Cusco
City in Peru
Located in Peru, Cusco is a city with a population of about 428,000. Visitors travel here to see historical sites, including Sacsayhuamán and Coricancha.
What to see
The city features several historical landmarks. Sacsayhuamán is a prominent site, while Coricancha and the Twelve-angled stone showcase distinct masonry. Visitors also explore the Cusco Cathedral and the Inka Museum to view local artifacts and architecture.
When to go
Cusco experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from January through March, with heavy rainfall reaching up to 215 mm in January across approximately 20 days. Travelers preferring drier conditions should visit between May and August, when rainfall drops to as little as 7 mm to 11 mm per month. Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with daily highs ranging from 14 °C to 16 °C and lows between 3 °C and 7 °C.
Getting there
The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is located 5 km from the city, serving as the primary point of entry. For those traveling from within the country, Cusco is situated 572 km from Lima.
Top sights in Cusco
Weather by month
The warmest month is October, with an average high of 16 °C. The wettest is January, with about 215 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
| Average low, °C | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Rainfall, mm | 215 | 176 | 152 | 52 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 21 | 62 | 91 | 148 |
| Rainy days | 20 | 21 | 17 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 19 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Cusco (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Inka Museum