Cusco is a city located at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level. Its climate has two seasons: the rainy season which lasts from November to May and the dry season which lasts from April to October. Within these seasons, we can find various climates:
Warm Climates: which can be dry and/or humid. Dry climates occur in the low yungas in the Apurimac River Basin, in the center and southwest of the department. Humid climates belong to the low jungle zones.
Temperate Climates: which can also be humid or dry and occur in the central zone of the department. In places closer to the east, it is more humid and closer to the west, the climate is drier.
Cold Climates
which can also be humid or dry and correspond to higher altitude zones, i.e. above 3800 meters.
When traveling to Cusco, we must take into account two factors. The first is that there is a risk of altitude sickness (soroche), which usually happens with rest and consumption of hot drinks, but some people are affected more severely and may require medical attention. Second, as in the entire Peruvian highlands, we will encounter the phenomenon of thermal contrast, which causes heat to be felt only in the areas where the sun’s rays fall.
Because of these two factors, it is always recommended to have waterproof clothing and warm jackets on hand. The rains are usually torrential and almost always fall in the afternoons, so it is best to be prepared.
