I jumped at the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu with a group of women in May without questioning the best time to hike Machu Picchu. I was just ready to fly to South America without thinking about how the weather might be in the Peruvian Andes. 

Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan citadel nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is a bucket-list destination for many adventurers. However, choosing the best time to hike to this iconic site can significantly impact your experience. This guide will help you navigate the seasons and decide when to embark on your journey to Machu Picchu.

Now that I’ve visited and experienced the shoulder season in Machu Picchu, I can confidently say that the best month to visit is May.

Let’s get into it!

Just a heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support! 

When is the Best Time to Hike Machu Picchu?

View of Machu Picchu at Sunrise
Machu Picchu just after sunrise

When it comes to planning your epic adventure to the Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu, there are a couple of factors that you will want to consider: 

  • Dry Season vs Wet Season vs Shoulder Season 
  • Trail Type: Inca Trail Trek or Salkantay Trail 
  • Number of Visitors: Fewer People vs. Large Crowds 

 

I’ll go over all of these different factors and more so you can plan your ultimate adventure to the sacred valley.

 

If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!

Quick Travel Guide for Machu Picchu

Use these tools to plan your trip to the Sacred Valley in Peru. 

  • Flights: Catch your affordable flight to Peru here! The closest airport to Machu Picchu is in Cusco, Peru.
  • Hotels: Find deals on Hotels in Aguas Calientes and Cusco here!
  • Hostels: Use Hostelworld to find the best Hostels around the world!
  • Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance for peace of mind! 
  • Transportation: The best way to get around Cusco, Peru, is on foot, but you can purchase train tickets with PeruRail and Bus Tickets to Machu Picchu here. 
  • Soles: Be sure to have cash for tour guide tips, bathrooms, and small purchases. 
  • Main Seasons for Visiting: May and October are the best months to visit Machu Picchu.
  • Machu Picchu Treks: There are two different main treks to Machu Picchu: the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek. Each varies in the number of trekking days but ends in Aguas Calientes and can be completed as guided treks. 
  • Guided Tours & Activities: Use GetYourGuide for the BEST options for tours throughout Peru!

 

This post contains all the information needed to pick the best time to visit Machu Picchu! 

Dry Season vs Wet Season vs Shoulder Season at Machu Picchu

Two women in panchos
Early May at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. Each season has its own unique characteristics that can influence your hiking experience.

Since Machu Picchu is located in the southern hemisphere, people typically believe that when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is summer in the southern. However, instead of having distinct “winter” and “summer” seasons, Machu Picchu experiences a Dry and Wet Season. 

While people may believe that the rainy season would be a time to avoid visiting, it is actually one of the best times to visit. It is the best way to avoid large crowds and long lines. While they are some of the wettest months to visit, there are still long periods of sunny days with clear skies. 

The dry season will avoid some of the heavy rain but will have wild temperatures. The chances of trail washouts decrease significantly if you’re trekking to Machu Picchu, but there are plenty of alternate routes if that were to happen. 

Let’s get into the details of both the dry and wet Seasons when visiting Machu Picchu.

Dry Season (Late-May to September)

The Dry Season in Machu Picchu is the most popular time to visit the area due to the decrease in rain. This is also the time of year when you’ll experience increased prices and large crowds. 

To keep costs minimal during Dry Season, book your accommodations ahead of time and reserve any entry tickets. 

  • Weather: The dry season has clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it the most popular time for hiking. Daytime temperatures range from 17°C to 19°C (63°F to 66°F), while nights can be chilly, often dropping below 10°C (50°F)1.
  • Crowds: This is the peak tourist season. Trails, especially the Inca Trail, can be crowded, and permits sell out quickly. If you plan to hike during this period, book well in advance.
  • Pros: Ideal weather conditions, clear views of the mountains and ruins.
  • Cons: High tourist volume, higher prices for accommodations and tours.

Wet Season (November to March)

The wet season is often vilified because people believe it is only rainy during this time. However, temperatures are warmer, and there are still plenty of clear days. 

  • Weather: The wet season brings frequent rain showers, with daytime temperatures slightly warmer, ranging from 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F). Nights are less cold compared to the dry season.
  • Crowds: Fewer tourists visit during this time, offering a more serene experience. However, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February. So if you are planning on hiking, you will not be able to complete the Inca Trek in February. Machu Picchu is open year-round. 
  • Pros: Lush, green landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices.
  • Cons: Increased risk of rain, potential for landslides, some trails may be muddy and slippery.

Shoulder Months (April and October)

Shoulder Season is a wonderful time to book your trip to Machu Picchu. The crowds are smaller, and the temperature is more moderate than the Wet and Dry Seasons. You can still experience light rain, but it is nothing a light pancho can’t handle. 

  • Weather: These months offer a balance between the dry and wet seasons. The weather is generally pleasant, with moderate temperatures and less rain compared to the wet season.
  • Crowds: Trails are less crowded than during the peak dry season, making it an excellent time for those seeking a quieter experience.
  • Pros: Good weather, fewer crowds, beautiful scenery.
  • Cons: Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers.

Month-by-Month Breakdown of Machu Picchu Weather

Graph of Monthly Average Temperatures in Machu Picchu
For more climate information, visit en.climate-data.org
  • January to March: Heavy rains, fewer tourists. The Inca Trail is closed in February.
  • April: Start of the dry season, moderate crowds, pleasant weather.
  • May to September: Peak season with the best weather but crowded trails.
  • October: End of the dry season, fewer tourists, good weather.
  • November to December: The start of the wet season, fewer tourists, and lush landscapes.

It is important to note, that rain is possible every month out of the year. So even when there is a distinct “Wet” and “Dry” season, you should still pack for rainy weather in the dry season. 

For a complete guide to packing for visiting Machu Picchu, check out my guide here!

Inca Trail Vs. Salkantay Trail

Hikers at the top of a mountain pass

Many people who visit Machu Picchu choose to complete a multi-day trek to the famous site. The two most common treks are the Inca and Salkantay Trek. The type of adventure you pick is strictly personal preference. 

 

Here is a short synopsis of the two main options:

Inca Trail

Green jungle huts

The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most iconic trekking routes in the world, blending breathtaking scenery and well-preserved Incan ruins. Hikers traverse rugged Andean landscapes for four days, cross high mountain passes, and descend into a lush cloud forest for 26 miles.

The trail offers a perfect blend of challenge and reward, with landmarks like Dead Woman’s Pass, Incan terraces, and ancient stone staircases adding some history to the journey. 

Permits are strictly limited, ensuring a sense of exclusivity but also requiring advanced planning. The highlight for many is arriving at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise, where the first view of Machu Picchu feels like a well-earned triumph.

  • 26 miles 
  • Four Days
  • Historic Landmark Focused

Salkantay Trail

Women celebrating at the Salkantay Pass
The Salkantay Pass

The Salkantay Trail is a rugged and remote alternative for those seeking solitude and a more naturalistic adventure. Unlike the Inca Trail, this route doesn’t require permits, making it a flexible choice for trekkers. 

Over five to seven days and 47 miles, hikers experience dramatic contrasts in scenery, from the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain to tropical cloud forests teeming with wildlife. 

The trail’s high-altitude Salkantay Pass (15,213 feet/4,638 meters) is a challenging highlight, rewarding hikers with unparalleled views of glacial peaks. As the trail descends, trekkers encounter coffee plantations and jungle landscapes before concluding their journey at Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. 

The Salkantay Trail offers an immersive experience that showcases the diverse beauty of Peru’s Andean region.

  • 47 miles 
  • Five to Seven Days 
  • Nature Focused

Best Time of Day to Enter Machu Picchu

Group of People on a Tour in Machu Picchu
Group Tour in Machu Picchu

When you pick your entry tickets for Machu Picchu, you will pick the circuit and your entry time. For information on the different circuits, check out the section below. 

 

If you’re completing your Machu Picchu adventure as a day trip, I highly recommend going with a tour company so they can book your train tickets to Aquas Calientes, as well as your entrance ticket and bus tickets. There are plenty of tour companies that offer Machu Picchu Tours, but my favorite is this one. It starts in Cusco, Peru, if you’re not staying overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes. 

 

If you’re staying the night at Aquas Calientes before entering Machu Picchu, consider booking your ticket for the first available entrance so you have the opportunity to catch the sunrise over the historic Unesco World Heritage Site and surrounding mountains. Early Mornings at Machu Picchu are beautiful and typically have fewer visitors. 

 

If you’re staying overnight in Aquas Calientes after visiting Machu Picchu, consider booking your ticket for the last or second to last time slot so you can watch the sunset at the end of the day. 

 

If you’re going to be hiking the Huayna Picchu mountain, making your entrance earlier in the day is a great way to avoid high temperatures. 

 

Early mornings are the best time of day to enter Machu Picchu.

Book a guided tour

Machu Picchu Circuits

Machu Picchu Circuit Sign
Circuit Sign

When packing for Machu Picchu, it is also important to consider what circuit you’ll be completing! You can purchase tickets for individual entry based on what you desire to see at Machu Picchu. 

 

Here is a list of what you can expect to see at each of the different circuits:

Circuit 1: Panorámico

    • This circuit focuses on the upper terraces of Machu Picchu, offering iconic panoramic views of the citadel and Huayna Picchu. It’s perfect for those who want to capture the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. 
    • Best for visitors looking for the best views and photo opportunities without exploring the entire site.

 

Circuit 2: Circuito Clásico

    • This is the most comprehensive circuit, covering both the upper and lower terraces. It includes major sites like the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Rock, providing a thorough exploration of Machu Picchu.
    • Best for history buffs and those wanting to see a large portion of the site.

 

Circuit 3: Machupicchu Realeza

    • This circuit focuses on the royal buildings, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Palace, and sticks to the lower terraces. It involves fewer stairs, making it easier to navigate.
    • Best for visitors interested in the royal structures and those who prefer a less physically demanding route.

 

How to Choose:

  • For iconic photos: Circuit 1
  • For a comprehensive tour: Circuit 2
  • For an easier walk with a focus on royal buildings: Circuit 3.

 

If you have any specific interests or physical considerations, let me know, and I can help you decide further!

Book your Circuit

Tips for Hiking Machu Picchu

Women on the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain in Peru
Huayna Picchu Mountain in Peru

Visiting Peru for the first time was life-changing, and I cannot wait to go back! Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Machu Picchu. 

  • Book in Advance: If you plan to hike during the dry season, especially on the Inca Trail, book your permits and accommodations several months in advance.

You can book your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu online.

  • Altitude Sickness: Consider bringing altitude sickness tablets if you’re prone to it. Staying hydrated and taking it easy on your first day can help mitigate symptoms, as well as avoiding alcohol.

When I was preparing for my multi-day hike to Machu Picchu, I completed an altitude adjustment course to prepare for the elevation change. The course was through Recal Travel and I found the program to be extremely helpful as someone who traveled to Peru from sea level.

  • Cash: Bring some local currency (Peruvian Sol) for small purchases and tips, as not all places accept credit cards. Using the bathroom in Peru typically costs between 1 – 2 Soles. Use a coin pouch or plastic bags to keep your money together as you travel through Peru.

When exchanging money for Soles, specifically ask for coins. They were challenging to come by once in Peru.

  • Travel Insurance: My travel insurance came in handy since I missed my connecting flight to Lima when leaving the US, which caused me to miss a non-refundable food tour of Cusco. My travel insurance covered the cost of my canceled tour!

Transportation is not always the most reliable in Peru, consider having backup options and planning plenty of buffer time in between activities to get from one location to another.

 
  • Stay Hydrated: The high altitude can be challenging, so drink plenty of water and take it slow to acclimate. Bring a water bottle with you because, once you enter, there is no reentry.
 
  • Consider Alternative Routes: If permits for the Inca Trail are sold out, consider alternative treks like the Salkantay, Lares Trek, or Vilcabamba trails, which offer equally stunning views and experiences.
 

I hope this helps when you’re deciding what to pack for Machu Picchu!

Pack It Up

When picking the perfect time for planning your Machu Picchu adventure, it all comes down to your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and overall experience, whether you prefer the clear, blue skies of the dry season or the lush landscapes of the wet season. 

 

For help with packing for your trip, check out this blog post! 

 

If you have any questions about planning your trip to Machu Picchu, drop them below. I’m happy to help!

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