Timing / Weather, Machu Picchu

Fondest memory: Hopefully, it won't be raining when you see the ruins of Machu Picchu -- so you better plan for it!

I visited late April and the weather was purrrrfect! The recommended time by most experts is mid-April to May, or September to october, to avoid the rainy season and the tourist crowds.

June to August are the most popular times to visit, however they are also cold times. June is popular due to that famous and dramatic Inca cultural parade and show in Cusco.

But, whatever the season, I have one word for you --- goodboots.

Favorite thing: Hi...We will be hiking the 4 day trip on the Inca trail and I'm wondering exactly what the weather will be like. Is it a lot different than Cuzco? Is there a site where I can check for trail weather directly? Has anyone hiked this trail and if so, how hard do you think it was? Thanks I realize there are lots of questions to answer.

Favorite thing: If you are going to visit Machu Picchu, I recommend you go early. The first buses that leave to take you up Machu Picchu are at 6:30am, 7:00am, and 7:30am. If you want to visit the site without a zillion tourists getting in your way, or worse yet in your photos, you have to go early. At about 11:00 am the site becomes overrun by tourists once the tourist groups arrive at the site via the trains from Cusco. Once that happens you can barely walk any area without bumping into others since there is no limit to how many people can visit this site. I was reading on the internet that in the future UNESCO may begin limiting the number of visitors per day because Machu Picchu is being damaged by the sheer number of individuals that visit each day.

Favorite thing: We arrived about 11 a.m. and opted to walk through the ruins without a tour guide. But we got trapped between a couple of groups so we still had the opportunity to hear the details of the place. By 2 p.m. most tour groups had gone and so the ruins became even more peaceful and the sun became less harsh. I would suggest coming after noon if you only intend on stay a few hours at Machu Picchu. The crowds are gone and you can explore without being slowed down by clusters of tourists.

Favorite thing: When planning your trip to the Inca Trail remember that the best period to go is between June to September which is the dry season in the area. Also there is a maximum of 500 hikers allowed on the trail at any one time. So if you are pressed for time, try to reserve your spot with a company before getting to Cusco, it may prevent some headaches.

Favorite thing: It´s amazing to see Machu Picchu early in the morning in the sunrise. The best place to see Machu Picchu in the first sun raises shall be the sun gate (Inti Punku). The "Camino de Inca" enter just that way to Machu Picchu, so you won´t miss it.

Fondest memory: After three days of trekking through the beautiful landscape seeing already so much beautiful and interesting ruines you arrive at Machu Picchu and you´re impressed, only IMPRESSED!!

Favorite thing: you have to be early in the morning in Machu Picchu to have the impression of silence and harmony.

Fondest memory: the culture of the Incas has been almost totally destroyed, but fortunately here in Machu Picchu you can still find so much to remember and to imagine how could have been life 500 years ago.

Favorite thing: a great hidden site at 2380m high!

Fondest memory: when we arrived,was covered with clouds and we didn't realize clouds hid something!
....as a dramatic turn ,it loomed out of the fog!
what a theatrical surprise!