Cusco In November
Is it still worth visiting Cusco in November?
The first official month of the wet season, things start to really change here in the Peruvian Andes. Whilst the weather is of course the most notable, there are also other factors too which are worth exploring beforehand.
In this guide we’ll explore what it’s like visiting Cusco in November. This includes looking at the weather, the advantages and disadvantages of this month, as well as anything else you’ll need to know.
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Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In November?
Quick Answer: As we now enter the wet season for Cusco, there are some notable changes to be aware of. Of course the rainfall will start to come heavier in this month, although it’s not quite at its wettest yet.
November is also considered a low season month, which means there will be a lot less crowds compared with the previous dry season months such as August and September. This is great from an authenticity perspective, given you won’t be surrounded by crowds or have to wait in long lines to enter the more popular attractions.
Hiking around the Sacred Valley and Peruvian Andes can be really special during this month too. Of course there is more chance of rain so you’ll need to prepare accordingly, however the scenery will be painted with a bright green hue from all of the growing vegetation and blossoming plants.
Things to Know:
- November marks the shift from the dry season to the wet season, which is more pronounced at the end of the month.
- Trekking is still ideal in November, as temperatures are much warmer whilst the heavy rains have yet to arrive.
- November welcomes greener pastures around Cusco and the Sacred Valley due to the rains, which means more beautiful sceneries when hiking.
Pros:
- November is arguably one of the overall best months to visit Cusco given there are less crowds whilst weather conditions are still good.
- The major sites of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail will be much quieter, so you can enjoy the ancient sights in relative peace and quiet.
- Temperatures are much warmer in this month when compared with June-August, so the evenings won’t be as cold.
Cons:
- Rainfall does start to increase noticeably in November, so you’ll want to bring a poncho or jacket when heading out (especially if visiting in the last couple of weeks).
- The weather can be somewhat unpredictable on hikes around the Sacred Valley (regardless of what is happening in Cusco), so again make sure to bring waterproofs with you.
- As November is an off-peak season month, you may find the atmosphere to be quieter (for some this won’t be as fun as say if heading in June with the crowds to experience popular cultural events).
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Cusco In November
Below we’ll now explore what November 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 November
November marks the official start of the wet season, which means the rains will start to come thicker and faster now.
Overall we can expect 2.0 inches to fall throughout the entire month. Whilst this definitely changes things compared with earlier winter months such as July, August and September, it’s still not super wet which tends to happen from December until February. When heading on hikes it’s definitely worth bringing a poncho with you, given there will be a chance of rainfall along the way (it’s also important to remember that just because it’s not raining in Cusco, doesn’t guarantee your trek will be dry).
The other notable thing to mention about visiting Cusco in November is the increase in temperatures. This month is usually one of the overall warmest of the year, making it much more comfortable when heading out in the night and early morning around Cusco. This also means hiking conditions won’t be as chilly during this month!
What To Do In Cusco In November
As November isn’t such a popular month, we’ll find that it’s a perfect time for seeing some of the more popular ruins and attractions.
Machu Picchu is one of these, and if possible we recommend visiting during the first couple of weeks whilst the rainfall is less than it will be later in the month. There will be less people here during this month, however it’s still worth getting up early for the overall best (and least crowded) experience. Other ruins that won’t be as busy include Saqsayhuamán and those in Pisac, both of which are full of incredible temples and ancient Incan creations.
Depending on the hikes you choose, trekking throughout the Sacred Valley is still good to do during this month. Temperatures will be overall warmer which is ideal for the higher altitude hikes like those of Salkantay and Ausangate. Rainfall might be heavy in certain areas, so it’s worth bringing a hooded coat and a poncho to keep yourself warm and dry.
What Should You Bring To Cusco In November?
Here we will now list everything that you’ll need for a trip to Cusco in November. 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 jumper.
- Thin layers for daytime hiking (when at higher altitudes the sun will be more intense).
- A poncho in case it rains (which is likely during November).
- Waterproof clothes (such as trousers and boots for when it does rain).
- A hand towel.
- Comfortable hiking boots for treks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 November
As we now enter the wet season for Cusco and the Sacred Valley, rainfall can get heavy (although much less than December, January or February). This means hiking is still good to do during this month, although you’ll need to be prepared with a poncho and waterproofs in case it rains (see our packing list above for more details).
The Inca Trail In November
The wet season offers a much different experience for travelers, and is perfect for those who dislike crowds and want a more authentic experience. Trails won’t be overrun with people, and you’ll also find temperatures to be more comfortable during this month. Whilst there is more rainfall in November, it’s still quite mild and won’t cause that many issues along your hike.
The Salkantay Trek In November
Whilst much cooler in the dry season, temperatures along the Salkantay Trek are warmer and more comfortable in this month. The long-awaited rainfall will start to reach here too, which will help the surrounding vegetation flourish and make for more beautiful scenic views along your hike. Check out our availability for the Salkantay Trek now!
Inca Jungle Trek In November
This trek is an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, where you’ll spend less time hiking and more time carrying out different extreme sports like white water rafting. November is still safe to carry out these activities, although you’ll want to bring a poncho and also listen carefully to the advice of your tour leader along the way.
Choquequirao Trek In November
An increasingly popular alternative to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao will be pleasant during this month (and arguably could be one of the best during the year to head on this hike). Rainfall is still low, and the temperatures will also be warmer than the previous months. Tourism will also be lower than usual, meaning you can enjoy the route with very little other hikers around!
Ausangate Trek In November
The first two weeks of this month are really ideal to hike Ausangate, as the rains haven’t properly arrived yet (and there’s a good chance of many clear days for your hike). Most importantly is that the temperatures have started to warm up, which is much better for those who otherwise struggle with these higher-altitude, cooler temperatures. Be sure to learn more about the Ausangate Trek.
Lares Trek In November
Usually November tends to be a transition month for the climate on the Lares Trek. The heavier rains tend to start at the end of the month, so if heading in early November then it won’t be too wet. It’s worth bringing a poncho regardless, however the major benefit is that the surrounding vegetation will be bright green and perfect for some really memorable photos.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek In November
A much less busier alternative to Machu Picchu, Huchuy Qosqo is another incredible set of ruins found within the Sacred Valley region. November does see more rain, so you’ll need to bring some waterproofs. It’s still not too much though, making this month ideal before the wetter summer months arrive.
The Main Advantages Of Visiting Cusco In November (Off-Peak Tourist Season, Local Festivals)
As we enter November, we move further away from the busy tourist season, meaning streets won’t be overfilled with tourists exploring Cusco and heading on treks. This makes this month perfect for those who want a quieter experience, where usually-popular attractions such as Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha won’t have such long lines. This also means that the longer hikes around the Sacred Valley won’t be so popular, meaning you can enjoy beautiful views without the noise of other groups here. This is especially the case with the Inca Trail, and also Machu Picchu as these months aren’t as popular for a visit.
The other perfect reason to head to Cusco in November is for the local festivals. Whilst there are many on throughout the year, this month in particular plays host to some really interesting traditions and cultural celebrations. The first is the Día de Todos los Santos, which celebrates all the saints by holding giant masses throughout the city.
The second major event is the Dia de los Muertos, which celebrates the dead and is an important event all over Latin America (most have already heard about it from the traditions of Mexico). Here locals will head to graveyards to bless their loved ones that have passed, where they will bring tanta wawa (bread that is cooked in the shape of dolls) and left as an offering. Of course you don’t need to visit the graveyard, however you can eat Lechón which is a dish that is prepared in abundance all over the city to celebrate this cultural event. Both celebrations are held annually during the first week of November.
The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Cusco In November (Rainy Weather)
November marks the start of the wet season, meaning there will be more rainfall than the prior winter months. We can expect roughly 2 inches to fall throughout the month, which does mean there will be some showers every now and then in Cusco. During hikes in the Sacred Valley, there can be more rainfall given the climates can wildly vary within the mountains. For this reason it’s worth bringing waterproofs and a poncho to keep you dry in case it does rain along the way.
However, having said that, the rains in November only start to really pick-up in the latter stages of the month. This means we only have to worry about getting slight infrequent rains, and not get overly wet which can happen in months like December, January and February. Not only does this make hiking more comfortable in the earlier weeks of November, it also means we don’t need to worry about potential landslides or logistical issues (such as mountain roads that we need to take to get to hiking routes becoming waterlogged and impassable).
Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In November?
And that’s all for this guide to visiting Cusco in November.
Marking the official start of the wet season, many do worry if November will bring torrid rains every day in Cusco. However this is not the case, with rains only starting to fall more frequently in the latter weeks of November. On the other hand, the advantages of visiting during this month is that temperatures will have further warmed up, whilst there will be little crowds. There are also some important traditional events to see during this month too if you want a more cultural experience.
We highly recommend heading on the Inca Trail in November, given there will be few crowds and warmer temperatures. You can see our available dates here and get your trip booked in now!