Cusco
ISO3: PER
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I have not visited ❌
Time Zone: America/Lima
"Cusco, ombligo del mundo | Cusco, navel of the world"
13.5164° S, 71.9788° W
About:
Cusco, Peru, was the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th until the 16th-century Spanish conquest. In 1533, Spanish conquistadors took over, dramatically altering the city's structure. Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Today, it's a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unique blend of pre-Columbian and colonial architecture, and as the gateway to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu.
When to visit:
Cusco, located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is a popular destination known for its rich history and stunning architecture. The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions such as the historic Plaza de Armas and the ancient Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Additionally, visiting during a holiday like Inti Raymi, the Inca Festival of the Sun held in June, provides a unique cultural experience showcasing traditional music, dance, and ceremonies.
When to avoid:
The worst time to travel to Cusco, Peru on a holiday is during the rainy season, which typically occurs from November to March. During this period, heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, road closures, and disruptions in transportation. Additionally, the rainy season coincides with the peak of the tourist season, resulting in crowded attractions and higher prices for accommodations. Travelers seeking to avoid these challenges may consider visiting Cusco during the dry season, which spans from April to October.
"Winter Rainy Season"
In Cusco, Peru, the warmest part of the year typically falls between October and April, with the peak temperatures occurring in the months of November to March. During this time, the average daytime temperatures range from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C).
This period is also the rainy season in Cusco, with January and February seeing the highest rainfall. The city experiences an average of 140mm to 160mm of rainfall per month during these peak rainy months. Despite the rain, the city still enjoys a fair amount of sunlight, with an average of 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity during this time is relatively high due to the rainfall, often exceeding 80%. As for cloudiness, the sky is often partly cloudy to overcast, especially during the peak rainy months.
A typical day for a visitor during this season would start off cool in the morning, gradually warming up to reach peak temperatures in the early afternoon. There's a good chance of rain showers, especially in the afternoon and evening. Despite the rain, there's usually enough sunshine for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. The high humidity might make the heat feel more intense, so it's advisable to stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing. The evenings cool down significantly, so it's a good idea to have a jacket or sweater handy.
"Warm Season (May-September)"
In Cusco, Peru, the warmest part of the year typically falls between October and April, with the peak temperatures occurring in the months of November to March. During this time, the average daytime temperatures range from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C).
This period is also the rainy season in Cusco, with January and February seeing the highest rainfall. The city experiences an average of 140mm to 160mm of rainfall per month during these peak rainy months. Despite the rain, the city still enjoys a fair amount of sunlight, with an average of 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity during this time is relatively high due to the rainfall, often exceeding 80%. As for cloudiness, the sky is often partly cloudy to overcast, especially during the peak rainy months.
A typical day for a visitor during this season would start off cool in the morning, gradually warming up to reach peak temperatures in the early afternoon. There's a good chance of rain showers, especially in the afternoon and evening. Despite the rain, there's usually enough sunshine for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. The high humidity might make the heat feel more intense, so it's advisable to stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing. The evenings cool down significantly, so it's a good idea to have a jacket or sweater handy.
Language:
spanish
Cusco, a city in Peru, predominantly speaks Spanish, which is the official language of the country. However, a significant portion of the population also speaks Quechua, an indigenous language of the Andean region. It's not uncommon to hear English, particularly in tourist areas, as Cusco is a major hub for visitors to Machu Picchu.