Best time to do the Inca Trail
"The climate in the high Andes varies as much by altitude as it does by season."![]()
Descending just a few hundred metres can take you out of wind-blasted plains and into lush montane forest. So even if you're traveling in the 'dry' season, you'll need good, waterproof clothing and boots, warm and cool layers, sunscreen and a fleece. In short, the Andes never fail to surprise. The wet season falls from November-March, and at this time you're pretty much guaranteed a drenching, so this is really not the best time to do the Inca Trail. In the dry season - Peru's winter - temperatures drop close to freezing at night but days can still be gloriously sunny, and you won't have as much cloud and fog obstructing your view of some of the most glorious sights on earth.
Inca Trail Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
13
24
138
FEB
13
25
141
MAR
13
25
151
APR
12
25
62
MAY
11
25
23
JUN
9
25
17
JUL
9
25
22
AUG
10
25
24
SEP
11
26
44
OCT
12
25
75
NOV
13
26
86
DEC
13
26
121
Our Inca Trail trek Vacations
Peru walking and cultural vacation
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
US $2300
10 days
ex flights
High Inca trail trek in Peru
Machu Picchu, Inca fortresses and cloud forest
From
US $3049
14 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $2249 to US $2399
8 days
ex flights
Peruvian Andes trekking vacation to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu with an International Guide and Doctor.
From
US $3232
14 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $3999 to US $4249
15 days
ex flights
Inca Trail trekking vacation, alternative route
Discover the beauty of the Inca Trail in a different way
From
£645
5 days
ex flights
Peru vacation, Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lake Titicaca
Tailor made amazing Andean adventure and cultural heritage
From
£2700
11 days
ex flights
Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 days
From
US $645 to US $690
4 days
ex flights
Inca trail & Amazon Rainforest vacation
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & rainforest
From
US $4799
15 days
ex flights
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu hiking vacation, Peru
Choquequirao - trek to a lost Inca City, Peru
From
£1188
7 days
ex flights
Inca Trail extension vacation
Conquer ancient pathways on the historic Inca trail hike.
From
US $1000 to US $1100
6 days
ex flights
Inca trail trekking vacation
Andean adventure small group vacation
From
US $1600 to US $1650
11 days
ex flights
Tailormade vacation in Peru, the Amazon
An iconic journey from the Amazon to Machu Picchu
From
£4640
14 days
ex flights
Alternative Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Remote trekking to Machu Picchu
From
US $2570
15 days
ex flights
Inca Trail trek with homestay
World-famous Inca Trail and an active, cultural twist.
From
US $975 to US $1045
3 days
ex flights
Peru in depth and the Inca Trail vacation
Peru's stunning highlights with trekking the Inca Trail
From
US $3450 to US $3590
21 days
ex flights
Peru small group vacation, Inca Trail & Amazon
Exciting journey into enchanting Peru from Amazon to Andes
From
US $3875 to US $4520
20 days
ex flights
Inca trail vacation, Peru
Retrace the steps of a fascinating civilisation
From
US $1377 to US $1905
8 days
ex flights
Peru and Inca trail small group vacation
Travel from the Andes to the Amazon
From
US $2304 to US $3070
12 days
ex flights
Learn Spanish in Peru & trek the Inca trail
Inca trek & relaxed, professional Spanish lessons
From
US $1480
13 days
ex flights
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek
Bucket List Adventure Trekking to Machu Picchu
From
£350 to £480
4 days
ex flights
Highlights of Peru vacations
Discover the real Peru. Includes Inca Trail Trek
From
£2299
21 days
ex flights
Classic Inca Trail vacation, 10 days
10-days: Lima, Cusco, 4-day Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
From
£1695
10 days
ex flights
Ancascocha 5 day trek in Peru
Off the beaten trek to Machu Picchu
From
£540 to £599
5 days
ex flights
Peru tailor made vacation, country tour
Tailor-made exploration of Peru's famous & little-known gems
From
£8530
25 days
ex flights
18-29's Inca Trail hiking trip, Peru
Get straight down to business and up the Inca Trail.
From
US $1175 to US $1330
6 days
ex flights
Family adventure vacation in Peru, Inca & Amazon
Pretty Sherpa villages and spectacular mountains
From
US $3999
14 days
ex flights
Alternative Inca trail trek in Peru, Salkantay Trek
Salkantay trek - an alternative Inca Trail adventure
From
US $840
5 days
ex flights
Peru & Inca Trail small group vacation
Get an in depth insight into the lost land of the Incas
From
£2499
19 days
ex flights
Lake Titicaca & Peru highlights vacation
Explore the attractions of south Peru with Inca Trail trek.
From
US $2350 to US $3540
15 days
ex flights
The Inca Trail month by month
Our top Inca Trail trek Vacation
Peruvian Andes trekking vacation to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu with an International Guide and Doctor.
From
US $3232
14 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2022: 9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sep, 15 Oct
2023: 16 Jul, 13 Aug, 3 Sep, 15 Oct
2022: 9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sep, 15 Oct
2023: 16 Jul, 13 Aug, 3 Sep, 15 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Inca Trail trek or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
1-866-821-6866
Call toll free
Calling from outside the USA
Our recommendations
Elena Larkin is the Latin America Specialist from our supplier, Natural World Safaris. Originally from Lima, she tells us which is her best time to do the Inca Trail - and why:
"For me personally, the best time to go and see the mountains is mid to late April, because it's after the rainy season and everything is green. My least favourite time is in July and August when it's filled with local families as well as tourists - it's just too crowded, and very cold. Our National Day is on 28th July - so that's really a time to avoid."
"For me personally, the best time to go and see the mountains is mid to late April, because it's after the rainy season and everything is green. My least favourite time is in July and August when it's filled with local families as well as tourists - it's just too crowded, and very cold. Our National Day is on 28th July - so that's really a time to avoid."
Tom Brown from our supplier Natural World Safaris, talks about his favourite time in the Highlands: "July and August are very cold in the Peruvian Andes as it's winter. People think they're going to Peru, it's near the equator, and it's going to be warm - but once you get up to 3,000m it's pretty cold! April is just coming out of the summer rainy season and into the dry season - so you've still got a bit of heat there and the weather's good."
Simon Forster, co-founder of our supplier the Beyond Tourism Co., has tips on what to do if you're planning to hike the Inca Trail during high season:
"The Inca Trail is very popular and it can get busy, so if you're going at a time of year when getting permits might be difficult, remember that there are other routes you can take that connect with Machu Picchu. Trails like Salkantay don't get anywhere near as busy and they're just as beautiful, so ask your operator to explain all the options available."
More about Inca Trail trek
Our travel guide answers any questions you may have about hiking this iconic trail, along with a day by day sample itinerary and a brief history of the Inca Trail.
Our Inca Trail map showcases the highlights along the trail, along with a detailed day by day itinerary, to help you get your head around the hike.
In between trekking, you can learn about archaeology, visit local communities and stay with your porters. The Inca Trail is about so much more than Machu Picchu.
Our guide to Machu Picchu reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips on what to see, how to travel there and the best time to visit...
There are alternative Inca Trails that lead to Machu Picchu, taking in cloud and rainforest, high passes and indigenous villages, including the Salkantay and Lares treks...
Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu usually takes four days, with three days of camping.
Trekking the Inca Trail with kids is not going to suit every family, but there are wonderful opportunities for bonding, education and exploration. We offer tips for parents and kids.
Get tips on everything from planning and packing, to how to travel safely on the Inca Trail. Our tour operators and travelers share their top Inca Trail advice.
Find out about Quechua homestays, porters' rights and responsible trekking on the Inca Trail, to ensure this path and its people are treated as respectfully as possible.
protection
