I hear it is cold at Machu Pichu in July (WINTER). Anyone been there then> Ned to decide between there or possibly Turkey or Eastern Europe. Would like to decide ASAP. Thanks! Using G Adventures for solo traveler, formally Gap - anyone know anything about them?

winter in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia is not like in the USA or Europe. Machu Picchu will be sunny. Actually the climate in the Andes from June to September is cool in the morning, hot sun in the afternoon and cooler at night. Okay to visit during this time.

It drops to freezing or below at night (I guess that is "cooler") at high altitudes in the Andes. June, July and August are some of the busiest months because it is dry, as well as being Northern hemisphere vacation.

Thanks waylluy & mlgb....a friend spoke to a co-worker from Peru today and they said July was a good time to go. Freezing makes it very questionable though. They didn't mention that.

A good idea to be sure any Cusco hotel has at least a room heater. Most do not have central heat.

I second the comment making sure the hotel has a room heater it does get cold at night but is worth it as it is a fantastic place to visit. IMHO far superior to your other choices of Turkey & Eastern Europe. Take the right clothes for the conditions (cold at night, hot during the day) and it will not be a problem