Best and worst travel time: Peru and Machu Picchu
- Best time to visit Machu Picchu
- Worst travel time for Machu Picchu
- Climate table with risk of rain and temperatures
- Where exactly is Machu Picchu - altitude and climate
- Starting point of a trip to Machu Picchu
- Altitude sickness and Machu Picchu, what to watch out for
- Is fear of heights a problem for Machu Picchu?
- Enough time for Machu Picchu - is it worth 2 or even 3 visits?
- Machu Picchu in the morning or in the afternoon?
- New rules and visiting times for visiting Machu Picchu
- Climbing the mountains in/near Machu Picchu
- Alternative itineraries to Cusco & Machu Picchu
- Best travel time for trekking around Machu Picchu
1. Best time to visit Machu Picchu
¡After more than 40 trips through Peru to Machu Picchu during each season, the Peru specialist Markus Mathys recommends the best time for the trip to Machu Picchu in terms of climate and vegetation from the end of March to mid-May and from the beginning of October till the end of November.
During this travel season, the climate is balanced, the air is mostly clear, the Andean meadows are green, agriculture is practiced, many flowers and orchids bloom in and around Machu Picchu.
«Machu Picchu has two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season.»
Since there can sometimes be rain and fog during this travel period, which lies between the rainy and dry seasons, it is advisable to plan two or more days for Machu Picchu, but more on this below under paragraph 7.
Basically you can visit Peru and Machu Picchu all year round. In March, the rainy season ends in the Andes and the dry season begins, which then turns into the rainy season in November and December.
It can therefore be said that the chances of good weather at Machu Picchu are best from April to October.
Important; Rain and fog are never excluded in Machu Picchu, as they are not far from the Amazon lowlands, even in the dry season.
Dry season = best travel time for Peru and Machu Picchu?
From May to September, the so-called Peruvian winter, is the dry season in the Andes of Peru and so the risk of rain at Machu Picchu is the lowest at around 20%, in the transition months before and after it increases or decreases.
From the point of view of Peru specialist Markus Mathys, the cold dry season from May to September is a good, but not explicitly the best travel time for a trip through the Andes of Peru and to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
During the dry season, nights in the Andes are cold and days are hot with plenty of sunshine. In particular, those who are planning a trek, for example on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, must know that the temperature fluctuations from day to night in the dry season are very large.
Furthermore, forest and bush fires in the dry season are not uncommon in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia. Some of the fires can spread to the Machu Picchu region, and areas in the Amazon lowlands are also affected.
The months with the greatest risk of forest and bush fires in the Andes and in the Amazon lowlands are July, August and September.
In view of this, the Incas in Peru already said "The sun brings the desert, the rain brings the flowers".
2. Worst travel time for Machu Picchu
In terms of climate, the “worst” time to travel to Machu Picchu is in January and February, with a lot of rain and the resulting obstructions on the roads and rails.
In the rainy season, rain can be expected almost every day in the Andes around Machu Picchu, the risk of rain increases to 80 to over 90%.
But beware, clouds and fog can offer an extremely fascinating spectacle in Machu Picchu in the rainy season, and many flowers and orchids are also blooming.
If you are lucky enough to visit Machu Picchu on one of the rare days in the rainy season with a few sunny hours, you will be rewarded with clear air, a deep blue sky and a wonderful view.
«The most beautiful moments in Machu Picchu with the best view open up on rare sunny days or hours in the rainy season.»
3. Temperatures in Machu Picchu and Cusco with climate table
Since Machu Picchu is "only" 2450 m above sea level. M., the temperatures do not fall below zero degrees. On the contrary, it is not as cold around Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu as many think. The bananas, avocados and other tropical and subtropical fruits that grow here bear witness to this. The climate around the Inca city can best be described as hot and humid.
Importantly, temperatures are always higher in Machu Picchu than in Cusco throughout the year.
When it rains, it can still cool down to 10-12 degrees in Machu Picchu at night, but during the day with strong sunshine in the months of May to September it often gets well over 20 degrees warm. On the treks at higher altitudes, it gets colder because of the altitude, and temperatures can drop below zero at night. The sun's rays in the dry season are very strong - good sun protection and drinking plenty of water are essential, there is practically no shade!
4. Where exactly is Machu Picchu - altitude and climate
Machu Picchu is located on the Urubamba River in the sphere of influence of the Andes and the Amazon Basin at 2450 m above sea level. M., so there can be rain, clouds and fog here all year round. The climate around Machu Picchu is warm and humid all year round, typical of the subtropical mountain cloud forest on the slope of the Andes to the Amazon lowlands.
5. Starting point of a trip to Machu Picchu
The starting point for a trip to Machu Picchu is the city of Cusco, one of the most beautiful cities in South America, at 3460 m above sea level. There are daily train connections from Cusco and Poroy and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas from Ollantaytambo and Urubamba to Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes).
See paragraph 17 for information with photos of the different train companies and classes that go to Machu Picchu.
Markus Mathys recommends that you plan enough time not only for Machu Picchu, but also for the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas when planning a trip to Peru.
6. Altitude sickness and Machu Picchu - what needs to be considered
Machu Picchu village at 2,000 m above sea level M. and the ruins of Machu Picchu at 2,450 m. M. usually do not cause any major problems with regard to altitude sickness. Anyone who undertakes a hike on one of the mountains in Machu Picchu will be particularly impressed by the ascent to the Machu Picchu mountain at 3080 m above sea level. M. feel the height.
The same is true of Cusco at 3,460 m above sea level. M., here you have to be more careful. If you are planning a trek around Machu Picchu, you have to get better at acclimatizing to the altitude. It is important that you choose the right route as well as the right travel speed. Not every traveler has the same requirements. During a travel consultation, Markus Mathys will carefully discuss this topic with you. For example, did you know that you can get to Machu Picchu directly from Lima in one day? Depending on your itinerary, budget and time you have available, this can make sense.
If you take a domestic flight from Lima - the city is located directly on the Pacific - in one hour to Cusco at 3460 m above sea level. M. should be particularly careful and plan enough time for acclimatization. Such a large difference in altitude in such a short time is always a challenge for the body!
Basically - be careful with the height!
It is important that the cardiovascular system is in order for travel to higher altitudes. From a certain age and/or if you have previous illnesses, it makes sense to be examined by a doctor before traveling to Peru. Problems at altitude are severe obesity and excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Simply put, anything that's not good at the bottom is even worse at the top.
For Machu Picchu and especially for trekking in the region, the joints should allow walking on stairs for several hours. The Inca stairs are partly high and steep. With good travel advice and appropriate route planning, problems with altitude cannot be ruled out in many cases, but can at least be reduced.
As a tour guide in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia, Markus Mathys learned a lot about altitude sickness from local doctors. Therefore, read the following travel tips:
7. Is fear of heights a problem for visiting Machu Picchu?
A certain level of head for heights is required to visit Machu Picchu. If you are afraid of heights, please inform the tour guide before the tour of Machu Picchu so that he can choose the right route through the ruined city. If you are afraid of heights, avoid booking a group tour of Machu Picchu if possible.
On a "classic" sightseeing tour through Machu Picchu, you will pass some exposed places, which can be partially bypassed on a private tour. To climb the two mountains Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu you should be free from giddiness and sure-footed. If you are afraid of heights, be sure to ask Markus Mathys at the travel advisor.
8. Enough time for Machu Picchu - are 2 or even 3 visits to Machu Picchu worth it?
Since rain and fog can never be completely ruled out in Machu Picchu all year round, Markus Mathys gives you the opportunity to extend the length of your visit to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) to several days. If you wish, you can spend up to three or more days in Machu Picchu.
Markus Mathys was able to organize the longest trip to Machu Picchu to date for two customers from Berlin. Read here customer feedback with poem of this Peru trip with 4 days stay at Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel in Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
From Markus Mathys' point of view, it's great when, after a first visit, you have another day with an experienced guide to explore the imposing landscape in which the ruined city of Machu Picchu is located on your own. This gives you time to sit down in a quiet place and enjoy Machu Picchu with its view of forests, mountains and the Vilcanota (Urubamba) River.
If you like hiking, a hike to one or both of the mountains Huayna Picchu and/or Montaña Machu Picchu - more on this under paragraph 11 - in Machu Picchu is highly recommended. In the months when the risk of rain is higher, it is generally appropriate to spend two days in Machu Picchu. If you like taking photos and waiting for the right light, you can also include 3 visits at different times in a trip to Machu Picchu.
With Machu Picchu in the Inkaterra Hotel, Markus Mathys has designed a travel component where more time is deliberately available for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. If desired, this travel module can be included in any trip to Peru.
9. Machu Picchu in the morning or in the afternoon?
Machu Picchu can be visited from 06:00 in the morning to 17:30 in the afternoon. In the early morning, most of those who stay overnight in Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes) want to take the first bus up to Machu Picchu, so there are already quite a few visitors and long waiting times for the first buses and at sunrise in the morning Entrance to Machu Picchu. From 10:00 a.m. the trains from Cusco (Poroy) arrive with the day tourists for the afternoon from Cusco (Poroy), so most visitors are in Machu Picchu between 10:00 a.m. and around 3:00 p.m.
The light for photography is excellent in the late afternoon as well as early in the morning. The disadvantage of the afternoon is that you can no longer hike up one of the two mountains, Montaña Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu. According to Markus Mathys, the probability of rain is slightly greater in the afternoon from 2:00 p.m. and in the morning until around 10:00 a.m. than at noon. When it opens up on rainy days, it usually happens around midday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but there is no guarantee.
10. New rules and visiting times for visiting Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu with or without a guide? Since January 1st, 2019, these new rules and visiting times apply to Machu Picchu. Since the beginning of May 2019, certain parts of Machu Picchu such as the Temple of the Condor, the pyramid with the Intihuatana sundial and the Temple of the Sun can no longer be visited all day. Since the pandemic, there have been various tours through Machu Picchu, these are constantly being changed.
11. Climbing the mountains in Machu Picchu
Mount Huayna Picchu - The hike to the 2720 m.a.s.l. M. high mountain "Huayna Picchu", in German "young mountain", is together with the four-day Camino Inka, the Inca Trail, the most famous hike within the Machu Picchu National Park. This is the distinctive mountain crest behind the ruined city of Machu Picchu.
As there is limited space at the summit, as well as for the ascent and descent, the number of participants for this trek is limited. For this reason, access to Huayna Picchu must be reserved and paid for in advance. In high season, it is advisable to buy tickets for Huayna Picchu at least three months in advance.
Currently we can offer you access to Huayna Picchu between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m lock in. Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu must be purchased appropriately for a visit to Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu tickets are limited to 200 people per day.
Which of the two times is more suitable depends on the respective travel time and the rest of the program in Machu Picchu. Important: The hike is only suitable for people who are sure-footed and have a head for heights. Good shoes with non-slip soles are also recommended. The ascent to the top of Huayna Picchu takes about an hour, with stops for photos. The visit to Huayna Picchu can be booked with or without a tour guide.
Hike to the Huayna Picchu Moon Temple
If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists in Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, Markus Mathys recommends a hike to the Temple of the Moon.
The Templo de la luna, as it is called in Spanish, is located at the back of the Huayna Picchu mountain. To visit it you must have a Huayna Picchu ticket for the 7:00 am visit time.
After reaching the summit of Huayna Picchu, it goes down a good 400 meters steeply on the back side, away from the ruins of Machu Picchu; It feels like you almost come down to the Rio Urubamba river. The path is really steep, some ledges have to be overcome with wooden ladders.
If you have reached the moon temple, which is located in a small cave. The path leads around the Huayna Picchu. This path then joins the path taken to climb Huayna Picchu. You don't have to climb back from the Temple of the Moon to the top of Huayna Picchu.
Visiting the temple adds at least an hour to the visit to Huayna Picchu. The hike is only suitable for really sure-footed and experienced hikers.
Markus Mathys has visited the Moon Temple three times; He will be happy to advise you personally before you travel about this still very unknown but beautiful hike in Machu Picchu.
In the rainy season, this hike is not recommended by Markus Mathys; the best time for this Moon Temple excursion is from May to October.
Climbing the Montaña Machu Picchu mountain
Behind the ruins of Machu Picchu is the Machu Picchu mountain of the same name, known by the name "Montaña Machu Picchu" in English old mountain. This mountain with a height of 3080 m. M. can also be climbed, and here too access must be reserved and purchased in advance. Since this mountain is less well known, demand is lower and availability is higher.
We can currently include access to the Machu Picchu mountain between 06:00 and 07:00 or between 08:00 and 09:00 in a trip. Entry to Machu Picchu must be scheduled for a visit to Machu Picchu Mountain at 6:00, 7:00 or 8:00. Access to Machu Picchu mountain is limited to 200 people per entry time (total 400 people per day).
Which of the two times is more suitable depends, as with the Huayna Picchu mountain, on the respective travel time and the rest of the program in Machu Picchu. The hike here is more strenuous than that to Huayna Picchu. When the weather is nice, the view from the summit is fascinating and unforgettable. On one side you can see the glaciers of the Sierra Urubamba, on the other, a thousand meters down the valley, the Vilcanota river flowing towards the Amazon lowlands; if there is high water, you can hear it rushing from the summit.
This hike is also only suitable for people who are sure-footed and have a head for heights. Good shoes with non-slip soles are also recommended here. The ascent to the top of Machu Picchu mountain takes between one and a half and two hours, with stops for photos. The visit to the Montaña Machu Picchu mountain can be booked with or without a tour guide.
Ascent of Putukusi
Opposite Machu Picchu is Mount Putukusi (Mountain of Fortune). Of the three mountains near Machu Picchu, this is the most difficult mountain to climb; in recent years, access was blocked by a landslide. During the study trip in April 2016, Markus Mathys asked the administration of Machu Picchu about the Putukusi directly on site. Unfortunately, the way up to the Putukusi is still blocked, when the repair work will start is not known for the time being - a shame about the great view of Machu Picchu from the Putukusi.
12. Alternative itineraries to Cusco and Machu Picchu
The aim of Markus Mathys is to offer you alternative tours and travel routes around Cusco and Machu Picchu. Of course you can't completely avoid the large flow of tourists around Machu Picchu, but there are still alternatives how you can reduce it to a tolerable level; however, a little more time is required for this. In addition, a private tour with a private guide is very beneficial.
A trip to Machu Picchu can be planned and organized according to your possibilities and wishes. When it comes to tours in international tour groups, such as the Peru tour on a budget, the options are limited, the only thing that can be built into such a trip is more free time. On a private trip with a private tour guide, the possibilities for alternative travel routes are greater - Markus Mathys will be happy to provide travel advice on the various options that we can offer you for your trip to Machu Picchu.
If you really want to experience Peru on alternative travel routes, Markus Mathys recommends a trip to northern Peru. Here you will find information and travel tips on the best time to travel to Northern Peru. If you cannot/do not want to travel to northern or central Peru, you can travel from Lima to Cusco via Huancayo, Ayacucho and Abancay. We can create such a trip for you individually with a private vehicle and driver. A trip via Nazca to Cusco is also possible, but a trip via Huancayo is scenically more beautiful and impressive - conclusion: There are many ways to Cusco and Machu Picchu!
Here is the link to the travel module: by land from Lima to Cusco
13. Best travel time for trekking around Machu Picchu
For trekking around Cusco and Machu Picchu, it is advisable to choose a time between April and October. The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is completely closed in February for maintenance work. If you are planning a trek at altitudes of over 3500 m.a.s.l. M., who has to reckon with very cold nights in June, July and August, often below freezing point. Markus Mathys recommends the months of April and May and then again in September and October as the best travel time for trekking to Machu Picchu.
Our treks from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Our treks to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao can be found under travel modules → treks from Cusco
Best travel time for Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
All trips to Machu Picchu usually start and end in the city of Cusco at 3460 m above sea level. M. Since Cusco is a good 1000 m higher than Machu Picchu, the average temperatures in Cusco are about 8 to 10 degrees lower than in Machu Picchu. The weather in Cusco is more stable than in Machu Picchu, that is, when it rains in Machu Picchu it can be sunny in Cusco, the opposite case is rather rare.
Similar to Machu Picchu, the best time to travel to Cusco is from March to November. From May to September there is a dry season in Cusco, rain is rather rare at this time of the year, but thunderstorms are always possible. During this time of the year, the day and night temperatures fall or rise sharply, during the day it can get well over 20 degrees warm in the sun. On nights when the sky is cloudless, temperatures often drop below zero at higher altitudes.
Large temperature fluctuations
These large temperature fluctuations between day and night in connection with the altitude can also make you tired. At this time of year, you should protect yourself particularly well against colds and coughs, this applies to the entire Andes of Peru and Bolivia. The air in the dry season is very dry and often dusty. Travelers with sensitive eyes should have eye drops in their luggage.
March and April as well as October and November are months in which it changes from the dry season to the rainy season and vice versa. The day and night temperatures are more balanced, but rain has to be expected from time to time.
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