Inca Trail in September

September is the end of the dry season. towards the end of September, expect to have the early rains that sometimes last a couple of days in a row, so you need to carry rain gear. but overall the weather is outstanding for hiking the Inca Trail. Cold nights are not as common in september because Peru s winter is over. Plants start flowering beacuse of early rains and soon they will be giving nectar to butterflies and hummingbirds. While walking amidst the Andean tundra you can see these little birds in joy, and so much other wildlife roaming, flying, and chirping around.

Additionally, September is mating season for some birds: for example one of them is Andean tunki (Cock-of-the-rock). The Inca Trail hikers sometimes spot these colorful birds on day 3 and 4.

Did you know that only AB Expeditions provides proper trekking gear to their porters? Also, they have satellite phones and a private toilet tent. Book now with them your Inca trail 4 days.

Things to know

Temperatures in Inca Trail in September start to warm up again.
September is the end of the dry season and the starting of the wet season.
The first rains of September sometimes surprise you at any given moment so be ready with a good rain cloths.
Rain: On average, rain falls 6 days of the month.
Temperature: It ranges between 2.2 and 22.7-celsius degrees. (36 and 73 ° F).

Pros

Crowds are down in Machu Picchu. But not yet on the Inca Trail.
The fauna is unbelievable, especially orchids and ferns.
Orchids come into blossom.
Witness some incredible Rainbow phenomenon
Beautiful and mysterious landscapes with clouds rising and moving.
There is a higher chance to see birds coming for nectar.

Cons

Early rains begin in September.
Mosquitoes will get you and bother you.

Recommendations

While September is quieter than the high season, you’ll still need to book your inca Trail permits well in advance if you plan to hike the Inca Trail.
Definitely bring layers and a rain poncho.
For bird watchers, bring a long zoom camera or binoculars.

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

It all depends on Peru’s political situation. In 2019 before the pandmic the Inca trail permits run out 4 months in advance. However this year because of the strike that happened on January 2023 the Inca trail permits for September run out 3 weeks in advance for the first 2 weeks of September. And for the last 2 weeks, you could still find the Inca trail permits even upon arrival to Cusco.

Key activities in Cusco

During September, it is customary that catholic religious parties take place around the countryside villages of Cusco. Particularly in the town of Chinhcero, whose villagers hold out the festivity of Virgen of the Nativity on the first week of September. At this festivity, many dance presentations joy attendants while the image of the Virgen is in procession. Sounds of flutes, accordions, and shell trump ignite the scene in that countryside village of Cusco near the sacred valley.