Choosing the best time to visit Machu Picchu is about knowing what kind of adventure you want. Do you picture yourself hiking the Classic Inca Trail under crisp blue skies in the dry season? Or would you prefer to explore the Sacred Valley when the wet season turns everything fifty shades of green? Each time of year visiting has its pros and cons, factoring in weather conditions and crowds – which we’ll dive into here.
Whether you’re planning months in advance or dreaming of last-minute travel on one of Trafalgar’s Peru tours, understanding the weather conditions, crowds, and nearby gems like the Sacred Valley will help you find your best month to visit Machu Picchu.
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What are the best months to travel to Machu Picchu?
When it comes to timing, there’s no “wrong” choice for Machu Picchu – just different experiences. Here’s how the seasons stack up…
Dry season (May to October)
Think clear skies, cooler nights and picture-perfect views of Machu Picchu. This is the prime time for hiking the Inca Trail or pairing Machu Picchu with the Sacred Valley. But there’s a catch – Machu Picchu in June, July and August is peak travel season, so you’ll need to book tickets and trains months in advance.
Wet season (November to April)
Rain transforms the landscape of Machu Picchu into lush cloud forests. You’ll find fewer tourists and softer light for photos – but you definitely need to pack a poncho and waterproof boots. Note that the Classic Inca Trail closes in February.
Shoulder months (April, May, September, October)
When are the best months to visit Machu Picchu? During these shoulder months you’ll dodge the biggest crowds, enjoy mild weather conditions and still get those sweeping views. Machu Picchu in April feels alive after the wet season rains, while Machu Picchu in September starts to quieten down and enjoy glowy light.
Planning sounds complex? Well, it can be – which is why many choose to go guided. On a Peru tour you’ll have the logistics and details taken care of – you just need to have your camera charged and ready to go.
READ MORE: What to pack for your tour of Machu Picchu
When is Machu Picchu the most crowded?
Crowds at Machu Picchu swell during the heart of the Peruvian winter (June through August), when the skies are clearest and school holidays align. That might mean snaking lines at the entrance gates, busier trains into town and a bit of waiting for the perfect photo. But it does bring a buzz to the ancient citadel, with everyone there for the same magical reason.
If you want to steer clear of the peak mid-year rush, then lean toward the shoulder months.
How many days in Machu Picchu is enough?
With just one day, you’ll see the highlights of Machu Picchu in a whirlwind. Two days gives you time to slow down, explore different angles and see the Lost City in different light at different times of day.
When you join any of Trafalgar’s tours to Peru, you’ll visit Machu Picchu twice on two different days. On the first day you’ll ascend to the Lost City in the Clouds aboard the Vistadome train, which follows the Inca Trail so you’ll see hikers along the way. At the top, you’ll delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilization with your Local Specialist. This includes ticking off the great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved Intihuatana.
With more than two days, you can add hikes or hiking into the mix – but just keep in mind there are popular permits required and plenty of planning. That’s one of the reassurances of guided travel; your Travel Director handles all the permits, tickets and timings so you can focus on the joy of being there – and not the logistics.
On every Peru tour you’ll spend two nights in Cusco, two nights in the Sacred Valley, and then stay overnight at Aguas Calientes – a short ride from the famous Inca ruins. That’s plenty of time to explore this beautiful region and acclimatize to the altitude.
Insider tips for visiting Machu Picchu
- Beat the crowds early or late. Get on the first or last bus – early mornings have a quiet, mystical vibe, while afternoons offer golden light for photos but more tourists.
- Pack smart. Layers are your best friend. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons surprisingly warm. A rain jacket is never wasted.
- Timing matters on trails. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or side paths, start early to catch the morning mist lifting over the terraces.
- Careful of altitude sickness. Machu Picchu is high in the mountains – don’t skip stopping in the Sacred Valley or Aguas Calientes to minimize altitude sickness symptoms.
- Go guided. Let someone else manage the complex logistics and hear stories and secrets about Machu Picchu that you’d otherwise miss.
READ MORE: 15 picturesque places to visit in Peru
That’s our guide covering the best time to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. Is there anything we missed? Leave us a comment…