When to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Cusco the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and Machu Picchu one of the seven wonders of the world are two destinations highly sought after by travelers and tourists from around the world. It is almost impossible to go to Machu Picchu without arriving at the city of Cusco. Both resorts are perfectly complemented with each other, as it represents the maximum expression of what is the legacy left by the Incas; these two destinations offer everything that the visitor seeks from his trip through the places that were once the domain of the Incas.
- When is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- High season of tourism – Dry season
- Low season of tourism – Rainy season
When is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
It is fair to say that no matter what season of the year you visit Cusco and its wonder, you will always enjoy your visit. But during the year two seasons of tourist influx are observed and they coincide with the two well-marked natural seasons that are presented in the region of Cusco. Each season has its own characteristics and which give advantages and disadvantages to each, you should take these characteristics into account when deciding what time of year you want to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu.
High season of tourism – Dry season
The dry season begins in May and ends in October, is characterized by sunny days and a wonderful blue sky, temperatures during the day reach 23 °, at night the temperature drops drastically and the environment becomes very cold during the early morning hours, registering temperatures below zero degrees, especially during the months of June and July. The rains are sporadic and the days are mostly cleared.
In these months the influx of tourism is high, the city of Cusco is invaded by visitors from all over the globe. Between May and July, there are many artistic and cultural activities in the city, highlighting the celebration of the Inti Raymi. This season is also considered the best time to visit Machu Picchu, clear days allow you to observe the Inca city and its surroundings in all its splendor, but this contrasts with a large number of tourists that saturate the Inca city to its limit.
During this season the prices of various services increase considerably, and services such as train, flights and accommodations must be booked many weeks in advance.
Low season of tourism – Rainy season
The rainy season starts in November and ends in April. This season is characterized by constant rainfall, the days are often cloudy, but there are clear intervals of days. The temperature is more benign and varies between 10 ° C and 23 ° C.
Contrary to what is thought, this season is very attractive to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu. The rains make the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu a spectacular green, with a magnificent flora and fauna, the Inca city of Machu Picchu has a special air and mystery only after a rain, or at dawn when the fog rises. A highlight and a great advantage to visit Cusco during this time are that the various services lower their costs and it is possible to find high-quality services at very good prices.
What is never missing and you will always be able to enjoy, no matter the season or the price, is the exquisite Peruvian food; and that in Cusco and all its tourist centers, has taken a different level thanks to the proposals of traditional and Novoandina cuisine.
Choose the season that best suits you and do not wait, Cusco and Machu Picchu await you. Remember to buy your admission ticket to the wonder of the world in advance.