Best Time to Visit Cusco, Peru

When to go to Cusco

Cusco sits at 3,400 meters, so altitude matters more than people expect. The dry season (May to September) is the only time the Inca Trail is fully open and clear. Shoulder months (May and September to October) give you the same dry weather with about half the tour-bus density.

Seasonal overview

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Dry season

May to September

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Rainy season

December to March (Inca Trail closes in February)

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Periods to avoid

January to March (heavy rain, Inca Trail closed in February)

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Best month: May

May, September, and October. Dry skies, fewer tour buses, all trails open.

12-month overview

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best weeks to visit Cusco

✨ May 10 to 25

✨ September 15 to 30

Tips for Cusco

Take altitude seriously. Two days easy before any hike. Coca tea actually helps.
February: the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Alternatives: Lares, Salkantay.
Inti Raymi (June 24) is the biggest day of the year. Book months out.

Plan your trip to Cusco

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Best time to visit Cusco