Machu Picchu in January: What a Wet-Season Visit Is Really Like

Is January a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

January is a good time to visit Machu Picchu if you accept rain in exchange for fewer people. After the first week of New Year travel, visitor numbers drop and lodging prices in Aguas Calientes often soften. Views come and go with the cloud, so a flexible schedule matters more than in the dry season.

How January 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 January?

Machu Picchu weather in January averages highs near 69°F and lows near 53°F, with about 13.4 in of rain over the month, typical of the rainy season. Cusco, about 3,000 feet higher, is colder, with nights near 44°F. Conditions shift quickly in the mountains, so check a forecast close to your visit.

Figures 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 January?

Machu Picchu is busy from late December through roughly the first week of January, when US and Peruvian families travel over the holidays. From mid-January, crowds fall noticeably and entry tickets are easier to find, although popular slots and Huayna Picchu can still sell out on some days.

• New Year week: busy, book early.
• Mid-January: one of the quieter periods.
• Late January: few tour groups, more choice of time slots.
• Huayna Picchu: usually easier to get than June to August.

Ticket types and how far ahead to book are explained in our Machu Picchu tickets guide.

Is the Inca Trail Open in January?

The Classic Inca Trail is open in January, but it is the last month before the trail closes for maintenance throughout February. Expect muddy stone steps, wet campsites and cloud on the passes. Permits are easier to get than in the dry season, but you still need to book through a licensed operator.

Permit rules are explained in our Inca Trail permits guide.

What Happens in Cusco and Peru in January?

January in Cusco starts with New Year celebrations, when locals wear yellow for luck and gather in the Plaza de Armas. Later in the month, festivities are quieter, and the rainy season brings bright green hills to the Sacred Valley. Cusco itself is also cool and damp, with afternoon storms.

Can Rain Disrupt the Train or Bus to Machu Picchu in January?

Heavy January rain can occasionally cause landslides that delay or suspend trains between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, or close the Hiram Bingham road for buses. Disruptions are usually short, but they happen more often from January to March than in the dry season. Build a spare day into your plan.

• Keep one buffer day between Machu Picchu and your flight home.
• Choose a morning train so a delay does not cost your entry slot.
• Save your operator's WhatsApp or phone number for updates.
• Buy travel insurance that covers weather delays.

What Should You Pack for Machu Picchu in January?

For Machu Picchu in January, pack for rainy season conditions: waterproof rain jacket with a hood, quick-dry hiking pants and waterproof hiking shoes with good grip matter most. 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.

• Waterproof rain jacket with a hood
• Quick-dry hiking pants
• Waterproof hiking shoes with good grip
• Light fleece for cool mornings
• Insect repellent for Aguas Calientes
• Dry bag or plastic bags for your phone

The full checklist is in our Machu Picchu packing list.

January Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

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

1. Book a morning entry, when rain is often lighter.
2. Allow time for cloud to lift before leaving the site.
3. Stay a night in Aguas Calientes to try a second visit if cloud blocks views.
4. Check train status the day before.
5. Carry a small towel and spare socks.

Thinking about nearby dates? Compare Machu Picchu in December and Machu Picchu in February. For a guided visit, see our Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco.