Greetings from Cusco, the heart of the Andes! May in Machu Picchu unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, weaving together the beauty of the dry season, outdoor adventures, and the rich traditions of captivating festivals. As a local guide from Kawsay Peru Travel, let me be your companion on this journey, revealing the wonders that May holds for those seeking the perfect blend of nature and cultural immersion.
Weather
In May, Machupicchu graces us with brighter days and cooler nights, a perfect harmony of weather for exploration. The Cusco area boasts daytime highs around 66°F (19°C) and refreshing lows around 37°F (3°C). The temperature variation of 9°F (4°C) from high to low signals the need for versatile packing, ensuring you’re prepared for warm days and chilly evenings.
While the sun reigns supreme during the day, offering scant shade at the Inca ruins, evenings and mornings welcome a gentle chill. As crowds gather, don your shorts and t-shirts for daytime exploration, but keep that warm fleece and under-layer handy for the cooler periods. Early mornings may unveil Machupicchu veiled in clouds, adding a touch of mystique to the landscape.
Check out our Best Machu Picchu Tours.
Crowds & Costs
May ushers in the allure of outdoor activities and intriguing festivals, drawing more visitors as the month progresses. While not as bustling as the peak season, May strikes a balance, offering a taste of shoulder season charm before the imminent high season. The early-to-mid-May period remains a haven for those seeking more affordable rates on accommodations and activities.
Where to Wander
May beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore the lesser-known Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, or Moray, where serenity reigns. Simultaneously, our communities burst into life with captivating festivities. Cusco hosts the Vigil of the Crosses, while Pisac and Ollantaytambo have their own alluring festivals, making them delightful places to visit.
What to Experience
With the diminishing chance of rain, May becomes an ideal month for hiking in the Sacred Valley. Trails leading to significant Inca ruins like Moray near Maras become particularly appealing. Nature enthusiasts rejoice, as the emerald-green Sacred Valley is teeming with thriving plants and flowers after the wet season rains.
For those seeking wildlife encounters, May offers a prime opportunity. Falling water levels in the jungle enhance animal sightings along riverbanks, while birds become more visible from canopy viewing platforms. If you’re incorporating a visit to the jungle before or after Machupicchu, this is the last month for navigating many jungle tributaries by canoe, providing the best chance to spot monkeys before the water levels recede.
May is also one of the best months for rafting the Río Apurímac and other rivers, as dry season lowers water levels.
May’s events
While May may lack the grandeur of next month’s Inti Raymi celebrations, it hosts several lesser-known festivities, particularly in the smaller towns of the Sacred Valley.
- Vigil of the Crucifixes: May 2 or May 3 sees a crucifix vigil atop all hills in the Cusco area with crosses.
- San Isidro Labrador: Starting May 15 in Pisac, this celebration honors the saint with processions, costumed revelers, and specially decorated cows.
- Q’oyoroti: A traditional Andean honoring of the Inca Festival of the Sun, held at Ausangate on the Tuesday before Corpus Christi (late May or early June).
- Señor de Choquechilca: Ollantaytambo’s most important festival in late May commemorates the appearance of a wooden cross near the town’s Inca Bridge, celebrated with music, dancing, and processions.
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of visiting Machu Picchu in May:
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
| Weather | Sunny days, cool nights, and flourishing landscapes offer ideal conditions for exploration. | Temperature variations may require strategic packing for both warm days and cooler evenings. |
| Crowds & Costs | May marks the transition from shoulder season to higher visitor numbers. Early May still provides a relatively tranquil experience compared to peak months. | Increasing crowds throughout the month; Potential for price adjustments, especially during local festivities. |
| Trails and Blooms | Scenic treks with perfect walking conditions and a botanical spectacle showcasing vibrant flora. | Popular trails may experience increased visitor activity, impacting the sense of solitude. |
| Trekking Adventures | Optimal conditions for tre”Discover the magic of Machu Picchu in May: perfect weather, lush scenery, and fewer crowds. Plan your unforgettable journey to this ancient Inca marvel now!”kking, allowing exploration of renowned trails like the Inca Trail 4 Days and Salkantay Trek 5 days. | Dry trails may attract more trekkers; Early booking recommended for popular routes. |
| Seamless Travel | Direct train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu available via Poroy station, providing convenience for travelers. | Limited train services from Cusco’s Poroy station in preceding months may have required alternative transportation. |
| May’s Highlights | Experience captivating local festivals in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, adding cultural richness to your visit. Witness unique events like Q’oyoroti, San Isidro Labrador, and the Vigil of the Crucifixes. | Potential for increased crowds and prices during festivals; Early planning advised for festival-relate |
Embark on this enchanting journey to Machupicchu in May with Kawsay Peru Travel, where each step reveals the captivating essence of our Andean home. Join us in celebrating the harmony of nature, culture, and festivity in a month that captures the spirit of our beloved Sacred Valley.
