Machu Picchu When To Go

School’s out in the Northern Hemisphere and the result is an influx of visitors and inflated lodging rates at Machu Picchu. Temperatures in June and July are actually the coldest year-round, going to as low as 28 º F, though the afternoon temperature reaches 55 degrees, the year-round average.

The upside to the wet summer season? Rock-bottom prices and nonexistent crowds. The downside? Well, rain, of course, (and lots of it). Luckily, the locals sell colorful ponchos in times of need.

These two magical months -- before the weather gets too rainy, the crowds get too thick, or the rates get too expensive -- is the ideal time to travel.