Things to do in Machu Picchu in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Machu Picchu. The weather is usually moderately chilly, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 46—62°F (8—17°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Machu Picchu during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a cooking class in the Sacred Valley in January, take a hot air balloon ride over the Sacred Valley in January, visit the Moray archaeological site in January, and more!

Machu Picchu has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Machu Picchu. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Machu Picchu in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Machu Picchu in January

Top experiences in January
Take a cooking class in the Sacred Valley in January
January is a great time to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Peru, and the Sacred Valley offers a variety of cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. It's a fun and interactive way to learn about the country's vibrant food culture and to take home some new culinary skills and recipes.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Sacred Valley in January
January offers clear skies and calm winds, making it the perfect time to take to the skies and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley from a unique and unforgettable perspective. A hot air balloon ride provides a peaceful and serene way to take in the stunning landscapes and ancient ruins of the region, creating a truly magical and memorable experience.
Visit the Moray archaeological site in January
The circular terraces of Moray are a fascinating and enigmatic archaeological site that is thought to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. In January, the terraces are surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant vegetation, creating a striking contrast against the ancient stone structures and adding to the site's mysterious and captivating allure.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in January
January is the perfect time to take on this iconic trek, as the weather is typically warm and dry, making for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. The trail offers stunning views of the Andes mountains and passes through various Inca ruins, providing a truly immersive and historical journey to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Explore the Maras salt mines in January
The salt mines of Maras are a fascinating and unique sight to behold, with thousands of terraced salt pools cascading down the mountainside. In January, the contrast of the white salt against the green landscape is particularly striking, creating a picturesque and otherworldly scene that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Holidays in Machu Picchu in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • The Three Wise Men Day (January 6)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Machu Picchu in January

Temperatures on an average day in Machu Picchu in January

The average temperature in Machu Picchu in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 62°F (17°C) to a low of 46°F (8°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Machu Picchu, September, has days with highs of 67°F (19°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C). The coldest month, July has days with highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows of 43°F (6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Machu Picchu in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
62°F
highs
46°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly, humid but cool
Feels like
97%
Chance of rain
1.095 in
Amount
6.5 mph
Wind speed
100%
Humidity
12.8 hrs
Daylight length
5:34 AM
Sunrise
6:22 PM
Sunset
14%
Cloud cover
Sweater, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 62°F (17°C) and a low of 46°F (8°C), it generally feels moderately chilly, humid but cool. There might also be a very high chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for Machu Picchu in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Machu Picchu has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Machu Picchu that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Machu Picchu for January.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
1. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
4.8
(77071)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic hilltop ruins of a large 15th-century Inca city featuring numerous structures & terraces.
Huayna Picchu
2. Huayna Picchu
4.8
(1043)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Steep peak featuring the famous remnants of a temple complex erected by an ancient civilization.
Inca Trail
3. Inca Trail
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Baños Termales (Machu Picchu)
4. Baños Termales (Machu Picchu)
3.7
(826)
Public bath
Nature & Parks
Sun Gate
5. Sun Gate
4.8
(940)
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Dedicated to the Sun god, this archeological site on the Inca Trail offers views of Machu Picchu.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
6. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
4.8
(77071)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic hilltop ruins of a large 15th-century Inca city featuring numerous structures & terraces.
Manco Capac Square
7. Manco Capac Square
4.6
(4275)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Temple of the Three Windows
8. Temple of the Three Windows
4.8
(210)
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Dramatic views feature at this ancient stone temple at Machu Picchu known for its 3 windows.
Temple of the Condor
9. Temple of the Condor
Ruin
Sights & Landmarks
Well-known Inca temple in Machu Picchu featuring a large stone caving in the shape of a condor.
Mandor
10. Mandor
4.7
(617)
Nature & Parks
Botanical garden
Botanical garden with hummingbirds on former Inca farmland, accessed via a hike along train tracks.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
11. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
4.8
(77071)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic hilltop ruins of a large 15th-century Inca city featuring numerous structures & terraces.
Inca Bridge
12. Inca Bridge
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred Rock at Machu Picchu
13. Sacred Rock at Machu Picchu
4.7
(243)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Monolith considered spiritually vital to native Inca people, set between 2 stone shelters.
Mercado Aguas Calientes
14. Mercado Aguas Calientes
4.3
(376)
Market
Shopping
Mariposario of Machu Picchu
15. Mariposario of Machu Picchu
4.5
(543)
Outdoor Activities
Gardens
Marked trails, info panels & talks in a forest nature park home to thousands of butterfly species.
Phutuq K'usi
16. Phutuq K'usi
4.2
(63)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Round-shaped mountain popular for challenging climbs & views of Machu Picchu & river valley.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Machu Picchu?

Get inspired for your trip to Machu Picchu with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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