Practical tips for visiting Machu Picchu in 2026

Machu Picchu awaits you twelve months a year, but choosing the ideal time can make your trip unforgettable. The weather, number of visitors, prices, and permits (especially if you dream of hiking the Inca Trail) make all the difference. In this 2026 guide, you will find practical information, a calendar of key events, and tips for planning a smooth trip.

Which months are best for traveling to Machu Picchu?

Choosing the right month to visit Machu Picchu will make all the difference to your experience.

April, May, and September: These months offer the best balance in terms of weather and crowds.
May-September: These are the months with the highest probability of dry weather with clear mornings and nights. It is the best season to visit tourist attractions, but there are more visitors and prices for food, lodging, transportation, etc. tend to rise because it is the high season for tourism.
November – March: These are ideal months to see the greenest landscapes, with fewer travelers and lower prices, but there is a lot of rainfall.

What are the seasons like in Cusco and Machu Picchu?

In the Peruvian Andes, there are no two distinct seasons, and each has its own unique characteristics:

Dry season — April to October: Enjoy clear skies, afternoons with little rain, and ideal conditions for trekking and photography. If you dream of dry trails and bright sunrises over the ruins, this is the time for you.
Rainy season — November to March: Nature is dressed in intense green, waterfalls come to life, and rice fields shine. There are fewer tourists and prices are lower, although you will have to deal with frequent rain, muddy trails, and playful clouds around the ruins.

When to go and what to consider when hiking the Inca Trail?

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is from May to September, when the weather is stable and the trails remain open. Keep in mind that the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance work.
Also consider that limited permits for the Inca Trail sell out months in advance during high season. We recommend booking several months in advance (especially for hikes in May–September and July).

What are the special dates and peak demand periods in 2026?

Consider these peak-demand dates so you can plan your trip and avoid problems during your stay in Cusco.

Inti Raymi — June 24, 2026: Cusco’s main cultural festival; the city is filled with visitors before and after this date. If you want to experience it, book your accommodation and tickets to Sacsayhuamán in advance.
Holy Week 2026: This is a long holiday in Peru (usually falling at the beginning of April), which means that there is a greater influx of domestic travelers in Cusco; book well in advance.
Fiestas Patrias (July 28): Long weekend with a large influx of travelers and prices tend to rise.

Practical tips for booking and avoiding unpleasant surprises

Machu Picchu + train: buy tickets for Machu Picchu and the train at least 1 to 3 months in advance during the mid-season; during the high season (July-August, Inti Raymi, Holy Week), book 3 to 6 months in advance.
Inca Trail: book as soon as possible (places are limited and sell out quickly for 2026).
Hiring an official guide at Machu Picchu will transform your visit: you will discover stories, secrets, and routes that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Be flexible: book an extra day in Cusco to acclimatize and another day as a buffer in case of train delays or bad weather.

What to pack in your suitcase?

Bring a light raincoat and a thermal layer: mornings can be surprisingly cold.
Don’t forget hiking boots with good soles, especially if you plan to climb the Inca Trail or Waynapicchu.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Insect repellent, basic first aid kit, painkillers, and altitude sickness medication.
Include a flashlight or headlamp if your adventure takes you through Salkantay and you will be spending the night in a camp.
Copy of your passport (required to enter Inti Raymi/Sacsayhuamán in some cases).

Travel tips

Take advantage of the golden hours: arrive early at Machu Picchu to enjoy the soft light of dawn and appreciate the landscape in near solitude.
Ideal months for Instagram-worthy photos: April, May, and September have more light and less fog.

In short, if you are looking for dry weather and good views, prioritize April-May or September; if you want green landscapes and fewer tourists, consider November-January. Remember that the Inca Trail closes in February and that dates such as Inti Raymi (June 24), Holy Week, and Fiestas Patrias (July 28) generate high demand: plan ahead.