Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu: A Month by Month Guide for North American Travelers

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu is more than choosing a destination, it’s choosing the right moment to experience one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

For travelers from the United States and Canada, timing matters. Weather, crowds, prices, and even the feeling of the journey can change dramatically depending on the month you visit. This guide will help you decide the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu based on your travel style, expectations, and priorities.

Understanding the Seasons in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is located in the Peruvian Andes, near Cusco, and has two main seasons rather than four:

Dry Season: May to September
Green (Rainy) Season: October to April

Each season offers a very different experience and neither is “bad.” It all depends on what kind of traveler you are.

Dry Season (May to September): Clear Skies & Iconic Views

This is the most popular time for North American travelers.

What to expect:

Sunny days and blue skies
Cooler mornings and evenings
Excellent visibility for photos
Higher demand and more visitors

Best for:

First-time visitors
Photography lovers
Hikers planning the Inca Trail
Travelers visiting during U.S. summer vacations

June, July, and August are peak months. If you’re planning to travel then, booking trains, entrance tickets, and hotels well in advance is essential.

Shoulder Season (April & October): The Best of Both Worlds

These months are often considered the sweet spot.

Why travelers love it:

Fewer crowds than peak season
Pleasant weather
Lush green landscapes
Better hotel availability

April is especially beautiful after the rains, while October offers balance before the wetter months begin.

Green Season (November to March): A Lush and Peaceful Experience

This is the least crowded time to visit and one of the most underestimated.

What to know:

Rain usually comes in short bursts
Landscapes are vibrant and green
Fewer tourists mean a more intimate experience
February has the heaviest rainfall and some trail closures

For travelers seeking quiet moments, reflection, and a deeper connection to nature, this season can be magical.

When Is the Best Time for You to Visit Machu Picchu?

Here’s a quick guide by travel style:

First-time visitors: May, June, or September
Couples & slow travelers: April or October
Adventure seekers: May to August
Crowd-averse travelers: November or March
Nature & spiritual travelers: Green season months

No matter when you go, Machu Picchu delivers an unforgettable experience.

Where You Stay Matters Especially the Time of Year

After a long journey from North America, choosing the right hotel makes all the difference. Staying in Machu Picchu Pueblo allows you to rest comfortably and visit the citadel early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Casa del Sol Machu Picchu offers a serene riverside setting, perfect for relaxing after exploring the ruins especially during peak seasons when tranquility becomes a luxury.

Final Thoughts: There’s No Wrong Time Only the Right Experience

Machu Picchu doesn’t depend on the calendar to impress. Whether bathed in sunlight or wrapped in mist, it has a way of leaving travelers changed.

The best time to visit is when your curiosity turns into a decision and when you’re ready to experience Peru beyond expectations.

‘’Your journey to Machu Picchu starts with choosing the right moment… and the right place to stay.’’

Wonderful stay

The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and decorated very tastefully. The atmosphere very nice. Very comfortable, spacious room with terrace, jacuzzi, and river view !!Spectacular! The shower a delight. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations on having such dedicated and cordial staff. The dinners were delicious, very thoughtful, and original dishes. Our stay at the hotel was memorable.

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1/5

Excellent

We stayed one night there and really the service has been exceptional. I have nothing but good words for the establishment. We stayed in a suite which was excellent! It had a jacuzzi. Breakfast very good. The staff is always attentive. And the restaurant is a luxury. We took the 4-step menu and it has been spectacular. I would definitely go back and recommend it.

Lola L

2/5

Beautiful hotel and wonderful breakfast!

We enjoyed our stay here while visiting Machu Picchu. The hotel was very clean, the staff very friendly and polite, and the breakfast was amazing! Seriously, the breakfast was really a beautiful spread of so many options. It is in a nice location and easy to explore from there.

Overall a really nice and would recommend it!

Martin

3/5

Unforgettable

I went to Machupicchu with family and stayed at the Casa Del Sol hotel again. The hotel is just beautiful. There have been renovations since I was last there, the dining room is beautiful and crisp! An absolute delight to dine in. But the best part of the hotel is the people. The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure we have every need attended to! The staff welcomed us back like old friends, and even helped us celebrate my mother's birthday with a bottle of wine! We stayed for 2 nights, but we could have stayed longer just to enjoy the rooms and the spa.

Chrissy

4/5

Beautiful Hotel in Aguascalientes

I loved staying at the hotel so much! As soon as we got off our bus we were greeted by very friendly staff and walked less than 100 meters to the hotel. Their food is amazing and staying in this hotel is so relaxing, especially after a day spent in Machu Picchu. Every single one of the staff is so friendly and makes sure you are as comfortable and happy as you can be. I especially loved how the hotel was just next to the river and the beautiful rooms they provided. I hope I can go back someday!

Mikenzie T

5/5