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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.

24 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 in Cusco

December 24–December 25 Event

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

Señor de Huanca

September 14 Event

A pilgrimage visited every year by thousands of believers

Fruits Season

December–March Food

Fruit lovers, prepare for the time of your life

Salt Harvest at Salinas de Maras

May–October Nature

See thousands of salt terraces placed high in the mountains in the Sacred Valley of Incas

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

Rafting Season

December–March Activity

Wild rivers of Peru provide the ultimate rafting adventure, with their canyons, rapids and stunning granite rocks

Fiesta De Las Cruces

May 3 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

July 15–July 18 Event

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

Yawar Fiesta or Festival of Blood

July 28–July 31 Event

Though cruel and bloody, this event symbolizes the fight for freedom in Peru

Takanakuy—the Fighting Festival

December 25 Event

Any plans for Christmas? What about taking part in a traditional fight in Peru?

Corpus Christi

June 19, 2025 Event

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

Hot Springs

May–October Activity

Take some time in your exploration to relax in healing hot springs between the green hills of the Andes

Q’eswachaka Bridge Weaving

June Activity

This Inca bridge is a connection between the past and the present, and its renovation is a real tradition for locals

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

Semana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

March 24-31, 2024 Event

Discover unique Easter traditions of Cusco, Ayacucho, and Arequipa

Red River

April Nature

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

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

May–October Nature

The second most popular colorful mountain in Cusco region

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Dress up in yellow and get ready to party!

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