Best time to travel and weather

Dry season (May to October): Sunny days, clear views of the mountains and little rain – ideal conditions for trekking. June to August is the high season: the days are pleasant, but the nights are cold, and permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu sell out months in advance.

Shoulder months (April and October to November): Many travelers consider these months the best compromise. The landscape is green, there are fewer visitors and the weather is mostly stable, with occasional showers.

Rainy season (December to March): Rain is frequent, especially in the afternoon, and the trails can be muddy. In return, the valleys are lush and green and Machu Picchu is quieter. The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance; alternative treks and Machu Picchu remain open.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley: During the day, temperatures in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) usually reach 18–22 °C (64–72 °F). In the evening it cools down quickly, to around 0–5 °C (32–41 °F) in the dry season. The Sacred Valley is lower and a few degrees warmer.

Inca Trail: Daytime temperatures range from about 15–20 °C (59–68 °F) on sunny days and are noticeably cooler on cloudy days. At the first two campsites, nights are around 0–5 °C (32–41 °F). Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu lie lower and are milder and more humid.

Salkantay and Lares: On these high treks, daytime temperatures range from about 10–20 °C (50–68 °F). Nights at the high campsites are often below freezing.

Sun and UV: At high altitude, the sun is very strong even when it feels cool. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are essential all year round.

Our tip: If you want to hike the Inca Trail in the high season, book 6 to 8 months in advance. For more flexibility, alternative treks such as Salkantay or Lares can be booked at shorter notice.