Machu Picchu in high or low season – How to make the most of your trip
A trip to Machu Picchu requires planning and foresight. But whether you choose high or low season, the question is how to make the most of your trip? Deciding between high and low season directly relates to the number of people you’ll be traveling with in Machu Picchu, prices, and weather, as well as booking times. Additionally, some tickets are only available in certain months. Learn all the details on how to make the most of your trip to Machu Picchu during any season.
- High season (May to August)
- Low season (October to March)
- Season tickets to Machu Picchu
- Tips and recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Family of tourists visiting Machu Picchu
If you ask us, we’ll tell you that a trip to Machu Picchu during the low season is best. This will make your vacation just that, a vacation; a place where you go to rest and recharge, and what better place than Machu Picchu, a place full of charm. High season already attracts enough people who choose it because it makes their itinerary easier, or because they have to come during this time.
So when should I visit Machu Picchu? During high season or low season?
Traveling during the off-season is the best way to enjoy your vacation in Machu Picchu, and after reading what we have to say, you’ll agree. There are several reasons why it’s best to come during the off-season.
Regular and high season tickets to Machu Picchu.
In addition to the tourist seasons at Machu Picchu, there is also a high season exclusively for exploring more routes through the Inca citadel. This season runs from June 19 to November 2. During this period, you can explore Machu Picchu with ten types of tickets, giving you a wider range of options. During the regular season (November 3 to June 18), you will only find six ticket options.
High season (May to August)
The peak season for visitors to Machu Picchu coincides with the holidays in North America and Europe , and occurs between the months of May and August. However, there are also large numbers of visitors during the end of the year and on holidays, which generally coincide in most countries. Hence the name.
The high season in Machu Picchu and Cusco also coincides with the dry season ; however, truth be told, Machu Picchu can experience torrential rain at any time of year due to its location at the edge of the Amazon rainforest; therefore, no matter what time of year you come, you’ll need to bring a rain poncho.
The high season in Machu Picchu is a rich cultural exchange; people from all over the world gather in the center of the world (Cusco), in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu; you can make many new friends. Cusco (June) hosts the Inti Raymi Festival (festival of the sun), which is celebrated during the winter solstice (in the southern hemisphere). This is the best time to book Machu Picchu tickets that include the Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountains.
Anyone wishing to visit during this season should reserve their entry to Machu Picchu several months in advance; we recommend doing so at least four months in advance, so you can choose from all the possible experiences. You should also reserve train tickets, hotels, and additional tours, such as participating in the Sacsayhuaman Sun Festival, in advance.
Visitors entering Machu Picchu during the high season
Low season (October to March)
Called the low season, due to the presence of rain, it becomes, for some, the best time to enjoy Machu Picchu. Prices are lower, the sites are far less crowded, and you’ll enjoy Machu Picchu’s green landscape more. The streets are less busy, businesses will be busier than usual, and, contrary to popular belief, rain generally falls in the afternoon.
We recommend booking your Machu Picchu ticket for the morning shift. We know you know the Inca city of Machu Picchu is beautiful, but now imagine it under one, two, or three rainbows, forming a surreal landscape.
On the other hand, just because it’s low season doesn’t mean you should wait to book your Machu Picchu tickets , especially if you want to climb Huayna Picchu. During high season, Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) tickets must be booked at least 3 or 4 months in advance, while during low season you can book up to 2 or 3 months in advance. Booking destinations like Machu Picchu and Cusco well in advance can ensure that no unforeseen events occur on your trip; you wouldn’t want to have those on a trip like this.
The low season is the time when you can most enjoy the beauty of this Inca city nestled in the jungle mountains; everything is quieter, the weather is milder, and, once again, there are fewer people. However, let’s get one thing straight: with all the sunshine and the huge crowds of the high season, Cusco is the best place to visit in South America, and Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Rainbow formation at Machu Picchu – Temple of the Rains
Season tickets to Machu Picchu
There are also exclusive seasons for Machu Picchu entrance tickets. These usually coincide with Machu Picchu’s high and low season, but on specific dates. The regular season for Machu Picchu tickets runs from November 3rd to June 18th. During this time, there are only six ticket options, but these are the classic and most recommended.
Meanwhile, during peak season, which runs from June 19th to November 2nd, we can find up to ten tickets or routes that can take us on more adventures around the Inca citadel. These tickets will also be available on December 30th and 31st each year.
| Regular season tickets to Machu Picchu | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Circuit | Difficulty | Approx duration. | Attractions | Availability |
| Machu Picchu with Mountain (Route 1A) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Average | 5 – 6 hours | Ascending Machu Picchu, panoramic views and a classic photo from Casa del Guardian | All year |
| Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Panoramic views and classic photo from Casa del Guardian | All year |
| Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) | Circuit 2 (Classic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Historical tour of the main temples and buildings of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) | Circuit 2 (Classic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Historical tour of the main temples and buildings of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | High | 5 – 6 hours | Ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain and a tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | Low | 3 hours | Tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Tickets during the high season of Machu Picchu | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Circuit | Difficulty | Approx. duration. | Attractions | Availability |
| Machu Picchu with Mountain (Route 1A) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Average | 5 – 6 hours | Ascending Machu Picchu, panoramic views and a classic photo from Casa del Guardian | All year |
| Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Panoramic views and classic photo from Casa del Guardian | All year |
| Machu Picchu with Inti Punku (Route 1C) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Average | 4 hours | Hike to Inti Punku, panoramic views and a classic photo from Casa del Guardian | Peak season |
| Machu Picchu with Inca Bridge (Route 1D) | Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) | Average | 4 hours | Hike to the Inca Bridge, panoramic views and a classic photo from Casa del Guardian | Peak season |
| Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A) | Circuit 2 (Classic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Historical tour of the main temples and buildings of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B) | Circuit 2 (Classic Route) | Low | 2 – 3 hours | Historical tour of the main temples and buildings of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | High | 5 – 6 hours | Ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain and a tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | Low | 3 hours | Tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | All year |
| Machu Picchu with Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | Average | 4 – 5 hours | Hike to the Temple of the Moon and a tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | Peak season |
| Machu Picchu with Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) | Circuit 3 (Royal Route) | Average | 4 hours | Ascent to Huchuy Picchu Mountain and a tour of the lower part of the Inca citadel | Peak season |
Tips and recommendations
To make the most of your trip to Machu Picchu, both during the low and high tourist seasons, we’ll provide you with a series of tips and recommendations to help you be better prepared and informed.
- Book your Machu Picchu tickets at least two months in advance during the low season, while during the high season, you should book three months in advance to find your preferred route and time.
- Machu Picchu peak season tickets are also available on December 30th and 31st each year.
- To be able to experience the ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain or Huchuy Picchu mountain you must be at least 12 years old.
- Machu Picchu is located 2,430 meters above sea level, with a slightly humid climate in the heart of the jungle.
- Before traveling to Machu Picchu, remember to acclimatize during your first few days in Cusco. This way, you’ll avoid altitude sickness and enjoy the area without any problems.
- If you travel to Machu Picchu during the rainy season (November – March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as the weather can be rainy at any time.
- Visiting Machu Picchu during the dry season (April to October) offers clearer weather, although there are also usually more visitors.
- Tickets to the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit are available year-round, although you should always book three months in advance.
- The regular ticket season for Machu Picchu runs from November 3rd to June 18th, and during these months you’ll find six routes to visit.
- The peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu runs from June 19 to November 2, with a total of ten routes available.
- Remember that with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your trip to Machu Picchu at any time of year. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best season to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the low season (October to March). Although there’s a higher chance of rain, prices are lower, there are fewer visitors, and the landscape is greener, making for a more peaceful experience.
2) What is the difference between high season and low season?
During peak season (May to August), there are more tourists, higher prices, and more difficult to get tickets. In contrast, during the off-season, there are fewer tourists, more affordable fares, and more available tickets.
3) Is it safe to visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season?
Yes, it’s safe. Rain is rare, but if you’re prepared, you’ll find a unique landscape.
4) When should I book my tickets to Machu Picchu?
It is recommended to book Machu Picchu tickets at least three months in advance during high season and two months in low season.
5) Do tickets change depending on the season?
Yes, there are six ticket options from November to June. During peak season, up to ten routes are available, expanding the range of experiences.
6) Can I visit Huayna Picchu during the low season?
Yes, although there is less demand during the low season, this ticket should always be booked in advance, ideally between two and three months before travel.
7) What weather will I have in each season?
The high season is dry, with clearer skies, but also more visitors. The low season has occasional rain, but the surroundings are greener and less crowded.
8) What are the benefits of traveling during the low season?
The main benefits are: fewer tourists, greater ticket availability, and lower prices for accommodations and tours.
9) What is the difficulty of the most popular routes?
There are options for everyone; routes like the classic circuit or panoramic circuit range from easy to medium difficulty. Mountain climbs or hiking trails require more effort.
10) What should I do if I don’t find availability for the desired date?
If tickets are sold out, you can consider closer dates or alternative routes such as Huchuy Picchu or the Inca Bridge, which also allow you to experience Machu Picchu from less-crowded angles.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Janet G.“The city among the clouds“
“We were among the first group to enter the Huayna Picchu mountain. From the top we watched the clouds dissipate over Machu Picchu. This is the third time I have climbed Machu Picchu and the last ones I did in October (rainy season) and it did not rain a single day, the rains fell at night, and Machu Picchu the day after a heavy rain is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life. Highly recommended!“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 1, 2025