By Inca Land Adventures

What Is the Best Season for Visiting Machu Picchu?

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail & Alternative Treks

Choosing the best season to visit Machu Picchu is one of the most important decisions when planning your trek in Peru. Weather, trail conditions, crowds, and permits all play a major role—especially if you plan to hike the legendary Inca Trail or one of the stunning alternative routes through the Andes.

In this professional guide, Inca Land Adventures breaks down the best months to visit Machu Picchu, including the pros and cons of each season for both the Inca Trail and alternative treks such as Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and Choquequirao Trek.

Understanding Machu Picchu’s Seasons

The Andes have two main seasons, not four:

• Dry Season: May to September

• Rainy Season: November to March

• Shoulder Months: April and October

Each season offers a different trekking experience.

Dry Season (May–September): The Best Overall Time

Best for: Inca Trail, classic trekking, clear views

This is widely considered the best season to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu.

Advantages

• Clear skies and excellent mountain visibility

• Minimal rainfall and stable trail conditions

• Ideal for photography and panoramic views

Disadvantages

• High demand and larger crowds

• Inca Trail permits sell out months in advance

• Colder nights at high altitude (especially June–July)

📌 Best months: May and September (great weather with fewer crowds)

Shoulder Season (April & October): The Smart Choice

Best for: Fewer crowds + good weather balance

These months are highly recommended by experienced operators.

Why choose shoulder season?

• Fewer hikers on the trails

• Lush green landscapes

• Pleasant daytime temperatures

• Better availability for Inca Trail permits

April is especially beautiful after the rainy season, while October offers stable weather before heavier rains begin.

Rainy Season (November–March): For Flexible Adventurers

Best for: Alternative treks & quiet experiences

Important note:

🚫 The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance and safety.

Advantages

• Dramatically fewer tourists

• Green valleys and waterfalls

• Easier permit availability

• Warmer temperatures

Disadvantages

• Heavy rain, especially January–February

• Muddy trails and cloudier views

Best alternatives in rainy season

• Lares Trek – lower altitude, hot springs

• Salkantay Trek – less crowded, dramatic sceneryBest for: Alternative treks & quiet experiences

  Important note:

  🚫 The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance and safety.

  Advantages

  • Dramatically fewer tourists

  • Green valleys and waterfalls

  • Easier permit availability

  • Warmer temperatures

  Disadvantages

  • Heavy rain, especially January–February

  • Muddy trails and cloudier views

  Best alternatives in rainy season

  • Lares Trek – lower altitude, hot springs

  • Salkantay Trek – less crowded, dramatic sceneryBest for: Alternative treks & quiet experiences

    Important note:

    🚫 The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance and safety.

    Advantages

    • Dramatically fewer tourists

    • Green valleys and waterfalls

    • Easier permit availability

    • Warmer temperatures

    Disadvantages

    • Heavy rain, especially January–February

    • Muddy trails and cloudier views

    Best alternatives in rainy season

    • Lares Trek – lower altitude, hot springs

    • Salkantay Trek – less crowded, dramatic scenery

Best Season by Trek Type

Inca Trail

Best: May–September
Avoid: February (closed)

Dry conditions are essential due to stone steps and exposed sections.

Salkantay Trek

Best:April to november

Best. Salkantay short inca trail April to december
More flexible than the Inca Trail and less crowded year-round.

Lares Trek

Best: Year-round (except peak rains)
Ideal in shoulder and rainy seasons due to hot springs and lower traffic.

Choquequirao Trek

Best: May–September
Remote, challenging, and best tackled in the driest months.