The weather in April
The official climate normals for the Machu Picchu station (SENAMHI, 1991–2020) give April an average high of 22 °C, an average low of 12 °C and 184 mm of rain over the month. It is the transition out of the rains: showers thin out week by week, the terraces are still green and the skies clear more days than not. Recent years have ended the rains later, so the first half can still be wet.
Crowds, capacity and holidays in April
Demand is moderate: well below the June-to-August peak, with busy pockets around holidays. Most routes are available a few weeks ahead; Huayna Picchu still goes first. In 2026 Easter week (2 to 5 April) was a high-season date with 5,600 capacity; in 2027 Easter is in March, so April has no holiday peak.
Which ticket to book in April
- Huayna Picchu or the Mountain, booked first: Clear skies make this the season for the summits: Huayna Picchu 3A (2,693 m, adults only) sells out first, Machu Picchu Mountain 1A (3,082 m) is the fallback with the bigger view. Both need two nights of acclimatisation first.
- Circuit 2A for the city: The designed route through the whole Inka city, 2 h 30. In these months it is the first city route to sell out; 2B covers almost the same ground and usually has dates when 2A is gone. 2A.
- Take the first or the last entry: At 06:00 the light is low and the platforms are half empty; by 10:00 the day-trippers from Cusco arrive. The afternoon entries after 13:00 on 1B, 2A, 2B and 3B are the quietest hours and the last to sell out.
Trains and getting there in April
From January to April the trains run the rainy-season timetable: PeruRail and Inca Rail services from Cusco become bus to Ollantaytambo plus train, and Poroy and San Pedro stations are not used. Plan the day from Ollantaytambo and allow the extra hour. The full timetable logic is in the train guide and the January-to-April trains page.
What to pack for April
Layers: it is near freezing in Cusco before dawn and 22 °C on the terraces by noon. Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, the sun is strong and there is almost no shade inside; a litre of water per person (bottles allowed, no single-use plastic); a light rain layer for the odd shower.
Frequent questions about April
Is April a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes; it is one of the best-balanced months: acceptable weather, no high-season crowds and tickets available a few weeks ahead.
Does it rain at Machu Picchu in April?
184 mm on average over the month in the official normals, against about 50 mm in June and over 320 mm in January to March. Rain is the exception; a short shower is possible on any day.
Is Machu Picchu crowded in April?
Demand is moderate: well below the June-to-August peak, with busy pockets around holidays. Most routes are available a few weeks ahead; Huayna Picchu still goes first.
How far ahead should I book Machu Picchu for April?
City routes two to four weeks ahead; Huayna Picchu six to eight weeks ahead; the first entry hours go first. Around holidays, double it.
Is the Inca Trail open in April?
Yes. The trail closes only in February. Permits for April are sold through licensed operators and go months ahead in the dry season; see our Inca Trail guide for the rules and the plan B without a permit.
Circuit 3A Huayna Picchu
Climb the iconic peak behind the citadel — strictly limited daily quota
Pick your April date on the live calendar
Every route shows its real availability by entry hour. Choose the circuit first; the dates that are left are right there, and the train and the night in Aguas Calientes follow.