Advantages of Visiting Machu Picchu in the Rainy Season

Machu Picchu is a bucket list destination for so many people, and it's truly an incredible experience that I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

While it may be tempting to visit this incredible site during the dry season, I went during the rainy season. For those wondering, the rainy season at Machu Picchu is considered December through March, and I went during the month of February. 

After spending a week in Machu Picchu Pueblo in this time period, I do understand what they mean when they say rainy season, as it rained A LOT, and clothes that never left my hotel room were damp, but I still had a fantastic time and recommend going during this time of year anyways.

Here are the advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in the Rainy Season

Rain is not guaranteed

Just because it's rainy season does not mean it will rain, or that it will rain all day. I would make sure you are prepared for rain at any given moment, but you could potentially visit while it's beautiful weather and sunny. It's very easy to find a poncho to buy if you don't have any rain protection with you.

Sometimes it's like this...

And sometimes it's like this...

And other times, it's like this...

And all three can happen within the same hour or two!

Less tourists

Rainy season is also considered the slow season in the Cusco region. Less people are visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu than other times of year, so there will be less crowds at many of the most popular sites in the area, especially Machu Picchu.

For the majority of the time I was at the Historic Sanctuary at Machu Picchu, on both days I was fortunate to visit, it wasn't very crowded and there weren't massive tour groups everywhere. As I was leaving, more tour groups were arriving though, so going earlier in the day, there will be less guided tour groups that have brought people in from Cusco.

More availability

In addition to there being less tourists, there is also more availability to get tickets to Machu Picchu during the rainy season. 

DRY SEASON: To book a ticket during the dry season, you will need to plan far in advance, typically at least 4-6+ months ahead of time to secure an entry ticket.

RAINY SEASON: For me, to be able to go during rainy season, I was able to book tickets as late as the day before I wanted to go. I wouldn't bank on this always being the case, but there was still plenty of availability for the various circuits the day before going when I went in late February and early March.

More affordable accommodations

Because of it being the rainy season, accommodations are much more affordable than during the peak season. I was able to score a hotel room in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) for $122 for a week, which is honestly unheard of.

Granted this was a "you-get-what-you-pay-for" kinda deal, but I didn't need anything fancy, just a place to sleep, shower, and work remotely. This hotel also came with free breakfast everyday, so I got even more bang for my buck.

Vibrant scenery

Because it's the rainy season, the flowers are blooming and the grass is BRIGHT lush green. You'll see fields of flowers of many different colors everywhere. If you do any of the hikes within Machu Picchu, you will be pleasantly surprised to see many flowers along the trails.

Waterfalls are everywhere

Because of all the extra rain, there is an abundance of water flowing around everywhere in Machu Picchu. If it rains while you are there, you will get to see how the water moves around the sanctuary and how they built it so water runs off surfaces like waterfalls.

If Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco, or the country of Peru is on your travel bucket list, you can learn more about the area, the culture, day trips, and more here.