Cusco in April
Visiting Cusco in April: weather, festivals, what to do in the city, which treks and day hikes are open, crowds and what to pack.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
April is the start of the dry season. April is one of the best months to visit Cusco: dry, green and less crowded than mid-year. Book a little earlier when Holy Week falls in April. This guide, from our team in Cusco, covers the weather, what is on, what to do, which treks are open and how to plan your trip in April.
Cusco in April at a glance
| Season | Shoulder season |
| Temperature | Average high 21 °C, low 6 °C |
| Rain | 38 mm on average, on about 7 days |
| Crowds | Medium; busy over Holy Week |
| Machu Picchu high-season capacity dates | 2026: April 2–5 (Holy Week). 2027: none (Holy Week falls in March) |
| Inca Trail | Open |
1991–2020 averages for the Cusco airport weather station (WMO climate normals, NOAA). High hikes such as Rainbow Mountain and Humantay are much colder.
Weather in Cusco in April
April is the start of the dry season. Early in the month there are still some showers, but sunny days become the norm. Nights get colder, about 6 °C on average, and the hills are still green from the rains.
Cusco sits at 3,400 m, so the sun is strong even on cool days and nights are always colder than you expect. Machu Picchu, about 1,000 m lower, is warmer and more humid. See Machu Picchu in April for the weather there.
Is April a good time to visit Cusco?
April is one of the best months to visit Cusco: dry, green and less crowded than mid-year. Book a little earlier when Holy Week falls in April.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dry weather with green landscapes | Some showers early in the month |
| Fewer crowds than June to August | Holy Week can be very busy |
| Good conditions for treks and day hikes | Colder nights than in the rainy season |
Festivals and events in April
- Holy Week (2026: March 29–April 5): processions in Cusco, including the Señor de los Temblores on Holy Monday. Many Peruvians travel this week. In 2027 Holy Week falls in March (21–28), so April 2027 is a quiet month with no extended-capacity dates.
Things to do in Cusco in April
- Explore the city and the sites above it under clearer skies.
- Visit Chinchero and the Sacred Valley while the fields are still green.
- Start the high hikes: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay get drier through the month.
- Hike the Inca Trail, in good condition after its February maintenance.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in April
| Trek or hike | Conditions in April |
|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | Open |
| Salkantay Trek | Open |
| Lares Trek | Open |
| Rainbow Mountain | Good |
| Humantay Lake | Good |
| Ausangate | Good |
Compare the multi-day routes in best treks to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail vs Salkantay.
Crowds, prices and booking in April
Medium; busy over Holy Week. Book Machu Picchu tickets 3–6 weeks ahead and Inca Trail permits 4–6 months ahead.
On the Ministry of Culture’s high-season dates, Machu Picchu admits up to 5,600 visitors a day instead of 4,500. In April those dates are: 2026: April 2–5 (Holy Week). In 2027 there are none in April.
Tips for Cusco in April
- Check the Easter date before you book.
- Bring both a sun hat and a light rain jacket.
- Book Huayna Picchu 1–2 months ahead.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in March and Cusco in May, or see the whole year in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Cusco day tour
Cusco City Tour
Half-day guided tour of Cusco: Qoricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán and three nearby Inca sites. All entrance tickets included.
Cusco day tour
Sacred Valley Tour
Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with buffet lunch and every entrance fee included. Classic or Maras & Moray route.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, subject to availability ticket and guide included. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes, it is one of the best months: drier weather, green landscapes and fewer crowds than mid-year.
Does it rain in Cusco in April?
Sometimes, mostly early in the month. By late April the dry season has usually settled in.
Is it cold in Cusco in April?
Days are pleasant, with average highs of about 21 °C, but nights drop to about 6 °C on average. Bring a warm layer.
What should I pack for Cusco in April?
Layers you can add and remove, a light rain jacket, a warm fleece for the evenings, sunscreen and shoes with good grip.