If you want the same sunny weather as the high season without high season crowds, September is the month to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. As this is officially shoulder season, expect to get better deals on hotels and tours this month too.
## September in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu: A Comprehensive Guide
The month of September in the Sacred Valley offers a unique travel experience, bridging the gap between the peak tourist season and the approaching wet season. Understanding the weather patterns, crowd dynamics, and available activities is key to planning a memorable trip. Let’s delve into what you can expect when visiting Machu Picchu and the surrounding areas in September.
### Weather Conditions
September enjoys mostly sunny and dry weather in the Sacred Valley. While there might be a slightly higher chance of rain compared to the high season months, the overall temperatures are often marginally warmer. Expect daytime highs to hover around a pleasant 68° F (20° C), creating comfortable conditions for exploring the region. Evenings and early mornings can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 41° F (5° C). This makes layering clothing essential for adapting to the temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Keep in mind that the transition to the wetter months begins in October, so September is truly your last opportunity to take full advantage of the dry season’s many perks when it comes to outdoor adventures.
The dryer weather also extends to the cloud forest and rainforest regions. This presents a fantastic opportunity to combine a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu with an excursion into the lush jungle. A day’s journey from Cusco will take you to a completely different ecosystem, where you can experience the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon basin.
### Understanding Crowds and Costs
While September sees a slight decrease in tourist numbers compared to the peak months, it is still a popular time to visit Machu Picchu. You can anticipate better prices on accommodations and various activities. However, due to the continuing popularity of Machu Picchu, particularly those hotels situated closer to Machu Picchu itself, as well as those that are located near the starting points for the Inca Trail, and the train services that run between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, it remains prudent to secure your bookings well in advance—ideally, several months ahead of your intended travel dates.
### Exploring the Region: Where to Go
One of the advantages of visiting in September is the opportunity to experience some of the countryside around Machu Picchu with fewer crowds. You might even find certain areas practically deserted! This is an excellent time to explore the various Inca ruins situated around Cusco. Closer to the city, consider visiting Q’enqo or Sacsayhuaman, both of which offer fascinating insights into Inca history and architecture. For those willing to travel a little further into the Sacred Valley, the impressive sites of Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo are well worth the journey. Each of these locations boasts unique features and captivating stories to tell.
### Activities and Adventures: What to Do
Trekking continues to be the premier activity in the Sacred Valley throughout September. While the classic Inca Trail is always a draw, consider exploring alternative routes that offer equally stunning scenery and a more secluded experience. The 5-day Salkantay trek, for example, takes you over a breathtaking mountain pass and allows you to discover lesser-known Inca ruins such as those found at Llactapata before eventually reaching Machu Picchu. This trek offers a challenging but rewarding alternative to the more traditional route.
For bird enthusiasts, September is an especially exciting time to visit the Andes. It marks the mating season for the Andean cock-of-the-rock, a truly charismatic and vibrantly colored bird. During this period, the males put on spectacular displays to attract mates, making for unforgettable viewing opportunities. Additionally, September sees the arrival of northern migrant bird species in Peru, further enriching the avian diversity of the region.
Given the favorable conditions for both trekking and jungle exploration, consider combining these two experiences into a single, unforgettable trip. Many tour operators offer itineraries that allow you to explore both the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest, showcasing the incredible diversity of Peru.
### September Events: Senor de Huanca
While September is generally a quieter month for festivals in the Sacred Valley, there is one significant event that draws pilgrims from far and wide: the Senor de Huanca pilgrimage. On September 14th, devotees from all over Peru, Bolivia, and other parts of South America journey to Cusco to participate in the 6-hour walk to the Santuario Señor de Huanca chapel, located near the town of San Salvador. This pilgrimage has its roots in a 17th-century story, in which Christ supposedly appeared in a cave to a man named Diego Quispe. Quispe’s detailed account of the event inspired a painter to depict the image on a rock. Today, the faithful travel to the chapel seeking cures for various ailments and offering prayers for healing and well-being. The Senor de Huanca festival is a powerful display of faith and a unique cultural experience for visitors to the region.
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