Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most thrilling and rewarding trekking experiences in the world. However, choosing the best time to hike Inca Trail is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. The climate, crowd levels, and overall trail conditions vary significantly throughout the year, making some months far more suitable than others.
If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail, this detailed month-by-month guide will help you determine the best season based on weather, difficulty, and overall trekking experience.
Why the Best Time to Hike Inca Trail Matters
The Inca Trail is a four-day, 42-kilometer trek through rugged Andean terrain, reaching altitudes of over 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). The experience is physically demanding, and factors like weather conditions, rainfall, and altitude sickness can greatly impact the best time to hike Inca Trail.
Key reasons why selecting the best time to hike Inca Trail is important:
- Weather Conditions: The dry season offers better visibility and safer trekking conditions, while the wet season can make the trail muddy and dangerous.
- Permit Availability: The Inca Trail has limited permits, which sell out quickly during peak months.
- Trail Crowds: Some months attract thousands of hikers, while others provide a quieter experience.
- Scenery and Photography: Different seasons offer unique landscapes, from lush green mountains to clear blue skies.
Now, let’s break down the best and worst times to hike the Inca Trail month by month.
January – A Rainy and Challenging Month
January is one of the wettest months of the year, making it one of the least recommended times for the best time to hike Inca Trail. The heavy rainfall makes the trail slippery and muddy, significantly increasing the difficulty level.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in January
- Fewer trekkers on the trail, making for a quieter experience.
- Lush green landscapes due to consistent rainfall.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in January
- High probability of heavy rain and landslides.
- Cloudy skies may block mountain views.
- Rivers along the trail can overflow, causing disruptions.
January is not the best time to hike Inca Trail unless you are prepared for wet conditions and unpredictable weather.
February – The Inca Trail is Closed
The Peruvian government closes the Inca Trail every February for essential maintenance and restoration work. This is a necessary effort to preserve the historic route and repair damage caused by heavy rainfall and thousands of trekkers. If you are planning your trip, keep in mind that February is not the best time to hike Inca Trail, as the route remains completely closed during this month.
Alternatives to the Inca Trail in February
- Salkantay Trek: A challenging but beautiful route that offers incredible views of snow-capped mountains.
- Lares Trek: A quieter, less-traveled alternative with cultural interactions in local villages.
- Machu Picchu by Train: If you still want to visit Machu Picchu, take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
February is not an option for the Inca Trail, but alternative treks to Machu Picchu remain available.
March – The Beginning of the Trekking Season
March marks the reopening of the Inca Trail, but it remains part of the rainy season. While conditions are not perfect, March is still a viable option for experienced trekkers. Those looking for the best time to hike Inca Trail should consider that rainfall can still make the trail slippery, but fewer crowds and lush green landscapes can enhance the experience.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in March
- The trail is freshly maintained after February’s closure.
- Fewer tourists compared to peak months.
- Green landscapes provide stunning scenery.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in March
- Rain is still frequent, making some sections muddy and slippery.
- Some viewpoints may remain clouded over.
March is not the best time to hike Inca Trail, but it offers moderate conditions for those comfortable with occasional rain.
April – One of the Best Months to Hike the Inca Trail
April is one of the best times to hike Inca Trail, as it marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. The landscape remains lush and vibrant, but rainfall decreases significantly, providing excellent trekking conditions. For those seeking the best time to hike Inca Trail, April offers a great balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and breathtaking scenery.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in April
- Mostly dry conditions with occasional light rain.
- Fewer crowds compared to peak months.
- Vibrant, green landscapes enhance photography opportunities.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in April
- Nights can still be cold, especially at higher elevations.
- Early in the month, some sections of the trail may still be muddy.
April is an excellent time to hike the Inca Trail, offering a balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
May – Peak Season Begins
May marks the beginning of peak season on the Inca Trail, making it one of the best time to hike Inca Trail. The dry season brings clear skies and ideal trekking conditions, but high demand means permits sell out quickly, requiring advance booking.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in May
- Stable weather conditions with clear skies.
- Perfect temperatures for hiking.
- Best time for sunrise views at Machu Picchu.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in May
- Crowds increase, meaning busier campsites and viewpoints.
- Permits sell out months in advance, requiring early booking.
May is one of the best times to hike Inca Trail, but advanced booking is required due to high demand.
June, July, and August – Peak Tourist Season
June, July, and August are the busiest months of the year for the Inca Trail. The dry season provides perfect trekking conditions, with clear skies, breathtaking views, and minimal rain. However, the surge in visitors means crowded trails, packed campsites, and high demand for permits. If you are looking for the best time to hike Inca Trail with ideal weather, these months are excellent, but you must book your permit at least six months in advance to secure your spot.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in June, July, and August
- Consistently dry and stable weather.
- Clear mountain views with little cloud cover.
- Ideal for seeing Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in June, July, and August
- Extremely high demand – permits sell out six months in advance.
- Very crowded campsites and viewpoints.
- Cold nighttime temperatures, especially at Dead Woman’s Pass.
June to August is the best time to hike Inca Trail for perfect weather, but be prepared for large crowds.
September – A Great Alternative to Peak Season
September is one of the best time to hike Inca Trail, with good weather and fewer crowds. It is still part of the dry season, but with less tourist congestion than peak months.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in September
- Stable and dry weather with mostly clear skies.
- Less crowded compared to June through August.
- Great visibility for mountain views and photography.
- Warmer nights compared to the peak winter months.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in September
- Some chances of rain increase toward the end of the month.
- Certain sections of the trail may begin to dry out, making the landscape slightly less green.
September is one of the best months to hike the Inca Trail if you want great weather without the peak season crowds. It is an ideal choice for those looking to avoid the most tourist-heavy months while still enjoying dry conditions.
October – A Transition Month with Increasing Rain
October is a transition month for the best time to hike Inca Trail, as it shifts from the dry season to the wet season. While conditions remain stable, rainfall increases toward the end of the month.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in October
- Less crowded than peak season, allowing for a more peaceful trek.
- Warmer temperatures make for more comfortable hiking conditions.
- A mix of dry and green landscapes, depending on the timing of the rain.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in October
- Rain becomes more frequent, especially in late October.
- Cloudy conditions may affect visibility of the mountains.
- Humidity increases, which can make certain parts of the trail more uncomfortable.
October is still a decent time to hike the Inca Trail, but those who prefer drier conditions should consider earlier months like May, June, or September.
November – Beginning of the Rainy Season
November marks the start of the rainy season, making the Inca Trail wet and muddy. While the trail remains open, those seeking the best time to hike Inca Trail should prepare for increased rainfall and slippery conditions.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in November
- Significantly fewer tourists compared to peak months.
- The landscape becomes lush and green again after months of dry weather.
- Easier to obtain permits and accommodations due to lower demand.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in November
- High chance of rain, making trails muddy and slippery.
- Increased humidity, which can make hiking uncomfortable.
- Cloud cover may obstruct views, especially at Machu Picchu.
November is not the best time to hike the Inca Trail, but for experienced hikers who don’t mind rain, it offers solitude and a beautifully green landscape.
December – A Rainy and Challenging Month
December brings heavy rainfall, making the Inca Trail more challenging. While not the best time to hike Inca Trail, some trekkers still choose it for a quieter, off-season adventure.
Advantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in December
- Fewer hikers, meaning a quieter experience.
- The landscape is lush and vibrant from consistent rainfall.
- Machu Picchu during Christmas and New Year’s can be a special experience.
Disadvantages of Hiking the Inca Trail in December
- Frequent rain leads to muddy trails and slippery conditions.
- Increased chance of landslides, potentially causing trail closures.
- Higher humidity levels make the trek physically more demanding.
December is not the best time to hike Inca Trail, but for those who don’t mind rain and mud, it is still possible to complete the trek.
Final Thoughts: When is the Best Time to Hike Inca Trail?
Selecting the best time to hike Inca Trail depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and scenery. Below is a summary based on different travel styles:
Best for Ideal Weather and Trekking Conditions
- May to September
- Dry season with stable weather and clear views
- Comfortable temperatures during the day
Best for Fewer Crowds
- March, April, October
- Offers a balance between good weather and fewer tourists
- Ideal for those who want to avoid peak-season crowds
Best for Lush Green Landscapes
- November to March
- The wet season ensures vibrant vegetation and stunning scenery
- Recommended for adventurous hikers who can handle rain
Best for Last-Minute Permits
- March, April, October, November
- Lower demand means better permit availability
- A good option for those booking closer to their travel date
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Hike Inca Trail
How far in advance should I book my Inca Trail permit?
- For peak months (May to September), permits sell out six months in advance.
- For shoulder months (March, April, October, November), booking three to four months ahead is usually enough.
What happens if it rains during my trek?
- The trek continues regardless of the weather.
- Bring a waterproof jacket, rain poncho, and extra dry clothes.
Does altitude sickness affect hikers on the Inca Trail?
- Yes, especially at Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters / 13,828 feet).
- Spend at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimate before starting the hike.
Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
- No, the Peruvian government requires all trekkers to hike with a licensed guide and tour operator.
Conclusion Choosing the Best Time to Hike Inca Trail
The absolute best months to hike the Inca Trail are May and September because they offer:
- Great weather with little rain
- Fewer crowds compared to peak season
- Clear views of the mountains and Machu Picchu
However, depending on your preferences for crowds, weather, and availability, other months can still provide a great experience.
If you want to hike the Inca Trail under the best conditions, book your permit as early as possible and prepare accordingly for altitude, climate changes, and physical challenges.
Are you planning to hike the Inca Trail? Use this guide to choose the best time for your adventure and ensure an unforgettable experience!
