Recently cataloged among the seven wonders of the modern world, Machu Picchu is a mythical place, perched 2,430 meters above the Andes of Peru and that, like any archaeological site, houses a great cultural wealth.
Machu Picchu is also one of the sites recognized by UNESCO as the most popular and visited Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the world, mainly by archaeologists, explorers and tourists who seek to discover the magic that this mysterious citadel contains.
And, as in all good planning of a trip, it is essential to know what are the best times to visit the South American country and get to know this jewel of Inca culture.
Best time to visit Machu Picchu
There are different aspects that should be considered when including the visit to Machu Picchu in your itinerary: the weather, the seasons of the year, transportation, the days it is open and how saturated the region is due to school holidays or local festivities.
This citadel is open 365 days a year and each change of season offers a unique opportunity to enjoy different landscapes and live the experience of entering the Inca Empire up close.
However, it is important to know when it is closed for maintenance or when it is the rainy season so as not to suffer any mishap during the tour.
Best months to visit Machu Picchu
The months from April to October are the most recommended to get to know this Inca citadel, since it hardly rains and you can fully appreciate the sunrises.
The landscapes of the subtropical zones and the humid forests along the Inca trail do not change during the dry season.
The weather in Machu Picchu
November to April
During these months the weather is rainy, so the roads are muddy and there is a lot of humidity in the environment.
However, many hikers prefer this time to avoid the crowds and admire the valley in all its splendor, either with a dense fog or with the rainbow that appears on the horizon after a light rain.
June
On the 24th the most important festivity of the Inca Empire is celebrated, which is the ceremony of Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun, where they celebrate the Sun God, the deity of the Inca people.
July to August
This is the most popular period to visit Machu Picchu, the days are sunny, the nights cool and the rains are not recurrent.
Another important aspect is that the seasons of the year vary with respect to the northern hemisphere, so that in Peru winter begins on June 20 and not summer as in Europe or North America; therefore, the seasons cover the following dates:
Spring
It starts on September 23 and ends on December 21.
Summer
It begins on December 22 and ends on March 21.
Autumn
It begins on March 22 and ends on June 21.
Winter
It starts on June 22nd and ends on September 22nd.
However, throughout the year, the climate in Peru is temperate and its temperatures are mild, so any time is conducive to visiting this corner of the Andean country.
High Season in Machu Picchu
The most popular season to visit this area is during winter, as the climate is mild and the temperature is perfect for hiking.
When should you avoid going to Machu Picchu?
In February the trails that take you to the archaeological zone are closed for maintenance, so it is not advisable to travel at this time.
Now that you know what the climate is like in this region of great archaeological wealth, prepare your backpack and your camera so that you can discover the land of the Incas, the llamas ... in a few words, so that you can admire Machu Picchu in all its splendor.
See also:
- How to go to Machu Picchu as Cheaper as Possible - The Definitive Guide 2018
- The 15 Best Things to Do in the Historic Center of Mexico City
- Guerrero, Coahuila - Magic Town: Definitive Guide
