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4 day Inca Trail Itinerary: Inca Trail Introductions / day 1 / day 2 / day 3 / day 4 / Weather & Trek Preparations / Services & Prices

Inca Trail Weather & Trek Preparations

To do the Inca Trail you have to be fit. You don't have to train as if you were entering a marathon but we recommend that you take plenty of exercise prior to the trek, running or walking briskly for an hour each day for at least 30 days before you arrive in Peru.

The Weather on the Inca Trail: (temperatures in °Celsius)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average Max Temp	20	21	21	22	21	21	21	21	22	22	23	22
Average Min Temp	6	6	6	3	1	-1	-3	-1	2	5	6	6
Number of Wet Days / Month	18	13	11	8	3	2	2	2	7	8	12	16

May to August:

Generally the weather on the Inca Trail is similar to that in Cusco. During the day you can expect blue skies and sunshine. The sun as this altitude can be very strong so it is important to bring a hat and plenty of sun cream to protect you. Trekking in T-shirt and shorts is ideal but have warm sweater handy in your day pack. During these months there is little chance of rain but we recommend that you bring a rain jacket or lightweight plastic rain poncho (can be bought for US$1 in Cusco) just in case. As soon as the sun goes down the temperature can rapidly drop maybe to freezing during the early hours of the morning. It is important to keep warm so bring a jacket, wooly hat and scarf. Thermal underwear is ideal for these conditions.

April, September and October

During the day you can expect to encounter all 4 seasons. Generally you will have at least one wet day on the trek. The rain can be very heavy at times so it is important to bring a good rain jacket or medium duty rain poncho (can be bought in Cusco for US$5-10). Between the showers the sun can be strong and quickly dries the rain up. Shorts and T-shirt are fine for the day.
Bring a sun hat and high factor sun protection cream.

November - March

This is officially the wet season in the Andes but it also coincides with Summer. Expect at least two days of rain on the trail so bring a good rain jacket or poncho. Pack all of your clothes in plastic bags and bring a cover for your backpack. Generally the skies are overcast but you'll have plenty of sunny spells. When the sun is out is can be extremely hot so a hat and sun cream is essential. The nights on the trail are mild so bringing items such as wooly hats and scarves is not necessary. January is popular with Latin Americans enjoying their summer holidays. The trail will be closed during the month of February.

Things to bring:

Backpack, Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco), Rainwear, Strong footwear, Complete change of clothing, Sweater, jacket (something warm), Water bottle and sterilizing tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco), Flashlight and batteries, Broad-brim or peaked cap, Sunblock, Insect repellent, Toiletries and toilet paper, Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc, Camera and film.

Andean Life Tour Operator

Main Office N° 1 : Calle Santa Teresa 381, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Office N° 2 : Calle Plateros 372, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
(Both ones located just half block from the main square of Cusco City)
Fax Telephone: 00-51-84-261269
Emergency Mobil Phone: 00-51-84-9673544

Licensed Inca Trail tour operator, specialists in trekking in the Andes (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and other treks)
©Andean Life 1999 - 2005. All material within this web site is original work and subject to national and international copyright laws and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.

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