Cusco In January
What’s it like visiting Cusco in January?
Known for its striking architecture and ancient Inca history, Cusco is one of the most popular places to visit in all of Peru. However, given January is within the middle of the wet season, many travelers may be unsure if it’s a good time to visit.
In this guide we’ll explore whether it’s worth visiting Cusco in January. This includes looking at the weather, the advantages and disadvantages of this month, as well as everything else you’ll need to know.
Table of Contents
Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In January?
Quick Answer: January can really divide people when it comes to choosing a good month to visit Cusco.
Whilst the weather is more unpredictable and rainy, the temperatures tend to be much warmer. January also has many cultural events worth seeing, where you’ll also enjoy heading on tours with less tourists around (which otherwise tend to get very crowded in certain months of the dry season).
Things to Know:
- When it rains it can get quite cold, whilst it can get overly warm when the sun is out.
- It’s important to remember to bring a rain poncho and umbrella in January.
- Be sure to layer up too!
Pros:
- Cusco can be enjoyed regardless of the rainy weather.
- You’ll find many other tourists with you on the one-day trips.
- As previously mentioned, Cusco and certain tourist attractions are much quieter overall.
Cons:
- Of course this is the rainy season, so you’ll get wet at times.
- Although temperatures are overall warmer, the rains can actually make you feel colder than the dry season (especially during hikes up the mountains).
- The weather will vary at random, so it’s hard to make solid plans.
- Some street meals will be more expensive; so you’ll need to negotiate for a lower price.
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Cusco In January
Below we’ll now explore what January in Cusco is like. This includes the weather, hiking conditions as well as the other main advantages and disadvantages of visiting during this month.
The Weather Of Cusco In January
January falls within the peak of the wet season for Cusco, which generally runs from November to February each year. Overall we can expect roughly 4.2 inches to fall throughout the whole month.
Bring appropriate clothing and keep in mind that trails are more dangerous given the wetter, more slippery conditions. If you want to trek in January, don’t panic – there’s still many trekkers on the Inca Trail in this month.
It’s important to remember that as we are in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. This means January is a summer month, and typically has some of the warmest weather. Average daily temperatures hover around 52°F, with highs reaching up to 62°F and night-time lows of down to 44°F.
The sun will shine less in Cusco in January, and rain will fall at some time on most days. Showers, on the other hand, don’t linger long, and things normally dry fast thereafter, so you may enjoy some warm intervals in between the rain. Cusco’s average temperature in January varied from a high of 58°F (14°C) to a low of 39°F (4°C). Some describe the weather as slightly chilly, humid, but cool.
Cusco Food In January
Cusco offers a variety of unique foods in January, showcasing the region’s rich culinary traditions. One of the seasonal delights you will find is tunas, or prickly pears, which are commonly sold already peeled, making them easy to enjoy as a refreshing and sweet snack. Additionally, capulí, a small, dark fruit similar to a cherry, is abundant in local markets during this time of year, offering a mildly tart and juicy flavor. Another staple of the season is fresh corn, known for its large, tender kernels. When visiting the Sacred Valley, a must-try dish is choclo con queso, which pairs the region’s distinctive large-kernel corn with a slice of locally made cheese, creating a simple yet delicious combination that highlights the fresh flavors of the Andean highlands.
Cusco Wind Forecast For January
Historically, the wind in Cusco blows at an average speed of 7.2 mph (11.5 kph) in January.
What To Do In Cusco In January
Many activities are offered in the city of Cusco itself, which are great to do when heading in January.
This includes heading on a city tour, visiting the one and only Twelve Angle Stone as well as heading to the ruins of Sacsayhuamán.
You can also head on experiences just outside of the city with ease too. This includes going horseback riding, visiting ruins such as Moray and Pisac within the Sacred Valley and Southern Valley. You can see which day trips we offer in January here.
When it does rain, you’ll have the opportunity to use this time to head to local markets and try Peruvian local cuisine. This includes Ceviche, Papa a la Huancaina and other similar dishes.
What Should You Bring To Cusco In January?
Below you can check out our Cusco packing list to make sure you have everything you need for your trip here:
- Clothing which includes thin layers that may be removed and put back on when the temperature changes.
- A raincoat or a waterproof poncho is recommended.
- A thick jacket and sweater are required (especially for hiking).
- A hand towel.
- Hiking boots or shoes that are well-worn (for treks).
- Pyjamas that will keep you warm at night when the temperature drops.
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen with a factor of 50+ are all recommended.
- A thick hat, scarf, and gloves for chilly evenings and for trekking up mountains.
- Repellent for insects.
- A water bottle that can be reused.
- A day pack to transport all of your belongings.
- A decent camera or a phone with an excellent camera.
- Medication for personal use.
- A book/map guide for Cusco and the Sacred Valley (and some copies just in case they get damaged or lost)
- Padlocks for your bags.
- Charging adaptors and power banks (if required).
- Extra batteries for your camera.
Hiking Around Cusco In January
Overall January is the worst month for hiking in Cusco. It rains most of the time so the trails are slippery and dangerous. However, some trails are still okay to hike. Below we will now cover what some of the most popular hikes around Cusco are like in January:
The Inca Trail In January
January is the last month to hike the Inca Trail 4 Day Trek before it closes throughout February. We recommend you hike this trek in the first 2 weeks of January, as in the last 2 weeks the rain is intense and landslides occur very often. Be sure to read more about hiking the Inca Trail in January.
Salkantay Trek In January
This hike is open too. But we highly recommend not hiking because historically the landslides have blocked the trail and hikers were forced to change their itinerary. Since the trail is not paved, it is very muddy and difficult to hike.
Inca Jungle Trek In January
This hike is open too, however, we also don’t recommend it. Most of the time the bridges and trails were wiped out by increases in water levels. Overall this can cause issues in navigating the paths, and also having to find alternatives if some are flooded.
Choquequirao Trek In January
Most of the time you will be hiking through a valley, and in January it is very common to see landslides along the way. For this reason we only recommend hiking Choquequirao if you have more hiking experience.
Ausangate Trek In January
Ausangate trek is still open, however, some passes are covered with snow. For this reason we don’t recommend hiking the Ausangate trek 5 and 6 days treks, as these are the ones that require 8 to 10 hours of more difficult hiking conditions. The only option which is fine is the Ausangate 4 day trek, because you will hike only in the morning and in the afternoon you will relax.
Lares Trek In January
It is possible to hike the Lares trek in January, and the best route is from Quiswarari to Huaran. On the first night there is a house where the tent will be set up. We recommend bringing really good rain gear to keep yourself dry from the heavier rains.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek In January
There are more than 3 routes to hike. We recommend the route Patabamba – Pumamarca – Huchuy Qosqo. The reason for this is because the hike is shorter, where you will hike in the morning and relax inside the house in the afternoon (when it is raining).
The Main Advantages Of Visiting Cusco In January (Festivities And Lower Costs)
As is the same case with other less-touristy months, the main benefit is that there will be less tourists in Cusco during January. Not only does this mean tours will be more available, however your experience will also feel more authentic too (such as less pushing and waiting in queues to get photos). Costs will generally be cheaper when looking for flights and accommodation to Cusco (especially in late January). You can expect costs to drop as much as 25% when visiting in the wet season.
January is also a great month for getting an insider’s view into Cusco’s history through its festivals and events. During New Year’s Day we will see big festivals and parades that spill out into the streets of the Historic Center, which is also the same case for the Día de Los Reyes Magos (which is held annually on the 6th January).
Here we can see performances and many dances in which the kings deliver presents to Jesus in the nativity scene (which are built in the plazas). This charming Cusco festival commemorates the Epiphany of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is said to have occurred more than two thousand years ago when the three kings started out on the long journey from Persia to Bethlehem to receive the future king of the Jews.
The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Cusco In January (Wild Weather)
January is famous for its heavy and disruptive rains all over the Cusco region. In the city showers often appear rapidly, which can sometimes cause waterlogged streets. However when it’s not raining, we can still enjoy blue skies on most days (with warmer temperatures here than the rest of the year).
This also means that certain treks and hikes from Cusco can be more difficult given the terrains are more slippery. Whilst it’s still a great time to head on the Inca Trail (as there will be less tourists), you’ll want to make sure you pack properly and bring high-quality hiking boots and a solid poncho.
Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In January?
And that’s all for this guide to visiting Cusco in January.
Overall this month tends to have wilder rains, although the temperatures are also much more comfortable (given they can get much colder throughout the rest of the year). We’ll also find many great cultural events and festivals happening in Cusco during January.
Also thinking of heading on the Inca Trail in January? Be sure to read this Ultimate Inca Trail Guide which covers everything you need to know.