Cusco In April

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In April?

Quick Answer: Whilst the previous month of March was still relatively wet, April starts to see a large decline in rainfall. Although still quite unpredictable when the showers will occur, it does mean hiking routes will be clearer most of the time.

This coupled with the fact that there are hardly any crowds this month, means that heading to Cusco in April is perfect for those who want to see Machu Picchu without lots of tourists around. The Inca Trail will also still be fresh from its repairs back in February, with more comfortable hiking conditions too.

It’s important to know that the first week or two of April can sometimes play host to the Holy Week celebrations (with the dates changing annually). This period will result in an influx in domestic tourists, and hotel and flight prices will increase around this time. Outside of this event, Cusco in April is quite a relaxed month and there will be little queues for major sites and ruins.

Things to Know:

• If you plan to travel around the Cusco region, then we recommend planning your trip around the last 2 weeks of April (to avoid crowds and also for less rains).
• Many blogs mention that April is a dry season month, however it’s still technically the wet season so you must keep your rain poncho ready.
• Prices increase around the Holy Week celebrations, so be sure to check the dates given they change each year.

Pros:

• Temperatures are still warm so you will not feel cold at night (especially when heading up to the viewpoints).
• Orchids and other flowers bloom along the path, and the cloud- forest environment really comes to life after the previous months of rain.
• When traveling within the rural regions, you will see lots of butterflies and hummingbirds.

Cons:

• We can still expect rainfall during the first couple of weeks in April.
• You will notice a little price increase, and especially if your trip coincides with the exact dates of the Holy Week.
• You might have to wait longer in queues to be able to enter the Inca historical areas, given the increase in festivities and national tourists during this month.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Cusco In April 

Below we’ll now explore what April in Cusco is like. This includes what the weather will be like, as well as the other main advantages and disadvantages of visiting during this month.

The Weather Of Cusco In April 

Whilst some online blogs and websites will say that April is the beginning of the dry season, this is not true. April actually marks the final month of the wet season, and usually has plenty of rain (although much less than March – with most usually falling within the first week).

We’ll find that around 1 inch of rainfall will fall throughout April in Cusco, which is definitely much drier than the preceding months. It’s still worth bringing a poncho handy, and especially when hiking since the weather can be a lot more unpredictable out in different areas of the Andes. Always keep in mind that just because Cusco is dry when you are there, doesn’t guarantee no rainfall in other areas around the Sacred Valley (if you want this then you’re better off visiting in either July or August)

Temperatures are still warm in April, and actually even more so since you won’t be cold and wet from the rains. Daily averages hover around 51°F, with daytime highs of 64°F. Evening lows can drop down to 41°F, which whilst warmer than the following winter months, means it’s still worth bringing a jacket out with you.  

What To Do In Cusco In April

A true shoulder season month, visiting Cusco in April is really ideal for those who want to enjoy the city highlights.

Whilst of course the Holy Week celebrations will make it busier, if you visit outside of this period then you can explore Cusco with much less crowds around. This is ideal for visiting a variety of ancient ruins such as Saqsayhuamán, Q’enqo as well as Tambomachay. Given the weather is usually much clearer too, it means it’s great for heading on long walks around the city whilst you visit different attractions. This includes hiking up to the Cristo Blanco viewpoint, as well as getting lost in the beautiful streets of the San Blas district.

When it comes to hiking and trekking around the Sacred Valley, we personally think that April is one of the very best months to do so! The Inca Trail is going to be much clearer with more comfortable weather, and we’ll be able to see lots of orchids blooming (as well as more dense jungle greens from the recent rains). Many other hikes that were otherwise not recommended in March are also now ideal, such as the Choquequirao Hike as well as the Salkantay Trek.

What Should You Bring To Cusco In April?

Here we will now list everything that you’ll need for a trip to Cusco in April. Below we’ve mentioned the essentials, however it’s important to keep some space in your bag free in case you pick up any extras or souvenirs on your trip here.

• A warm coat.
• A poncho for hiking (there are still infrequent rains which are quite random in April).
• A jumper.
• Thin layers for daytime hiking.
• Waterproof clothes.
• A hand towel.
• Comfortable hiking boots for treks.
• Pijamas to keep you warm at night.
• A baseball cap or Andean-style hat to avoid getting burnt during the day.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from harsh sun and glare.
• High SPF sunscreen (we suggest using a minimum of SPF 30 when hiking).
• For certain hikes that are higher altitude, it’s worth bringing a thick hat, scarf, and gloves.
• Insect Repellent (whilst not needed in Cusco, it will be useful for multi-day tours that pass through the jungle such as the Inca Trail).
• A reusable water bottle.
• A day pack to hold everything you need during your treks and day trips (on the Inca Trail we’ll provide you with a duffel bag to store things you won’t need).
• A quality camera or mobile phone.
• Medication for personal use.
• Coca Leaves or Soroche Tablets when heading up to higher altitudes (you can easily buy these in any Inkafarma or pharmacy in the historic center of Cusco).
• A book/map guide for Cusco and the Sacred Valley (and some copies just in case they get damaged or lost).
• Padlocks which you can use for your bags when on longer treks or on public transport (when hiking with us we will keep your belongings in a secured storage point).
• Charging adaptors and power banks
• Extra batteries for your camera.

Hiking Around Cusco In April

Whilst still technically within the wet season, April is much drier than the previous months of the year. This makes it ideal to head on pretty much all treks for the first time in the year, where we can also enjoy blooming orchards and more beautiful green scenery from the rains of the previous months. There will also be fewer crowds during April on many of the hiking paths around the region.

The Inca Trail In April

This is a fantastic month to head along this legendary route, which will have much less rainfall when compared with March. Temperatures on the Inca Trail will still be warm, and you’ll find crowds are still minimal (although if you want peace and quiet then try to avoid coming around the Holy Week). It’s still worth bringing a poncho just to be safe.

The Salkantay Trek In April 

There will be much less rainfall during this month compared with the previous, which is ideal since you won’t get as cold up at these higher altitudes. During April there will also be more chances of clearer skies each day, which is ideal for enjoying all of the incredible landscapes you will see along the route. Be sure to bring warm layers regardless, since it will still get quite cold during the nights.

Inca Jungle Trek In April 

Whilst there will still be some rains, this month is considered the first of the year which is safe for heading on this alternative adventure hike along the Inca Trail. We still recommend that you already have experience with many of the activities that you will do, given there will still be some rainfall (such as whitewater rafting given the Urubamba River will still be flowing larger than it usually does during the dry season).

Choquequirao Trek In April

Although still considered the wet season for this route, showers along the Choquequirao Trek are much less frequent which is perfect for enjoying this less-touristy trail. Temperatures are still quite warm which is ideal, and you won’t need to book your spot so far in advance (although we still recommend it to guarantee your spot and departure dates).

Ausangate Trek In April 

Like with many of the other treks, April is also the first ideal month to hike along the Ausangate Trek. Rainfall and snowfall will reduce substantially which means we won’t get as cold, and temperatures are still quite warm before they further drop in May and the dry season. Even though it’s one of the best months of the year to head on the trail, Ausangate in April still won’t be overrun with tourists.

Lares Trek In April 

Given this route was still fine to trek throughout the wet season, April is a particularly special month to head on the Lares Trek. Here we will have ideal temperatures and minimal rainfall, and can also see a variety of beautiful landscapes and blossoming flowers along the route. The trail will still be quiet in April, and especially so if you avoid coming during the Holy Week celebrations.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek In April 

Reduced rainfall also makes this the first ideal month of the year to head on the lesser-known Huchuy Qosqo trek. These stunning ancient ruins will still be very quiet, making it a great alternative when compared with the more popular sites near Cusco (such as Saqsayhuamán). Although less slippery now compared with the wet season, we still suggest you bring good hiking boots for the downhill descent.

The Main Advantages Of Visiting Cusco In April (Minimal Crowds, All Hiking Trails Have Reopened)

Similar to the other shoulder season months for Cusco (such as October), tourist crowds are much lower in April compared with the later winter months. We suggest heading in mid or late April to steer clear of the Holy Week celebrations, where you can enjoy Cusco and the city attractions without the lines. 

This month will be even more ideal for hiking, as you won’t have to jostle for a Machu Picchu photo or feel like there’s too many other groups with you on the different mountain and lake hikes.

The other major benefit of visiting Cusco in April is that all of the popular hiking trails have now reopened given rainfall levels are much lower. This includes the Choquequirao Trek and Inca Jungle Trek, which whilst still run by certain companies in earlier months, are much safer now to head on during this month. It’s worth noting that rainfall does still fall at random during this month (and especially in the first couple of weeks), so it’s ideal to bring a poncho just in case. 

The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Cusco In April (Slightly Unpredictable Weather, Prices Can Vary)

Overall there are very few disadvantages of a visit to Cusco during April, and in fact we highly recommend it for tourists. However if we had to say one thing that is not ideal, then it would be the weather. Whilst much better than February and March, we haven’t yet quite hit the consistent dry period that begins in May. 

This means that showers still occur, however are much more random and are over pretty quickly. It’s a good idea to bring a poncho if the sky looks overcast in Cusco, and to always bring one on hikes around the Sacred Valley.

Also keep in mind that the first week or so can be busier due to the Holy Week celebrations (these vary every year so you’ll want to check the latest dates). During this period the Plaza and streets will have a lot more national tourists, and prices for accommodation and flights will also increase. However the benefit of this is that Cusco will have lots of cultural festivities on, including parades as well as a more lively setting to enjoy after coming back from your treks.

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In April?

And that’s all for this guide to visiting Cusco in April.

Sandwiched right between the wet and dry seasons for the Peruvian Andes, April is a perfect month to visit Cusco. Rainfall levels will be much lower, as well as all treks finally being reopened and safe to carry out. We can also enjoy the celebrations of the Holy Week, which is great for those who want to experience the more cultural side of Peru when in Cusco.

Are you looking to hike the Inca Trail? April is one of the best months of the year to explore this sacred trail, with lower levels of rainfall as well as little crowds. Take a look at our Classic 4 Day Inca Trail, and book-in your dream spot now!