Peru · 13°32′S 71°58′W
Cusco and Machu Picchu
Inca sites, high Andes and big treks.
- Good for
- Nature, History & culture, Adventure
- Rough daily spend
- around $70 per person mid-range, not counting getting there (our estimate; it varies a lot)
- Mildest months
- July and August
Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
Warmest in September (around 19° by day), coolest in March (16° by day, 8° at night). June has the fewest wet days (2). For walking around in comfortable weather, aim for July and August.
| Month | High | Low | Wet days | Rain | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17° | 8° | 28 | 216 mm | 9.4 h |
| Feb | 17° | 8° | 27 | 207 mm | 8.8 h |
| Mar | 16° | 8° | 26 | 164 mm | 9.4 h |
| Apr | 17° | 7° | 18 | 75 mm | 10.1 h |
| May | 17° | 6° | 9 | 30 mm | 10.4 h |
| Jun | 17° | 5° | 2 | 7 mm | 10.4 h |
| Jul | 18° | 4° | 3 | 10 mm | 10.8 h |
| Aug | 18° | 5° | 8 | 21 mm | 11 h |
| Sep | 19° | 6° | 12 | 36 mm | 10.9 h |
| Oct | 19° | 7° | 21 | 94 mm | 10.5 h |
| Nov | 18° | 8° | 23 | 142 mm | 10.1 h |
| Dec | 17° | 8° | 27 | 186 mm | 9.3 h |
Averages for 2016–2025 from the Open-Meteo historical weather archive (CC BY 4.0), for the point at 13°32′S 71°58′W. Wet day = 1 mm or more. Highlighted months are mild (18–27° highs) and fairly dry.
What to pack for Cusco and Machu Picchu
For four nights, based on the weather above. Every trip also needs the basics: documents, chargers, toiletries and any medication.
September
- Nothing extra
March
- Nothing extra
Either way
- 5 × underwear
- 5 × socks
- 4 × tops
- 2 × trousers or jeans
- Something to sleep in
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jumper
- Light jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Compact umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Day pack
- Refillable water bottle
- Offline map downloaded
- Snacks for the trail
- Small cross-body bag
- Transit card or app set up
Going with a group? The planner builds a shared list where each person ticks their own things and claims the shared ones.
Going with friends?
One link for the group: find the days you’re all free, vote on what to do, get a day-by-day route and a shared packing list. No sign-up.
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