Best Month to Visit Machu Picchu: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. If you are planning to visit this iconic wonder, choosing the best month to go can make all the difference in your experience. The best month to travel to Machu Picchu depends on factors like weather, crowd levels, and the type of activities you want to enjoy. As an experienced guide in the Inca culture, I will walk you through the different seasons and what to expect each month.

Understanding the Climate in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu has a subtropical highland climate, meaning it experiences two main seasons:

Dry Season (April to October): Characterized by clear skies, warm daytime temperatures, and cooler nights. This is the peak tourist season.
Rainy Season (November to March): Brings frequent showers and lush green landscapes. Although some days are wet, the site is less crowded.

Now, let's break down each month so you can choose the best time for your adventure!

Best Month to Visit Machu Picchu: A Breakdown by Season

January and February: The Rainiest Months

Heavy rainfall makes the Inca Trail slippery and dangerous.
The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance, but Machu Picchu remains open.
Lush landscapes provide incredible photography opportunities.
Fewer tourists mean a more peaceful experience.
Best for travelers who don’t mind the rain and prefer a quieter visit.

March: A Transition Month

The rain starts to subside, and skies begin to clear.
The Inca Trail reopens at the end of February, making March a great time for hikers.
The scenery remains vibrant and green, with waterfalls at their fullest.

April: The Start of the Dry Season

Ideal weather with little rain and pleasant temperatures.
The crowds are still moderate, making it a great time to visit.
Perfect for trekking the Inca Trail or alternative routes like Salkantay.

May: Perfect Balance Between Weather and Crowds

The weather is excellent, with warm days and cool nights.
The landscapes are still lush from the previous rainy months.
The number of tourists increases, but it’s not as packed as peak season.

June: Peak Season Begins

One of the driest months with almost no rain.
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) is celebrated in Cusco, attracting visitors from around the world.
Large crowds and higher accommodation prices.
Best for those who want to experience Andean culture and perfect trekking conditions.

July and August: The Busiest Months

Clear skies and ideal conditions for hiking and sightseeing.
Large crowds, so booking tickets and accommodation in advance is essential.
Best time for adventure seekers and those who don’t mind the hustle and bustle.

September: A Great Alternative to Peak Season

The weather is still excellent, with fewer tourists compared to July and August.
Great for trekking and exploring other nearby attractions.
A good mix of dry conditions and comfortable temperatures.

October: The Last Month of the Dry Season

Beautiful weather with mild temperatures.
Moderate tourist numbers make for a more relaxed experience.
Excellent time for photographers looking for fewer crowds and golden sunsets.

November: The Start of the Rainy Season

Some occasional rain, but still a good time to visit.
Fewer tourists and lower prices on hotels and tours.
A great option for those who prefer solitude.

December: A Unique Holiday Experience

Rain increases, but it’s not as heavy as in January and February.
Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Cusco and Machu Picchu create a festive atmosphere.
Great time to see Machu Picchu with a unique misty ambiance.

Additional Activities in Machu Picchu and Cusco

Regardless of when you visit, there are plenty of activities to enrich your trip:

Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.
Explore the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray.
Experience local culture in Cusco, the former Inca capital.
Enjoy traditional Peruvian cuisine, such as lomo saltado and alpaca steak.

Where to Stay: Experience Luxury at Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel

After an exciting day exploring Machu Picchu, you deserve a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel offers an exceptional experience with breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations, and authentic Peruvian hospitality. Located near the entrance to Machu Picchu, it provides the perfect retreat for adventurers seeking comfort and elegance.

Book your stay at Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel and make your trip to Machu Picchu truly unforgettable!

Wonderful stay

The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and decorated very tastefully. The atmosphere very nice. Very comfortable, spacious room with terrace, jacuzzi, and river view !!Spectacular! The shower a delight. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations on having such dedicated and cordial staff. The dinners were delicious, very thoughtful, and original dishes. Our stay at the hotel was memorable.

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1/5

Excellent

We stayed one night there and really the service has been exceptional. I have nothing but good words for the establishment. We stayed in a suite which was excellent! It had a jacuzzi. Breakfast very good. The staff is always attentive. And the restaurant is a luxury. We took the 4-step menu and it has been spectacular. I would definitely go back and recommend it.

Lola L

2/5

Beautiful hotel and wonderful breakfast!

We enjoyed our stay here while visiting Machu Picchu. The hotel was very clean, the staff very friendly and polite, and the breakfast was amazing! Seriously, the breakfast was really a beautiful spread of so many options. It is in a nice location and easy to explore from there.

Overall a really nice and would recommend it!

Martin

3/5

Unforgettable

I went to Machupicchu with family and stayed at the Casa Del Sol hotel again. The hotel is just beautiful. There have been renovations since I was last there, the dining room is beautiful and crisp! An absolute delight to dine in. But the best part of the hotel is the people. The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure we have every need attended to! The staff welcomed us back like old friends, and even helped us celebrate my mother's birthday with a bottle of wine! We stayed for 2 nights, but we could have stayed longer just to enjoy the rooms and the spa.

Chrissy

4/5

Beautiful Hotel in Aguascalientes

I loved staying at the hotel so much! As soon as we got off our bus we were greeted by very friendly staff and walked less than 100 meters to the hotel. Their food is amazing and staying in this hotel is so relaxing, especially after a day spent in Machu Picchu. Every single one of the staff is so friendly and makes sure you are as comfortable and happy as you can be. I especially loved how the hotel was just next to the river and the beautiful rooms they provided. I hope I can go back someday!

Mikenzie T

5/5