While I have not personally done the Inca Trail, I have friends that have done it and our summer months are the best time to do it since it’s the dry season down there. Sure, it may get brisk at night, but that’s better than being soaked through.

If you’re in Bolivia around the La Paz area, I’d highly recommend the Hotel Rosario. It’s reasonably priced, has a wonderful travel agency and restaurant inside, and a supportive staff.

Riding mountain bikes down the “world’s most dangerous road” was also a highlight. If memory serves, you srop a total of 15,000 vertical feet from the mountains down into the jungle where you finish with a huge meal amidst monkeys who may try to take it from you.

I hiked the Inca trail about 3 years ago in July and had a great experience. We had a guide which we signed up with in Cuzco. BTW, I highly recommend spending time in Cuzco as well because there are some great places to eat as well as ruins you can walk to nearby from the town.

At lower elevations the nights were warm and pleasant. I would say some where in the 60’s to 70’s.

At the higher elevations, the weather fluctuated from quite warm during the day to very cold at night. I remember getting incredibly warm hiking up a giant hill of steps and then passing thru pockets of “cloud jungle” that would cool me off. The higher the elevation the colder it got at night. Bring layers so you can bundle up and still be comfortable during the day. The key for me (I get cold easily) was a fleece hat and warm thermals at night.

I have heard that the trail is now regulated by the government. When I hiked it anyone could just walk in and hike it but that has changed. You have to be signed up with a guide to even get on the trial now. (You need a guide anyway, it’s not smart to go it alone)

We had a fantastic experience and I have more info to offer if your interested.

Have fun!!
janeplanet

so i’ve consulted my mom – my official bolivian expert/native… she said the inca trail is very very cold so be prepared – especially if you’re not used to the altitudes. Other places in and around La Paz to visit:

if you ski – Chacaltaya (La Paz) is a famous ski slope to stop at. You can defrost down in the valley’s tropics in Los Yungas, and also eat the most delicious mangos in july. Lake Titicaca, the sanctuary of Copacabana, La Isla del Sol (where they built the Ra 1 and Ra 2 boats), Valle de la Luna, Tiwanaku (also Tiawanaku) are pre Inca ruins. The Tiwanaki museum is in La Paz if you don’t make it out there. Also in La Paz are San Francisco, La Iglesia del Carmen, and there another church a block away where the altars are covered in silver and gold.