Machu Picchu in April
Visiting Machu Picchu in April: the start of the dry season, green landscapes, crowds, Inca Trail permits, Easter, what to pack and travel tips.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
April is one of the best months to visit Machu Picchu. The rains fade quickly, the mountains are still green from the wet season and the big mid-year crowds have not arrived yet. Mornings can still be misty, but afternoons are often clear, and the Inca Trail is in good condition after its February maintenance.
April at a glance
| Machu Picchu | Open every day |
| Inca Trail | Open |
| Rainfall at Machu Picchu | About 185 mm, falling quickly through the month |
| Temperature at Machu Picchu | Average high 22 °C, low 12 °C |
| Temperature in Cusco | Average high 21 °C, low 6 °C |
| Crowds | Medium; busy around Easter |
| Book Machu Picchu tickets | 3–6 weeks ahead |
| Book Huayna Picchu or the Mountain | 1–2 months ahead |
| Book Inca Trail permits | 4–6 months ahead |
1991–2020 averages: Machu Picchu from Peru’s weather service (SENAMHI) climate normals; Cusco from the airport station (WMO normals, NOAA). Any single month can be much drier or wetter.
Our verdict: April is one of our favorite months for any kind of trip: train tours, the Inca Trail and day hikes from Cusco. Book a little earlier around Easter.
Weather at Machu Picchu in April
Early April can still bring showers, especially in the afternoon, but by the end of the month the dry season has usually settled in. Nights start to get colder in Cusco, while Machu Picchu stays mild. Morning mist is common and usually lifts by mid-morning.
Machu Picchu (2,430 m) is warmer and more humid than Cusco (3,400 m), so pack for both. See the rain and temperatures for every month in our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Crowds and availability in April
Visitor numbers are moderate. Easter week is the exception: when it falls in April, Cusco and Aguas Calientes get busy and trains sell out earlier. Outside Easter, booking tickets 3–6 weeks ahead is usually enough.
Pros and cons of visiting in April
Pros:
- Green landscapes with less rain
- Fewer crowds than June to August
- Good conditions on the Inca Trail
- Clearer afternoons for photos
Cons:
- Some showers early in the month
- Easter week can be very busy
- Colder nights in Cusco than in the rainy season
Festivals and events in April
- Holy Week (2026: March 29–April 5; 2027: March 21–28, so not in April): processions in Cusco, including the Señor de los Temblores on Holy Monday. Many Peruvians travel this week.
Best trips for April
- Inca Trail: one of the best months. Book permits 4–6 months ahead. See the Classic Inca Trail.
- Train tours: the Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour or a day trip from Cusco both work well.
- Day hikes: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain get drier through the month.
What to pack for April
Layers you can add and remove: a fleece for mornings, a light rain jacket for the occasional shower, a sun hat, sunscreen and shoes with good grip. See our full packing list.
Tips for visiting in April
- Check the Easter dates before you book.
- Choose an early entry for soft light, or late morning if the mist is thick.
- Bring both a sun hat and a light rain jacket.
- Book Huayna Picchu 1–2 months ahead.
Which Machu Picchu ticket to book in April
Circuit 2 (route 2A, the classic route) is the best first visit. Mornings can start misty and clear by mid-morning, so a 9–10 am entry is a good balance. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain usually need 1–2 months of notice.
High-season dates in April (2026: April 2–5; none in April 2027) raise daily capacity to 5,600 and open the seasonal routes (1C Sun Gate, 1D Inca Bridge, 3C Great Cavern and, if sold, 3D Huchuy Picchu). Outside those dates, capacity is 4,500 and the seasonal routes are not sold.
From January 1, 2027, mountain routes have new times: citadel entry at 6:00 or 8:00, the mountain started by 10:00, and shorter maximum visits. See Machu Picchu tickets and Machu Picchu circuits.
Best time of day in April
Mornings can be misty and usually clear by mid-morning; afternoons may bring a short shower. The first slots are the quietest, and mid-morning gives the best chance of clear views.
Getting there in April
Trains run reliably, and availability is better than in mid-year. Book the train as soon as you have your Machu Picchu ticket, and allow a little extra time if showers arrive. Compare every route in how to get to Machu Picchu.
A 2-day plan for April
Day 1: Sacred Valley on the way, evening train from Ollantaytambo, night in Aguas Calientes. Day 2: a mid-morning classic route (2A) with a guide, then the afternoon train back to Cusco. Our Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour follows this rhythm.
Cusco in April
Most trips start in Cusco, at 3,400 m, where April feels mild by day and cool at night. Read Cusco in April for the weather, festivals and day trips there.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Machu Picchu in March and Machu Picchu in May, or see every month side by side in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Inca Trail · permit required
Classic Inca Trail
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a local Cusco operator. Permit, Machu Picchu ticket, porters, meals and Vistadome return included.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, subject to availability ticket and guide included. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Cusco day tour
Humantay Lake
Day hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake below the Salkantay glacier. Transport, breakfast, lunch, guide and entrance fee included.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, it is one of the best months: drier weather, green landscapes and fewer crowds than mid-year.
Does it rain at Machu Picchu in April?
Sometimes, mostly early in the month. April averages about 185 mm of rain, far less than March.
Is the Inca Trail good in April?
Yes. The trail is open, freshly maintained after February and drier than in March.
How far ahead should I book for April?
Machu Picchu tickets 3–6 weeks ahead, Huayna Picchu 1–2 months and Inca Trail permits 4–6 months; earlier for Easter.