The Best Month to Travel to Machu Picchu Peru (And When I’d Go Again)

Visiting Machu Picchu was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, until it wasn’t. I actually ended up going again, kind of spontaneously. But I know that for most people, this is a one-and-done trip, which makes picking the best month to travel to Machu Picchu a big deal. And trust me, it matters.

You basically get one shot at it. You have to book in advance, plan everything out, and then just cross your fingers for good weather. At least, that’s what I did the first time. But I figured, why leave it entirely up to chance? I did my research, picked what I believed to be the best month possible, and let’s just say, it paid off.

So after plenty of planning, personal experience, and a lot of conversations with other travelers, I’ve got a solid answer. Here’s everything you need to know about the best time to visit Machu Picchu, and why I’d go during this specific month again.

The Best Month to Travel to Machu Picchu – My Quick Answer

I know some of you don’t want to scroll through an entire article about wet season vs. dry season, hiking trails, and ticket logistics just to find the answer buried at the bottom. You know, like when you’re looking for a recipe and have to wade through someone’s life story first? Yeah, we’re not doing that here.

My short answer: April and May are the best months to visit Machu Picchu. Here’s why:

• It’s the start of the dry season, meaning way less rain, clear skies, cooler temperatures, and better hiking conditions. It’s just the best Machu Picchu Weather!
• It’s still shoulder season, so you’re not dealing with the peak-season crowds of June, July, and August.
• The Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek are both open, unlike in February when the Inca Trail closes.

I obviously can’t guarantee perfect weather or an empty Machu Picchu, but if I had to take my chances again? I’d go in April or May, preferably May. That’s exactly what I did recently, and it was hands down the best experience I could’ve asked for.

If you want more details on trail openings, weather, ticket prices, and crowds, keep reading my guide. But if you just needed a quick answer, I hope that helps!

Dry Season vs. Rainy Season

I’ve visited Machu Picchu twice, once in May and once in August. Both times were incredible, but if I had to pick, May was better. Fewer crowds, perfect hiking weather, and just an overall more relaxed experience. August was still amazing, but way busier.

That said, I’ve met plenty of travelers who weren’t so lucky. The rainy season in Peru runs from November to April, and when I say rainy, I mean it. I’ve met people who got completely drenched at Machu Picchu, and honestly, that’s not how I’d want to experience it.

But to be fair, rainy season doesn’t mean nonstop downpours. It means heavy but short-lived showers, often happening daily but not necessarily all day long. So yes, there’s a chance you could visit Machu Picchu in the rainy season, get blue skies and zero crowds, but it’s a high-risk, high-reward kind of situation.

On the flip side, dry season (May to September) is the opposite. The weather is pretty much perfect, but Machu Picchu (and Cusco) is packed, as it is peak tourist season. Trains and hiking trails are crowded, Aguas Calientes is busy, and you’ll definitely be surrounded by people. That said, ticket sales for Machu Picchu are limited per day (more on that below), so while it can get crowded, it never feels overwhelmingly chaotic.

That’s why April and May are the best months to go. You get good weather, fewer people, and lower chances of rain. It’s the perfect balance. If I were to visit again, I’d 100% go in May.

How to Get to Machu Picchu: Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek – My Quick Machu Picchu Travel Guide

There’s always a big debate about which hike is better, Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek? Should you do the one-day Inca Trail instead? Or skip hiking altogether and just take the train? So many options, so many opinions.

I won’t get into all the details here (I’ll have a full guide on that), but the good news is that all of these options are possible—as long as you’re prepared.

The first time I visited, I did the Salkantay Trek, and wow, best experience I had in Peru. The views, the challenge, the sense of reward, it was all incredible. If you’re doing a trek, just make sure you coordinate it with your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Some tour operators offer Machu Picchu packages that include your hiking permit and entry ticket in one. Definitely pricier, but also way less hassle. I didn’t go this route, but I know people who did, and they were pretty happy with it.

I personally booked the Salkantay Trek with a local agency (Sam Travel Peru) and bought my Machu Picchu ticket separately online. It worked out great, but I was also in Peru for a while and had a super flexible schedule. If you’re on a tight itinerary, I highly recommend booking everything in advance. Either go for a full Machu Picchu package that includes the trek + entry ticket, or book separately—but whatever you do, don’t leave it last minute.

Inca Trail permits sell out months in advance, and even Salkantay and train tickets can fill up fast, especially in peak season. So if Machu Picchu is on your bucket list, get everything sorted before you arrive in Cusco.

►Click here for more information on how to book the Salkantay Trek

►Click here for more information on how to book the Inca Trail

💡 You don’t have to hike at all—you can take the IncaRail train straight from Cusco. If you’re short on time but still want to see Machu Picchu, this is the way to go, and I highly recommend it.

Crowds, Costs & Tickets

Visiting Machu Picchu isn’t as simple as just buying a ticket and walking in like you would at Chichén Itzá or the Colosseum. Nope, Peru makes you jump through a few hoops, supposedly to regulate tourism, but let’s be honest, probably also to make more money.

The first time I went, there were four circuits to choose from. Some took you through more of the ruins, while others just led you straight to the famous postcard viewpoint. A little annoying, but manageable. But now, as of 2025, they’ve made it even more complicated. Each circuit is now split into multiple routes, meaning there are 10 different options to choose from. I get that they want to protect Machu Picchu, but it also feels like a bit of a money grab, because unless you buy multiple tickets, you’ll never actually see the whole thing.

I won’t go into every single circuit here (this article is about the best month to visit, not the ticketing system), but I’ll probably write a separate guide and link it later. For now, here’s the quick version:

• If you only care about getting that classic viewpoint photo, go for 1-A or 1-B.
• If you want the famous view and to explore more of the ruins (which I highly recommend), go for 2-A or 2-B—that’s what I did. You can also add the option to hike thw Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.
• If you really want to make your experience extra special, book a 6 AM entry slot. Seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu was unreal, probably my favorite part of the entire experience. Just know that these early tickets sell out fast. You’ll need to book at least 3–5 months in advance.

Now, for the cost: All tickets are priced the same, somewhere between 200–220 soles (around $50 USD). Some people recommend buying multiple tickets to experience more circuits, and yeah, if money’s no issue, go for it. But even with the new system, I was more than happy with Circuit 2-A/2-B, I got the iconic view and got to explore the ruins properly.

💡For more details on traveling in Peru, check out my 10-Day Peru Travel Guide, where I share my full itinerary along with extra tips on exploring the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and the Amazon Rainforest.

FAQs About the Best Month to go to Machu Picchu

When is the worst time to visit Machu Picchu?

February, in my opinion. It’s the peak of the rainy season, the Inca Trail is closed, and landslides can mess up your plans. Machu Picchu is still open, but expect heavy rain and fog that can block the views. Honestly, I wouldn’t risk it. However this might be the cheapest time to visit Machu Picchu. The ticket price might be the same but hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes will be more affordable.

Is December a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

It’s the rainy season, so expect frequent downpours and cloudy views. Not as bad as February, but still a gamble. The only upside here is fewer crowds. If you don’t mind some rain, go for it, but honestly, April or May is a much better choice.

How expensive are Machu Picchu tickets?

Expect to pay 200 to 220 soles ($50–55 USD) depending on the circuit. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, it’s more. And yeah, **book in advance**—especially if you want that 6 AM sunrise slot, which sells out months ahead.

Is March a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

March is still the rainy season, so it’s a bit of a gamble. You might get lucky with blue skies, but trails can be muddy, and rain is still a factor. On the bright side, the Inca Trail reopens. Again, the best time to visit Machu Picchu in my opinion is April or May.

Final Thoughts on the Best Month to Travel to Machu Picchu

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about visiting Machu Picchu, it’s that you need to be prepared. And by that, I don’t just mean checking the weather, I mean booking everything well in advance, from your entry tickets to your accommodation.

If I were planning my trip again, I’d start researching at least a year ahead and make sure everything was booked six months in advance. Here’s what I’d have locked in:

• A nice hotel in Cusco to acclimate before the trek.
• My Salkantay or Inca Trail hike booked for April or May (or if I wasn’t hiking, my IncaRail train ticket secured).
• A Machu Picchu entry ticket, ideally for the 6 AM sunrise slot on Circuit 2-A or 2-B for the best views and experience.
• A hotel in Aguas Calientes for the night before visiting Machu Picchu.

As you can see, there’s a lot to organize. But trust me, visiting Machu Picchu at the right time with everything properly booked makes all the difference. If you plan ahead and aim for April or May, you’re setting yourself up for the best experience possible at this World Heritage Site.

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