Best time and month to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, is located in Peru, in the province of Cusco, and getting there from the city of Cusco takes approximately four hours of travel. Located in the town of Aguas Calientes at 2,430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu has a warmer and more humid climate than Cusco, which is at 3,400 meters. This difference in altitude favors abundant vegetation in the transition to the Amazon jungle, making Machu Picchu, with its pleasant climate and lush landscape, an ideal place to enjoy and explore.

What is the best month to visit Machu Picchu?

We could consider that the best month to visit Machu Picchu is June. During this month, not only can you be dazzled by the magnificent historical sanctuary, but you can also enjoy the festivities of the Jubilee month in the city of Cusco. These celebrations include the Inti Raymi, one of the most important festivities of the Inca calendar, which attracts numerous tourists.

In addition, June is part of the dry season, which runs from May to September, characterized by low rainfall and abundant sunshine, which makes for a more pleasant experience for exploring the ruins. However, this season is also the busiest due to the favorable weather. Therefore, it is advisable to make your reservations in advance to ensure your visit and avoid mishaps.

What is the best time to see Machu Picchu?

The best times to visit Machu Picchu are the following hours:

Early in the morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): arriving at Machu Picchu early in the morning allows you to enjoy the view with fewer tourists around. In addition, you can see the sunrise over the ruins, which is a magical and unique experience.

Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): This is another good option as many tourists start to leave. The site is quieter and the afternoon light is excellent for photography, highlighting the structures with a soft, warm light.

Which circuit gives you the best view in Machupicchu?

The circuits that give you the best view are Circuit 1 and Circuit 2. Below, I explain each one in more detail.

Circuit 1

The best views are obtained in Circuit 1, being a panoramic route that allows you to take full pictures of Machu Picchu. Within this circuit, we have four different routes, but you must keep in mind that with these routes you will only be able to visit the Lower Platform and the Upper Platform, without access to the Inka Citadel of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route

This route allows you to have a complete view of Machu Picchu from the highest areas. In addition, you will be able to visit Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy the nature of the sanctuary. If you like trekking, this is your ideal route.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

With this route, you can enjoy full views of Machu Picchu from the Lower and Upper Platform. Being a shorter route, you will not get tired of the hike and you will be able to enjoy more views.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Route 1-C: Portada Intipunku Route (available only in high season)

This route will also allow you to get full views of the citadel of Machu Picchu and visit Intipunku, or Sun Gate. Previously, only those who walked the Inka Trail could access this route, but now you can also enjoy it, please note that it is only available in high season, between the months of May to September.

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in high season)

With this tour, you can get panoramic views of Machu Picchu from the highest areas and visit the Inka Bridge, which is located following a stone path that still remains from Inca times.

Circuit 2

Circuit 2 also offers excellent views and more complete routes of the sanctuary, allowing you to visit the Inka Citadel of Machu Picchu. This circuit has two routes.

Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) - Route 2-A: Designed Route

With this route, you will be able to take the classic photo and access the Upper Platform. In addition, you can visit the attractions of the route, such as the Granite Chaos, the Plaza of the Temples, the Sacred Rock, the Twelve Spans, the Eastern Qolqas, the Espejos de Agua complex and the Plaza del Pisonay.

Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) - Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

This route is very similar to the previous one, only that you will not be able to access the Upper Platform. You will go directly to the Lower Terrace, where you can take a photo similar to the classic one and access the Inka Citadel. You can visit the following areas: Mirador del Templo del Sol, Plaza de los Templos, Roca Sagrada, Doce Vanos, Qolqas Orientales, Conjunto Espejos de Agua and Plaza del Pisonay.