Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during Peru’s dry season, from April to November. This is when the trails are dry, and the views from the Andes are once-in-a-lifetime.
Peak season runs from June to August. This is when Machu Picchu is at its busiest, and booking months or even a year in advance is advised. These winter months offer the driest, most reliable weather, with daytime temperatures typically around 19–21°C and nights often chillier at the higher altitudes.
We recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to November. On the cusp of the beginning and ends of the rainy season, it’s a quieter time to visit, and though you may encounter occasional showers, the weather remains predominantly dry. Temperatures are slightly warmer, particularly in April and October, and the landscape is lush following the wet season.
This time also allows you to travel around Peru at its best, with Lima and Arequipa also being excellent destinations during this time.
Who Would Get the Most Out of Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is for anyone visiting Peru for the first time.
For families, it’s quickly becoming one of our top family adventure vacations for those with teens and preteens. Families are seeking bigger-than-life experiences and bucket list moments to come together on travel, and Machu Picchu is high on the list.
With the flexible travel options, it’s also suitable for various activity levels. If hiking doesn’t suit your travel party, the train offers a comfortable journey through the Andes. However, it’s important to note that accessibility at the Machu Picchu site is tricky and will require moderate levels of activity due to the amount of stairs and mountainous landscape in which the ruins are situated.
Packing and Preparation for Machu Picchu
If you plan on hiking to Machu Picchu, our travel experts can help you prepare for all you’ll need for the trek, but a few things to consider:
- Layered clothing – Easily layered clothing is essential as temperatures vary dramatically between day and night, and as you ascend and descend. Pack merino base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof outer shell.
- Quality hiking shoes – Making sure to break them in before your visit, hiking shoes or boots are recommended for this hike. There are moments of steep terrain, so good support and grip are non-negotiable.
- Sun protection – The high-altitude sun is intense, so bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Hydration system – A reusable water bottle or hydration pack with purification tablets.
- Trekking poles – These significantly reduce strain on knees during descents and are useful for the hike, but note that trekking poles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu itself.
- Daypack – A comfortable 20–30L pack for carrying essentials during the trek.
- Personal medical kit – Include altitude sickness medication, blister treatments, and any personal prescriptions.
- Insect repellent – Particularly important if you're combining Machu Picchu with time in the Amazon or cloud forest regions.
- Acclimatization:
Don't underestimate altitude. Spend at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning any trek to allow your body to adjust. Our itineraries always build in appropriate acclimatization time.
Where Else Can You Go in the Same Trip?
Cusco and Machu Picchu go hand in hand for any itinerary to Peru, and with Lake Titicaca located in the surrounding Andes, it’s a must for continuing your exploration of ancient indigenous communities and customs. But there’s a host of other destinations we highly recommend pairing with your Machu Picchu visit, as you make your way through Peru.
Lima
Peru's vibrant capital deserves more than a brief stopover. Lima has emerged as one of the world's great culinary destinations, home to several of Latin America's finest restaurants. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, while trendy neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco offer sophisticated coastal charm.
Colca Canyon
For active couples and families, consider heading south to Arequipa and visiting Colca Canyon for more natural wonders. Deeper than the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon offers off-the-beaten-path hikes that many visitors miss out on during their vacation to Peru, as well as incredible scenery and the chance to see the enormous condors. It’s also located near Arequipa, dubbed the “White City” thanks to its stunning architecture built from the white volcanic sillar stone found nearby.
The Amazon
From Cusco or Lima, journey into one of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems. Peru's Amazon offers luxury cruise experiences where you can spot macaws, monkeys, and caimans, explore jungle waterways by canoe, and fall asleep to the symphony of the rainforest.
Beyond Peru
Peru also serves as a magnificent gateway to broader South American exploration. Combine your Machu Picchu journey with Bolivia's otherworldly salt flats of Uyuni and the colonial beauty of La Paz, or venture to Ecuador's Galápagos Islands for unparalleled wildlife encounters that will enliven your understanding of evolution and biodiversity. Chile's Atacama Desert offers surreal lunar landscapes and world-class stargazing, while Argentina beckons with Buenos Aires' cosmopolitan energy and the renowned wine regions of Mendoza. We specialize in crafting seamless multi-country itineraries that maximize your time, ensuring each destination flows naturally into the next.
