During the route to the Inca Trail, you will pass through different altitudinal places, from 2,400 m.a.s.l up to 4,200 m.a.s.l, at the highest point and of course this influences the climate, which varies according to the height of the place that is being visited.

It should be noted that there are two types of Inca Trail:

The first is the Classic Inca Trail of 4 Days / 3 Nights that begins in Piscakucho (2,800 m.a.s.l) And the highest point is Warmiwañusca – Paso de la mujer muerta (4,200 m.a,s.l), During this hike we will go through different ecological floors , with climatic variations from cold to warm

The second one is the Inca Trail of 2 Days / 1 Night begins in Chachabamba (2,250 m.s.l) And the highest point is the Intipunku (2,750 m.s.l), During the walk the climate is warm in the dry season and in the cloudy and warm rain, obviously with presence of rains.

It should be noted that in the month of February, it is impossible to do the Inca Trail, given that the Ministry of Culture closes the road during this month, to maintain and improve the route.

The weather varies according to the months some with presence of rains, sunny days, cloudy days, cold nights; Then we detail the Inca Trail weather per month

• During the months of January and March the rains are persistent mostly at night, the days are cloudy but there are nice and sunny days, if we have good luck.
• In the month of April, the rainy season ends little by little, and the days become warmer and more pleasant, with sporadic rains
• Between May and October, the weather is warm and cool, with little rain, sunny days and quite bright.
• The months of June, July, August and September are the best months to do the Inca Trail, during the day it is clear and you can clearly observe the landscapes, the days are fresher, however, the nights are cold in the high areas.
• During November and December, it is the time when the rainy season begins, the days are sunny, but at any moment it can rain, as well as, there are cloudy days without rain.

Now it is only your decision, check what month to make the Inca Trail, and enjoy your adventure, among the ancestral mountains, which witnessed the greatness of the Inca Empire

How many days in advance should I book the Inca Trail?

Only 500 people are allowed to enter the Inca Trail on any given day; around 200 of these go to tourists, the rest go to guides, porters and other trekking personnel. If you think it sounds limited, it’s true.

While alternative hikkings will provide opportunities for last minute walks to Machu Picchu; hiking on the Classic Inca Trail route; Whether it’s two days, four days or more, it requires a reservation in advance to get a space on this hike.

If you arrive in Cusco with the idea of finding a space on the Inca Trail, there is a high probability that you will be deeply disappointed when you won’t find any space.

About the reservations of the Inca Trail

• If you are planning  to come in high season (June, July, August), take care that for these months, visitors normally book four or five months in advance, so ideally, reserve Inca Trail, about six months in advance
• The months around the hight season are also often sold ahead of time. If you want to travel the Inca Trail in the months of April, May, September, October or November, try to book at least three or four months in advance.
• some months are quiet, normally December, January and early March, it might be fine to book four or five weeks in advance (although this also depends on the availability for sale at the beginning of the year).
• If you wonder what happened during February, it is the month in which the Inca Trail closes for maintenance. However, the Inca City of Machu Picchu citadel is open.

Do you want to choose the date to do the Inca Trail?

According to our experience operating the Inca Trail, making reservations your permits for the Inca Trail at the beginning of the year will give you the freedom to choose which month you want to visit Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: trek information & prices