From sunny days and clear skies, to festivals and exciting activities to do, visiting Machu Picchu in July is a great option. In fact, it is not only an excellent month to visit the sanctuary, but also the city of Cusco.
Festivities are just around the corner wherever you are staying, as at the end of this month the Cusco people continue the celebration of Inti Raymi, that is, the Feast of the Sun. In addition, the weather is at its peak, so it is vital to buy your tickets in advance, thanks to the avalanche of tourists.
Is July a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
June is the month that opens the doors to the dry season, that is, summer. But July is the month when vacations are at their peak. In terms of weather, it is the most suitable month to travel to Machu Picchu, as the weather is drier and sunnier. In fact, you will be able to stargaze at night!
However, it is important to keep in mind that July is also one of the busiest months to visit Machu Picchu, especially during the first fortnight, due to the celebration of Inti Raymi, a traditional Andean ceremony that attracts many visitors to the region.
Therefore, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu in July, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance and be prepared to find more people at the site. However, as it is the holiday season, the variety of activities available is much more numerous and exciting.
What is the weather like in July?
During July, the average temperature in Machu Picchu ranges between 10°C and 20°C, making it a pleasant time to explore the ruins and hike the trails. However, at night, temperatures drop by as much as 1°C, so it is key to keep warm, as they feel very cold compared to daytime hours.
As we can notice, rainfall is practically scarce. On the other hand, the air remains cool during the day, but a bit sunny, so be sure to include your sunscreen in your suitcase!
What to wear to Machu Picchu in July?
Although it is the driest season of the year, the nights in Cusco are quite cold, so, now I give you some suggestions of clothes you should include in your luggage. Let’s see:
- Warm clothes for the evenings, such as coats, hoodies and fleece liners to keep you warm when temperatures drop. You can also pack thermal pajamas, thick socks and hats.
- Bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket to protect you from the humidity, as the sanctuary has a slightly more humid microclimate than the rest of the region. I do not recommend wearing shorts or skirts, as there are many mosquitoes on site.
- Wear comfortable footwear suitable for the terrain conditions, such as hiking boots, as the terrain in Machu Picchu is mountainous and steep.
- Hat and sunglasses to protect you from intense sunlight.
Remember to also bring basic hiking gear, such as a backpack, water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent, mainly mosquitoes.
How crowded is the month of July?
In July, Machu Picchu tends to receive many travelers from North America and Europe, as the vacation season begins in these countries. In this sense, we are facing a month with a high season. To this we add the arrival of Peruvian tourists, who are attracted by the traditional festivities that take place in the Inca City.
Therefore, the costs of hotels, tours, and other activities such as trekking, echo June’s levels as the highest of any time of the year. Also, if you do not mind the crowds and wish to travel on these dates, I recommend making your reservations well in advance, i.e., half a year in advance.
Recommendations for visiting Machu Picchu in July
July is an excellent month for trekking, and there are many treks in Machu Picchu. In addition, not all travelers do this activity, so the avalanche of tourists will not be a big problem.
Even the steep hike up to Wayna Picchu gets rid of a large part of the visitors. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is also open, so you can embark on the mind-blowing experience of hiking up to the sanctuary with nights of camping and seeing many examples of Andean wildlife.
In fact, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will surely love to see the amazing Andean condors, which can be seen in the dry months from May to December. You can’t miss watching and petting the beautiful llamas or alpacas, which can be found in the mountainous areas of Cusco, and you can take pictures with them!
On the other hand, you can go up to the sanctuary from 6 am to 5:30 pm. I recommend going up after 9 am, because very early in the morning, Machu Picchu is usually surrounded by clouds, which will prevent you from contemplating the mountainous surroundings with a deep green.
In July in the city of Cusco there are also various festivities, such as the two festivities of the Virgen del Carmen and the Fiestas Patrias throughout Peru. The first takes place on July 16, through processions, agricultural shows, and live folk music. Sometimes, this religious celebration lasts until July 16.
On July 28th is celebrated the Independence Day of Peru, until July 29th, so they are holidays throughout the country. They are usually taken as holidays. You will see many Peruvians relaxing in the streets, sharing this free time with friends and families in the squares, streets and main tourist spots of the Inca city.
The best thing about visiting Machu Picchu during this season is that it offers an atmosphere full of life and color everywhere. Even with the arrival of the mass of travelers, the pleasant weather and the multiple activities in the area will leave you with unforgettable memories and a mind-blowing experience, so make your reservations and visit Machu Picchu in July!