Cusco In December 

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In December?

Quick Answer: Whilst November is the official start to the wet season, December is the first month where there is wetter weather from start to finish (given the rains normally pick-up in the last couple of weeks of November).

Again, as with all months in the wet season, it’s still fine to walk around Cusco. You’ll need to bring an umbrella or poncho in case you get caught out in the rains, but even then these are temporary and aren’t so heavy (especially when compared with the torrential rains of the Amazon Jungle).

Hiking in and around the Peruvian Andes from Cusco is a little more complicated during this month, given the rains can really vary and that they are somewhat random on different mountains and areas. Mist can sometimes obscure views on certain attractions such as Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu, so it’s worth asking what conditions are forecasted to be on that particular day.

Things to Know:

• The first few weeks will see less crowds in Cusco, however during Christmas there will be more nationals heading here on their holidays.
• Morning and daytime temperatures will be warmer and more comfortable for walking around in Cusco

Pros:

• Certain hikes such as the Lares Trek are perfect in this month given there are less crowds and impressive scenery.
• You won’t have to jostle with crowds when heading to attractions within Cusco, as well as sites that are usually really busy (such as Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain which are still good to see during this month).
• There will be more beautiful green landscapes within the Andean Mountains, which can really transform certain routes and sites for more impressive photos.

Cons:

• Rainfall will be heavier in December so you’ll want to bring a poncho or waterproofs out with you as you never know when it may start or stop.
• The Christmas week can get busier again as both nationals and tourists flock to Cusco to enjoy their holidays (longer queues on the more popular attractions).
• Certain treks and multi-day hiking routes aren’t recommended in December for beginners as conditions will be more difficult (such as the Ausangate Trek).

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Cusco In December 

Below we’ll now explore what December 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 December 

Now into the wet season for Cusco, during December we can expect heavier rains more frequently in the city as well as in the surrounding Sacred Valley.

Historically there has been around 3.3 inches of rainfall throughout December, which is a big increase from the previous month. Rainfall can fall pretty randomly, and it’s hard to tell if it will be a very quick shower or a longer period of rain. For this reason it’s worth taking a waterproof jacket or poncho out with you to keep yourself dry. Sometimes the rains can cause issues with certain hiking routes, and later in this guide we’ll explore which ones you may want to reconsider travel to.

Next up we have the temperatures, and overall December is one of the warmest months to visit Cusco (along with November). Average temperatures hover around 53°F, with highs of up to 64°F and lows of down to 44°F. It’s important to know that it can feel colder when hiking during showers, however in general heading out in the evening or early morning will be more comfortable during December (especially when compared with the winter season months).

What To Do In Cusco In December 

December is quite an interesting time to visit Cusco, given it’s a festive month along with the fact that it falls within the wet season.

Within the city of Cusco it’s a good idea to explore the main city attractions during the day. This includes visiting the San Pedro Market to try typical Andean cuisine like Caldos and Cuy, as well as heading inside different museums such as the Museo de Arte Precolombino and the Museo y Convento de San Francisco. These are all located inside, making them ideal visits for when it begins to rain outside.

December still has some dry periods, so you can still head outdoors and enjoy the different ancient ruins and hikes (especially in the early weeks of the month). Nearby ruins like Saqsayhuamán and Q’enqo are the most ideal. In terms of heading on longer hikes, those such as the Inca Trail are still okay to head on in December. Whilst the weather won’t be perfect (there will be mist and some showers), you will be able to enjoy more solitude along these ancient routes given there are fewer crowds.

What Should You Bring To Cusco In December?

Here we will now list everything that you’ll need for a trip to Cusco in December. 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 (rains are likely during this month).
• A jumper.
• Thin layers for daytime hiking.
• Waterproof clothes.
• A hand towel.
• Comfortable hiking boots for treks (we suggest a high quality pair with good treads as some routes can get muddy and slippery in December).
• Pijamas to keep you warm at night.
• A baseball cap or Andean-style hat to avoid sunburns during the day.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from harsh sun and glare.
• High SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or above is ideal for daytime hiking. Just remember to reapply throughout the day).
• 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 around 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 December 

December is actually quite an interesting month to go hiking around the Sacred Valley region of Peru. Whilst yes, there will be likely showers along the way, conditions along the routes are still safe. As well as crowds being minimal, we’ll also find the surrounding vegetation to be at its most green now the heavier rains have begun to arrive.

The Inca Trail In December 

The crowds are still minimal during this month, where we can enjoy a much quieter experience along these sacred stone paths and within the ancient ruins. Rainfall is likely during the trek, so make sure to bring a poncho and waterproof clothing. The stone paths can get slippery in areas, so we suggest getting hiking boots with solid tread as well as some hiking poles.

The Salkantay Trek In December 

Located at higher altitudes, it’s important you are in good shape before taking on the Salkantay Trek. This is further reinforced by the fact that trails can be muddy and slippery in areas, requiring a little more physical effort. Rains aren’t that heavy though along the route during this month, and in December we can enjoy some otherworldly mountain views as layers of mist add to the mystery factor and overall experience.

Inca Jungle Trek In December

Technically this adventure trek still runs throughout the wet season, however we don’t recommend heading on it (even though some companies will still run tours). Higher rainfall means that the Urubamba River and smaller rivers will be flowing higher and faster than usual, which makes rafting unsafe for beginners. It’s still possible to do mountain biking or zip-lining though, so it’s best to check the weather right before the dates and talk to different agencies to be sure what activities you can carry out safely.

Choquequirao Trek In December 

Like with all the other treks, during this month the temperatures will be warm which means more comfortable daytime hiking conditions. There is a good chance of rainfall on the Choquequirao Trek, so you’ll want to bring waterproofs and quality hiking boots. Crowds are minimal, although they do start to rise at the end of the month as Peruvians travel during the national holidays.

Ausangate Trek In December 

Whilst still possible with different agencies during this month, hiking Ausangate is not recommended in December for beginners. This is because showers and snow storms are likely, which can make conditions colder and harder (especially as we are up at higher altitudes here). If you are still wanting to hike Ausangate in December, then make sure you bring lots of warm clothing, waterproofs and a solid poncho.

Lares Trek In December 

Lares is perhaps the best trek for those who want a multi-day Andes experience during December. Whilst rain is still predicted, conditions aren’t as intense so it will be a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. The rainfall patterns themselves in Lares are really unpredictable – sometimes with rain most days or even hardly any rain at all some years. This is all part of the experience though, and you’ll enjoy the Lares Trek regardless!

Huchuy Qosqo Trek In December 

This lesser-known trek will be one of the quietest during these months, so is perfect for those who want a more authentic experience along with stunning panoramic sceneries of the Peruvian Andes. The trail can be quite slippery (especially the downhill part), so be sure to take it slow and also get good hiking equipment before embarking on your trip here.

The Main Advantages Of Visiting Cusco In December (Low Crowds, Beautiful Mountains Vistas)

As is the case with the other wet season months like January and March, Cusco in December will also have less crowds overall. This is perfect for enjoying the city highlights without having to wait in long queues, and also for hiking to Machu Picchu and on other treks without too many other tourists around. We still recommend booking your treks in advance though, as they will help guarantee you your ideal camping spots as these are first come, first served. 

It’s important to note that the Christmas period can be busier as nationals head to Cusco during the holidays – although it will still be overall less busy than the popular dry season months. 

Another reason we love exploring Cusco in December is because of the blooming vegetation. Given the more consistent levels of rainfall, we’ll see the mountainsides transform from monotone browns into bright greens which make for some incredible hiking photos (especially with the added mists that slowly float along the trails). This can really transform certain ruins such as those of Moray and Wiñay Wayna, and overall there is a better chance of seeing birds and other wildlife along the paths that thrive during these wetter months.

The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Cusco In November (Rainy Weather, Muddy Hiking Trails)

Although the start of December has slightly less rain, overall this month is going to be wet with a good chance of showers daily. Whilst they aren’t usually long-lasting, it does mean you’ll want to bring a poncho or a waterproof coat when exploring the city of Cusco. 

In the worst case scenario if it rains, you can simply take refuge inside somewhere (a good reason to explore some of the different churches as well as the San Pedro Market!). Again it’s important to remember that rain isn’t guaranteed every day in Cusco in December, however it’s always best to be prepared just in case.

The other main disadvantage is how the rains will affect your hiking experience. Firstly it’s good to know that the weather throughout the Peruvian Andes can greatly vary from what is happening in Cusco, so always bring a poncho and waterproofs even if the city is dry. Even if there are blue skies on the route, if it had rained the previous days then the paths can be muddy and slippery. You’ll want to make sure you bring high quality hiking boots, and also invest in some hiking poles to help you keep your balance (at AB Expeditions we provide these in some of our tours such as the Inca Trail as it’s a stone path which can be slippery at times).

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In December?

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

As we head deeper into the wet season, many people worry if the rains will be too much during this summer month. However they aren’t that much, and tend to pass quickly over the city and the surrounding Sacred Valley region. As well as this, December tends to be a great month for enjoying the more cultural side of Cusco, where there are less overall crowds (as well as festivals such as Santurantikuy that take place).

Hiking the Inca Trail in December is certainly a memorable experience, where you can enjoy greener trails with less other tourists around. You can learn more about our classic 4 Day Inca Trail trek.