Machu Picchu in March: What to Expect as the Rainy Season Winds Down

Is March a Good Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

March is a solid choice for travelers who want green scenery, light crowds and an open Inca Trail. Rain is still frequent, especially early in the month, but late March often brings longer dry spells. Prices are typically lower than in the dry season, and permits are easier to secure.

How March 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 March?

Machu Picchu weather in March averages highs near 70°F and lows near 53°F, with about 13.4 in of rain over the month, typical of the late rainy season. Cusco, about 3,000 feet higher, is colder, with nights near 43°F. Mountain weather varies year to year, so confirm the outlook a few days before you go.

Numbers are rounded SENAMHI climate normals for 1991 to 2020. The year round picture is in our Machu Picchu weather guide, with the city covered in our guide to Cusco weather.

How Crowded Is Machu Picchu in March?

March crowds at Machu Picchu are generally low to moderate. US spring break sends some families and students in mid-March, and Holy Week brings Peruvian travelers when Easter falls in March. Outside those weeks, the citadel feels relaxed and most time slots have availability a week or two ahead.

• Early March: quiet, wet, trail just reopened.
• US spring break weeks: slightly busier.
• Holy Week, when in March: domestic travel rises.
• Late March: drier, still uncrowded.

To choose a ticket and entry hour, read our how to book Machu Picchu tickets guide.

Is the Inca Trail Good to Hike in March?

The Classic Inca Trail reopens on March 1 with freshly maintained paths. Early March hikes are often wet and muddy, while later in the month conditions usually improve. March permits are easier to get than May to September permits, but book several weeks ahead and pack serious rain gear for the passes.

Booking windows and passport rules are in our Inca Trail permit booking guide.

What Is Holy Week Like in Cusco?

When Easter falls in March, Cusco celebrates Holy Week with processions. On Holy Monday, the city carries the Señor de los Temblores, Lord of the Earthquakes, through the streets, and on Good Friday many families eat a traditional meal of twelve dishes. Banks and some businesses close on Thursday and Friday.

Is Rain Still a Problem for Machu Picchu Travel in March?

Rain can still cause occasional delays to trains and the bus road in March, especially early in the month. The risk is lower than in February and usually falls as the month goes on. A buffer day and a morning train remain sensible, particularly if you have an international flight soon after.

• Book a morning train to Aguas Calientes.
• Keep one spare day in Cusco before flying out.
• Check Holy Week dates if traveling around Easter.
• Reconfirm Inca Trail start dates with your operator.

What Should You Pack for Machu Picchu in March?

For Machu Picchu in March, pack for late rainy season conditions: waterproof jacket and pack cover, hiking shoes with good tread and warm layer for cusco evenings matter most. Leave big bags at your hotel or the entrance storage, because only small daypacks are allowed inside; check our rules guide for current sizes.

• Waterproof jacket and pack cover
• Hiking shoes with good tread
• Warm layer for Cusco evenings
• Sunscreen for clear late-March days
• Insect repellent
• Quick-dry clothes

For shoes, layers and day pack basics, use our what to pack for Machu Picchu list.

March Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

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

1. Aim for the second half of March for drier weather.
2. Book Holy Week trips early if Easter is in March.
3. Hike the Inca Trail with spare dry clothes.
4. Visit Machu Picchu in the morning.
5. Enjoy green Sacred Valley scenery on the train.

Thinking about nearby dates? Compare Machu Picchu in February and Machu Picchu in April. Travelers who want everything handled can join our guided Cusco to Machu Picchu day trip.