August is also a month of high season with sunny days, therefore there are days with many people and few spaces in the services. Remember to book many months in advance for trains, entrance fees and permits to Machu Picchu.
Clear and clean days for photography. The weather varies between 08- 27 degrees Celsius in the day and 0-6 degrees Celsius at night. Always carry a jacket or fleece because of the constant cold at sunset and sunrise. Activities such as TREKKING, BIKING, ZIP LINE, RAFTING are recommended at this time.
Best time of the day
The same as the month of June and July also has to visit Machu Picchu at 6 am at sunrise and in the afternoon from 1 pm because there are few tourists at that time.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are the most required for its natural viewpoints, book them in advance.
Why visit Machu Picchu in August?
August is a good time to visit Machu Picchu for a few reasons:
- It is still part of the peak tourist season: August is still considered peak tourist season in Peru, which means that the weather will be generally pleasant, and many facilities and services will be open and running at full capacity.
- Good weather conditions: August is in the middle of the dry season in Peru, meaning there is less chance of rain and more chance of clear skies. This makes for good hiking and sightseeing conditions.
- Crowds are high but manageable: As it is part of peak season, you can expect to see many other visitors at the site, but thanks to the daily visitor limit, it’s not as crowded as it could be.
- Availability of Inca Trail permits: You will have a good chance of getting a permit to trek the Inca Trail, which is closed during February for maintenance.
- It is a good opportunity for photography: August has long days with good lighting that can be suitable for photography and capturing the beauty of the place.
- it is a chance to discover the rich Inca culture: August is a good time to learn and explore the history, archaeology and Inca culture, through guided tours and learning experiences.
It’s worth noting that while August may be a best time to visit Machu Picchu, it’s always best to check the weather forecast and any travel alerts before leaving.
Top tours
- Machu Picchu by Train
- Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
- Short Inca Trail 2 Days
- Sakantay Trek 5 Days
- Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days
Why you should not go to Machu Picchu in August?
- Difficult to get train tickets.
- No last minute tickets to Machupicchu.
- Sunny days with lots of radiation.
- Places for photographs with a lot of people.
- Queues at train and bus stations.
- Hotel prices go up in this season.
Recommendations
Here are a few recommendations for visiting Machu Picchu in August:
- Book tickets in advance: Machu Picchu has a daily visitor limit and tickets sell out quickly, so it’s important to book tickets well in advance of your visit.
- Arrive early: The site opens at 6am and it’s best to arrive as early as possible to avoid the heat and crowds of tourists later in the day.
- Dress in layers: The weather at Machu Picchu can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers that can be easily removed or added as needed.
- Hire a guide: While you can explore the site on your own, hiring a guide can greatly enhance your experience. Guides can provide context and insights that might otherwise be missed.
- Remember your passport: Your passport is required to enter Machu Picchu, so be sure to bring it with you.
- Be prepared for altitude: Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, so visitors should be prepared for the effects of altitude, including shortness of breath and fatigue. Drinking plenty of water and taking it easy during your first day can help mitigate these effects.
- Check for Inca Trail availability: August is peak season for the Inca Trail, so if you’re planning on trekking it, be sure to book your permit well in advance as they are limited and sell out quickly. Also, Check for any potential maintenance or closures for the trail.
- Be prepared for heat and sunshine: As August is in the middle of the dry season, be prepared for the heat and pack sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun, and bring enough water to stay hydrated.