Peru · Americas
Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Inca citadels in the clouds and the flavours of Lima.
- Best time
- May–Sep
- Flight time
- 13h from London · 8.5h from New York (to Lima)
- Language
- Spanish, Quechua
- Currency
- Peruvian sol (PEN)
- Time zone
- America/Lima
About Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Why we love Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, sits on a mountain ridge wrapped in cloud forest above the Urubamba river. It's one of the world's great wonders, and the Sacred Valley below is full of Andean villages, markets and terraced ruins.
Arrive by luxury train or trek the Inca Trail, stay in haciendas in the valley, explore colonial Cusco and taste your way around Lima, one of the finest food cities on the planet.
Highlights not to miss
- 01
Machu Picchu at sunrise
Arrive with the first entry slot and hike to the Sun Gate for the classic view.
- 02
The Hiram Bingham train
Travel in 1920s-style Pullman carriages with dining and live music.
- 03
Sacred Valley villages
Visit weaving cooperatives, salt pans and the circular terraces of Moray.
- 04
Lima's food scene
Ceviche lessons and a tasting menu at one of the world's best restaurants.
When to go
The best time to visit Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Our travel designers recommend May–Sep for Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley. Temperatures are average daytime highs; rainfall is the monthly average.
| Month | Average high (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19 | 160 |
| Feb | 19 | 140 |
| Mar | 19 | 110 |
| Apr | 20 | 40 |
| May | 20 | 10 |
| Jun | 19 | 5 |
| Jul | 19 | 5 |
| Aug | 20 | 10 |
| Sep | 21 | 25 |
| Oct | 21 | 50 |
| Nov | 21 | 80 |
| Dec | 20 | 120 |
Journeys
Journeys to Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
FAQ
Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley, answered
May to September is the dry season with clear skies. The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.