Cusco in January
Visiting Cusco in January: 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
January is the heart of the rainy season. January is a good month for a relaxed city stay and a Machu Picchu train trip if you are flexible. It is not the month for high treks. 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 January.
Cusco in January at a glance
| Season | Rainy season |
| Temperature | Average high 20 °C, low 8 °C |
| Rain | 153 mm on average, on about 20 days |
| Crowds | Busy in the first days of the year, then quiet |
| Machu Picchu high-season capacity dates | 2026: January 1; 2027: January 1–3 |
| 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 January
January is the heart of the rainy season. Mornings are often bright, with showers building in the afternoon and at night; some days it rains for hours. Days are mild and nights rarely freeze. Streets and stone steps are slippery when wet, and the hills around the city turn bright green.
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 January for the weather there.
Is January a good time to visit Cusco?
January is a good month for a relaxed city stay and a Machu Picchu train trip if you are flexible. It is not the month for high treks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Few visitors after the first week | Rain most days |
| Green landscapes and mild nights | High hikes are unpredictable |
| Easy availability for hotels, trains and tickets | Occasional landslides on roads and the railway |
Festivals and events in January
- New Year (January 1): crowds in the Plaza de Armas at midnight; hotels are busy in the first days of the month.
- Epiphany (January 6): celebrations in Cusco and the towns of the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo.
Things to do in Cusco in January
- Explore the historic center and the Qoricancha in the morning, before the afternoon showers.
- Spend rainy afternoons in the Museo Inka, the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art or a cooking class.
- Visit the green Sacred Valley, lower and warmer than Cusco.
- Take the train to Machu Picchu, ideally with a night in Aguas Calientes.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in January
| Trek or hike | Conditions in January |
|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | Open; muddy and rainy |
| Salkantay Trek | Open; snow possible at the pass |
| Lares Trek | Open; wet trails |
| Rainbow Mountain | Possible; clouds or snow can hide the colors |
| Humantay Lake | Open; slippery trail, lake often in clouds |
| Ausangate | Not recommended; heavy rain and snow |
Compare the multi-day routes in best treks to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail vs Salkantay.
Crowds, prices and booking in January
Busy in the first days of the year, then quiet. Outside the holiday dates, you can usually book a week or two ahead, and hotel prices are lower.
On the Ministry of Culture’s high-season dates, Machu Picchu admits up to 5,600 visitors a day instead of 4,500. In January those dates are: 2026: January 1; 2027: January 1–3.
Tips for Cusco in January
- Plan outdoor visits for the morning.
- Keep a flexible day for weather or train delays.
- Carry a rain jacket every day; buy a cheap poncho if you forget it.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in December and Cusco in February, 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 January a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes, if you do not mind rain. Cusco is green and quiet after the first week of the year, and hotels and trains are easy to book.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco in January?
Yes. January is one of the wettest months, with showers most days, usually in the afternoon and at night.
Can I do the Inca Trail in January?
Yes. It is open all of January, but wet and muddy. It closes for all of February.
What should I pack for Cusco in January?
Layers, a waterproof jacket or poncho, shoes with good grip, sunscreen and a warm layer for the evenings.