How to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco
Cusco sits at 3,400 m. Here's how to keep altitude sickness from knocking you out of the game.
Machu Picchu is open year-round, but the experience changes with the season.
Dry season (April to October)
Clear skies, misty mornings that lift as the day goes on, and cold nights in the highlands. This is high season: June, July and August see the most demand, so tickets and trains sell out sooner.
Rainy season (November to March)
Lush green landscapes, fewer visitors and rain that usually falls in the afternoon. Bring a poncho and shoes with good grip. The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance.
When should you book?
For high season, book two months or more in advance. Inca Trail permits often sell out several months ahead. Outside high season, three or four weeks is usually enough.