Distance: 26 miles

Duration: 4 days/3 nights camping (alternative versions are available)

Highest altitude: 4,215m (this highest point is popularly referred to as Dead Woman’s Pass)

Each season offers a different side to the trail, but generally speaking the best time to do the Inca Trail is the dry season (May to September) for its clear skies and minimal rainfall. However, the shoulder seasons of April and October are well worth considering as they can offer fewer crowds yet still experience good weather.

Pros:

- Best visibility for Machu Picchu and other spectacular views along the way

- Clearest skies and least rainfall

- Dry, non-slippery paths

- Pleasant daytime conditions

Cons:

- Crowds are at their peak - typically at their highest in June due to the popular festival, Inti Raymi (festival of the sun)

- Must book well in advance (there are a limited number of permits for the trail, so it’s recommended to book at least 6 months in advance)

- Cold mornings and nights

Pros:

- Fewer crowds

- Lush, green landscapes

- Lower prices

- Weather is still pleasant, with a mix of sunny and overcast days as well as occasional showers

- Typically better permit availability (although still advised to book at least 3 months in advance)

Cons:

- Slightly wetter weather

- Less visibility

- Potentially more slippery conditions

Pros:

- Scenery at its greenest

- Cheaper prices

- Good permit availability

- Smallest crowds

Cons:

- Slippery and more challenging conditions

- Limited visibility

- Unpredictable and rainy weather

- Humid

Closure:

The Inca trail is closed for the entire month of February, both for safety measures and track maintenance.

Whilst the Inca Trail is a huge draw for Peru, there is far more to this incredible country, and you may wish to combine this with other bucket list sights.

Peru has three primary regions: the highlands, the jungle and the coast.

As already covered, the highlands (which include the Inca Trail) are best explored in the dry season: May – September.

The jungle experiences humid conditions year-round, although the best time to visit the diverse Amazon Rainforest is also in its dry season: May – October, making it easy to combine with the Inca Trail.

The coastal areas (including Lima, Mancora & Paracas) are best visited from December – March for warm, sunny days. These areas are the least easy to combine with the Inca Trail (if you want ideal weather throughout) so they may need to be separate trips or perhaps consider a shoulder season.