waterproofs and a poncho in case it rains.
We’ll also need to prepare for the altitudes too before hiking Ausangate, given we will be trekking around the 5000m mark which can sometimes cause hikers some issues. We first recommend acclimating properly in Cusco beforehand, spending a few days there and also drinking Coca Leaf Tea. We also suggest buying Soroche Pills or Diamox Tablets to bring with you on the trek (however please first consult with your doctor to see if you can take these).
Overview Of Visiting Ausangate In November
And that’s all for this guide to visiting Ausangate in November.
This month marks the beginning of the wet season for Ausangate and the surrounding mountains in the Cusco region, although rainfall is still relatively low. Hikers will benefit from warmer temperatures in November compared with the previous months, which will be most appreciated during the cooler evenings. Hiking Ausangate in November will also promise less crowds when compared with other treks throughout the region.
Are you looking to book your Ausangate Trek? Here at AB Expeditions we operate multiple Ausangate treks depending on how long you want to spend exploring this incredible region. We also include all lodging, meals, transport, entry tickets, hiking equipment as well as a knowledgeable local guide to lead the way.