What you need to know about the rainy season in Machu Picchu

From the archaeological and tourist point of view, Machu Picchu is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. In the rainy season, it is a spectacular place full of surprises and temperate landscapes like something out of a postcard.

So, if you want to take advantage of the cold and wet season in Machu Picchu, we have prepared for you a complete guide with everything you need to know about the rainy season in Machu Picchu. Stay until the end and discover all the details of this weather!

What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?

Peru is a country with a varied climate thanks to the different regions that make up the country: the coast, the Andean highlands and the Amazon jungle. That is why each of these areas has specific and well differentiated climatic conditions.

Machu Picchu is located in the Andean highlands, so this region has two climatic seasons throughout the year: the dry season and the wet season. The first is between May and September with little rainfall and an average temperature of 20°C.

While the wet season is between November and March, with heavy rains, especially in the month of February. During this season, nights are very cold, and during the day, thunderstorms are possible, so trails are often closed.

Why is it worth traveling to Machu Picchu in the rainy season?

Although for many the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, that is, between May and September, the rainy season also has many advantages that are hard to ignore, especially if you want to save a little on tours, hotels and more.

Advantages

Let’s take a look at some of the other reasons why traveling during the rainy season could be a great idea for you:

During your vacation days, you can take great walks in the surrounding area from Cusco to ruins, remote and historic villages, as well as hot springs, museums and snow-capped peaks.
If one of your objectives is to practice hiking, let us tell you that, thanks to the pleasant temperatures and the abundant vegetation, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a magnificent environment.
As this is a time that is not crowded with tourists, it is a great opportunity to spend more fun time with the llamas. These charming creatures are one of the best parts of the entire tour, and add a lot of fun to your trip.
Although rainfall is more frequent, this does not mean that we do not have a few hours of clear skies and some sunshine. Thanks to this, it is possible to enjoy a warm day to visit the ruins and take spectacular photos in the mountains.
The city of Cuzco has many museums, galleries and excellent restaurants that can be discovered at any time of the year, so you won’t have to miss anything. In addition, in the ancient capital of the Inca civilization you will also find the ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuman, the sanctuary of Qenko, the red fortress of Puca Pucara and the Tambo, which are not to be missed, especially if you are a lover of culture and history of these wonderful places full of history.
On the other hand, the influx of visitors is lower than the rest of the year, so the tourist attractions are not overwhelmed by traffic. This is the right time to enjoy the Inca Citadel.
In addition, hotels and package tours offer their best deals of the year, so you can save money in exchange for a vacation that will remain in your memory.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, the rainy season prevents you from taking the famous Inca Trail, as the trails are obstructed by torrential rains. However, this is only during the month of February, when rainfall is at its heaviest.

When to go to Machu Picchu during the rainy season?

You can make your trip to Cusco in any month of this season, from November to March. However, we recommend you avoid February if wet and muddy weather is not your thing, as it is the month with the most rainfall.

On the other hand, during the month of December, you can enjoy some of the Christmas and New Year’s festivities in a unique and special way, under the spell of the Inca city.

In addition, in this month we can still appreciate some sunny and warm days for hiking and other outdoor activities, enjoying lush vegetation and a very varied fauna, including the most amusing llamas.

What to take to Machu Picchu if you travel during the rainy season?

Days have a maximum temperature of 25°C. Nights can reach temperatures as low as 9°C, so it is key to be well prepared. Consider packing the following items in your suitcase:

Waterproof for rain.
Coat.
Non-slip and very resistant hiking shoes.
Waterproof clothing.
Cotton socks.
Umbrellas.
Mosquito repellent.
Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun may appear for a few hours during the day, and it is usually much more intense).

Recommendations to take into account

Although it is a slow season for travelers, it is still vital to make your reservations in advance, at least 1 month in advance.
If you are planning to do the Inca Trail (4-day trekking route to Machu Picchu), remember that it is closed in February. Likewise, it is important to make your reservation one or two months in advance.
During the dry season, the proliferation of mosquitoes increases in the wonder of the world. Do not wear shorts. Always use mosquito repellent.

Final words

There is no doubt that traveling to this Wonder of the World is like a dream. However, taking into account the climatic variations and seasons will allow you to be better prepared to enjoy an unforgettable season in this amazing part of the planet.

So, the rains should not be a barrier to enjoy this enigmatic place, so remember to bring everything you need and make your reservations well in advance.