When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

It is advisable to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu in the dry season, which is from April to October. If you visit the citadel in the rainy season, which is from November to March, it is advisable to take into account that weather conditions may vary. Whilst the citadel will be covered in greenery, the low clouds usually will impair visibility in the morning.

As the visit normally lasts 2-3 hours, it is best to start the visit in the morning because it is less crowded, so do arrive the night before at Aguas Calientes (the nearest town at bottom of the citadel), or leave Cusco very early in the morning.

To arrive at Aguas Calientes it is best to travel the day before through the Sacred Valley to the town and Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, and visit the site. Then catch the train to Aguas Calientes, which lasts approximately 4 hours. Following a relaxing overnight stay at Aguas Calientes, take the early morning bus that will take you to the entrance of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Another option to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail. This trek is a traditional Inca path and is highly valued and in high demand, so it is advisable to make reservations well in advance since spaces are limited.

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