Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu 2025 Guide

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu attracts over a million visitors yearly, which is definitely a must-visit spot when visiting Peru. Timing your trip right can mean the difference between a smooth experience and a crowded hassle. Check this guide to find the best time to visit Machu Picchu.

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a year-round attraction, suitable for visiting at any time of the year. But you can check the pros and cons of each season and choose the best time just for you.

The most popular season and the best time to visit Machu Picchu is definitely the dry season (from April to August). During the dry season, you can enjoy sunny weather and it is perfect for hiking. Moreover, you can have some very clear photos of these magnificent Inca ruins. The peak season of Machu Picchu is from June to August. It is the sunniest days and which also means the most crowded days.

Dry Season of Machu Picchu

However, I would like to recommend you plan your visit to Machu Picchu during the shoulder season (April to May or September to November). It will not rain that much and it will still be sunny, and also less crowded. The price of the hotel is also lower than the peak season. And it is also easier to buy tickets. You can appreciate the orchids of Machu Picchu in April, or choose to visit in Autumn to encounter the birds of the Andes Mountains.

Some circuits will only be open during the peak season. You can check our latest guide on the Machu Picchu circuit and learn more about how to choose your preferred circuit, buying tickets, and get more expert tips.

To make it clearer to compare, the table below will show you the pros and cons of each season. You can check the information and make a wise decision.

Season-by-Season Breakdown

Month-by-Month Comparison Table

Every month in Machu Picchu has a different charm, even during the wettest month.

In the rainy season, you can enjoy the beautiful foggy Machu Picchu without crowds. In February, the famous Inca Trail closed, but you can also hike the Salkantay or Lares Trek. If you are interested in seeing the lush forest and foggy mountains, you should visit Machu Picchu in March or April. If you are planning to visit in April, I suggest you choose late April as it might not rain at that time.

July and August are the busiest months of Machu Picchu. The weather is sunny and dry, great for hiking on the famous Inca Trail. You can take some clear panoramic photos when visiting the attraction.

September is great for birders, for it is the mating season for many birds. October is the end of the dry season. It won't be very crowded and expensive this month.

Though November is the shoulder season of Machu Picchu, there will be lots of students who finish school and high school will plan to visit in November. The ticket might sell out quickly.

The Orchids will start to bloom in December. The Orchids in Machu Picchu are very famous in the world. You may see some unique species that only bloom here.

And there will be a lot of festivals and events held in Machu Picchu and Cusco that you can enjoy and learn more about Peruvian culture. Some of them are listed below.

Best Daily Timing

Choosing the right daily timing to visit Machu Picchu will make your journey different. I suggest you enter Machu Picchu in the early morning or after 3 PM, especially during the high season. Because most tourists will enter Machu Picchu from 10 AM to 2 PM.

The buses between Aguas Calientes and the main entrance of Machu Picchu run every 5 minutes from 5:30 AM to late afternoon. In the early morning, there won't be a lot of tourists and this means you won't wait for a long time to enter. Moreover, it will be cooler and avoid strong ultraviolet light. You can enjoy the time to explore these magnificent Inca ruins, learn the history and be surprised by the wisdom of the ancient Inca people.

Aguas Calientes

Entering Machu Picchu after 3 PM is another nice choice for avoiding crowds, and you can also appreciate the beautiful sunset. However, you might not be able to see all parts of the attractions. So, managing your time wisely is very important. If you are not good at planning, feel free to contact us for your Peru tour.

By the way, remember to book your tickets in advance at least 3 months, 6 months for peak season. Different circuits have different tickets; do not forget to check which one you prefer.

Important Tips

• Early Access: Enter before 6 AM or after 3 PM.
• Permit Hacks: Book Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain permits 4–6 months ahead.
• Tickets: Book tickets on the official government site (www.machupicchu.gob.pe).
• Alternative Routes: You can pick the Salkantay or Lares Trek in February when the Inca Trail is closed.
• Transportation: It is a little bit complicated to get to Machu Picchu from Lima; remember to make clear how you can get to Machu Picchu in advance.
• Packing: Remember not to bring too much luggage to hike, and do not forget your rain gear, especially for rainy and shoulder seasons.

No Worst Time for Machu Picchu

There is no right answer for when the best time to visit Machu Picchu is. The charm of traveling is that you can never predict your journey in advance and you can hardly make a perfect plan. But with Odynovo, we can promise you a smooth vacation and always be your backup during your trip. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] to customize your next tour.