Weather Cusco, Machu Picchu
 

I'm starting to worry a little. We are leaving Saturday for Cusco/MP and the forecast says rain every single day. Does this mean no sun whatsoever? I thought October was still the non-rainy season and realize we'll have a few rainy days, but would it be typical to not have any sunny days?

Thanks!

Karen

I was there last week. I followed the weather prior to leaving and the forecast called for rain 90% of the time for the 2 weeks prior to leaving. Our guide said that the rain started early this year.

I think it did rain a little every day, but not for extended periods. Except for the airport being closed the morning we left, it did not curtail our activities. We did see the sun, but not alot of it. It was mostly overcast.

I never went out without a fleece jacket, always wore layers and packed a rain jacket.

Yes, the rain season started early this year. It rains off and on but not very heavy rains. It still gets sunny in the afternoon on some days. Just bring a jacket and rain gear.

Hey Karen,

Daughter and I are also leaving (Friday) for Sacred Valley and I too have been watching the weather. Lets just hope we get lucky! I will be in MP Tuesday and Weds. Maybe we will run into each other!

Helen

Thanks, everyone! We'll be at MP Wednesday, Helen!

Sun always peeks through some in the day but rain

mist fog not uncommon at MP kind of makes it neat

Really bad rains come in Feb rail tracks wash away

then sometimes... Odds are great you will be just fine

bring a rain poncho though some GorTex socks several

pair nothing drys... If it is bad head for Nasca Ballestas

Lima never any rain there just sea fog...

Happy Traavels and Good Luck!

Thanks!!

I would not worry about the weather. I have hiked and traveled to Peru in (our) late fall several times and although the threat of rain/precip is higher than other times of year, that can mean pop-up showers or rain at night, and does not necessarily mean rain all day, every day.
As long as you carry your rain gear with you, you will be OK. It's part of the mystique of the Andes Mountains. You will enjoy. The sun comes and goes as do the clouds.

Thanks, I feel better! :)

Thanks qwovadis, for all the tips.

I am hiking with friends to MP in mid November. And it is supposed to rain even more then. Do we need completely water proof shoes (like heavy leather) or light hiking shoes( the hybrid variety) will do?

We start our IT hike on New Years Eve. I keep reading to wear trail shoes or hiking boots that have a good tread for wet rock. Many reviews of hiking boots will comment on how good they are on wet surfaces.

I have an old pair of Rockport hiking boots with Gortex linings which are water poof and robust enough for our trek from Lares to Ollantaytambo. I would tend to go for something with ankle support as the rough trails will be an issue as well as the wet.

I have also used Keen Targhee 2 trail shoes which are very, very good in the wet and they also do a boot version see http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/wa.../men/na/15,487

Whatever you do , if you buy new footwear make sure they are worn in well before your trip!