Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Weather in Cusco & Machu Picchu

Best Time to visit Machu Picchu–The best time to travel to Cusco is from May to mid-October. Though temperatures hover in the mid- to upper 15oC/ 60F throughout the year, the city and its countrysides see fewer rain showers during its winter months. Still, this is peak tourist season, so expect plenty of fellow travellers beside you as marvel at iconic sites.

Avoid visiting between late November and March, when heavy downpours delay and dampen exploration. Whenever you decide to plan your trip, bring warm clothing to arm yourself from the chilly nighttime temperatures as well as rain gear, which dip into the low 1oC/ 33F and 5oC/ 41F.

December – April

If you don’t care to get wet in the rain, you can visit during Cusco’s summer season for unbeatable hotel prices and fewer tourists at iconic sites. But beware, If you have the intent of trekking to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail closes during the month of February for maintenance, other alternative trails still operate, however, some rockfalls or landslides are expected on the trail especially in the months of January and February, so it’s not recommended to hike any trails on these months. December, March, and April are the months that you can still hike some trails, but heavy summer rains leave the trail muddy and difficult to hike, further weather information for a specific tour or hike, consult to your Peru Summit Adventures tour specialist. On the bright side, if you do decide to travel during these rainy months, you’ll find the rain doesn’t halt activity in Cusco city and Sacred Valley. Colorful locale festivals, including Carnaval and La Virgin de la Candelaria, take place at this time of year, and it will be fun to be part of these festivals.

May – August

Winter season in Cusco is amazing–The weather is dry (blue sky) and the streets are dominated by colorful outdoor festivals. Daily highs hover in the 16oC/ 61F, which are perfect for exploring Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, or trekking to Machu Picchu and other trails in Cusco. The season’s only caveat is its popularity and the high service demand. Winter draws an influx of European, North American, and South American vacationers, so you should book your accommodations and tours at least three months in advance, talk to your Peru Summit Adventures tailor-made tour specialist to build up a perfect itinerary according to your interest, particularly if you’re planning to travel between May and July. Your best chance of missing the crowd is traveling at the beginning of the winter, in May and at the end of winter, in September. That said, don’t expect Cusco to be quiet, and booking any activity or service a couple of months in advance will get at the proper place.

September – November

Fewer crowds at tourist sites, and comfortable 15oC/ 60F daytime temperatures, spring is very splendid in Cusco. However, those planning to tour the fascinating ruins should note that this shoulder season experiences some light rain showers, so rain gear is important to take, any multi-day treks or day hikes like Rainbow Mountain is still possible to make, just need to be prepared for the weather. Though you won’t have to compete with as many travelers, you’ll want to make your travel arrangements a couple of months in advance to ensure availability, anyway, talk to your Peru Summit Adventures tailor-made tour specialist for any further information regarding the tour you are wishing to go.

Main Public Holidays and Events

• New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
• Three Kings Day (Jan 6)
• Carnaval (February)
• Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (Easter week, Mar or Apr),
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Mother’s Day (Second Sunday of May)
• Corpus Christi (June 11)
• Inti Raymi “Festival of the Sun” (June 24)
• Fiestas Patrias “Independence Day” (July 28-29)
• Pachamama Raymi (Earth Mother Day) (August 1)
• Battle of Angamos (Oct 8)
• All Saints’ Day (Nov 1)
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec 8).
• Christmas (Dec 24-25).