The Weather on the 2 Day Inca Trail and in Cusco region is different from some other parts of the World. Here in Cusco we have 2 main seasons.
- The dry season runs from late April through to early October.
- The wet season starts mid to late October and ends in April.
But, When is the best time of the year to do 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The Hike can technically be completed all year round, except in February when it´s closed for maintenance. The peak trekking season to Machu Picchu occurs during the dry season and is busiest between May and September. So, the best time of year to do 2 days Inca Trail runs from the shoulder of wet months March/April all the way through to the shoulder of dry months October/November.
****In the rainy season (November to February), there are frequent heavy tropical showers. The Cusco region has a tropical high mountainous type of weather. This means the weather can change within minutes from sunshine to a rain showers. Showers are usually localized and move on quickly. It does not normally all day long, only occasionally in the rainy season. The weather reports are very misleading. It can show on the weather forecast that it is raining every day; but all that means is that somewhere in our mountainous region there will be a shower. It can be rainy in one area of Cusco and completely dry in another area.
The weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable and difficult to foresee. It´s tropical mountainous weather, that’s highly affected by the dry and wet seasons. The 1 and 2 day Inca Trails are at lower altitude than Cusco, 1,000 meters or about 3,000 feet lower. Machu Picchu is also in the foot of the Amazonian jungle and therefor has a warmer climate compared to Cusco.
Weather on the 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
THE WEATHER
As with all outdoor hikes, we recommend that you spend time researching typical weather conditions around the time of your visit. This will help you plan and pack better for your trip.
DRY SEASON
May through September is dry season. That doesn’t mean it won’t ever rain, but you’ll find it the days have less rain on average and showers are rare.
RAINY SEASON
The rainy season usually starts from November and lasts until end of March. During these months you may experience heavy tropical showers frequently. February is the wettest month and consequently the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
Average Temperatures
Daytime: 68°F – 80°F (20°C – 27°C) Night time: 50°F – 64°F (10°C – 18°C)
Best Time to hike the 2 day Inca Trail
- The peak season for Machu Picchu is during the region’s dry season, when sunny conditions are most probable. However, this also comes with huge crowds.
- The low season for Machu Picchu is during the rainy season. There are fewer tourists and less crowding, but there’s also a much higher probability of heavy rain so you’ll need to make sure you pack your rain gear
Why hike the 2 days Inca Trail?
- You are hiking the last 1/3 of the famous Classic Inca Trail that everyone worldwide desires to hike.
- It is a trek through history with archeological sites all along the way to view and explore.
- The views from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu Citadel are spectacular.
- You have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- You are hiking the actual trail that the Ancient Incas hiked more than 600 year ago.
- You get to visit Machu Picchu Citadel twice, the 1st and 2nd day of the trek.
Weather on the 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was updated on April 2023