Machu Picchu in the rainy season How is it?

Many times trips to Machu Picchu are usually an unforgettable experience. It becomes ideal for people who make the trip taking into account all the factors. One of these factors is the climate. Peru is one of the countries with the greatest variety of climates and geographies. For example, Cusco may have high mountains and a frigid climate. However, a few kilometers away you can have a semi-tropical climate and also one of higher altitude. These changes often confuse visitors and they do not come prepared as such. That is why now we want to specify how is the experience of arriving at Machu Picchu during the rainy season.

The seasons to visit Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu is one of the dream trips for many people. Unfortunately, these people only focus on making the trip. Few people investigate or at least consult how the experience will be, in case they make the consultation or travel with an agency. Normally these are the people who show their bad experiences because obviously, it was not what they expected. That is why we want to start this blog, talking about the seasons to visit Machu Picchu. Especially, the one that is usually the most hated by visitors who are surprised and start to soak.

Currently, it can be said that Machu Picchu has two climatic seasons. One of these seasons will be the dry or normal season, while the other will be the wet or rainy season. In the case of the normal season, you can find a more suitable climate for any type of experience you want to do. It is also the ideal season for foreign visitors since it usually coincides with their vacations. This normal or dry season is from April to November. The rainy season includes the rest of the months.

There will be a greater probability of rain as the first days of November approaches. Similarly, it may occur at the beginning of April. In this sense, the best months to travel to Machu Picchu are May, June, July, and August. These months coincide with the high season. Something that also offers a new experience, but not like what happens in the rainy season in Machu Picchu, which we want to talk about today. It is important to know that in both seasons, i.e. throughout the year, it is possible to visit the wonder of the world. Only, it is necessary to take into account some previsions.

Every season is a different travel experience. Unfortunately, many people have begun to frown upon the presence of rain. Sure, it can ruin the trip because no one carries a change of clothes or the like. However, if one travels prepared one can find something that few see. For example, the functioning of Machu Picchu’s drains and water channels. Also the mysticism of entering a city of stones among so much fog. Knowing the reason why it was cataloged as the citadel above the clouds. In any case, Machu Picchu is a feat of engineering and architecture of the human being that can be visited during the 12 months of the year.

Machu Picchu in the rainy season – Experience

As mentioned before, the rainy season is from November to the end of March. However, this seems to be changing due to the presence of climate change. This may lead to more rainy or dry months. These changes often affect not only travel planning, but also people who live on agriculture, transportation, and even the general population by the disasters that can cause the overextension of the rains. It is unfortunate that many facilities in Cusco and Machu Picchu, do not have contingency equipment in case the rains or droughts expand for much longer.

If you have arrived at Machu Picchu during the months indicated (November to March), it is important to keep in mind that it can rain at any time. That is why the best recommendation is to carry a waterproof poncho for the rain. If possible, you should also wear waterproof hiking shoes (only if possible). On the other hand, on your arrival in the city of Cusco, it is quite likely that rain will also fall. However, a positive point is that it generates that the temperature does not drop drastically at night. Despite this, it is important to keep warm to avoid discomfort or even getting a respiratory infection.

It will be advisable to purchase the bimodal transportation service. This way the trip will allow you to make a brief stop in Ollantaytambo to have breakfast or for any other need. When traveling during the rainy season, it is possible to appreciate a more greenish landscape and also with plentiful rivers, a product of the abundant rains. These rivers sometimes overflow and damage routes to Machu Picchu. In case you are on the trip, it is important to ask for relevant and updated information on the route to be followed. All this is to know the state of the route and how safe it is to perform.

Once in Machu Picchu Town, where the train trip ends, it is important to note that you can reach the archaeological site by bus or on foot. We recommend that you take the ecological buses, especially during the rainy season. This way, a safe trip is guaranteed, and with enough energy to go all over Machu Picchu. The tour of the Inca citadel can take 2 hours, completely on foot. In addition, during the ascent on foot that lasts two hours or more, it may rain and arrive completely soaked and tired to Machu Picchu.

To do the tour of Machu Picchu as mentioned above, you will only need a waterproof poncho and also, if possible, waterproof footwear. Something that will be essential is that you have a shoe with a sole or insole that will ensure a secure grip when walking. Sometimes the wetness of the wet stone allows the shoes to slip. These details could cause some accidents or similar.

Advantages of visiting Machu Picchu Picchu in the rainy season

• As it is the low season, it is possible to find some more comfortable prices. This will apply to all the services needed to get to Machu Picchu.
• The discounts for being low season, usually apply to the entrance ticket, the train ticket (round trip), and also in hotels in Cusco or Machu Picchu Town.
• Being called low season, it can also be specified that there are few people in all activities to reach Machu Picchu.
• The tour of the wonder of the world is usually compared to private access, due to the small number of people who do it.
• The rainy season in Machu Picchu also generates more vegetation.
• Among the vegetation typical of the humidity there are usually orchid sprouts, which will probably begin to bloom.
• The route, too, offers a singular mysticism. The fog is not so bad. It allows a discovery of the place every step of the way.
• Many describe this experience as spiritual and mystical.
• You can appreciate how the aqueducts and water channels work in Machu Picchu.
• Throughout the trip and the tour of Machu Picchu itself, you will find a landscape of lush vegetation.

Some recommendations for travel to Machu Picchu in the rainy season

The rainy season is not a bad opportunity to get to Machu Picchu, on the contrary, they have some advantages and also provide a new experience. That is why we want to leave recommendations that may even seem obvious, but it is always important to remember them. Let’s see:

• It is essential to carry or have a waterproof poncho. It will be better if it can be reused and stored for several occasions.
• If possible, have hiking shoes with waterproof properties.
• As for the temperature, it is unlikely to feel very cold. The climate in Machu Picchu is semi-tropical, so a sweater or zippered sweater will suffice.
• Even if it is the low season, it is always important to make your reservation in advance.
• It is important to find out the condition of the train tracks or hiking trails you will be following.
• Carry mosquito repellent.
• It is also important to have a hat and use sunscreen. The sun can come out at any time.
• In case you travel by train and you have not booked online. Find out the train schedules.
• Remember that any reservation can be made online and months in advance.
• When touring the Inca citadel, do it without haste and with the corresponding care. Some stones can be slippery.
• It is also highly recommended to do the tour in the presence of a tour guide.