Inca Trail In December

If you plan to hike Inca Trail in December, you will be visiting in the rainy season. The thing is that it can rain four or five days in a row and after that, the rains cease for a week so you should be prepared with good rain gear hiking Inca Trail in December.

As the year comes to an end, and with the holiday parties on Christmas and the new year around the corner, the Inca trail gets moderately crowded but not as in the peak season nor emptier as in the low season. Machu Picchu also gets crowded at this time of the year due to many Peruvian tourists who set off on family trips. Before or after Christmas and New Year, the number of visitors on the Inca trail goes down.

Did you know that only AB Expeditions provides proper trekking gear to their porters? Also, they have satellite phones and a Portable toilet tent. Click here to book with us your Inca trail for 4 days.

Table of Contents

Things to know

  • All vegetation turns into a more greenish color that mantles the valleys along.
  • Crowds are low during the first 2 weeks of December and very high over Christmas and New Year. The long lines or large groups of travelers you typically find in Machu Picchu.
  • If you are not the rainy type of person then hiking to Inca Trail late in the year will not be the best option for you.
  • The trail and steps get pretty slippery because of rain, so wear proper trekking shoes.
  • As a result of rain waters, a variety of plants come into blossom and thrive beautifully at the trail sides and beyond.
  • Generally, the weather pattern in December is that heavy rain comes in the afternoon and during the night. Mornings are often still dry.
  • the visibility may be low especially on day 03 because of the clouds that cover the mountains.
  • Rain: On average, rain falls 21 days of the month.
  • Temperature: It ranges between 2 and 23-celsius degrees. (35 and 73 ° F).

inca trail in december

Pros Of Hiking Inca Trail In December

  • 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.
  • Witness some incredible Rainbow phenomenon.

Cons Of Trekking Inca Trail In December

  • Machu Picchu is often shrouded in clouds.
  • There is less chance to see Machu Picchu from the sun gate.
  • The Inca Trail is often steep and gets quite slippery with the rain.
  • Heavy rainfalls throughout December will ruin your trip if you are not prepared with proper rain gear.
  • low cloud cover reduces the visibility of the mountains.

Recommendations

  • We definitely recommend you to bring hiking poles, rain cover for your backpack, rain poncho, and rain pants.
  • The trail gets slippery after the rain, Shoes with good lug soles are highly recommended.
  • Rain suits and trekking poles will be your companion.
  • Bring a plastic bag for smartphones and other devices.

Do you have a rough idea of when the permits for December sell out by?

Most of the time, the Inca Trail permits for the last 2 weeks of December run out 1 month in advance, because of the Christmas and New Year vacation for Peruvians and for people who live in South America so they come to hike the Inca trail.  However, for the first week of December the Inca trail permits never run out.

Frequent Asked Questions About Inca Trail in December

Does It Rain On the Inca Trail In December?

Yes, it rains on the Inca Trail in December, as this month falls within the wet season in the Peruvian Andes. December marks the beginning of the rainy season. During this time, travelers can expect frequent showers and potentially challenging trail conditions, such as muddy paths and swollen streams. While the lush green scenery and fewer crowds can be appealing, the increased rainfall requires adequate preparation and caution for those undertaking the trek.

Is December A Good Time To Do The Inca Trail?

December can be a mixed time to embark on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. While the weather during December is generally warm and pleasant with fewer crowds compared to peak season (June to August), it’s also the rainy season, which can result in muddy and slippery trails, as well as occasional heavy downpours. Therefore, while December offers the advantage of fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures, travelers should be prepared for the possibility of rain and its associated challenges when considering this time for their trek on the Inca Trail.

What Is The Average Temperature For The Inca Trail In December?

The average temperature for the Inca Trail in December typically ranges from 8°C to 25°C (46°F to 77°F) during the day, while nights can be considerably cooler, dropping to around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). These temperatures may vary depending on the specific location along the trail and the altitude, with higher elevations experiencing cooler conditions. It’s advisable for trekkers to come prepared with appropriate clothing layers to stay comfortable throughout their journey.

Is the Inca Trail Open In December?

Yes, the Inca Trail in Peru is open in December. While December is part of the rainy season in the region, the trail remains accessible for trekking during this time.

Is Inca Trail Crowded In December?

Yes, the Inca Trail can be crowded in December, especially during the first last 2 weeks which coincide with the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, the first 2 weeks are less crowded.

Hike inca trail with local company
inca trail 4 days
inca trail 2 days
short inca trail camping

Inca Trail Video In December

This video will show you what the landscape looks like in December day by day. Also, you will see some days are foggy and some days the sun comes out. But something that this video doesn’t show is the Rain. As a tour guide who has done the Inca Trail more than 500 times, I can see in the video That the trail has water, so it was raining. 

inca trail pop up
Limited Availability!

Book Your Inca Trail 4 Day tour Now Whilst Spaces Are Still Available For Just $750

can we help you?