The idea of traveling to Machu Picchu might feel like a far-off, "one of these days" dream trip.

But if you picture yourself walking through the stone temples, terraces and ramps stacked along the Andes, deep in a tropical mountain forest, October may be the best time to make that dream come true.

I’ll admit, planning that kind of trip can feel daunting. Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s spring there in October, not fall.

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Then there’s the elevation: Machu Picchu sits about 8,000 feet up, and the city of Cusco, the gateway and home base for most travelers to Machu Picchu, is even higher at about 11,000 feet.

Cusco is even mentioned by the CDC in its advice on how to adjust to high altitude destinations.

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They suggest spending a night or two at a lower elevation first, and the Sacred Valley, on the way to Machu Picchu, is a natural place to do it.

Why go now?

October hits a sweet spot for Machu Picchu and Cusco. It’s the tail end of the dry season, so you’ll get milder weather before the rainy season starts in November.

There are also fewer crowds than the busier tourist months of June through August.

October high temperatures typically reach into the upper 60s and low 70s while the overnight lows drop into the 40s — so packing layers is key.

You'll want to grab a rain jacket, too. Since October is a transitional month between the dry and rainy seasons, showers are not unusual, especially in the afternoon.

But this slight uptick in rain throughout October has a hidden positive: making your surroundings lusher and greener.

So be prepared with some light rain gear and plan your outdoor exploration for the morning hours, once the sun has cleared the clouds and fog.

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Visiting Machu Picchu

The awe-inspiring ruins are a testament to the mind-boggling ingenuity of the Inca civilization, and for many people, making it there is a spiritual pilgrimage.

Machu Picchu tickets are timed entry, so buy them early on the official site. And if you're hiking the Inca Trail, note that as of this year, a trail permit no longer includes entry to the citadel.

Most visitors drive about two hours from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, then take a 90-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes, then a bus ride up to the site.

There’s more to see

While Machu Picchu may be the end goal, don’t rob yourself of all that Cusco has to offer. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, and it has a fascinating blend of ancient Inca and Spanish architecture.

It was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Then, when the Spanish conquered it in the 16th century, they built baroque churches and palaces right on top of the giant stones puzzled together by the Incas.

So take advantage of the comfortable weather and explore locations like:

Qorikancha (Coricancha) Temple: This Inca temple was dedicated to their sun god and was the most important religious structure of their empire. The Spaniards then built the Santo Domingo monastery atop its ruins.

Plaza de Armas: This is the main town square of Cusco; it’s where you can shop at markets, dine at restaurants and mingle with locals.

Sacsayhuamán (Saksaywaman): This Inca site sits above the city and the Spanish took many of its stones to build Cusco’s cathedral and government buildings.

Go for Machu Picchu, stay for Cusco, and time it right. Those clear October mornings won't last once November's rains roll in.