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Best time to visit Machu Picchu

Peru

The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May – Sep. Comfortable temperatures, lower crowds.

Quick facts

💰 Currency PEN (Sol) Cards accepted in tourist areas
🗣 Language Spanish / Quechua English in tourist areas
🕐 Timezone PET (UTC-5) No DST
☀️ Best Months May – Sep Comfortable temperatures, lower crowds
🎒 Daily Budget ~$50–150 USD Budget to mid-range
🛂 Visa Visa-free 90 days Check requirements for your nationality

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.

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 itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, 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.

Find a travel companion for Machu Picchu

roammate matches you with travellers heading to Machu Picchu at the same time. Free on iOS and Android.

See the full Machu Picchu guide