Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in May
The Inca Trail is a famous trek will take you through the high Andes on the same pathways that the Inca created many hundreds of years ago. Experience high passes, cloud forests, explore ancient Inca sites before arriving at the spectacular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Here we go into depth about why you should trek in the month of May, what are the benefits of this month and why this month is one of the best months of the year.
Why May is the perfect month to hike the Inca Trail?
May is considered the start of the high season. May is at the end of the wet season here in the Andes so the weather is mostly dry. Being the end of the of the wet season the trail is lush and green, full of flowers and green vegetation. As this is the beginning of the high season the crowds have not yet fully returned, giving the trail a more peaceful and tranquil feel. Your tour in Machu Picchu will also be a bit less crowded.
Inca Trail weather in May
As mentioned above May is at the end of the rainy season in the Andes. May is part of the dry season in the Cusco region, and it offers some of the best weather for hiking the Inca Trail. The days are generally sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F), making it a comfortable time to trek. But always make sure you bring your raincoat as you never know if there will be a shower or 2.
Crowd levels on the Inca Trail in May
The Inca trail is crowded, with the exception of February when the trail is closed for maintenance. May is also busy month the trek the Inca Trail. The crowds are returning to Peru and everything is starting to gear up for the high season which starts in May. Although not as busy as June, July and August, May is a preferred time to trek. Permits do sell out quickly for May so you will need to book in advance.
Preparing for the Inca Trail, permits and availability
In years gone by you could trek the Inca Trail without permits or a guide. Today this is not the case, the government of Peru has enforced new regulations, now you may not trek the Inca Trail solo. You will need to trek with a registered tour company who will buy the permits for the trail. This tour company, like SAM Travel Peru, will organize all the details of the trek for you. Contact your tour company in advance and they will check availability on the government website. Please note that there is only 500 permits per day available for the 4-day Inca Trail, of these 500 more than half are allocated for trekking staff, e.g., Porters, Guides and Cooks, leaving around 200 tickets per day for people who want to trek the Inca Trail.
For those who want to do the 2-day Inca Trail, there are 250 permits per day. As the 2 day has no porters this leaves more tickets available for trekkers.
Booking in advance is a great idea for most months for the Inca Trail, especially for the busy high season, the months of May, June, July and August for these months 6 in advance.
Physical Prep: The Inca Trail is no joke and even those who are reasonably fit may find themselves short of breath on the trek. It is highly recommended, at the very least, hiking before your trip with the gear you’ll carry on the Inca Trail. It’s a great way to make sure you only pack what you can handle. If you want to get in better shape before the trek, cardio is a great way to increase your endurance, and weight training will strengthen your upper body and legs.
Must see highlights on the Inca Trail in May
The Inca Trail is full of must-see attractions that you will see as you trek. Here are some of the ruins that you will see along the 4-day Inca Trail.
Patallacta or Llactapata
Patallacta is the first site along the Classic Inca Trail, the site is located at 2840 meters above sea level. Historians believe that the site was an agricultural and administrative support complex to Machu Picchu. The site features impressive terraces that supplied crops for Machu Picchu.
Runkurakay
Runkurakay is a semicircular construction that was built above the clouds. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it is located at 3760 meters above sea level. You will enjoy a guided tour as well as some of the best views of the trail. From Runkurakay view the famous Dead Woman’s Pass which is the highest point of the Inca Trail.
Sayacmarca
Sayacmarca is perched upon the top of a mountain at 3600 meter above sea level. From Sayacmarca there are views to the Aobamba Valley and Pumasillo mountain. The site is composed of paths and organized enclosures. Experts believe that it was used for ceremonial and astrological use during the Inca Empire. Sayacmarca roughly translates as ‘Town you cannot enter’. The hike to reach Sayacmarca is up 98 stone stairs carved into the side of the mountain.
Phuyupatamarca
Phuyupatamarca is known as a place in the clouds. The site is composed of terraces carved into the mountain, many enclosures and ritual baths, the baths are still replenished by an underground river. Phuyupatamarca is the perfect balance of human and nature, with magnificent structures surrounded by the best of mother nature. The views of Intipata and Winay Wayna are also breathtaking.
Intipata
Intipata is considered by many to be a hidden gem. Being very close to Machu Picchu it is believed that it was used for agricultural purposes, as there are water canals that feed all the terraces at Initpata
Winay Wayna
A truly impressive site, Winay Wayna is located at 3800 meters above sea level, only 4kms away from Machu Picchu. Higher and lower sections of housing are linked by fountains and canals. It is not known exactly what the site was for. Most historians suggest that Winay Wayna was an agricultural center and food warehouse. It was likely also an administrative and spiritual center. This is arguably the most impressive site of the Inca Ruins on the route to Machu Picchu.
Inti Punku
At the end of the Inca Trail, after you have climbed the Gringo Killer steps, you will arrive to Inti Punku, from here you will get a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. In Inca times it served as an entry point or check point into Machu Picchu. It was also used for ceremonial purposes and the worship of Inti, the sun god, during the winter solstice.
Machu Picchu
Well, it is not on the Inca Trail but we need to give Machu Picchu its due. Located at 2400 above sea level and wedged between the High Andes and the rainforest, the area is rich in ancient history, flora and fauna. To date, the exact purpose or the complex is still a mystery. Its temples, terraces, wall, palaces and enclosures leave visitors and experts with immense wonder.
Why you should hike the Inca Trail in May?
This is a great question, the answer is simple, May is a perfect time to trek the Inca Trail because of the great weather, perfect for photos, the crowds are less than in the months of June, July and August, the trail is green and fresh after the rainy season. What more reason could you need for trekking the Inca Trail in May.
