Climate in the Peruvian Andes?

Travel Info
I'd like to visit Machu Picchu which is about 8,000 feet up in the Andes. What is the summer temperature range and oxygen concentrations? Also, is there anything nasty likely to crawl up my leg and bite me?

Travel Tips

I have been to Machu Pichu twice . . arriving once by train and one by hiking the Inca Trail. If you travel by train, not much to worry about as far as bugs. If you hike in, you may see hairy T spiders and snakes. But the worst thing in the jungle tropics are the small no seeims that will bite your legs . . simply wear mosquito repellant in the area. 10,000 feet is not that high for most. Drink alot of water and dont drink too much alcohol and you will be fine. The land is amazing. 10,000 feet high and you see jungle! Temp is warm in the day . . light jacket / jeans needed at night. Best part of the trip? Make sure you do this . . wake up at 3 am . . go outside and walk away from all lights. Get to a very dark spot (if ur hiking the Inca this is best) . . look up and you will see the most incredible star exhibit of your life! Simply one of the most amazing, cosmic experiences of my life.

Others
hi,

"summer" is warm and wet, "winter" dry and cold. most people go in winter, but it's always busy.

if you're visiting for the day via the train then the altitude shouldn't affect you as you are unlikely to exert yourself. if possible, acclimitise in Cuzco for a week or so beforehand (lots to see there).

no. no nasty things are likely to crawl up your leg.

watch your back for thieves and have a good time!
Hi there,

Depends what you mean by summer! Peru's in the southern hemisphere so their summer runs roughly from December through to March. Temperatures in the Andes will range from around 20 to 28 degrees C. During this time it's the rainy season in the mountains, however, and certainly if you're thinking of trekking then you may want to think of another time (the Inca Trail is closed for the whole of February, for example).

In the peruvian winter, it's dry and is bright and clear during the day (around 15 to 25 degrees C) but gets cold at night (sometimes down to zero in July/August) so you need to be aware of that.

In general, if you're trekking, I'd recommend April/May or september/October for the best conditions - it's also a little quieter at these times!

Hope all this helps,

Dan
http://www.therealperu.co.uk/guide/weath...