One of the questions that are constantly repeated when organizing a trip is “What is the best date to travel to the desired destination?” In the case of Cusco, this answer depends on many aspects: the weather you prefer, the dates you have available if you like to travel with more or fewer people. Before scheduling or getting tickets for the trip to Cusco, it is necessary to know about the seasons and ideal dates.
Cusco has two seasons; a dry season and a rainy season, which we will describe below.
THE DRY SEASON
It begins in mid-April and ends in mid-November, the driest months are June and July. During these months potatoes are grown and harvested in the Andes, if you like experiential tourism, you could choose these months to see the most beautiful Andean landscapes.
– At this time you will find the clearest skies and the sunniest days, so it is perfect to enjoy total visibility when visiting Machu Picchu.
– The dry season is Cusco’s high season and the most crowded time of year.
– Although the days are sunny during this season, the nights in Cusco are always cold, so be prepared for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
– Although 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 bring waterproof clothing.
– As it is the busy season, prices are higher and hotel availability sells out faster, as well as trains to Machu Picchu (especially between June and August). Therefore, if you travel at this time, we recommend planning your trip two or three months in advance.
– In June, you can enjoy the Inti Raymi, the biggest festival of the Inca Empire that is performed in Cusco every year.
THE RAINY SEASON
The rainy season begins in mid-November and ends in mid-April. During this season the rain is incessant, especially in February and March.
Keep in mind that Andean agriculture depends heavily on natural irrigation, so the rain is very good for the agricultural sector of the Andes. This season also has its positive side:
– Fewer People: Machu Picchu receives its least amount of visitors during the rainy season, this will allow you to tour the Inca city with tranquility; you will be able to take beautiful pictures, without numerous strangers in them.
– Low Prices: Being the less busy season, you will find much cheaper prices in all tourist services and fewer people on the tours.
– Green Landscapes: The rains in the region make Machu Picchu and the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas turn bright green creating beautiful landscapes that will be the perfect backdrop for your photographs.
– Warm weather: The rainy season is more humid, but the days are warmer. However, this humidity (almost 96%) helps to moisturize the skin and hair, the lips do not dry out as they would in the dry season, and you also feel a cleaner, purer, and fresher air.
– During this time you can taste exotic fruits and vegetables that are typical of the season.
– Keep in mind that the Inca Trail is closed during February to protect your safety.
WHICH MONTH IS THE BEST MONTH TO TRAVEL TO CUSCO?
– It will depend on your tastes, interests, and budget, but a great option to travel to Cusco is between April and May, just after the rains, but before the high season. You will be able to enjoy the different attractions with fewer people and take advantage of the warm weather.
– June is Cusco’s anniversary month. It is the best time to enjoy many traditional festivities that take place in this beautiful Peruvian region. But, without a doubt, the biggest and most awaited festival is the Inti Raymi in which the winter solstice is celebrated every June 24.
The sun was moving away, the cold was increasing, and at dawn the water was frosted, therefore, it was necessary to ask the sun to return. The Inca Pachakuteq ordered the construction of the Qorikancha, a lavish temple dedicated to reverence of the Sun, a god that the Incas called Apu P`unchao or Apu Inti, in whose honor was consecrated the imposing feast of Inti Raymi, which reaches solemn and splendorous contours, as described by the most important chroniclers.
More than six centuries ago, the Inca Pachakuteq instituted the Feast of the Sun, and today the people of Cusco continue to represent it with the same fervor with which their ancestors performed it.
The Inti Raymi festival is one of those things that you have to enjoy at least once in your life. To do so, you have these options:
- If you want to see the show in Qorikancha, you should know that there are no tickets, but people stand outside the temple and from there they can see the whole performance.
- If you want to experience the magic in the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, you will have to buy your tickets well in advance.
