Learn what clothes to take to Machu Picchu and Cusco.

Machu Picchu is one of the greatest tourist attractions in America and the world. It is located in the province of Urubamba, Peru. It is a destination with diverse climate depending on the time of year. However, it has a lot to do with its location between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that this region has a rainy season and a dry season. It directly influences the weather conditions, with rainfall and seasons of intense sun. Taking into account the above, it is crucial to know what clothes to bring to Machu Picchu to prevent weather-related challenges.

What clothes to bring to Machu Picchu?

As mentioned earlier, this area of Peru is one of the most visited by tourists. However, it stands out for having a fairly diverse climate. So it is essential to know what clothes to bring to Machu Picchu to fully enjoy the experience.

The best outfits for exploring this natural attraction on one of the Machu Picchu Tours can make a difference. If you decide to hike Machu Picchu, you should consider the time of year you are visiting, let's see a little more about it below!

Wet season

The rainy season in Machu Picchu occurs between the months of November and March. If we compare with the rest of the year, the region usually have much more intense rainfall compared to other months.

But we can also pin out that the rains are not persistent. So they usually do not last all day. In this regard, it is vital to make a good choice of clothing and, of course, to know what shoes to wear to Machu Picchu. Some essentials are:

• Gloves.
• Cotton shirts.
• Hat or cap.
• Waterproof jacket or vest.
• Windbreaker.
• Trekking shoes.
• Leggings (for ladies).
• Waterproof convertible pants.
• Cotton socks.
• It is not recommended to wear shorts and uncovered garments due to the number of mosquitoes present in this place.
• When traveling with children, it is essential to bring warm clothing as well as lightweight garments.

Dry Season

While it is true that the rainy season is the one that typically concerns us the most, we cannot overlook the clothing that is advisable to wear during the sunny season. Summer or “dry season” in Machu Picchu occurs between April and October.

During these six months, the weather is quite warm and pleasant, making it a good time to travel. However, rain can occur at any time, although not as intensely as during the wet season. Regarding the clothing you should take to Machu Picchu during the dry season, we have the following:

• Hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Cotton blouse or shirt.
• Cotton socks.
• Trekking shoes.
• Leggings (for ladies).
• Convertible pants.
• Even though it's the dry season, avoid wearing shorts to prevent mosquito bites.
• For children, bring along lightweight and warm outfits in case of rain.

What to Bring to Machu Picchu, Besides Clothing?

In addition to considering clothing, there are other essentials to bring to Machu Picchu that allows you to have a better experience during the tour. For this reason, right now we will give you a list of items that you cannot miss when visiting this interesting tourist destination:

• Medium-sized backpack: This is essential for any outdoor hiking tour. You must carry all your personal belongings in a backpack. Try not to lose your identification documents. You must allow yourself hands free at all times. Additionally, due to the climatic variation, it is highly recommended to carry other types of clothing.
• Sunglasses: If you visit Machu Picchu during the dry season, it is necessary to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Generally, during the mornings, the sun is much stronger. It is harder compared to the rest of the day.
• Insect repellent: The entire Machu Picchu tour involves encounters with vegetation and valleys. So it is common to come across mosquitoes. To avoid bites, it is advisable to carry some repellent with you, especially if you are traveling with children.
• Sunscreen: Regardless of the season you visit this destination, remember to use sunscreen to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays. Believe it or not, being unprotected could result in sunburn.
• Cash: Whenever you travel, make sure to carry some cash with you to address emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances. There are certain services that you must pay for in this way, so it is better to be prepared.

What Clothes to Bring to Cusco?

The imperial city of Cusco is a very attractive destination to visit with family and friends. However, like Machu Picchu, it presents quite changeable weather conditions. Therefore, if your destination is this beautiful place in Peru, it is essential to know what clothes to bring to Cusco.

Just like Machu Picchu, in Cusco, you will find two seasons: dry and rainy. Mostly, this region of the country enjoys sunny and warm days, while nights tend to be quite cold. Due to this complexity, we recommend bringing the following clothing items:

• Jacket or sweater.
• Hat or cap.
• Pants or jeans.
• Shorts.
• Sandals, boots, and sneakers.
• Cotton shirt.
• Cotton socks.
• Scarf.
• Gloves.
• Leggings.
• For children, bring a baby carrier and warm clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions from Travelers

What are the best shoes to wear when traveling to Machu Picchu?

When it comes to what shoes to wear to Machu Picchu, we recommend comfortable and durable sneakers. As the journey involves walking, and you need the utmost comfort and safety.

Can I bring an umbrella on the hike to Machu Picchu?

No, these types of items are prohibited as they obstruct the view for other people on the trail. During the rainy season, it's best to bring a poncho to avoid getting your clothes wet.

Can I buy ponchos before starting the visit to Machu Picchu?

Yes, it is possible to do so before starting the guided tour. You can usually purchase a poncho to protect yourself from the rain. Generally, the price of this item is around one dollar.

Is it essential to bring sunglasses to Machu Picchu?

During the hot season, the sun shines much stronger, so it's essential to bring sunglasses to protect your vision and enjoy the natural landscape much better.

Can I wear high-heeled shoes to Machu Picchu?

No, besides being uncomfortable footwear for the journey, this type of shoes is prohibited because they cause damage to the citadel's ground.

Should I bring waterproof clothing to Machu Picchu during the dry season?

It's advisable to do so. Although it doesn't often rain heavily during the dry season, precipitation is not uncommon. In this sense, it's more convenient to be prepared with this type of attire.

Are hats and caps necessary for visiting Machu Picchu?

Yes, they are very necessary because during the sunny season, solar radiation is quite strong, so it's a good resource to protect the skin and prevent sunstroke.