What is the best time to visit Cusco?

If you are planning a trip to Cusco, you are probably wondering: What is the best time to visit Cusco? The answer may surprise you, as Cusco has something special to offer all year round. In this article, we will help you decide what is the best time for your visit, depending on your interests and expectations.

The Climate in Cusco

Dry Season (May to September)

The dry season, from May to September, is considered by many to be the best time to visit Cusco. During these months, the weather is cool and dry, with sunny days and cool nights. The lack of rain makes it easier to explore ancient ruins and hikes, such as the famous Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu.

Advantages:

• > Pleasant, sunny weather
• > Less rain and dry roads
• > Clear visibility for photographs

Disadvantages:

• > Cold temperatures at night
• > More tourists

Rainy Season (October to April)

The rainy season runs from October to April, with peak rainfall in January and February. Although these months can have heavy rains, they also offer unique beauty, with green landscapes and fewer tourists at the main sites.

Advantages:

• > Greener, more vibrant landscapes.
• > Fewer tourists, which means fewer crowds
• > Possible discounts on accommodation and tours

Disadvantages:

• > Frequent rain and muddy roads
• > Possible hiking route closures

Events and Festivities

Inti Raymi: June 24

Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, is one of Cusco’s biggest events, celebrated on 24 June. This Inca festival attracts thousands of visitors, and the city is filled with parades, dances and historical re-enactments.

Holy Week: March or April

Holy Week is another popular time to visit Cusco. Religious celebrations include impressive processions and traditional ceremonies, offering a deep insight into the local culture.

Cusco Carnival: February or March

The Carnaval Cusqueño is a vibrant and colourful celebration that transforms the streets of Cusco into a feast of music, dance and joy. During this festivity, locals and visitors come together to enjoy typical dances, traditional costumes and the exciting battle of water and paint.

Corpus Christi: May or June

Corpus Christi in Cusco is one of the most impressive and colourful festivities. Every June, the streets of the city are filled with devotion and tradition, with elaborate processions where the majestic images of saints and virgins are carried on decorated platforms. The faithful, dressed in traditional costumes, accompany the processions with music and typical dances.

New Year’s Eve: January

The New Year in Cusco is a party full of joy, traditions and renewed energy. The city is illuminated with fireworks, and the squares are filled with music, concerts, dances and celebrations that last all night long. Cusco locals and visitors gather in the Plaza de Armas to welcome the new year with ancestral rituals, such as the “limpias” to attract good luck.

If you want to know more about the festivities in Cusco, you can read our blog where we give you information about each of these festivities and their dates so that you can visit Cusco informed.

Popular Activities and Seasons

• > Hiking and Trekking: For those interested in hiking and trekking, such as the Inca Trail, the Seven Colours Mountain or any other tourist site in Cusco, the dry season is ideal. The trails are in better condition and the views are spectacular with clear skies.

• > Cultural Tourism: If your main interest is culture and history, any time of year is suitable. Cusco’s museums, churches and archaeological sites are open all year round, although visiting in the rainy season can offer a more tranquil experience.
• > Experiential tourism: Experiential tourism allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and life of a destination, beyond the typical sightseeing tours. Instead of just observing, you actively participate in activities such as cooking traditional dishes, working in the fields, or learning local crafts. This form of tourism offers authentic and memorable experiences, connecting you deeply with the people and their customs, making your trip a unique and enriching adventure.
• > Llama Sightings and Nature: For nature and animal lovers, such as llamas, both the dry and rainy seasons have their advantages. In the dry season, llamas are easier to see at tourist sites such as Machu Picchu. During the rainy season, landscapes are greener and llamas are seen in more vibrant environments.

If you want to know where to find these beautiful animals you can check out our blog Where to see llamas in Cusco?

Tips for Planning Your Trip

1. Book Early: If you plan to visit during the dry season or popular events such as Inti Raymi, book your accommodation and tours in advance to ensure availability.
2. Pack Appropriate Clothing: Regardless of the time of year, pack layered clothing. Temperatures can vary greatly between day and night.
3. Know the Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip to be prepared for any weather changes.

So, what is the best time to visit Cusco? It depends on what you are looking for in your trip. If you prefer a dry, sunny climate and don’t mind the influx of tourists, the dry season is the best option. If you enjoy green landscapes, less crowds and don’t mind some rain, the rainy season can also be ideal. Cusco has something special to offer at any time of the year, so plan according to your preferences and enjoy this amazing city.

Whether you choose the dry season or the rainy season, experience Cusco in an unforgettable way by staying in one of our rooms with the best amenities, you can book with us via Whatsapp or through our website. Get ready to explore, discover and marvel at all that Cusco has to offer!

Frequently asked questions about the best time to visit Cusco

During the dry season, what are the night temperatures?

Night temperatures in the dry season in Cusco can drop as low as 0°C (32°F).

Where to stay in Cusco?

The location of the hotel where you stay is very important, if you are thinking of going on an excursion or tour in Cusco early in the morning, the tourist agencies can pick you up in their cars if you are close to the city centre. If you are a bit further away, you will have to get to the Plaza de Armas on your own, which will cost you an extra amount.

So staying at Cusco Lodge Hotel Boutique 5 minutes from the Plaza de Armas is the perfect option for you, plus we offer a rich breakfast buffet included.

What are the months with the coldest nights in Cusco?

The coldest months during the dry season are June, July and until mid-August are the months with the coldest nights in Cusco.

What is the best month to travel to Cusco?

June is considered one of the best months to travel to Cusco because of its dry climate and the festivities held in this month such as Inti raymi.

How long does it take me to acclimatise in Cusco?

Generally, it takes between 1 to 2 days to acclimatise to the altitude of Cusco.