Cusco in the rainy season: what to do, what to pack, and what to avoid

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Cusco in the rainy season: what to do, what to pack, and what to avoid

Traveling to Cusco during the rainy season can raise many questions: is it worth it? what activities can you do? what should you pack? In this guide, you’ll discover what to expect from the weather, what to bring, what to avoid, and how to enjoy Cusco to the fullest—even during the rainiest months.

🌧️ What is the Rainy Season in Cusco?

The rainy season in Cusco mainly occurs between November and March, when the weather becomes more humid and rain usually falls in the afternoon.

During these months you may experience:

Cloudy or misty mornings
Intermittent rain in the afternoon
Greener landscapes in the Andes

Although rain is frequent, it rarely lasts the entire day, which still allows travelers to enjoy many tourist activities.

📅 How Tourism Works in Cusco During the Rainy Season

Traveling during this time has both advantages and disadvantages.

👍 Advantages

Fewer tourists compared to the dry season
Lower prices for hotels and tours
Greener and more photogenic landscapes
A quieter experience at archaeological sites

⚠️ Disadvantages

Slippery trails on some routes
Possible delays in trains or transportation
Long hikes like the Inca Trail may close temporarily

🧳 What to Pack for Cusco During the Rainy Season

Packing properly can make a big difference in your trip.

Recommended Clothing

Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
Rain poncho
Quick-dry pants
Extra socks
Hat or cap

Proper Footwear

Waterproof hiking boots or trekking shoes
Thermal or hiking socks

Avoid wearing smooth-soled shoes or footwear that is not water resistant.

Useful Accessories

Waterproof backpack
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Power bank
Waterproof camera cover

🚫 What to Avoid During the Rainy Season

Although Cusco is still very visitable, there are some things best avoided.

Long hikes without proper equipment
Wearing cotton clothing that takes long to dry
Carrying too much luggage
Not checking the weather before excursions

It’s also recommended to plan activities early in the morning, when the weather is usually better.

📊 Quick Facts for Travelers

Factor	Information
🌧️ Rainy Season	November – March
☀️ Dry Season	April – October
💰 Machu Picchu Entrance Price	$45 – $70 USD
⏱️ Typical Trip Duration	3 – 5 days
🟢 Difficulty	Moderate
🌿 Main Advantage	Fewer tourists

🌟 Pro Tips for Travelers

🏔️ Prepare for Altitude Sickness

Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,152 ft) above sea level, so some travelers may experience altitude sickness (soroche).

Helpful tips:

Rest on the first day
Drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol on the first day
Try coca tea (mate de coca)

🌧️ Always Carry a Waterproof Jacket

The weather can change quickly, even on sunny days.

🎒 Use Small Backpacks

Excursions to Machu Picchu have backpack size restrictions, so it’s best to travel light.

☀️ Use Sunscreen

Even when it’s cloudy, UV radiation in the Andes is very strong.

⭐ Is It Worth Visiting Cusco During the Rainy Season?

Yes. Although the weather is more unpredictable, the rainy season offers greener landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices.

With the right preparation, you can still enjoy:

Cusco
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley
Museums and Andean culture

For many travelers, this time of year provides a more authentic and peaceful experience in the Andes.

Recomendaciones de nuestros pasajeros

Gimena Rojas

Doing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, and a big part of that was thanks to the outstanding service and care provided by Marvelous Peru. From the very first contact, their team was professional, friendly, and informative. They answered all of our questions quickly and gave us clear, detailed information about the itinerary, what to pack, and what to expect on the trail. The logistics were flawless — every transfer was on time, the campsites were well set up, and the support team was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the journey. A special mention goes to our guide, who was not only knowledgeable about Inca history, the local flora and fauna, and the geography of the Andes, but also passionate and deeply connected to the region's culture. His insights truly enriched our experience. The trek itself was absolutely breathtaking. Each day brought new landscapes: from the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Salkantay Mountain to lush cloud forests, turquoise glacial lakes, and ancient Inca trails. The route was well-paced, with plenty of breaks, and we always felt safe and supported. It’s a physically challenging trek, but Marvelous Peru made sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of. One of the highlights was definitely the food. Considering we were in remote mountain areas, the meals exceeded all expectations. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. There were generous portions, local flavors, and even vegetarian options — a huge plus for some of us in the group. Our camp chef deserves a medal! Reaching Machu Picchu on the final day felt incredibly rewarding. After five days of hiking through such diverse and awe-inspiring terrain, standing before one of the world's wonders felt even more magical. It was the perfect end to a journey that tested us physically and rewarded us spiritually. I wholeheartedly recommend Marvelous Peru to anyone considering the Salkantay Trek. Their passion, organization, and genuine care for their travelers truly set them apart. If you want to discover the beauty of the Andes and Machu Picchu in a way that’s immersive, authentic, and unforgettable, go with Marvelous Peru. You won’t regret it.

Sergio Prado

The guide had so much knowledge and heart-he brought the trail to life

Marilyn Astudillo

I didn’t expect to enjoy the food on a mountain trek so much. Every meal was amazing.

yosgali rebeca boza carpio

Exelente

Noce Tampoco ce

Everything was so well organized, and the views were absolutely unforgettable.

Alexander Quispe R.

Reserve el tour de Salkantay de 5D/4N fui con el el mejor Guía Pablo tube una experiencia Maravillosa y en nuestra visita a Machupicchu tuvimos un clima espectacular recomiendo la compañía 🥳😃😃😃buena organización 🤗

nilton abelardo ccopa lopez

Una excelente experiencia recomendamos hacer los viajes con la compañía, servicio de calidad

Ivn_ Nghtmr

The Salkantay Trek with Marvelous couldn't have been better thanks to our incredible guide, Daniel. Honestly, I've never had such a great guide. Daniel is so warm, cheerful, and energetic. He wasn't just a guide, but part of our trekking family—many guides could learn something from him! Aside from that, our group was very personable, young, and motivated. The private cooks traveling with us prepared amazing food, and there was always enough of it. I've never eaten so well on a trek. Only in the last few days, when the cooks left and provided us with food at the restaurant, did the quality of the food really suffer compared to before. The accommodations were good, the sleeping bags provided were sufficient, and Daniel, our guide, tailored the route to our group's needs so everyone was satisfied.