Best time to visit Machu Picchu and Cusco

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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

Macaw Clay Lick

August–March  • nature

A colorful army comes to eat the minerals

Inca Trail High Season

Inca Trail High Season

April–October  • activity

One of the most popular trails in the world offers you stunning landscapes, natural beauties and ancient civilization’s ruins

Choquequirao

Choquequirao

May–October • nature

Machu Picchu isn't the only "lost city" to visit in Peru. Discover Choquequirao too!

Salt Harvest at Salinas de Maras

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

Cacao Harvest Season

Cacao Harvest Season

April–August  • activity

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

Hot Springs

Hot Springs

May–October • activity

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

Moray

Moray

November–March (all year round) • activity

These terraced circular depressions leave scientists puzzled

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

May–October  • nature

The second most popular colorful mountain in Cusco region

19 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Inti Raymi

Inti Raymi

out of rangeJune 24 • event

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

Qoyllur Rit'i or Star Snow Festival

Qoyllur Rit'i or Star Snow Festival

out of rangeJune 4–6, 2023 • event

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

Warachikuy

Warachikuy

out of rangeSeptember 17, 2023 • event

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

Virgen del Carmen

Virgen del Carmen

out of rangeJuly 15–July 18 • event

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

Christmas in Cusco

Christmas in Cusco

out of rangeDecember 24–December 25 • event

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

Cusco Carnival

Cusco Carnival

out of rangeMarch 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

Q’eswachaka Bridge Weaving

Q’eswachaka Bridge Weaving

out of rangeJune • activity

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

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi

out of rangeMay 30, 2024 • event

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

Fruits Season

Fruits Season

out of rangeDecember–March  • food

Fruit lovers, prepare for the time of your life

Fiesta De Las Cruces

Fiesta De Las Cruces

out of rangeMay 3 • event

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

Señor de Huanca

Señor de Huanca

out of rangeSeptember 14 • event

A pilgrimage visited every year by thousands of believers

Yawar Fiesta or Festival of Blood

Yawar Fiesta or Festival of Blood

out of rangeJuly 28 • event

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

Takanakuy—the Fighting Festival

Takanakuy—the Fighting Festival

out of rangeDecember 25 • event

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

Señor de los Temblores

Señor de los Temblores

out of rangeMarch 25, 2024 • event

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

Cusqueña Beer Festival

Cusqueña Beer Festival

out of rangelate May–early June • event

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

Rafting Season

Rafting Season

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

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

Semana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

Semana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

out of rangeMarch 24-31, 2024 • event

Discover unique Easter traditions of Cusco, Ayacucho, and Arequipa

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Dress up in yellow and get ready to party!

Red River

Red River

out of rangeApril • nature

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

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