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Machu Picchu and Cusco

© kasperkay / Dollar Photo Club

Best time to visit

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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.

15 things to do in Machu Picchu and Cusco

Cusqueña Beer Festival

late May–early June Event

Visiting Cusco during June is a great opportunity to enjoy the Beer Festival

Qoyllur Rit'i or Star Snow Festival

June 4–6, 2023 Event

Thousands of pilgrims walk to the foots of Andes to welcome new circle of life or honor the Lord

Cusco Carnival

March 3, 2024 Event

For those who like crowded and chaotic places with music, dance and other interesting activities, the right time to visit Peru is during the Carnival

Christmas Holidays in Cusco

December 24–December 25 Event

Summer heat is not an obstacle to celebrate Christmas and drink hot chocolate

Señor de Huanca

Event

A pilgrimage visited every year by thousands of believers

Fruits Season

December–March Food

Fruit lovers, prepare for the time of your life

Warachikuy

September 15, 2024 Event

Inspiring event when young sons of the Incas show their strength and overcome different trials by fire

Inti Raymi Festival

June 24 Event

This ancient religious ritual survived till today and represents the most famous festival in Cusco

Fiesta De Las Cruces

Event

This festival represents a special religious tradition of carrying decorated crosses up the hill

Macaw Clay Lick

August–March Nature

A colorful army comes to eat the minerals

Virgen del Carmen

Event

Towns of Paucartambo and Pisac near Cusco are home to a festival dedicated to Virgen del Carmen, a ceremony well worth attending

Corpus Christi

June 19, 2025 Event

It is a colorful ceremony parading through the streets of Cusco, celebrating both Catholic and Inca tradition

Cacao Harvest Season

April–August Activity

Enjoy the process of making one of the sweetest things in the world - from cacao beans to chocolate

Señor de los Temblores

March 25, 2024 Event

This festival is a tradition which Peruvians believe to be a way of Christ protecting them from earthquakes

Red River

April Nature

The unusual river is among the top attractions of the Cusco region

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