When you buy your tickets to visit Machu Picchu you will notice that there are two seasons, high and regular. The low or regular season will start from November 3rd until June 18th. As always the low or regular season will have its own characteristics, in this blog we will learn more about how it is to visit Machu Picchu the wonder of the world at that time.

• What is the low season in Machu Picchu?
• When is the low season in Machu Picchu?
• What changes does the low season have officially?
• Advantages of low season in Machu Picchu
• Disadvantages of Machu Picchu low season
• What to take to Machu Picchu during the low season?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourists in Machu Picchu in the low season

During the low tourist season in Machu Picchu, it is recommended to purchase your entrance ticket at least one week in advance. However, other more popular tickets, such as the classic circuit or the entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain, must be purchased at least three months in advance during any season. Remember that you can purchase tickets online through our Boletomachupicchu website . Ask our sales representatives any questions you may have regarding your purchase and discuss the best options we have to enhance your travel experience.

What is the low season in Machu Picchu?

• The low or regular season is known as the period of time in which fewer tourists register their arrival at Machu Picchu.
• The low season coincides with the rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu, which is characterized by frequent rainfall.
• Following changes made by the Ministry of Culture, the low or regular season begins from November 3rd to June 18th.
• During this low or regular season, some circuits will be prioritized and others will be closed.
• In some years, the number of tourists’ visits dropped considerably. Now it is expected that the difference in both seasons will be minimal.

When is the low season in Machu Picchu?

• The low season of Machu Picchu, before was understood from the months of November to March to coincide with the rainy season.
• Now, the high season officially begins on June 19th and runs through November 2nd.
• While the low or regular season will be from November 3 to June 18.
• However, during December 30 and 31, both days will be considered as high season days, i.e. all tickets will be available.
• On the other hand, the high season coincides with holidays in European and North American countries.

Tourist observing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

What changes does the low season have officially?

• The low or regular season does not have many changes as such.
• However, you will be able to enjoy new circuits, tickets and routes to visit Machu Picchu. Although these will be better expressed in the high season.
• The new circuits to visit Machu Picchu are the Panoramic Circuit, Classic Circuit and Royalty Circuit.
• All new circuits bring different routes expressed in tickets.
• The tickets and routes available for the low or regular season are:
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace Ticket (Route 1B).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed Ticket (Route 2A).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B).
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu or Waynapicchu Mountain Ticket (Route 3A).
  • Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty Ticket (Route 3B).

Advantages of low season in Machu Picchu

Many people prefer the low tourist season to visit Machu Picchu. These are some of their reasons:

• Fewer people – For many visitors, the low tourist season is the best time to visit Machu Picchu as there are far fewer tourists touring the site compared to the high tourist season.
• Prices are lower – The low season offers the Machu Picchu travel experience at the best prices. On the contrary, in high season prices tend to increase due to the high demand of tourists.
• Photographs – Another advantage of coming to Machu Picchu during the rainy season is that because there are fewer people you can take amazing pictures of the Inca City without hundreds of strangers in them.
• Lush landscapes – The rains make Machu Picchu look even greener and this is really beautiful in the Amazonian jungle where it is located. The most beautiful days are those which combine rain with radiant sunshine.
• Warmer weather – During the low season it may rain often. However, the weather is still warm. The tourist can be in the rain (with a rain poncho) but feel a pleasant warmth.

Beautiful green scenery of Machu Picchu in the low season

Disadvantages of Machu Picchu low season

Actually, there are few disadvantages of the low season in Machu Picchu: getting a little wet in the rain or not being able to appreciate the Inca City when it dawns covered with clouds.

• Rainfall in Machu Picchu – Rainfall is more frequent in the mornings. The visitor should wear a rain poncho as umbrellas are not allowed in the Inca City.
• Clouds in Machu Picchu – During the low season, Machu Picchu usually dawns covered by clouds. This means that it is not possible to take the best photos in the Inca City. However, as the day goes by, the clouds usually clear.
• Inca Trail closed – The Inca Trail remains closed in February due to constant rains and maintenance work on this trekking route. The rest of the year, the Inca Trail is open to the public.
• Slippery trails – Due to rainfall, the trails of the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains often become slippery during the low or regular season. If you do any of these treks, you should wear non-slip hiking shoes.
• Fewer tickets – After the new changes made by the Ministry of Culture. During the low or regular season there will be only 6 types of tickets or routes to enter Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu has many treks you can do. The most amazing hike is the short route to Huayna Picchu mountain. During the low tourist season it is a good option to hike this amazing mountain.

What to take to Machu Picchu during the low season?

If you plan to visit Machu Picchu during the low tourist season, do not forget to bring the following:

• Rain poncho.
• Windbreaker jacket.
• Slip-resistant sneakers.
• Light cotton clothing.
• Sun block.
• Camera.
• Water in canteen.
• Documents and extra money.

Rainbow after raining in Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) And when is the high season in Machu Picchu?

  The official high season begins from June 19th to November 2nd. During this time, more tours are available on all Machu Picchu circuits.

• 2) Does Machu Picchu close in February?

  No. Machu Picchu is not closed any day of the year. In February (the rainiest month), the Inca Trail hiking trail may close for conservation reasons.

• 3) How far in advance should I purchase my ticket to Machu Picchu during the low season?

  Low-season tickets tend to have more availability for more days. However, it’s not recommended to wait until they’re sold out or when availability is low. The best way to book is two weeks in advance, although for the best tickets, you should book more than two months in advance.

• 4) How far in advance should I purchase the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket?

  During the low season, it is recommended to purchase your ticket to Huayna Picchu three months in advance. Remember, this ticket is the most popular among visitors.

• 5) Can I buy tickets to Machu Picchu in Cusco during the low season?

  Although it is possible to get Machu Picchu tickets available during your trip to Cusco (a few days before your visit), it is best to purchase tickets online at least a month in advance.

• 6) Which tickets are not available during the low or regular season for Machu Picchu?

  Tickets not available in low or regular season in Machu Picchu are: the route to Inti Punku (1C), the route to the Inca Bridge (1D), the route to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (3C) and the route to the Huchuy Picchu mountain (3D).

• 7) What are the advantages of visiting Machu Picchu during the low or regular season?

  Among the advantages of visiting Machu Picchu during the low or regular season is that you can get tickets to Machu Picchu sooner, the influx of visitors also decreases, and the prices are much more affordable.

• 8) What are the disadvantages of visiting Machu Picchu during the low or regular season?

  The disadvantages of visiting Machu Picchu during the low or regular season are that there is usually a high probability of rain, and there are only six trails available, unlike during the high season, which offers 10 trail options.

• 9) How far in advance should I purchase a panoramic ticket to Machu Picchu?

  Minimum two weeks are the least popular tickets, as they allow for a short tour, but with the best views of the citadel, ideal for classic postcard photography of Machu Picchu.

• 10) What is the month with the fewest visitors to Machu Picchu?

  It’s usually February due to the number of rainy days that Machu Picchu has, although if you like adventure and want to see a different angle of this magical place, it’s an ideal month.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Xavi S.

“Indescribable experience“

“In this place you can breathe peace, harmony and spirituality, you will also enjoy its incredible history, at least the known, but even more of what is not known about Machu Picchu. It is one of the most mysterious places in the world and surprising everything they can tell you about it.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 7, 2025