There are questions that are always repeated when we are organizing a trip, no matter what destination we want to visit. One of them is which is the best date to travel to a certain part of the world. In the case of Cusco, this answer depends on many aspects: the climate you prefer, the dates you have available, if you like to travel with more or less people…
In general, to talk about the best date to travel to Cusco, we focused on the two climatic seasons that this area of Peru has: the dry season and the rainy season. Here, we will tell you the benefits and disadvantages of visiting Cusco on each of these dates.
Dry season, from April to October.
Between the months of April and October, although it is winter in Peru, it is the dry season in Cusco. If you are thinking about traveling to the Imperial City during these months, this is what awaits you:
- In this season you will find the clearest skies and the sunniest days, so it is perfect to enjoy full visibility when you visit Machu Picchu.
- Although the days are sunny during this season, the nights in Cusco are always cold, so you have to be prepared for temperatures that can drop below 0 ºC.
- In spite of it is called the dry season, the Peruvian highlands are unpredictable and there can always be a rainy day, so it is advisable to always wear a raincoat.
- The dry season coincides with the summer holidays of the northern hemisphere, which increases the tourism of Europeans and Americans, which makes this months the high season of Cusco and the time of year when you will find more people (a New Year exception).
- In the high season the prices are higher and the availability of the hotels runs out faster, as well as the trains to Machu Picchu (especially between June and August). Therefore, if you are going to travel during this time, we recommend you to book your accommodation and buy your train tickets and your ticket to the citadel at least two months in advance.
- In the month of June, you can enjoy the Inti Raymi, the largest festival of the Inca Empire that is represented in Cusco every year with the presence of thousands of actors.
Rainy season, from November to March.
The Peruvian summer coincides with the rainy season in Cusco. Although for many the rains are not good companions of the trips, visiting the Imperial City and Machu Picchu during this time also has its positive side:
- The rainy season in Cusco is also one in which humidity increases. Thus, the days are hotter than during the dry season and the nights, despite being hot, can also being cold, so it is always good to wear some warm clothing.
- Although it is called a rainy season, it does mean that it rain every day or during the entire day.
- During this season, both Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley turn into a deep green, creating incredible landscapes that will be the perfect setting for your photographs.
- If you like to improvise on trips, this is a good time to visit Cusco, since it is the low season and you have more options to choose your lodging or you can do it with less time in advance. About the train to Machu Picchu and the entrances, despite you probably can buy them in Cusco, we recommend you to do it beforehand to avoid inconveniences.
- Also, being the low season, you will find cheaper prices and fewer people on each excursion you make.
- If you are thinking about doing the Inca Trail, you must bear in mind that it closes for maintenance and rains throughout February.
- Between the months of January and April, Poroy station is closed, so all Inca Rail trains leave from Ollantaytambo, where you can arrive with our bimodal service. With this service, we take you from the center of Cusco to Ollantaytambo by bus and from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo by train.
As you can see, Cusco is a destination that you can visit all the year, it only depends on your preferences and what you expect when traveling to this city and its surroundings.
Have you already decided on the date you travel to Cusco? Visit our website, discover all our trains and book the one that best suits your trip. Welcome aboard!
