When to go to Machu Picchu? The answer may surprise you
Can you imagine arriving at Machu Picchu and seeing nothing because of fog or rain? Choosing the right time can make all the difference in your experience. In this blog, I’ll tell you when it’s best to go, what to expect in each season, and some tips to make your trip unforgettable. Ready to plan it right from the start?
- Seasons and weather in Machu Picchu
- Tourism and visitor flow
- Prices and availability
- Festivals and special events
Seasons and weather in Machu Picchu
What is the best season to visit Machu Picchu?
One of the best seasons to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from April to September, when rainfall is minimal and weather conditions are stable. Your only concern here will be to bring clothing and items to protect yourself from the sun.
Already booked for the rainy season? Your first mission will be to stay calm, plan your trip well, and face the rain. For this, we recommend wearing waterproof clothing and choosing the right time of day for a successful visit.
Which months are the rainiest in Machu Picchu?
The rainiest months in Machu Picchu are from January to March. Although rain can occur year-round due to its location on the edge of the Cusco jungle, the rainy season—especially between January and February—brings more intense and frequent precipitation. During these months, rain can last all day, so it’s essential to be well-prepared with suitable clothing to handle the weather conditions.
Additionally, some travelers, aware of this weather pattern, choose to enter Machu Picchu around noon or later. By that time, the fog that often covers the citadel has significantly lifted, providing a clearer panoramic view even if the rain continues.
Note: If you plan to visit Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, you should know that this route is not available during the month of February. This period is used for maintenance and also for safety reasons due to landslides caused by the rains.
Tourism and visitor flow
When is high season in Machu Picchu?
High season in Machu Picchu is during the months of June, July, August, and late December, when tourist traffic is extremely high. If you plan to visit Machu Picchu during these months, it is important to book your tickets at least 3 to 4 months in advance to secure your spot on a full tour.
Why such high traffic? Firstly, weather conditions are very stable during these months, with no rain, which makes visits easier. In addition, many European countries and the United States have holidays during this period, significantly increasing the number of tourists.
When is low season in Machu Picchu?
Low season in Machu Picchu occurs in the months of April, November, January, February, and March, when tourist traffic is lower, although not very low. If you plan to visit Machu Picchu during these months, you’ll have more flexibility to book your tickets at least two months in advance, making the whole process easier.
Why is traffic lower? This is due to the fact that during these months, rain is intense and frequent. You might find yourself touring Machu Picchu in the rain until your return to Cusco. Additionally, the rain can cause setbacks such as landslides on roads, or even obscure the Inca citadel in fog, which can be frustrating for some travelers.
Prices and availability
When is it cheapest to travel to Machu Picchu?
If you’re looking for a more affordable tour, the best option is to travel during the low tourism season. During this period, you can find deals and more accessible prices for Machu Picchu tours, allowing you to choose the one that best suits you. Before booking with a travel agency, make sure it’s a reliable company, like iMachupicchuticket.
It’s important to note that tickets to enter the Machu Picchu citadel maintain their prices regardless of the season. Heads up! Discounts are only found in travel packages that include transportation, entrance tickets, guides, etc., and are offered by travel agencies.
When is the best time to buy tickets to Machu Picchu?
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu during the high season, it’s recommended to book at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Demand is very high and entry is limited, so tickets sell out quickly.
On the other hand, if your trip is during the low season, that doesn’t mean you can find availability from one day to the next. It’s still advisable to book at least 2 months in advance to secure your spot.
Which months do Machu Picchu tickets sell out the fastest?
The months that win that title are June, July, August, and December. If you’re planning to travel during these months, you’ll need to be very cautious and book several months in advance, as mentioned in the previous question.
A detail to note! During these months, except for December, tourist traffic is so high that the Ministry of Culture sometimes decides to sell an additional 1,000 tickets in person in the town of Aguas Calientes. This opportunity is intended for travelers who weren’t able to book their tickets in advance.
Heads up! You won’t be the only one looking for this option, so you’ll find people lining up very early. If you want to get one of these tickets, you’ll need to get up early and be there as soon as possible. Note: The last-minute ticket offered in Aguas Calientes must be used the following day, meaning it cannot be reserved for later than two days out. For this reason, many travelers who opt for this ticket usually book two-day tours.
Note: It is important to always make your reservation in advance. If you don’t have your ticket, you won’t be allowed to enter the Machu Picchu citadel, even if you have already booked guides, trains, transportation, and hotels. Be cautious!
Festivals and special events
What festivals are celebrated near Machu Picchu?
If we talk about Machu Picchu itself, there are no nearby festivals. However, if you want to see and enjoy these events, you will find them in the city of Cusco, where there are so many celebrations that you might think there are parties every day. This reflects how festive the Cusco population is.
To simplify things, I share with you the most important festivals:
- Inti Raymi (June 24)
- Holy Week (between March and April)
- Corpus Christi (between May and June)
- Santurantikuy (December 23 and 24)
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Christmas (December 25)
- Carnivals (February and March)
- Cusco Festivities (all June)
Is it advisable to go to Machu Picchu during Inti Raymi?
Inti Raymi is celebrated in the city of Cusco, specifically at the archaeological site of Saqsayhuamán. Is it close to Machu Picchu? No, it is quite far, so your visit to this citadel will not be affected by the festival, and you will be able to enjoy your trip like any other traveler.
Do you want to see Inti Raymi? This celebration is one of the most important in the region and also one of the most striking, attracting many tourists who wish to experience this unique event, as it is only celebrated once a year. To participate, you must book an entrance ticket, which you can purchase at Teleticket, and thus you will have an extra plus on your trip.
How does Holy Week affect tourism in Machu Picchu?
During Holy Week, many people take advantage of the holidays to travel, which generates a greater influx of visitors to Machu Picchu. It is a time when tourist flow noticeably increases due to the availability of free time.
If you are worried about having difficulties traveling on these dates, don’t worry, as tourism operations continue normally. Even if you have very early departures scheduled, you will be able to travel without problems, and the same goes for the return.
Note this! If you want to enjoy the festivities, I recommend eating at restaurants near the Cusco Plaza de Armas, which have panoramic views from their balconies. There you can also taste part of the Cusco cuisine menu.
