Cusco Region Map
There is never a bad time to visit Peru. But the “best time” to plan your trip to Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley really boils down to your own interests and schedule.
Scroll down to discover the pros and cons of traveling to the Andes during different seasons. There are a lot more details to consider than just weather. And if you’re looking to spice up your vacation with some Peruvian culture, check out the festivities on the Calendar of Events.
It rarely rains all day, but storms are unpredictable and range from heavy rains to light drizzle. January and February usually receive the most rainfall. Carry an umbrella or rain poncho just in case.
Sunshine is the norm with a minimal chance of rainfall. Cusco and Sacred Valley are at higher elevations than Machu Picchu, and during the dry season nighttime temperatures can drop to as low as 35°F or 1°C.
The weather is usually nice and sunny. Typically these are the busiest months and demand for hotels and tour services are high. Since entrance and train tickets to Machu Picchu is limited, it’s ideal to start planning your trip in advance to ensure availability for desired accommodation and transportation.
The weather is variable and showers are typical during the rainy season. However you might appreciate the fewer crowds in main tourist spots as well as the rich verdant colors of the Sacred Valley mountains. Generally, there is also more availability of hotels during this time.
In February, all of South America is consumed with Carnival celebrations each with their own flavor or style. The celebrations in Cusco kick off with a city-wide water fight that breaks out on the first Sunday of Carnival.
Semana Santa in Cusco provides a remarkable example of how Catholic observances are infused with Andean elements. Holy week in Cusco is a wonderful time to observe the various traditions and rituals that add special significance to this religious event.
The first part of Holy Week is very busy and crowded in Cusco, and some churches like the Cusco Cathedral will be closed to organized tour groups on Monday. But the latter part of the week is usually quieter and a good time to explore and walk around. On Good Friday, many businesses close their doors, but tourist services, including restaurants and shops as well as discos and bars, remain open.
One of Peru’s most important religious events, Corpus Christi is a visually stunning procession of the patron virgins and saints from Cusco’s different neighborhood churches. The Cusco Cathedral is open to the public for the week of Corpus Christi. If you are there for the festivities, stop by to see the saints.
Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is the re-enactment of the Inca Empire’s feast on the occasion of the winter solstice, a time of great ritual significance. The modern-day version of Inti Raymi has been celebrated since 1944, and among travelers from abroad and from within Peru, it has become a major reason to visit to Cusco in late June.
Tickets: It’s possible to observe parts of the Inti Raymi ceremony in the streets of Cusco without purchasing tickets. But for the best views, comfort and up-close enjoyment, tickets for the main show in Sacsayhuaman are the best option.
The date of Peru’s independence is celebrated with great fervor throughout the country. In Cusco, you’ll see the red and white flag waving everywhere. There are parades and folkloric dance performances during the day, plus fireworks, and a music concert at night.
The Feria de Santurantikuy, held on the main plaza in Cusco on December 24th, is where people come to buy and sell objects and adornments for nativity scenes. Hundreds of artisans from around Cusco and from as far away as Puno come to display their wares rendered in techniques ranging from silver- and tinwork to embroidery.
On New Year’s Eve, markets in Cusco are filled with yellow flowers and trinkets for sale to bring good luck in the upcoming year. Then, at night, a huge crowd gathers in the main plaza for the countdown to the New Year amid fireworks and live music.
