Machu Picchu Travel Forum

What would the "typical" weather be like in March for the Machu Picchu area?

It's still rainy season in March around MP area. Thus, if traveling during this time of the year, it is advisable to bring rain-related gear (e.g., poncho/raincoat, umbrella, etc.). The temperature fluctuates and it gets quite cold at night, so bring warm gear also. Goodluck & enjoy beautiful Machu Picchu!

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.

Not a problem at all. Firstly, you have not specified which month you are going unlike the post above. As to the remaining questions, here are my best answers: Cusco is higher in elevation than MP, but both places can be quite cold since they are high up in the Andean mountains. Yes, I've trekked the Inca Trail. I would highly suggest that you dress in layers as I found that it tends to get warmer during the days and as you physically exert much effort in ascending up the mountain, but it also gets very cold at nighttime. I survived the Inca Trail much to my amazement and I am quite physically fit. My problem was the elevation and at one point I was running out of oxygen during my ascent in the highest peak in the trail, which led to severe headache that almost made me quit. Also, I have both vertigo and fear of heights. So, that added to my misery. Anyway, these things you can almost always overcome and I'm glad I did the Inca Trail because it desensitized my fears. Remember, you will encounter sheer heights and sheer drops as well as some narrow paths in the Inca Trail. You may want to "google" for exact weather predictions in the month you will be going. I hope this helps you out. Goodluck & enjoy beautiful Peru!