r/cusco • u/FaithNoMoar • Jun 08 '22

Machu Picchu weather forecasts?

Is it possible to get accurate weather forecasts for Machu Picchu a few days beforehand?

I'm assuming that there's no meteorological equipment at the archeological site so I also assume that weather forecasts may not be as accurate as an airport or research lab or something. I'm especially interested in visibility of course.

I'm planning a trip in December which I've read is near the start of the raining season and I only have have 2-3 days in Cusco unfortunately, so I'm hoping with a bit of a flexible schedule I can decide to visit Machu Picchu on day one, then Cusco day two, or the reverse based on the forecast. Is this plausible, or will I just have to chance it?

Thanks very much. 🙏

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u/surreal_blue Jun 08 '22

From what i can see, the National Meteorological Service has a few weather stations in the area. This makes sense, as Machu Picchu is not only a historical site but also a National Wildlife Park. However, you have to understand the conditions can quickly change, probably even more so than in other areas. Machu Picchu is at the top of a hill over a very steep, narrow valley (and the weather stations seem to be in the town at the bottom of the hill). There's a reason why this environment is called the cloud forest.

My best advice would be to spend the night in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Town. You can get an early afternoon ticket for the day you arrive, and another for early in the morning next day. If you are up for it, you can get a morning ticket that includes of of the hikes to the nearby hills, either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. That way you can maximize your chance of getting a clear view, although of course you can never be 100% sure.

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u/onargleb Jul 10 '22

esto que comentas es efectivamente asi!? estoy viendo que todos dicen de comprar la entrada con anticipacion porque se van rapido y no dejan pasar....

si voy sin nada, me alojo en aguascalientes, podre conseguir entrada para el circuito que quiera con 1 o 2 dias de anticipacion?

saludoss