Machu Picchu in April: Why the Shoulder Season Is a Smart Time to Go

Is April a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

April is one of the best overall months for Machu Picchu. Showers are fewer and shorter than in the rainy season, the scenery is at its greenest, and crowds have not reached their June to August peak. You still need a rain jacket, but many April days have long clear spells.

How April compares with the rest of the year is covered in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.

What Is the Weather Like at Machu Picchu in April?

Machu Picchu weather in April averages highs near 71°F and lows near 53°F, with about 7.3 in of rain over the month, typical of the shoulder season. Cusco, about 3,000 feet higher, is colder, with nights near 39°F. Treat these as averages and check a short range forecast before your entry day.

April figures above are rounded SENAMHI 1991 to 2020 averages; see every month in our Machu Picchu weather guide and Cusco details in our Cusco weather guide.

How Crowded Is Machu Picchu in April?

April crowds at Machu Picchu are moderate. Easter, when it falls in April, brings a busy week of domestic travel, and some US spring breaks land early in the month. Otherwise, April is calmer than the dry season, and entry tickets and trains can usually be booked a few weeks ahead.

• Holy Week, when in April: busiest stretch.
• Early April: some US spring break travelers.
• Mid to late April: moderate, comfortable crowds.
• Inca Trail permits: book one to three months ahead.

In April, ticket types and how far ahead to book are explained in our Machu Picchu tickets guide.

Is April a Good Month for the Inca Trail?

April is a good month for the Inca Trail because the worst rain has passed and the trail is less crowded than in the dry season. Expect some showers and wet stone steps, especially early in the month. Permits sell faster than in March, so reserve through a licensed operator well in advance.

Permit rules are explained in our Inca Trail permits guide.

What Events Happen in Cusco in April?

In years when Easter falls in April, Cusco holds its Holy Week processions, including the Señor de los Temblores on Holy Monday. Otherwise April is a quieter month in Cusco, with harvest activity in the Sacred Valley and local markets full of fresh produce.

How Much Rain Should You Expect at Machu Picchu in April?

Rain at Machu Picchu in April usually comes as short afternoon showers rather than long storms, averaging about 7 inches for the month. The risk of train or road disruption is much lower than from January to March. Mornings are often the clearest time to see the citadel.

• Plan your entry for the morning.
• Carry a light rain jacket every day.
• Expect drier days later in the month.
• Check Easter dates if your trip is early April.

What Should You Pack for Machu Picchu in April?

For Machu Picchu in April, pack for shoulder season conditions: lightweight rain jacket, comfortable hiking shoes and fleece for cusco nights matter most. In April, large backpacks are not allowed inside the citadel, so carry a small daypack and leave extra gear at your hotel; current size limits are in our rules guide.

• Lightweight rain jacket
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Fleece for Cusco nights
• Sunscreen and hat
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle

A printable version of these items is in our Machu Picchu packing list guide.

April Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

The best April plan for Machu Picchu combines early booking where demand is high, a morning entry slot and a little schedule flexibility. These tips reflect April conditions specifically, from weather to holidays, so you can adjust your Cusco and Machu Picchu days around them.

1. Choose mid or late April for fewer people.
2. Book Easter week trips early.
3. Combine Machu Picchu with green Sacred Valley visits.
4. Hike the Inca Trail before the dry-season rush.
5. Stay a night in Aguas Calientes for a relaxed visit.

Thinking about nearby dates? Compare Machu Picchu in March and Machu Picchu in May. In April, for a guided visit, see our Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco.