To begin with, let’s set the stage: dry season here in the Cusco region is the longer one, going from early April to late November, also known as high season; rain season therefore is the shorter one, going from early December until late March, around four months every year.
Most people prefer coming to Cusco and Machu Picchu in dry season, because the absence of rain makes things easier and more enjoyable for many visitors; for example, they’d much rather do one of the Inca Trails without having to face rainfall, muddy terrain, wet winds and so on. They would much rather go to Machu Picchu being certain that they won’t have dark clouds.
However, on the other hand, many testimonials from our travelers and also other ones gathered around social media, show that in fact, a good number of travelers to Cusco and Machu Picchu actually did enjoy coming down here in rain season…
Next, we are going to break down the reasons and benefits visitors can have visiting Cusco region and Machu Picchu during rain season, so this is also an option you have for planning a great trip to Peru:
- First of all, rain season here is not that bad; pourings occur every three or four days, they are heavy but also brief…
- While in Cusco City, an umbrella or a raincoat will be fine, enough. Same thing for most touristic destinations and they also have under roof spots where you can wait for a while
- Now if you’re going on a hike, the thing to solve is getting waterproof clothes and also a good rainproof cover for the backpack…
- However, and here comes the unexpected finding, many people doing one of the Inca Trails we operate and also other treks, find the challenge of rainy weather quite appealing and challenging
- They enjoy bringing their inner soldier up, to fight downpours, muddy terrains, strong wet winds, poor visibility, listening to the rain at night while inside the tent and so on. These adventurers are fighters who want to prevail and conquer nature, they want the reward to defeat the power of natural forces. They want to see the rainbow at the end of the path and have tall tales to remember for life…
- For those going to Machu Picchu in rain season, keep in mind that pourings are brief and spaced along the week. Also, if it happens to rain while you are in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village), there are many places you can nevertheless enjoy: bars, restaurants, pizza places, beauty salons, Inca massage centers, handicraft shops, the amazing tropical view from your hotel
- Another good reason we heard among rain season visitors, is that they find smaller crowds in all their activities
- Last but not least, one very convenient additional reason: here in the Cusco region and also Machu Picchu, during rain season, visitors will find very good discounts almost everywhere! Lodging, food, tours, shops etc they all work with reduced, good offer prices…
So, to the question: is it worth going to Cusco and Machu Picchu in rain season? The answer is: quite possibly, if you do have an adventurous spirit and also want to save a good amount of money.
Normalize your life after this terrible covid pandemic, come down to our wonderful Cusco/Machu Picchu region for a great vacation! Our professional staff is always ready to help making your dream vacation true!
