Dry or rainy season: how the river, the landscape and adventure activities in Ollantaytambo change throughout the year.
Two very different seasons
The Sacred Valley has two main seasons. The dry season, roughly from May to October, brings clear skies, sunny days and cold nights. The rainy season, more or less from November to March, turns the valley deep green and brings showers, especially in the afternoon. April is a transition month.
How it affects rafting
The Urubamba's flow depends on the rain. In the dry season the river is usually calmer, ideal for first-time paddlers. In the rainy season it carries more water and more action. At any time of year, our guides check the river and choose the section based on the day's conditions and the group's experience: safety comes before the itinerary.
Zipline, horse riding and ATVs
Mountain activities can be enjoyed all year round. In the dry season trails are firm and views are clearer; in the rainy season the landscape is greener, but bring a rain jacket and bear in mind that a downpour may mean rescheduling.
Our advice
If your trip is flexible, book adventure activities for your first days in the valley so there is room to reschedule if the weather does not cooperate. And acclimatise before any intense effort: a relaxed day in the valley helps a lot.
