When is the best time of year to go to Machu Picchu



Average score      0 opinions
1054

  Billy Bishop 01/07/2020

You have to time it right when you are visiting one of the wonders of the world. There is no best or worst time to visit Machu Picchu, it is down to personal preference. That is why this guide will provide you with the travel information needed to help you plan your visit to one of South America’s most popular tourist attractions.


When to visit during the year

Main dry season (high season) – June, July and August. If you want to have the lowest risk of rainfall and highest chance of sunshine, then the dry season is when you should visit. The dry season runs from April to October so these are good months to visit. During the dry season months of June, July and August rainfall is at its least and there are many sunny days, however, these months also coincide with peak season meaning it is a popular time to visit. The summer in the northern hemisphere provides people with the opportunity to travel and subsequently results in busier tourist attractions across the world, Machu Picchu not excluded. Large crowds mean that exploring the site is more difficult and you aren’t likely to find a secluded spot. Prices also rise during the high season so you must plan for that and book early. 




Shoulder season

The threat of rain towards the end and start of the dry season puts people off making a trip then. In the months of April, May, September and October there is a risk of rain, but there is also the possibility you will be greeted with glorious sunshine. If crowds are not your thing, then you will be best visiting at the start or end of the dry season and avoiding the three popular months in the middle.


The shoulder season is in my opinion, worth the risk. It is quite likely that you will not experience rain, but the risk of rain keeps people away and the result is fewer crowds and lower prices.




Rainy season

Just because it is called the rainy season doesn’t mean this time of year should be avoided. The rainy season runs from November to March/April. Heavy rain, storms and dense clouds are very likely during these months but surprisingly, the temperatures are actually warmest during this season so can make the rain slightly more pleasant than if it were chilly too. The wet weather brings out the colourful orchids, so it won’t all be grey if you choose these months. The poorer weather will guarantee you fewer crowds than any other time of year, providing you with the chance to take in the beauty of Machu Picchu as you wish. If you choose these months to visit, make sure you pack very sturdy footwear and do not forget the waterproof, you are very likely to need it. 



Inca trail closure

During February of every year the Inca trail is closed, making it impossible to trek to Machu Picchu via the ancient Inca footsteps. Closing the trail allows for maintenance of the facilities along the route as well as the trail itself. Machu Picchu does not close during these months, but as it is the month with the heaviest rain, visiting then is not preferable. 


The best time of day to visit

The popularity of Machu Picchu means that often it is very crowded, but these crowds can be avoided. Machu Picchu is open from 6 am to 6 pm so you can choose your time depending on what you want to see. The site is always busiest during the daytime so to experience fewer crowds, visiting during the early morning or the late afternoon is best. The first bus usually arrives into Machu Picchu at around 6 am but be prepared to queue for this ticket early. If visiting later is more for you, then you can take one of the last buses up at around 4 pm, but you have to leave with the last bus, usually at about 6 pm. Buses depart from and arrive back into Aguas Calientes. 




Combining your trip

Tangol can help you to combine your trip to Machu Picchu with many other destinations available in South America. That could involve travelling south across Peru and Chile or venturing into the Peruvian Amazon and over to Rio. Whatever time of year you choose to make your trip, there will always be other spectacular sights for you to weave into your plans.









0

Average between 0 ratings
5 Excellent
4 Very good
3 Regular
2 Bad
1 Horrible

 

Everybody Excellent (0) Very good (0) Regular (0) Bad (0) Horrible (0)


On Lima Green Coast Is Cala, A Restaurant With Spectacular Ocean Views

Nazca, A Mysterious Legacy In Peru

Iquitos, Splendor Of A City On Peruvian Amazon

The Andean Coca Spirituality In The Community Of Ccamahuara In Cusco, Peru

All Information on South America

Sign up with your email to receive articles on tourism