Cusco In October

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In October?

Quick Answer: As is this case with September in Cusco, October is also a shoulder month – although it’s where we begin to see the shift from the dry season to wet season.

Better weather is the first advantage for those who visit in October. Temperatures only continue to get warmer, and in this month the lows are less chilly which makes it ideal for hiking. Rainfall is still relatively tame (especially compared with the following months) which also makes it an ideal month for clearer skies and views on treks.

October also sees a sharp drop in tourism, meaning there will be less crowds in major sites and along classic hiking routes. This is due to it being an awkward month for travel (given the summer holidays are over), however if you can make it here during this month then you won’t regret it! 

Things to Know:

• October is a shoulder season month, which means that there will be less crowds.
• Although hikes are generally less busy, it’s still worth booking ones like the Inca Trail at least 4-6 months in advance to guarantee your spot and preferred camping options.

Pros:

• Temperatures will be warmer than the previous months, which is great for heading out during the night and not feeling too cold.
• Tourism levels are lower in October, meaning there won’t be so many crowds and lines for the more popular attractions.
• Recent rainfall means that the landscapes around Cusco and the Sacred Valley will be lush-green with lots of blooming flowers.

Cons:

• The extra rainfall levels can put some off, although they’re still quite low given we have not yet entered the wet season for Cusco.
• You will still need to bring warm clothing for multi-day hikes, where you’ll be out walking in the early morning.
• Whilst less busy than the winter months, there will still be more tourists here when compared with wet season months (such as November and January).

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Cusco In October

Below we’ll now explore what October 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 October

As already mentioned October is a shoulder month, and during the final weeks we will see the shift from the dry season to the wet season.

Whilst you’d think that this means a lot of rainfall, it’s not really the case yet! Throughout this month we can expect 1.3 inches, which whilst is more than the rest of the dry season, is certainly still less than the following months. Bringing a poncho is ideal for hikes and treks through the Sacred Valley, as conditions are more random compared with that of the city of Cusco.

Temperatures gradually get warmer too during October, and are most noticeable at night. The lows rise up to around 42°F (up from 39°F in September), which means you will be more comfortable walking around the city after the sun goes down. Average daily temperatures hover around 53°F, whilst mid-afternoon highs can reach up to 65°F.

What To Do In Cusco In October

October is an all-round great month to visit Cusco, and especially if you plan to see and do a lot of things whilst here.

Given there are less crowds, this means you can walk around the historic center without it feeling too busy. Here you can explore the Plaza de Armas with its impressive baroque cathedrals, visit the San Pedro Market and also head up to the Mirador de San Cristobal for some impressive city views. It’s important to note that certain attractions will be popular regardless of the time of year, although in October the queues won’t be as long (such as with Saqsayhuáman and Qorikancha).

Hiking is also a must if heading to Cusco in October. Warmer temperatures and still-low rainfall levels make for ideal conditions, and you’ll also find there are less crowds along popular treks such as the Inca Trail and Ausangate Trek. October is also one of the best months for visiting Machu Picchu, as crowds are slightly less whilst the weather is perfect (there won’t be so much mist which can obscure views – which is more common during the wet season).

What Should You Bring To Cusco In October?

Here we will now list everything that you’ll need for a trip to Cusco in October. 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 thick jumper (a warm coat is also ideal if you’ll be out a lot in the evenings).
• Thin layers for daytime hiking (when at higher altitudes the sun will be more intense).
• A poncho in case it rains.
• 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.
• Optionally you can bring a thick hat, scarf, and gloves (especially if you struggle with the cold in general). However if you plan to hike then it’s a good idea to bring these anyway.
• 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 October 

The bridge between the dry and wet seasons of Cusco, October is a really great time to go hiking around the sacred valley and on some of the more popular treks. Whilst it’s worth bringing a poncho in case it rains, this month is ideal given temperatures will be warmer (so it won’t be so bitterly cold during the early mornings and late afternoons).

The Inca Trail In October 

Personally we feel that October is one of the overall best months of the year to head on the Inca Trail. Here the increased rainfall will mean more green landscapes along the way, and also there will be much less crowds on the route with you. Whilst you can find availability closer to this month, it’s still worth booking well in advance to guarantee your preferred camping spots.

The Salkantay Trek In October 

Another very popular trek to head on from Cusco, the Salkantay Trek is also ideal to take on in October. Given we’re at a high altitude here the temperatures will be colder than other treks, however this month is usually warmer than the more popular winter months of June, July and August. This month is also the last with little rainfall, meaning there won’t be too many clouds obscuring your views.

Inca Jungle Trek In October

If you’re looking to do more activities and extreme sports, then the Inca Jungle Trek is a great alternative to the traditional route. October is another great month given the weather will be ideal for rafting and biking, and temperatures will be comfortable all-round which makes hiking more relaxing.

Choquequirao Trek In October 

Whilst considered one of the more difficult treks, Choquequirao is ideal for those who don’t want to deal with so many crowds (whilst still seeing incredible ruins). October is still relatively dry, and the warmer temperatures help to make the overall hiking experience more comfortable. It’s recommended to bring a poncho just in case it does rain during your hike.

Ausangate Trek In October 

Similar to that of the Salkantay Trek, Ausangate is another high-altitude route which is often colder and more demanding than other hikes. In October we will have warmer temperatures which will be more comfortable (especially at night when it can otherwise be freezing in certain months). There will also be less crowds during this month which will help to have a more authentic experience.

Lares Trek In October 

This trek is one of the easier ones to complete as it’s at an overall lower altitude, and in October it will be more comfortable given temperatures are warmer. There will be some rain, however this will pass shortly and not last all day. The benefit of this however is that there will be more blooming flowers and plants, which make for more unforgettable sceneries along the route.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek In October 

Located just outside the Andean town of Lamay, the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo are still not as known so will be crowd-free most of the year (making it perfect for those who are after a more authentic experience). October is the last month of the dry season, and is an ideal time to head on this hike before the wetter months arrive. You can learn more about the Huchuy Qosqo trek, and why it’s a must-see during your time in Cusco.

The Main Advantages Of Visiting Cusco In October (Perfect Weather, Less Crowds)

As you may already know, the dry season has the best weather for Cusco given the lack of rainfall (which avoids any logistical issues when traveling around). However October arguably has the best weather out of the whole dry season, given temperatures are warmer which is perfect for heading out during the evening and when hiking. 

Whilst there is some rainfall, it’s still quite low with just 1.3 inches which won’t affect your daily plans. Instead what it will do is lead to greener pastures, more wildlife and overall more beautiful sceneries. It’s still worth bringing a poncho with you when heading on hikes throughout the Sacred Valley, given the weather can be less predictable in the deeper mountains.

The other great reason to visit Cusco in October is that there will be less crowds overall, which is similar if you were to visit in April or May. This is due to many tourists not having their holidays yet, and also as October is more of a shoulder month which can be difficult to organize plans for. Within the city we will see a noticeable drop in crowds compared with the previous months, which is great if you prefer a more authentic feel without long lines everywhere. We’ll also find that usually-popular hiking routes are more relaxed, such as the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek.

The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Cusco In October (Slight Increase In Rainfall)

As with the other shoulder months of Cusco (such as April, May and September), there really are little disadvantages for a visit. 

However if we had to be picky, then the increases in rainfall may be an issue for some. Whilst still only 1.3 inches, it does mean that you may get a shower or two during your stay in the city. It’s also more likely that on your hikes you could get some rainfall, however it’s not guaranteed. Regardless it’s a good idea to bring a poncho with you just in case it does start to rain.

If you are already in Cusco, then you can pick up a poncho in many markets, and if heading on a multi-day tour with us we will also provide you with one. It’s also worth noting that whilst temperatures are overall warmer during this month, it can get quite cold on hikes in the early morning or at night (especially on treks like Ausangate which are at high altitude). You can buy a chompa or jumper in the markets around the historic center before heading off on a hike, which will help to keep you warm.

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In October?

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

The final month of the dry season, October is a really great time to visit Cusco and the surrounding Peruvian Andes. Whilst the rains have started to pick-up, it’s still quite dry compared with other months of the year. Temperatures are also getting warmer which makes the evenings more comfortable, as well as when hiking in the early mornings. Finally there will be less crowds, which is ideal for seeing some of the more popular attractions without them feeling too busy.

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Machu Picchu, given there won’t be as many tourists. You can take a look at our different tours and find the best option for you.