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Machu Picchu

Ancient Ruins in distance

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Dry Season

Apr-Sep

Average temperature:

19°C

Rainfall:

Approximately 17-54 mm/month

Rainy/Wet Season

Oct-Mar

Average temperature:

18°

Rainfall:

Approximately 150-288 mm/month

Peru Machu Picchu Llama Grazing

Country dialing code

+51

Capital city

Lima

Official language

Spanish, Quechua, Aymara

Currency

Peruvian sol (PEN)

Machu Picchu is a year-round destination. The most popular time to visit is during the dry season (April to October). Machu Picchu is very busy from June to August when the weather is optimal. If you prefer quieter trails and want to avoid queues, consider visiting outside the peak season. Positioned in a cloud forest with a subtropical climate, it can be warm and humid, but evenings are quite cool, sometimes below 0°C. Rain is common and expected, especially from November to March.

    Highlights

    Inca Trail Trek

    Hike the Inca Trail over four days (45km) through breathtaking mountain scenery and ancient Inca sites. Starting at 2,750m and peaking at 4,200m, this journey offers a deep link to Peru's history.

    Salkantay Trek

    Embark on a five-day lodge-to-lodge hike through 15 ecosystems, past snow-capped peaks and lush jungles. This challenging but less-crowded hike offers stunning views and a unique journey to Machu Picchu.

    Lares Trek

    Take a five-day hike through Cusco's Sacred Valley to the legendary Machu Picchu. En route explore Ancasmarca, a seldom-visited archaeological site and remote villages before a train ride to Machu Picchu.

    Inca Rail Train

    If hiking is not for you, enjoy the comfort of Inca Rail with panoramic views of the Urubamba River and Sacred Valley. The train to Aguas Calientes takes three hours 30 minutes.

    Temple of the Sun

    This temple is dedicated to the sun god Inti. The temple was used for sacrifices and religious ceremonies, and only priests and high-ranking Incas were allowed inside. Royal Tombs are found beneath. 

    Iconic Sites

    You will be in awe of the Watchtower, royal residences, Intihuatana (used by Inca astronomers to predict solstices), Room of the Three Windows, Central Plaza, the Inca Bridge and the Temple of the Sun.

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    Altitude

    Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2,430m above sea level. This can sometimes cause altitude sickness, so it's important to acclimatize. Cusco, the gateway city to Machu Picchu, has an even higher altitude at 3,399m where acclimatization is essential. The Sacred Valley ranges 2,050m-3,000m and is an excellent place to spend a few days as it’s lower than Cusco but still high enough to help your body adjust. 

     

    High altitude impacts the body by reducing oxygen levels, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea – altitude sickness.  

     

    How can you avoid developing altitude sickness? 

    • Acclimatize gradually by spending a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before heading to Machu Picchu. Avoid strenuous activities and gradually increase your activity level as your body adjusts. 
    • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.  
    • Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine.  
    • Eat foods rich in carbohydrates to maintain energy levels. Avoid heavy or greasy food. 
    • Take long, slow, deep breaths to increase your oxygen intake and help your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels. 
    • Consult your doctor about medications which may reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. Also consider using local Andean remedies such as mate de coca, a tea made from coca leaves. 

    Communications

    Country Code for Country name: +51 

    Official Travel advice for Australians: Peru Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller 

    Official Travel advice for New Zealanders: Peru 

     Fire and rescue services: 116, Medical emergencies: 117, Police 105. 

     

    Australian Embassy, Lima 

    Avenida La Paz 1049, 10th Floor, Miraflores, Lima, 18, Peru 

    Phone: +51 1 630 0500 

    Email: consular.lima@dfat.gov.au  

     

    Australia has a Consulate headed by an Honorary Consul in Cusco. The Consulate provides limited consular assistance. It does not provide visa and immigration services, notarial services or issue passports.  

    Australian Consulate, Cusco 

    Calle Ruinas 477, Cusco, Peru 

    Phone: +51 0 84 259230 

    Email: tammy@australiacusco.com  

     

    New Zealand Embassy Santiago, Chile 

    Isidora Goyenechea 3000, 12th Floor, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile 

    Telephone: +56 2 2616 3000 

    Email: embajada@nzembassy.cl  

    www.mfat.govt.nz/chile 

    Customs

    Most Peruvians are Roman Catholic, a remnant of Spanish colonisation. Catholicism is deeply integrated into daily life in Peru. Many Peruvians, especially in the Andes, practice a form of syncretism, combining Catholic rituals with traditional Andean practices. For example, it's common to see offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) alongside Catholic ceremonies. 

     

    When visiting religious sites, such as churches or indigenous sacred places, dress modestly and behave respectfully. Always ask permission when taking photos in sacred sites.  

    Electricity

    Electrical Socket type: Types A and C. Type A has two flat parallel prongs and Type C has two round prongs.

    Voltage: 220-240 volts (same as Australia and New Zealand).

    Health

    See altitude section for more information on altitude sickness. 

    You're at risk of altitude sickness if you travel above 2,500m. The risk is greater if your ascent is rapid. Altitude sickness can be life-threatening and can affect anyone, even if you're very fit and healthy. 

     

    Insect-borne diseases: Peru may experience dengue fever outbreaks. Yellow fever is widespread in Peru and is prevented by vaccination. Zika virus and malaria are also prevalent. To protect yourself from Insect-borne diseases: 

    • Stay in insect-proof accommodation 
    • use insect repellent and wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing 
    • Consult your doctor about how to prevent malaria. 

     

    For further information please visit: 

    Peru Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) or Safe Travel | Peru (New Zealand) 

    How to Get There & Getting Around

    Getting to Machu Picchu and exploring the area is an adventure in itself!   

    Train: 

    From Cusco: The most popular and scenic route to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). The journey is around three hours 30 minutes. 

    From Ollantaytambo: This is closer to Machu Picchu and takes one to two hours. 

     

    Trekking: 

    Inca Trail: A four-day classic trek follows the ancient paths of the Incas. Please note that the Inca Trail is closed February each year for maintenance. 

    Salkantay Trek: A popular alternative to the Inca Trail, this trek takes about five days. This is not available January and February.

    Lares Trek: Another scenic option, this trek takes three to four days and passes through traditional Andean villages. The version of the trek we display on the website is not available January and February, however an alternative version is available during these month. Please note that these departures are dependant on weather conditions.

    Holidays & Festivals

    • Inti Raymi (June 24): An ancient Incan festival honouring the sun god Inti, celebrated around the winter solstice in June. 
    • Semana Santa (Holy Week): A major Catholic celebration in the week leading up to Easter Sunday with processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. 
    • Qoyllur Rit'i: Held in late May or early June, this important pilgrimage involves thousands of people trekking to the Sinakara Valley near Cusco. Catholic and indigenous traditions are combined. 
    • Corpus Christi: Celebrated 60 days after Easter, a procession of saints and virgins from various Cusco churches, and a grand celebration in the main square takes place. 
    • Santuranticuy: On December 24, Cusco hosts a traditional Christmas market, where artisans sell their crafts, nativity scenes and other festive items. 

    Language

    While Spanish is the official language of Peru, many indigenous people in the Andes speak Quechua or Aymara. Learning a few basic phrases in these languages will be appreciated by locals.

    Money, Tipping & Shopping

    The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian sol (PEN). While the sol is widely accepted, it's also useful to carry US Dollars as they are often accepted and can be easily exchanged. 

     

    Tipping in Peru is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a 10% tip is appreciated unless a service charge is included. For hotel staff, tip porters 2-5 soles per bag and housekeeping 2-5 soles per night. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. For tour guides, a tip of 10-20% of the tour cost is welcomed.  

     

    Peruvian textiles are renowned for their vibrant colours and patterns. Blankets, scarves, hats, gloves and ponchos, often made from alpaca wool are popular buys. Handcrafted silver jewellery featuring Andean designs and semi-precious stones, paintings and carvings are also in demand with travellers. Peru is known for its high-quality chocolate and coffee, along with pisco, a traditional Peruvian spirit.  

     

    Haggling is common in markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate your prices. When shopping for textiles, be aware that not all items labelled as "alpaca" are genuine. For higher quality and fair-trade products, visit reputable shops and artisan communities.  

    Visas

    The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

     

    Australian and New Zealand passport holders don't need a visa for Peru. You can get a permit to stay for up to 90 days when you arrive. The maximum stay permitted is 183 days in one year.  

     

    Inca Trail permits: If you plan on hiking the Inca Trail, please note a permit is required and these sell out months in advance. The maximum number of Inca Trail permits is 500 per day, including crew and porters, leaving only about 200 permits per day for tourists. In mid-October, the Inca Trail government authority releases the permits for the following year. If you plan to visit during peak season (June-August), you should try to book at least six months in advance.  

     
    For further information please visit: 

    Peru Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) or Safe Travel | Peru (New Zealand) 

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