Inca Trail & Machu Picchu camping/hiking very crowded?

Question

I'd rather not be elbow-to-elbow w/ other tourists or be part of a group event. Can we go alone? Is there a good time of year to avoid the tourist season? Thanks!

Answer 1

Turist season begins in June and usually is over until the end of July , but after all this promotion about the new 7 wonders, I wonder :) if probably gets longer this time.

I did Inca's trail myself, it wasn't and elbow-to-elbow experience ..I wish it had been, my bagpack was so heavy!! :/, it is one of the greatest experience you can have though. ( although a lot of cursing is involved on the way :P ).

If you want to avoid gringos, then is easy to come in September but then is the rainy season so..:/, you don't have much options huh? :).

Well, I really wish you a good trip and I'm from Cusco so anything you want to know , feel free to drop me an e-mail.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

500 people per day are allowed to start the Inca Trail.  That includes porters, cooks, guides and tourists.  So it sells out virtually every month of the year, except February, when it is closed for conservation work.  Here is the web site for permit availability

http://www.inc-cusco.gob.pe/frame/index_...

You can see that it is sold out for July, August, September and most of October.  It is thus good to make plans several months in advance.  If you want to avoid crowds you need to hire an operator that has groups of 6 or less people, such as http://www.peruandes.com

Answer 3

The problem about coming to Machu Picchu off season is the rain. From Sept. till March it can get very muddy and therefore part of the trail is closed. I dont recommend you do the Inca trail on your own for the fact that the expert guides can tell you where to go and which paths to avoid. Apart from that, there is now a restriction on the number of people who can do the trail and be in Machu Picchu in one day. This is to avoid tourists flooding the place and not letting you watch it and enjoy it as you should. You need to do the trail between May and August, it is high season but if you plan it in advance with a local tour company, you can avoid doing it with tons of people. And you can always have someone to help you with the backpacks and stuff. People carry your things for a living so you are not exploiting anyone.