Machu Picchu is located on the eastern side of the Andes in Cusco, Peru. Unlike the Imperial City, it is less altitude, only 2,430 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). The peculiarity of its own geography of the peoples of the jungle, divide the stations in two during the year: dry season and the rainy season. To get a dream trip to the Wonder of the World, it is important to take into account the difference of both seasons. How is the weather in Machu Picchu? Learn about the time in the Inca llaqta and take the necessary precautions to enjoy this incredible trip to the fullest.

• Machu Picchu and its geography
• The Climate in Machu Picchu
• Dry season
• Rainy season
• When to go?
• What to bring?
• To take into account

Machu Picchu and its geography

The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu includes an area of more than 35 thousand hectares. From the heights of the Andes to the typical geography of the jungle in eastern Peru. The Inca Citadel is located on the left side of one of the main rivers of the region: the Vilcanota. Around are the snowy Salkantay and Veronica. At the top of the archaeological site, the Machu Picchu Mountain is located, a name that the Inca complex adopted before the world. In the northern part of the site, there is the famous Huayna Picchu. All these mountains drew a unique geography. The Inca site is known as “City between the clouds”.

The Climate in Machu Picchu

Due to its typical geography of the jungle, Machu Picchu presents a characteristic climate of the sub-tropical regions: the days are sunny and humid. The morning dawns with cloudiness. Afternoons generally have temperatures of 24 to 26 ° C. Rains can occur at any time of the year, with special emphasis on the month of February. At night, temperatures drop to 8 ° C, especially in June and July. Unlike the city of Cusco, the days are more pleasant, with an average annual temperature of 16 ° C.

Dry season

The dry season runs from April to October. It is characterized by higher temperatures during the day and cooler at night. Unlike the rainy season, fluvial precipitation occurs less frequently. In Machu Picchu, the dry season coincides with the high tourist season. A large number of visitors arrive mainly from the United States and some European countries due to school holidays in that part of the world. The roads are not humid so it is the right time to take the treks to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the Inca Trail. The days are pleasant with maximum temperatures of 27 ° C and minimum of 8 ° C.

Rainy season

The rainy season runs from November to March. It is characterized by having the highest frequency of precipitation during the day, especially during the afternoons. Unlike the dry season, temperatures are not so cold at night. In Machu Picchu, the rainy season coincides with the low tourist season. The influx of visitors decreases so that the tourist attractions do not encounter too much traffic. It is the right time to enjoy the Inca Citadel “for only one”. The hotel offers and tour packages present their best offers of the year. The days have a maximum temperature of 25 ° C. The nights can reach temperatures of 9 ° C.

When to go?

Any time is the right one to know Machu Picchu. The dry season is characterized by its pleasant climate. It is when more tourists decide to visit the Inca Citadel to do the hiking routes, especially during the months of June, July, and August. On the other hand, the rainy season has fewer visitors so that tourists can have the Wonder of the World with more freedom. Rainfall does not occur throughout the day in the rainy season. If you make the corresponding reservations with time in advance, you can get better prices.

April and September are the intermediate months between the dry and rainy seasons. During those days, the weather is not totally rainy or totally dry. The influx of visitors is not as great as in June, July, and August. Prices do not increase although it is recommended to book tickets in advance. The light of day is propitious to take the best photographs of the Wonder of the World. According to many tourists who visited the Inca Citadel during those months, it is the best time to visit Machu Picchu.

What to bring?

The trip to Machu Picchu depends on the station where you decide to travel. If you plan to do it during the dry season, it is recommended to bring a sunscreen because of the high temperatures. If you plan to do so during the rainy season, it is advisable to carry a rain poncho in case of rain. Then, the precautions you must take in each of the 2 stations that present the Wonder of the World.

During the dry season:

• Cap or hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen.
• Repellent against mosquitoes.
• Light clothes during the day and warm for the night.
• Abundant water.

During the rainy season:

• Clothes for the rain.
• Slip-resistant shoes.
• Waterproof clothing.
• Cotton socks.
• Umbrella.

To take into account

Machu Picchu presents one of the most pleasant climates in Peru. Whether during the dry or rainy season, the Inca Citadel awaits with its doors open to its visitors. If you are planning to visit the Wonder of the World, pay attention to the following tips.

• Book in advance the Ticket Machu Picchu. Especially if you plan to visit during the dry season or high tourist season. It is in those months when the demand for income tickets grows.
• If you plan to do the Inca Trail (4-day trekking route to the Inca Citadel), remember that it remains closed in February. The reservation of tickets must also be made in advance.
• During the rainy season, the roads of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are somewhat humid due to rainfall. Wear anti-slip shoes.
• During the dry season, the proliferation of mosquitoes in the Wonder of the World increases. Do not wear shorts. Always carry mosquito repellent with you.