I am planning a trip to both Machu Picchu and Manu Wildlife Center, either in May/June or end of August/September. I have heard that the best time to view the Macaw salt licks is in September. My questions are:
1. Will Machu Picchu be less green in September?
2. Is the Macaw salt lick that much better in September to make it worth while to delay the trip until then?
3. What concerns will I have about weather in each of these time frames?
3. Thanks so much!

>>Will Machu Picchu be less green in September?<<

Yes. I was at MP in late Sept/early Oct two years ago, and it definitely was not as green as pictures I had seen of MP from people who had been there in the April/May time frame. I experienced rain in the afternoons when I was at MP but overall the weather was nice and sunny and not cold.

MP is going to be amazing regardless, but if I ever make it back to MP I would definitely want to see it in the early May time frame.

The countryside around Cusco is getting pretty brown by September. MP has a different climate (it's subtropical) and so there are varying degrees of green year round. I'd say it's less green in September, but it's still green. It's just not the brilliant emerald color you see in the photos.

Late August is a holiday in Peru (Santa Rosa de Lima) and it can be a very busy travel time. That might be a deciding factor.

Like to go in late May green after the rains not many tourists

Salt Licks at Manu will not be much different

www.inkanatura.com www.manuadventures.com

for precise info.

weather2travel.com Peru Climate guide.

Please note that the clay lick is most active from August to October and less so during the months of May and June.)

Is Manu Wildlife Center worth the time and money. I have heard both good and bad reviews and I am not sure what to think. I know that it won't compare to the African safari that we took last year in Botswana but I would like some adventure even if it is on a small scale......