Adventure in Cusco in the rainy season: what you can do from November to March

From November to March it rains often in Cusco, and in January and February the rain is heavier. That doesn't mean giving up on adventure: the landscapes are greener, there are fewer tourists and many activities keep running, sometimes with changes. The key is knowing what works, what to avoid and how to organise your day.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

How it rains in Cusco

It doesn't usually rain all day: mornings tend to start clear or cloudy and showers and storms arrive in the afternoon. There are dry days and days of persistent rain, especially in the middle of the southern summer. On the cloud-forest fringe, around Santa Teresa or Aguas Calientes, it rains more.

• Rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu: what to expect and how to make the most of it
• Cusco weather by month: temperatures, rain and what to expect

The morning rule

Schedule outdoor activities for the morning and keep afternoons for museums, markets or rest. Many operators already adjust their timings at this time of year.

• The best museums in Cusco: which to visit, tickets and how to plan
• Cooking classes in Cusco: what to expect, typical dishes and how to choose

Rafting

The Urubamba river rises with the rains. Some sections become more intense and others close for safety, while alternative sections are used. Choose an operator that adapts the route to the day's flow and doesn't push it if the river isn't safe. Apurímac expeditions don't run at this time.

• Rafting in Cusco: Urubamba sections, the Apurímac, seasons and safety
• Apurímac river rafting: multi-day whitewater expeditions from Cusco

Zipline and via ferrata

They usually run all year, though they may be suspended occasionally for lightning storms. Wet rock calls for more care on the via ferrata. Book for the morning and confirm the day before.

• Ziplining and via ferrata in Cusco: the Sacred Valley and Santa Teresa

Biking and ATVs

Routes around Maras and Moray are still possible, but with mud and puddles. You'll get dirty: bring a change of clothes. On days of heavy rain, operators may shorten or postpone the outing.

• Mountain biking in Cusco: routes, tours, rental and safety
• ATV tour to Maras and Moray: what the quad-bike trip from Cusco is like

Hikes

Short and half-day hikes are a good option: Huchuy Qosqo, the area around Sacsayhuamán or the Sacred Valley trails. High-altitude hikes such as Rainbow Mountain are possible, but with a higher chance of snow, hail, fog and muddy paths. The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance.

• Huchuy Qosqo trek: the one-day hike from Cusco to the Sacred Valley
• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): a practical guide to visiting
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, when to book, the 4-day route and the short version

Paragliding

Paragliding depends heavily on wind and cloud, so cancellations are more common in the rainy season. If you're keen, book it early in your stay so you have backup days, and accept that the operator decides whether to fly on the day.

• Paragliding in Cusco: tandem flights over the Sacred Valley

If it rains all day

Days of persistent rain are good for a cooking class, a chocolate workshop or a tour of the museums in the centre. You can also use them to rest and acclimatise better before a demanding activity.

• Chocolate and cacao in Cusco: workshops, chuncho cacao and what to buy
• Local markets in Cusco: Wanchaq, Huancaro, Vinocanchón and beyond San Pedro

What to avoid

• Mountaineering and high-altitude rock climbing: deep snow and storms make them dangerous.
• Multi-day rafting expeditions.
• Canyoning at high flow: many outings are cancelled.
• Driving at night on mountain roads, because of landslides.

• Mountaineering in Cusco: Ausangate, Verónica, Campa and how to prepare
• Canyoning in Cusco: Limatambo and Santa Teresa waterfalls, difficulty and tips

Hot springs

After a wet day, few things feel better than hot springs. Those at Lares or Cocalmayo, near Santa Teresa, are popular, and Aguas Calientes also has thermal baths. Check road conditions before going.

• Hot springs near Cusco: Cocalmayo, Lares, Aguas Calientes and Pacchanta

Machu Picchu in the rain

Machu Picchu is open all year. Rain and mist can hide the views at times, but they also create very special atmospheres. Bring a rain jacket and shoes with good grip: the stone is slippery. Mountain routes can be harder in the mud.

• Machu Picchu circuits explained: which to choose (1, 2 or 3) and what you see
• Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain: which to climb and what each hike is like

Rain gear

• A waterproof, breathable jacket, better than an umbrella.
• Waterproof or quick-dry trousers.
• Waterproof shoes with a good sole.
• A rain cover for your backpack and dry bags.
• A dry change of clothes.

In Cusco you can buy cheap plastic ponchos for emergencies.

• Trekking gear rental and shops in Cusco: what to rent, what to bring and tips

Plan flexibly

Leave spare days in your itinerary to move activities if the weather turns. Ask operators about their bad-weather cancellation policy before booking.

• Cusco adventure itinerary: 5 to 7 days of rafting, biking, ziplining and trekking

The upsides

Fewer people at the most visited sites, green landscapes, more accommodation availability and often a quieter city. For many travellers, that makes up for the rainy afternoons.

• Best time to visit Cusco and what to pack

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).