Inca Trail In March

Things to know

• The general rainy season pattern in March is that heavy rain comes in the afternoons.
• March is the third wettest time of year to hike the Inca Trail.
• If Semana Santa (Holy week) falls in March, the Inca Trail permits tend to run out quickly.
• March is still classed as the rainy season, so it is not the best time to hike Inca Trail.
• The rain starts to ease in March on the Inca Trail, especially near the end of this month.
• Crowds are still low as the high season hasn’t started yet.
• Rain: On average, rain falls 15 days in a month.
• Temperature: It ranges between 5.5 and 18-celsius degrees. (42 and 66 ° F).

Pros Of Hiking Inca Trail In March

• You will find clean campsites, toilets, and new bridges.
• Because of the rain, flora will be thriving along the Inca Trail so you’ll be able to spot many beautiful orchids.
• The Inca trail has been recently-maintained.
• Contemplate the green blanketed valleys.
• There is a chance to get an Inca trail permit easier.
• Perfect weather for shooting a timelapse of clouds.
• Witness some incredible Rainbow phenomenon.

Cons Of Hiking Inca Trail In March

• 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.
• 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 areas 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 Inca Trail because train delays are very common in March.
• If you are thinking to hike Inca Trail in March, we recommend you do it in the last two weeks of March because, in the first two weeks of March, there is a high chance to get rain every day.
• Make sure you have a good rain jacket. There is nothing worse than hiking for hours soaking wet.
• Bring a dry bag for smartphones and other devices.

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

During the first week of March, the Inca trail permits never run out because it is still rainy season and many people try to avoid this time of year. However, for the last 2 weeks of March, the permits for the Inca Trail run out 1 month in advance because, in the last 2 weeks, the rain decreased.

• On March 12th, 2024. the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the fourth week of March.
• For the first, second, and third weeks of March, there was always availability. You could still find the permits even upon arrival to Cusco.

Frequent Asked Questions About Inca Trail In March

Can you hike the Inca Trail in March?

Yes, you can hike the Inca Trail in March. March marks the end of the rainy season in Peru, meaning the trail can be wet, with potentially challenging weather conditions. However, it is still a popular time to visit due to fewer crowds compared to the peak season.

What is the weather like on the Inca Trail in March?

The weather on the Inca Trail in March is typically characterized by the end of the rainy season, resulting in frequent rain showers and cloudy conditions.

Does It Rain In Inca Trail In March?

Yes, it rains on the Inca Trail in March. March falls within the wet season in the Andean region, which typically spans from November to March

Is March A Good Time To Do The Inca Trail?

March can be a good time to hike the Inca Trail, but it comes with some considerations. It marks the tail end of the rainy season in Peru, which means the trail might be less crowded, offering a more serene experience. However, trekkers should be prepared for possible rain, which can make the hike more challenging. Additionally, the lush, green landscapes post-rains provide stunning views, enhancing the scenic beauty of the trek.

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

The average temperature for the Inca Trail in March typically ranges from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius (54 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, with temperatures dropping to around 0 to 7 degrees Celsius (32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

Is Inca Trail open in March?

Yes, the Inca Trail typically remains open in March

Is Inca Trail Crowded In March?

In March, the Inca Trail tends to be less crowded due to it being the tail end of the rainy season in the region.