Best time to hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

BEST TIME TO HIKE INCA TRAIL

The best time to hike Inca Trail is before and after the rainy season, also considered shoulder season, which is late April, May, and September, October, and early November. The dry season months, which are June July, and August, are great too. However, the crowds can get very heavy during this time. The reason to hike the Inca Trail during these months is that everything comes into bloom!. The mountains are blanketed in shades of green, and you’ll see a lot of flowers and orchids in bloom along the trail. The weather is still predominantly dry, temperatures are pleasing. Permits may sell out slightly less fast as in the peak months and The trails are not yet likely to be overrun with hikers.

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When is the worst time to hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The worst month to hike the Inca Trail 4 days is January, being specific late January. This time of year the rain is intense, so landslides occure along the Inca Trail and the train track are destroyed by rockslide. This is accidents of the past year on Inca Trail and the train track from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo:

A porter died and two got injured on the famous Inka trail to Machu Picchu January 23rd 2020
Hundreds Stranded in Tourist Town of Machu Picchu on January 26th, 2010.
A tour guide and woman tourists die beacause of the lanslides on the Inka Trail on January 24th, 2010

There is no wrong season for going on a hike because there is always something special to experience in any month. Check out our breakdown of What to Expect on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

Hiking Inca Trail from March through April

During these months, the rains lighten up. The skies start to clear and the heavy tourist season hasn’t quite hit. One of the reasons to hike the Inca Trail during these months is that The little trees and plants or some Orchids are still in blossom before the winter frost arrives. The blooming of those little plants makes it an interesting journey.

Pros

Water cascades to see from mid-hike.
The temperature is warmer, especially at night, with a significant variation comparing months like June or July.
The Inca trail has been recently-maintained.
Contemplate the green blanketed valleys before winter.
Walk amid fewer people at Machu Picchu.
Chance to get Inca trail permits, even upon arrival to Cusco in March.
Perfect weather for shooting a timelapse of clouds.
Witness some incredible Rainbow phenomenon.

Cons

There is 70% of chance to get rainfall in March until early April.
The Machu Picchu view from the sun gate is obscured by mist constantly in March.
Risk of a mudslide in early March.

Hiking Inca Trail from May through August

Particularly June and July are the best seasons for hiking on the Inca trail and so in the Cusco region. Day temperatures range over 20 °C (68 ° F) mark and night temperatures drop greatly to 5 ° C (40 ° F) at higher camps. It is only that these months are the busiest as it goes in line with summer vacation for people living in the northern hemisphere. This season is more suitable for everyone who doesn’t care about crowds but cares more about weather conditions.

Pros

A high chance to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu from the sun gate.
You will appreciate beautiful flora and fauna and occasional birds on sunny days.
Shoot the outstanding views of the snow-clad mountains.
The Southern Milky Way appears in the night sky.
The skies will be blue and brilliant.
Rainfall will be less.
This is the month when the moon is at its brightest during the night sky.
Wild fauna such as deers come for water to the small lakes.

Cons

It can be freezing at night but quite warm soon after the sun comes up.
Inca trail permits run out quicker.
Brownish grasses in the landscape instead of greenish tones of landscapes.
Long queues at Machu Picchu entry and the train stations.
Many people around the strategic photo spots.

Hiking Inca Trail From September through November

How about going Inca trail in the spring months? From September to November the number of visitors begins to decrease, therefore with the yet mild weather and fewer crowds, it is also a good season in which you can enjoy more of the scenic Inca trail ruins without much fog obscuring the sight.

Pros

As a result of rain waters, a variety of plants come into blossom and thrive beautifully at the trail sides and beyond.
Going to the Inca trail in spring without poor weather conditions is phenomenal.
Orchids and hummingbirds are commonly seen along this spectacular section of the trail high above the Urubamba river.
Water cascades to see from mid-hike.
Perfect weather for shooting a timelapse of clouds
Witness some incredible Rainbow phenomenon

Cons

Rains usually take place in the afternoon, you need to wear always good rain gear.
Mosquitos will get you and bother.
Early rains begin in September.

Hiking Inca Trail from December through February

December, January, and February are wet seasons. it’s not recommended to hike the Inca Trail mainly in January. Landslides may occur, especially in January, February, and March. For example on January 23th, 2020 the Inca Trail had to close earlier due to a landslide (unfortunately landslide killed one and injured two others)

Note: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February.

Pros

All vegetation turns into a more greenish color that mantles the valleys along.
As a result of rain waters, a variety of plants come into blossom and thrive beautifully at the trail sides and beyond.
There are good days after the bad days are over.
Going to the Inca trail in December without poor weather conditions is phenomenal.
Orchids and hummingbirds are commonly seen along this spectacular section of the trail high above the Urubamba river.
Chance to get Inca trail permits, sometimes even upon arrival to Cusco.
Water cascades to see from mid-hike.
Perfect weather for shooting a timelapse of clouds
Witness some incredible Rainbow phenomenon

Cons

Lower visibility of the places around, due to moving clouds in the área, specially on day 03.
You will hike with rain most of the time.
A possible snowfall up in the dead woman’s pass.
The Machu Picchu view from the sun gate is obscured by mist constantly.
The campsites and the Trail will be wet.
Landslides might happen in January and Early March.
The train tracks from Aguas Calientes to Ollantataymbo can be blocked by landslides causing delays.