The Andean region is an orographic, biogeographic and cultural concept. Orographically, it is the product of elevation and rocky folding that originated during the Cretaceous, when the crust of the Nazca plate began subduction under the South American plate, giving rise to an elevation that reaches up to 6768 m a.s.l. in the snowy Huascarán and the formation of a volcanic mountain range in southern Peru.
Biogeographically, menté is a region with a vegetation density intermediate between the desert coast and the tropical jungle, and with a mountain climate that ranges from temperate to cold depending on the altitude. Culturally it is related to the high Andean culture of Peru, which ethnically is mostly Quechua and Aymara.
The weather of the Andes is related to the altitude, and the proximity to the desert coast or the rainforest. In general, it is considered that the characteristic highland climate ranges from temperate to cold, with very dry air and has two seasonal phases, a rainy one between November and March, and a dry one from April to October. The permanent freezing level floor begins at 4800 m asl on average, so there are numerous snow-capped mountains and mountain ranges. However, global warming is changing these conditions, so the ice above 5000 m a.s.l. is receding.
On this level, the differences between the western and eastern slopes are very large. On the western slope, aridity is general from La Libertad to Tacna. On the eastern slope there is a period with abundant rainfall in summer. Humidity is high and is favored by tropical Amazonian air masses.
The average temperature is 10 to 16°C, but maximum temperatures range from 29°C due to the greater exposure to the sun in some places, and minimum temperatures range from 7 to 4.4°C below zero from June to August. The average temperatures that typify this climate are the result of the temperature variations between day and night produced during the year.
It is located on both the western and eastern slopes, in the upper limits of the highlands. Its average temperature is between 7 and 10°C, while maximum temperatures range between 19 and 22.5°C.
The city of Puno, influenced by the Titicaca River, has an average temperature of 8.4°C with maximums of 16.4°C, minimums of -1.3°C, and a thermal amplitude of 18°C. Juliaca, at the same altitude but without the influence of Titicaca, has an average annual temperature of 7.1°C, with a maximum absolute temperature of 2.5°C and a minimum absolute temperature of -16.8°C. Its annual thermal amplitude, 38.3°C, is the maximum at this level.
The climate is cold, with high atmospheric dryness and thermal variations. The average annual temperature is higher than 3°C and lower than 6°C.
These figures do not reveal the abysmal temperature differences sometimes in a single day. At an altitude of 4,887 meters, drops of 11°C have been observed only five minutes after the clouds hid the sun.
Nevertheless, daytime temperatures are always positive and insolation is high. But at night temperatures drop to O°C, causing freezing in marshes and streams, which thaw at dawn.
Its temperatures can be compared to those that characterize the peripheral polar zones.
It is a cold or polar climate in a tropical zone, although the glaciers are frozen.
The average annual temperature in Machu Picchu is around 16°C, but the sun can burn your skin when it is up to 25°C during the dry season.
That may not sound like much, but due to the altitude you can easily get sunburned, so be sure to wear sunscreen. However, it can also get very cold in the mornings of June and July, where the temperature can drop to -2°C.
This is why the following topic on what to wear is crucial for you to be properly prepared. If you are looking for a weather guarantee, I have to disappoint you, because the only guarantee is that the weather can change regularly.
From April to September, the weather in Machu Picchu is quite good (sunny and probably dry). Therefore, this is the best time to visit the famous wonder of the world. By the way, you will not be the only explorer visiting Machu Picchu at that time of the year.
In fact, between July and August can be quite crowded, as these months mean summer vacation for many countries. These months are the high season and the weather in Machu Picchu is sunny and dry.
This makes it easy to hike the ancient Inca trails. If you are looking to get the best photos of Machu Picchu, this is probably the right time for you, as there are twice as many hours with sunshine in this period.
The weather in Machu Picchu from November to March is really not the best and it can potentially rain a lot.
From March to April, rainfall will be reduced by half, but the humidity level goes up to 91%! This causes a lot of fog, which can make it quite difficult to see Machu Picchu.
However, these moments when Machu Picchu is covered with fog are incredible and will make you feel like a true discoverer.
¿WHY TRAVEL WITH ANDINO PERU TOURS?
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Striving to provide freedom in your travels, through specialized and quality service that ensures a worry-free experience. We take care of every aspect of your journey organization so you can fully enjoy.
We focus on creating unforgettable experiences through an expert team and carefully selected providers. We keep small groups to ensure exceptional service and that you make the most of each tour.
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