Best time to visit Machu Picchu and Cusco
Best time of year to visit Machu Picchu and Cusco
Despite occasional rainy days, April to May and September to October are deemed to be the best time to visit Machu Picchu. These are the periods when the weather is pleasant, the crowds are thinner, and the events like Warachikuy occur. June through August, a peak of the dry season, sees the surge of tourism and inflated room rates, but if that doesn't bother you, why not experiencing all those amazing trails and marvelling at how the salt is harvested at Salinas de Maras? Low season from November to March is famous for rain downpours, peaking in February and causing closures of the Inca Trail. If you are a real dare-devil, don't shy away from bright Cusco Christmas celebrations and Cusco Carnival during winter.
8 THINGS TO DO IN MACHU PICCHU AND CUSCO (AUGUST 01 - AUGUST 10)
Macaw Clay Lick
A colorful army comes to eat the minerals
Inca Trail High Season
One of the most popular trails in the world offers you stunning landscapes, natural beauties and ancient civilization’s ruins
Choquequirao
Machu Picchu isn't the only "lost city" to visit in Peru. Discover Choquequirao too!
Salt Harvest at Salinas de Maras
See thousands of salt terraces placed high in the mountains in the Sacred Valley of Incas
Cacao Harvest Season
Enjoy the process of making one of the sweetest things in the world - from cacao beans to chocolate
Hot Springs
Take some time in your exploration to relax in healing hot springs between the green hills of the Andes
Moray
These terraced circular depressions leave scientists puzzled
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
The second most popular colorful mountain in Cusco region
19 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Inti Raymi
out of rangeThis ancient religious ritual survived till today and represents the most famous festival in Cusco
Qoyllur Rit'i or Star Snow Festival
out of rangeThousands of pilgrims walk to the foots of Andes to welcome new circle of life or honor the Lord
Warachikuy
out of rangeInspiring event when young sons of Incas show their strength and overcome different trials by fire
Virgen del Carmen
out of rangeTowns of Paucartambo and Pisac near Cusco are homes to a festival dedicated to Virgen del Carmen, a ceremony well worth attending
Christmas in Cusco
out of rangeSummer heat is not an obstacle to celebrate Christmas and drink hot chocolate
Cusco Carnival
out of rangeFor those who like crowded and chaotic places with music, dance and other interesting activities, the right time to visit Peru is during the Carnival
Q’eswachaka Bridge Weaving
out of rangeThis Inca bridge is a connection between the past and the present, and its renovation is a real tradition for locals
Corpus Christi
out of rangeIt is a colorful ceremony parading through the streets of Cusco, celebrating both Catholic and Inca tradition
Fruits Season
out of rangeFruit lovers, prepare for the time of your life
Fiesta De Las Cruces
out of rangeThis festival represents a special religious tradition of carrying decorated crosses up the hill
Señor de Huanca
out of rangeA pilgrimage visited every year by thousands of believers
Señor de los Temblores
out of rangeThis festival is a tradition which Peruvians believe to be a way of Christ protecting them from earthquakes
Yawar Fiesta or Festival of Blood
out of rangeThough cruel and bloody, this event symbolizes fight for freedom in Peru
Takanakuy—the Fighting Festival
out of rangeAny plans for Christmas? What about taking part in a traditional fight in Peru?
Cusqueña Beer Festival
out of rangeVisiting Cusco during June is a great opportunity to enjoy the Beer Festival
Rafting Season
out of rangeWild rivers of Peru provide the ultimate rafting adventure, with their canyons, rapids and stunning granite rocks
Semana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter
out of rangeDiscover unique Easter traditions of Cusco, Ayacucho, and Arequipa
Red River
out of rangeThe unusual river is among the top attractions of the Cusco region
New Year's Eve
out of rangeDress up in yellow and get ready to party!
