Inca Trail In January

Things to know

• Once New Year and Christmas crowds have decreased, there will be fewer tourists hiking the classic Inca trail.
• January is one of the rainiest times of year to hike the Inca Trail but it is also one of the warmest months in the Andes.
• Historically most landslides occur in Late January.
• The general rainy season pattern in January is that heavy rain comes in the afternoons.

Weather and Trail Conditions

• Rain: Expect frequent showers. In January, it usually rains in the afternoons and evenings, but there are days when it can rain almost nonstop until about 3–4 p.m., and then the next day the sun comes out again. Other times, it might rain heavily for just a couple of hours and the rest of the day is surprisingly clear and pleasant. The weather can change quickly, so it’s always good to be prepared.
• Temperature: During the day, average temperatures range from 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 65°F). At night, temperatures at the high-altitude campsites can drop close to freezing, typically between 0°C and 7°C (32°F to 45°F), especially at the second campsite, which is located above 3,600 meters.
• Visibility: Fog and low-lying clouds are very common during the rainy season. While they add a mystical atmosphere to the trek, they can also limit visibility along certain sections of the trail. This is especially true on the second and third days, when the mountain views are often partially or completely covered. In some cases, the clouds may also obscure the iconic first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, which many trekkers look forward to.

Pros Of Hiking In January

• Because of the rain, flora will be thriving along the Inca Trail so you’ll be able to spot many beautiful orchids.
• See water cascades tumbling down through the rocky slopes.
• In January, the Inca trail has nothing to compare with the overcrowded route that you will find in the winter season. 
• Enjoy this famous route with the calm that the summer gives.
• Chance to get Inca trail permits, sometimes even upon arrival to Cusco.
• Perfect weather for shooting a timelapse of clouds.
• Witness some incredible Rainbow phenomenon.
• The sun still comes out between the showers.
• You can take pictures of the mountain in the mist.

Cons Of Hiking Inca Trail In January

• The constant rain makes the stairs slippery and consequently unsafe.
• The campsites are located usually along the hillside, and with heavy rain humidity, the soil can slide down.  
• Heavy rainfall in the afternoons.
• If it rains heavily, there’s a high chance your tent will get flooded so, book with a reputable company who have good tents. For example,  AB Expeditions uses the Eureka Tents. 
• The Sun Gate is obscured by mist constantly so you won’t have the first glimpse of the lost city of the Incas.
•  Train tracks from Aguas Calientes can be blocked by a mudslide.

• The views are extremely limited in some sections especially on the third day because of the thick mist.

Recommendations

• Don’t book your flight ticket for the same day that you are returning from the Inca Trail because train delays are very common in January.
• If you are thinking of hiking the Inca Trail in January, we recommend you do it in the first two weeks of January because in the last two weeks of January, there is a high chance to get rain every day.
• We don’t recommend you to book in advance for the last 2 weeks of  January, there is always availability. You can book one month in advance without any problem.
• Well-made rain gear for the trek is definitely necessary. There is nothing worse than hiking for hours soaking wet.
• Bring a dry bag for smartphones and other devices.
• We don’t recommend to book for the last 2 weeks of January.

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

For the first week of January, the permits run out 1 month in advance. This is primarily due to the fact that many Peruvians and travelers from Latin American countries opt to embark on the Inca Trail during this time, coinciding with their New Year vacation schedules  However, the permits never run out for the last 3 weeks of January because the rain gets worse.

Frequent Asked Questions About Inca Trail In January

Does It Rain In Inca Trail In January?

Yes, it does rain on the Inca Trail in January. January falls within the rainy season in the Andean region of Peru, which typically lasts from November to March. During this time, the trail experiences frequent and heavy rainfall, making the paths muddy and potentially more challenging for hikers.

Is January A Good Time To Do The Inca Trail?

January is not typically considered an ideal time to hike the Inca Trail due to the region’s rainy season, which peaks between December and March. Heavy rains can make the trail slippery, increasing the risk of landslides in the last 2 weeks and making the trek more challenging and potentially dangerous. Additionally, cloud cover during this period can obscure the scenic vistas that the trail is renowned for. However, if one is prepared for the wet conditions and less concerned with perfect weather, January offers fewer crowds and a more tranquil experience.

What is the average temperature for the Inca Trail in January?

In January, the average temperature for the Inca Trail typically ranges from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius (54 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 0 to 7 degrees Celsius (32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it’s essential to note that temperatures can vary depending on altitude and specific locations along the trail, with higher elevations experiencing colder conditions.

Is Inca Trail Open In January?

Yes, the Inca Trail in Peru is typically open in January, offering adventurers the opportunity to trek through stunning landscapes and explore ancient Incan ruins like Machu Picchu.

Is Inca Trail Crowded In January?

In January, the Inca Trail in Peru experiences crowds in the first week because of the New year. However, in the last 3 weeks are less crowded.