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best time to do Inca trail

L.A
Level Contributor
67 posts
best time to do Inca trail
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Hi,

Please help, l can only do the Inca trail between November and March for work reasons, is the weather really bad??

What is better 2 days or 4 days.

Where is it best to start from to get used to altitude sickness

After the trail l want to relax on a beach anyone got any suggestions, even if its another country?

any good travel agencies that any one can suggest?

Brooklyn, New York
Level Contributor
105 posts
6 reviews
7 helpful votes
1. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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My sister and I just did the Inca Trail trip May 23-26 with Apumayo Expediciones out of Cusco (http://www.apumayo.com). They were fantastic, and I would highly recommend the 4 day trek.

Although I can't comment on the time of year, I've heard that our Winter (Summer in Peru) is rainy. We had fabulous weather last month. Maybe Apumayo could help.

You should spend about 3 days in Cusco before starting the trek to get used to the altitude. Cusco (at about 11,000 ft.) is actually higher elevation than Machu Picchu and most places on the trek (one mountain pass is almost 14,000 ft.). Also, get a prescription for Diamox from your doctor, and start taking it a couple of days before you leave home.

Do the trip... it is one you'll never forget!

L.A
Level Contributor
67 posts
2. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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Hi thanks for that.

Just one thing, when you finish the trip at Machu Picchu, how do you get back.

Did you do the trip so you see the sunrise in machu picchu? is this possible

Brooklyn, New York
Level Contributor
105 posts
6 reviews
7 helpful votes
3. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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Apumayo booked us on the Peru Rail "backpacker" train from Aguas Calientes (the town closest to MP) back to Cusco after the trek, which was included in their price. It was perfectly fine, with comfortable, reserved seats and snack/drink service. It took about 4 hours. Then Apumayo had someone meet us at the train station in Cusco and bring us to our hotel.

There were only 4 people in our group on the trek, and we decided with the guide to skip getting up extra-early in order to see the sunrise at MP. In retrospect, I wish we had done it because by the time we actually got there (late morning) it was already crowded with tourists.

Lima, Peru
Destination Expert
for Cusco, Lima, Arequipa, Peru
Level Contributor
19,304 posts
519 reviews
268 helpful votes
4. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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Most probably trhe Inca trail will be closed from Feb to March due to rain, and maybe before that if it is raining to much.

Do not delay further than Nov and good luck with the rain.

Nov in Lima is not warm enough to go to the beach. Maybe you can try Mancora which is way North and very close to Ecuador were the weather will be very hot.

You can catch a flight fdrom Lima to Tumbes and then by bus to Mancora.

Try Las Pocitas for a very nice hotel and food.

United Kingdom
Level Contributor
3 posts
14 reviews
25 helpful votes
5. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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Hi,

I am intending to do the four day trail at the beginning of next year. I have hit a snag in that I am being told that the trail is closed all through February for repairs. Alas I have already booked my flights with KLM. To change to 26 feb is going to cost a cancellation fee of �� 90 ( 140 eu) each, so be warned if you hae not booked your flight yet

Chicago
1 post
6. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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My group went on the 4 day hike in late March of this year, the tail end of the rainy season. We really got all sorts of weather, but 3 of 4 days were not rainy. You do run the risk of being damp (and Day 2 at the highest altitudes can be chilly) but during the sunny periods, it wasn't as hot as during the dry season - I think preferable for hiking. Seems like the temps ranged during the day from high 50s to low 70s. As far as stuff to bring, think layers and remember warm clothes for the evenings and nightimes (extra fleeces, hats, gloves, etc.) and waterproof dry bags for your clean clothes. Some people had gore-tex rain suits, remember to get the breatheable stuff.

Re: altitude sickness, I arrived a day earlier in Cusco than my group, and appreciated the extra time. I did take Diamox, but the first day in Cusco was still slow going - just don't expect to hustle around or overeat.

Sydney, Australia
Level Contributor
7 posts
12 reviews
24 helpful votes
7. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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Well worth it anytime of year.. may get a few afternoon showers!

I would reccomend http://www.chimuadventures.com web based.. great prices.

Definately go 4 days!

IL
3 posts
8. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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I am planning a trip to hike the Inca trail at the very end of March (around March 27th or so). I understand that this is the rainy season and I know that there are better times to travel. But I'm limited to taking a vacation that time of year and I have two concerns. 1) Scenery: Most things I have read say to expect 2 days of rain on the 4 day-hike that time of year. For those of you who have done the hike at that time of year, do you regret the timing of your trip? I just don't want to be disappointed if many of the typically amazing views along the way lack visibility, etc. 2) Safety: How safe is it to hike the Inca Trail at the end of March? It seems that the trail is still very busy that time of year, so on the one hand it seems that the safety must not be too compromised. However, I did read on one website that the trail can become treacherous in the rainy season. What were your experiences? Did you feel unsafe? It is difficult to get an unbiased report from the tour companies as they want the business of course.

Should I let the weather deter me or should I go for it, in your opinion?

findjenmc: It sounds like weather did not deter you at all during your March trip. Thanks for the post. To others, just wondering your experiences? Thanks for the help.

San Diego
1 post
9. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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Hi,

I'm planning a trip to Peru in the beginning of March. I wasn't concern about the rain until now that I read about it. We can't really go any other time because of work. We want to do the hiking and camp, what are the changes of that if it rains? Anybody knows? I heard all kinds of different things about the rain there, like the trail closes, is that true? Can anyone help me?

Lima, Peru
Destination Expert
for Cusco, Lima, Arequipa, Peru
Level Contributor
19,304 posts
519 reviews
268 helpful votes
10. Re: best time to do Inca trail
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The rainy season starts around September.October has an average 1.9 inches of rain a day,january 6.3 and March 4.3.

The temps are between 43 and 69 F

This is the average for Cusco, but normally in the Sacred Valley and MP it rains even more.

The Inca Trail is closed in Feb but I`ve read somewhere that probably in 2006 they will close it in Feb and March.

So you better check before you make yr plans to come.

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