The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May – Sep. Comfortable temperatures, lower crowds.
Quick facts
When to go
The Lost City of the Incas, a 15th-century citadel perched on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on earth.
May – Sep is the busiest window in Machu Picchu, so accommodation and flights go first. Book ahead. The shoulder weeks either side are usually quieter for the same reason.
Getting Around in Machu Picchu
- Shared transport or guided tours are the most practical options
- Download offline maps before arriving: mobile data coverage can be patchy in remote areas
- Negotiate transport prices before departure or use metered taxis and ride-hailing apps
For month-by-month detail, itineraries and costs, see the full Machu Picchu travel guide.
Timezone: PET (UTC-5) (No DST)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May – Sep (Comfortable temperatures, lower crowds), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Machu Picchu budget breakdown.
