Do you know when is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, attracts thousands of travelers every year. However, knowing when the best time to visit is can make the difference between a comfortable experience and one full of unexpected surprises. In this article, we share everything you need to know about the ideal season to explore this iconic destination, from the weather to the best dates to make the most of your visit.
- Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Weather in Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Tourist seasons in Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Events and Festivities
Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
What is the best month to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
The best month to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu is June. Why? During this time, Cusco’s festivities are celebrated with traditional performances such as Inti Raymi, which take place throughout the month and in which you can even participate.
Taking advantage of these celebrations, you can also visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Remember! This place stands out not only for its beauty and location but also for its stories and curiosities, which connect in a special way with Cusco’s festivities and will help you understand even more of the secrets this site holds.
When is high season in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
The high season is during the months of June, July, August, September, and late December, when tourist influx is massive. Take note! During this period, many European countries are on vacation, which explains the large number of visitors. Also, for all travelers in general, these months correspond to the dry season, when rainfall is minimal or almost nonexistent, reducing the risk of weather-related travel disruptions.
You must keep in mind that Machu Picchu entry tickets are limited, so your mission will be to book them well in advance, at least 3 to 4 months before your planned date. Will I find availability from one day to the next? No, you won’t find availability if you choose this option, and you could miss your entire trip because of this detail.
Which months are low season in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
If you want to visit Machu Picchu with fewer tourists, you could plan your trip for the months of January, February, March, or November. Although there are fewer visitors during these months compared to the high season, the number of tourists is still considerable.
Now that you know these details, it’s important to make your reservation in advance, at least 1 to 2 months ahead, to secure your entry ticket to Machu Picchu. You should do the same with the rest of the services. If you’ve hired a travel agency, they will handle all the logistics, and your only mission will be to enjoy your trip.
When is it cheapest to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
In reality, there is no season when prices to travel to Machu Picchu are significantly cheaper, as they tend to remain steady throughout the year. Take note! Machu Picchu tickets do not vary based on the season or month—their prices always remain stable.
However, if you’re a traveler looking to save, you should know that some travel agencies occasionally launch promotions on their packages. Although these offers are not frequent, it’s worth keeping an eye out to take advantage of them.
The weather in Cusco and Machu Picchu
What is the weather like in Cusco and Machu Picchu month by month?
Month General weather Average temperature Season January Warm and humid 18°C (day) / 5°C (night) Rainy season February Warm and very rainy 18°C (day) / 5°C (night) Rainy season March Humid, moderate rain 19°C (day) / 6°C (night) Rainy season April Pleasant and dry 20°C (day) / 7°C (night) Transition May Sunny and dry 21°C (day) / 6°C (night) Dry season June Sunny and cold in the mornings 20°C (day) / 4°C (night) Dry season July Very sunny and cold at night 19°C (day) / 3°C (night) Dry season August Sunny and a bit windy 19°C (day) / 3°C (night) Dry season September Sunny with increasing humidity 20°C (day) / 5°C (night) Rainy season October Warm with light rain 21°C (day) / 6°C (night) Transition November Warm and rainier 21°C (day) / 7°C (night) Start of the rainy season December Warm and humid 20°C (day) / 7°C (night) Rainy season Does it rain a lot in Machu Picchu?
Something you should keep in mind is that rain is common in this area. During the dry season, rainfall is very light—so much so that you might not even notice it or it might not occur at all during the day. Remember! The dry season runs from April to September.
Now, if we talk about the rainy season, rain is indeed inevitable and there may be precipitation that lasts for several days. In this case, you should be well prepared for your visit by bringing waterproof clothing and rain ponchos.
What clothes should you bring based on the weather in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
First things first: you should know that in the Cusco region you can experience all four seasons in a single day, with cold nights and very sunny days, so you’ll need clothing for both scenarios.
Below is a short list of what you might want to bring with you:
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Trekking pants or sweatpants
- Light jackets (for outings)
- Thick jacket (for nights)
- Trekking shoes (or similar)
- Change of clothes
And what if it rains? For you, traveler, it’s important to pack waterproof clothing and some rain ponchos so you can handle these conditions. Also, always remember to bring sunscreen with you—you don’t want to end up with a sunburned face, right?
Tourist seasons in Cusco and Machu Picchu
What is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
The best season to do this trekking route is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. Why? Weather conditions during this period are more stable, making the hike easier and allowing you to enjoy the views without interruptions.
And what if I go during the rainy season? If you’ve already booked for this season, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the experience. Just make sure to pack properly for the rain and secure your Machu Picchu entry ticket for a time when the fog has lifted. That way, your trip will still be a success.
Is it recommended to visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season?
This depends on each traveler. Why? If you travel during the dry season, everything will be much easier. On the other hand, if you decide to travel during the rainy season, the journey may be a bit more challenging, since you’ll need gear that protects you from rain and allows you to move comfortably. You’ll also need to be more alert to possible landslides.
Although it’s not the easiest option, it does have its upside: you’ll see much more vibrant vegetation, hear birds singing more frequently, and finally reach Machu Picchu enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere, thanks to the slowly dissipating fog.
In either case, you can make your reservation up to a week in advance, which is enough time to find availability. Note: for your Machu Picchu ticket, you must book at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
Events and Festivities
When is Inti Raymi celebrated in Cusco?
This festivity is held every year on June 24, and many travelers attend to witness the reenactment in tribute to the Sun god. It shows how this ceremony was traditionally performed by the ancient inhabitants of the Inca Empire.
Take note! If you want to see this festivity, you must purchase an entry ticket, which you can find at teleticket.com.pe, where you can check real-time availability and make your purchase. Warning! Just like Machu Picchu entrance tickets, these also sell out very quickly, so be proactive.
What major festivals are there in Cusco?
First, you should know that in the Cusco region, there are celebrations for almost everything. So much so that you could say we celebrate nearly every day. If I listed them all, it would take a long time. So here are the most important ones:
- Holy Week (Semana Santa): Variable date (between March and April). Celebrated throughout the week, with Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday being the most important days.
- Corpus Christi: Thursday, 60 days after Easter Sunday (usually in June).
- Christmas: December 25.
- New Year: December 31 (night) and January 1 (day).
- Inti Raymi: June 24.
- Cusco Festivities: The entire month of June (with the main day on June 24, coinciding with Inti Raymi).
- Carnival: Variable date (February or March), depending on the religious calendar, right before Ash Wednesday.
Is it worth visiting Cusco during Inti Raymi?
Absolutely. Can you imagine learning more about the region’s history and also witnessing those stories come to life before your eyes? That way, your trip would have much more meaning.
Remember! Both the Cusco region and Machu Picchu hold amazing stories and curiosities waiting to be discovered by you. Plus, new mysteries about these places keep emerging, leaving travelers in awe.
