Cusco in November
Visiting Cusco in November: 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
November marks the start of the rainy season. November is a good compromise: more sun than January to March, fewer people than mid-year and easy booking. Bring rain gear. 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 November.
Cusco in November at a glance
| Season | Rainy season |
| Temperature | Average high 22 °C, low 8 °C |
| Rain | 77 mm on average, on about 10 days |
| Crowds | Medium |
| Machu Picchu high-season capacity dates | 2026: November 1–2; 2027: November 1–2 |
| 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 November
November marks the start of the rainy season. Mornings are often sunny, with afternoon showers that become more frequent through the month. Nights are mild, and the hills turn 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 November for the weather there.
Is November a good time to visit Cusco?
November is a good compromise: more sun than January to March, fewer people than mid-year and easy booking. Bring rain gear.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good availability and prices | Regular afternoon showers |
| Green landscapes | Muddier trails |
| More sunshine than January to March |
Festivals and events in November
- All Saints’ Day and Day of the Dead (November 1–2): families visit cemeteries and bake tanta wawa, sweet bread shaped like babies.
Things to do in Cusco in November
- Visit the South Valley: Tipón, Pikillaqta and the church of Andahuaylillas.
- Try tanta wawa, the bread baked for All Saints’ Day.
- Explore the city in the morning and museums in the afternoon.
- Take the train to Machu Picchu with good availability.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in November
| Trek or hike | Conditions in November |
|---|---|
| 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 November
Medium. 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 November those dates are: 2026: November 1–2; 2027: November 1–2.
Tips for Cusco in November
- Plan outdoor activities for the morning.
- Carry a rain jacket every day.
- Try tanta wawa in bakeries around November 1–2.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in October and Cusco in December, 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 November a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes, for easy booking, fewer crowds and green landscapes. Bring rain gear.
Does it rain in Cusco in November?
Yes, mostly as afternoon showers that become more frequent through the month.
What is tanta wawa?
A sweet bread shaped like a baby, baked for All Saints' Day and the Day of the Dead on November 1–2.
What should I pack for Cusco in November?
Layers, a waterproof jacket or poncho, shoes with good grip, sunscreen and a warm layer for the evenings.