Visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August offers a pleasant experience thanks to its dry weather, clear skies, and cultural activities. This makes it an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy outdoor adventures and acclimate before going to Machu Picchu. Below, we’ll tell you everything about the main advantages and disadvantages, the weather in August, top recommended places to visit, and much more so you can be well prepared.
Advantages of Visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August
- Dry season and clear skies: In August, the Sacred Valley is in the dry season, with very little rain and clear skies, making hiking and photography much easier.
- Mild daytime temperatures: Daily average temperatures hover around 19.9 °C (67.8 °F), which is pleasant for exploring ruins and towns without extreme heat.
- Better landscape visibility: Low cloud cover and high solar radiation allow for clear views of the mountains and Inca agricultural terraces.
- Lower humidity: The Sacred Valley in August registers around 46% relative humidity, improving comfort and reducing discomfort.
- Cultural activities and local festivals: While June is the month of Inti Raymi, August still features local patron saint festivals in places like Chinchero, with Andean music and traditional dances.
Disadvantages of Visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August
- High season and large crowds: August is part of the high tourist season, so expect crowds in Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu, and higher prices for accommodations.
- Cold nights and frost: Nighttime temperatures can drop to 1.7 °C (35.1 °F), so warm clothing is necessary, even in August.
- High UV index: The UV index can reach up to 12, meaning a high risk of sunburn without proper protection. If you plan to visit the Sacred Valley in August, SPF 70+ sunscreen is highly recommended.
- Limited tour availability: Due to high demand, it’s best to book Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tours in advance to ensure availability.
- Altitude: The average altitude of 2,800 m (9,186 ft) can cause altitude sickness in travelers who are not acclimated.
Weather in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August
- Average daily high: 19.9 °C (67.8 °F)
- Average nighttime low: 1.7 °C (35.1 °F)
- Rainy days: Only 2 days of rain throughout the month, averaging 8.6 mm (0.34 in) of precipitation
- Sunlight hours: About 7.6 hours of effective sunlight per day
- Relative humidity: Around 46%
- UV Index: Maximum of 12, classified as very high risk, use SPF 70+ sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses
- Daylight duration: Average of 11 hours and 41 minutes of daylight
Best Places to Visit in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August
- Pisac: Impressive ruins and a colorful artisan market with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
- Ollantaytambo: An active Inca fortress and a gateway to the train to Machu Picchu.
- Moray: Circular terraces that served as an Inca agricultural laboratory—perfect for photography.
- Maras Salt Mines: Over 3,000 ancestral salt ponds; in August, sunlight creates stunning reflections.
- Chinchero: Famous for its Andean textiles, offers weaving workshops and colonial murals.
- Urubamba and Yucay: Secondary valleys with less crowded trails and boutique lodgings.
- Alpaca Farm Tours: Hands-on experiences with Andean camelids at local farms.
- Other excursions: 2-day combo tours of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with guided visits, train, and lodging included.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August
1. What is the altitude of the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located at an average altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level. Due to this elevation, it is recommended to spend at least one or two days in Cusco before starting excursions to properly acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
2. What to bring to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August?
In August, the weather is dry and sunny during the day, but temperatures can drop significantly at night. Therefore, it is recommended to bring the following:
- Layered clothing: including a thermal shirt, a fleece jacket, and a windbreaker or waterproof jacket.
- Cap or hat and UV-protective sunglasses, as the solar radiation index can reach very high levels (up to 12).
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher.
- Comfortable footwear for hiking, ideally waterproof trekking shoes with good grip.
- Reusable water bottle and bags to carry your trash, helping to keep the trails clean.
3. How to book tours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August?
During August, which is peak tourist season, it is recommended to book tours in advance. The ideal way to do so is through recognized travel agencies, such as Travel Peru Agency, to ensure availability, avoid issues, and secure the best rates.
4. Is it necessary to hire a local guide to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
Although not mandatory, having a bilingual local guide can greatly enhance your visit. A guide will provide valuable historical and cultural explanations, assist with logistics, and increase safety during hikes, especially in higher-altitude areas.
5. Are there any health or access restrictions in August?
In general, there are no special restrictions for traveling to the Sacred Valley in August. However, it is always a good idea to consult official sources or contact local authorities before your trip, especially if you plan to visit Machu Picchu or other archaeological sites, as specific measures for maintenance or local events may be in place.
Visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August offers dry and sunny weather with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C and cold nights near 5°C, ideal for excursions and landscape photography without rain. However, it is peak season, so you will encounter higher tourist traffic, increased prices, and it is recommended to book tours in advance. The UV index reaches very high levels (12), so it is essential to carry proper sun protection. Contact us today and book your adventure to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in August.
Sacred Valley Tours You May Be Interested In:
- Sacred Valley VIP – 1 Day
- Sacred Valley VIP, Machupicchu – 2 Days
- Sacred Valley Vip, Machu Picchu, Palccoyo – 5 Days
- Sacred Valley vip, Machupicchu, City Tour, Rainbow Mountain – 6 Days
- City Tour, Sacred Valley vip, Machupicchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake – 6 Days
- Sacred Valley, Machupicchu, Manu Cultural Zone, Red Valley, Rainbow Mountain – 8 Days
➜ Sacred Valley of the Incas in July: Weather, What to Bring, What to See
➜ Sacred Valley of the Incas in September: Weather, Pros and Cons
