At Tunqui Expeditions, we know that the weather can shape your entire travel experience. A sunny day can make the hike unforgettable, while unexpected rain or cold can catch you unprepared. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to Choquequirao weather—so you know exactly what to expect before booking your adventure.
Unlike treks that reach very high altitudes, the Choquequirao route is generally warmer. However, being in the Cusco region, the weather here can be unpredictable. In fact, it’s not uncommon to feel like you’ve lived through all four seasons in just one day—from chilly mornings to sunny afternoons, followed by sudden rain showers.
But don’t worry. With the right preparation, you can enjoy this incredible journey to the fullest.
To enjoy Choquequirao regardless of the season, we recommend:
If you’re planning the Choquequirao trek, one of the most important things to consider is the weather in Choquequirao. Just like in Cusco, the best time to visit Choquequirao is usually May, September, and October. During these months, you can expect plenty of sunny days, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall, which means spectacular views of the Apurímac Canyon and the Inca ruins.
One of the main reasons travelers love this route is that the Choquequirao hike is still relatively off the beaten path. Unlike the Machu Picchu trek, the Choquequirao trail is not overcrowded, so you won’t need to worry much about peak tourist season—unless your itinerary includes both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
If your adventure ends in Machu Picchu, keep in mind that June and July are the busiest months in Cusco. June is packed with cultural festivals for the city’s anniversary, and July features patriotic celebrations for Peru’s Independence Day, attracting thousands of local and international visitors.
When planning the Choquequirao trek, one of the key factors to keep in mind is the weather in the rainy season. The climate in this part of Peru is highly unpredictable, and sudden changes are very common. While you should always expect rain, that doesn’t mean you won’t also enjoy some clear skies and sunny days. In fact, one of the unique things about the Andes is that you can often experience all four seasons in a single day.
If you’re trekking to Choquequirao between November and April, you’ll be in the heart of the wet season. The trails are quieter, the landscapes are lush and green, and you’ll likely encounter far fewer tourists. However, this also means you’ll need to be properly prepared with rain gear, waterproof clothing, and sturdy hiking boots.
The wettest months are January and February, when heavy rain is most frequent. These months also mark the lowest season for tourism in Cusco and Choquequirao, which can be a big advantage for travelers looking for discounts on hotels, tours, and restaurants.
Below is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of what to expect during the Choquequirao rainy season:
November marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rains. Early in the month, the land is still dry, with fields looking somewhat barren after months without precipitation. As the month progresses, rain showers become more frequent. Overall, temperatures are mild and pleasant, making this a decent time to start the trek if you don’t mind some afternoon showers.
Highlights:
December is the start of summer across Peru, and many locals begin traveling for holidays. The temperatures are warm, and the rains start to intensify. While showers are more frequent, they’re often followed by clear skies, which can provide some spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. With proper rain gear, trekking to Choquequirao in December can be very rewarding.
Highlights:
January brings less sunshine and more consistent rain, with showers on most days. The good news is that rain in the Andes often comes in bursts and doesn’t always last all day. Still, the trails can become muddy and slippery, making it essential to wear hiking boots with good grip and bring waterproof clothing.
Highlights:
February is the rainiest month in Choquequirao. The precipitation is heavy, and trails can be muddy and challenging. Landslides and slippery paths are more common, so trekking requires extra caution. Despite the rain, temperatures remain mild, and the scenery is stunningly green. If you are well-prepared, February can offer a very authentic and adventurous experience, away from the crowds.
Highlights:
March still brings heavy rain showers, but they tend to be shorter, and sunny breaks are more frequent. The valleys are incredibly lush at this time, and the rivers are at their fullest, creating a dramatic backdrop for the trek. While you should still expect to get wet, this is the month when conditions begin to improve.
Highlights:
By April, the rainy season is winding down. Showers are still possible, especially in the afternoons, but there are far more sunny days compared to previous months. The landscapes are still beautifully green, and the weather is generally mild and comfortable. April is considered a shoulder month, making it a great option for those who want good weather, fewer tourists, and vibrant scenery.
Highlights:
Trekking to Choquequirao in the rainy season can be a rewarding experience if you’re well-prepared. While rain and muddy trails are part of the adventure, the rewards include:
👉 If you’re looking for solitude and don’t mind a little rain, the rainy season might actually be the perfect time for your Choquequirao trek. Just remember: pack smart, bring quality rain gear, and wear sturdy boots to make the most of this incredible adventure.
The dry season in Choquequirao is the most popular time for travelers to embark on this breathtaking trek. From May through October, the region enjoys clear skies, abundant sunshine, and some of the most stunning views of the Apurímac Canyon and the Choquequirao archaeological site.
This period is considered the best time to visit Choquequirao, but it also comes with increased tourism. Since the weather is at its most favorable, more hikers choose this time to visit, which means hotels, restaurants, and tours in Cusco and the surrounding region often book out well in advance. For this reason, it’s wise to plan your trip at least three months ahead if you want to secure your preferred itinerary.
Below, we break down each month of the dry season so you know exactly what to expect.
May officially marks the beginning of the dry season. Rainfall decreases significantly compared to the wet season, though you might still encounter an occasional shower. Daytime temperatures are mild and comfortable, while nights begin to feel cooler.
This is one of the best months to trek to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu because the landscapes are still green from the rainy season, but the large crowds haven’t yet arrived.
What to expect in May:
June is considered the driest month in the Cusco region. Chances of rain are minimal, and many trekkers will go days without experiencing a single drop. However, Andean weather can be unpredictable, so a lightweight rain jacket is still a smart addition to your pack.
Tourism peaks in June due to the Cusco anniversary celebrations, making this one of the busiest times to travel. Nights can be extremely cold, often dropping close to 0°C, so a warm sleeping bag is essential.
What to expect in June:
July is the coldest month of the year in the Andes. Days remain sunny, often with completely cloudless skies, but nights are extremely chilly. Many trekkers report frost on their tents in the early morning.
UV radiation is very strong during this time, so sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen) is absolutely necessary. Although rare, sudden weather changes can bring short hailstorms, so always be prepared.
What to expect in July:
August brings the end of the Andean winter. Nights are still very cold, though daytime temperatures begin to rise again. Rain is still rare, and trekkers are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding peaks.
August is also known as the windiest month on the Choquequirao trail, so bringing a windbreaker jacket will make your trek much more comfortable.
What to expect in August:
September is one of the most pleasant months to hike Choquequirao. The weather becomes warmer, rain is still minimal, and the landscapes remain clear and sunny. Tourist numbers begin to decline compared to the peak months of June, July, and August, offering a quieter experience on the trail.
What to expect in September:
October is the warmest month of the year in Cusco and along the Choquequirao trek. Days are hot and sunny, with clear skies and breathtaking views. Although rain becomes slightly more common toward the end of the month, it is still relatively low compared to the rainy season.
This is a wonderful time to enjoy the trek, as the weather is ideal, and the large tourist crowds have already left.
What to expect in October:
The Choquequirao dry season (May–October) offers the best trekking conditions, with sunny skies, clear trails, and excellent visibility of the Inca ruins and surrounding landscapes. However, it also coincides with higher tourism, so planning and booking in advance is crucial.
✅ If you want the clearest skies and best weather, June through August is ideal.
✅ If you prefer fewer tourists and warmer conditions, May, September, and October are the best months to go.
Whether you choose to travel in the busy high season or the quieter shoulder months, the Choquequirao trek during the dry season promises an unforgettable adventure into one of Peru’s most stunning and less-explored Inca sites.
Planning your trek to Choquequirao, the hidden Inca city, means preparing for a wide variety of weather conditions. Since the trail covers different altitudes—from warm valleys to chilly mountain passes—the temperature and climate can change drastically throughout your journey. Below, we answer some of the most common questions travelers have about the weather in Choquequirao and how to prepare.
The average temperature along the Choquequirao trek depends largely on the altitude.
This big difference is what makes layered clothing essential—you’ll want to be able to add or remove layers as conditions shift throughout the day.
Just like the rest of the Cusco region, the coldest months in Choquequirao are June and July. These months fall in the middle of the dry season, which offers the clearest skies but also the coldest nights.
During this time, nighttime temperatures can drop close to 0°C, and mornings often start with frost on the ground. If you’re camping, a high-quality sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero conditions) is a must.
It’s important to note that you cannot fly directly to Choquequirao. The trek begins from trailheads near Cachora or Capuliyoc, and the closest airport is in Cusco.
Occasionally, heavy rainfall in the rainy season (January–March) can cause delays or cancellations of flights to and from Cusco. Airlines usually reschedule passengers on the next available flight, so while it may cause a small inconvenience, it rarely disrupts travel plans for long.
Packing correctly for Choquequirao is the key to enjoying the trek. Since the weather can be unpredictable, you’ll need to prepare for both intense sun and heavy rain, as well as warm days and freezing nights.
Here’s a list of essential items you should bring:
For a complete breakdown, see our full Choquequirao Packing List.
Both the dry season (May–October) and the rainy season (November–April) have their advantages:
No matter when you decide to go, the Choquequirao trek offers an unforgettable adventure through rugged landscapes, remote Andean valleys, and one of the most fascinating Inca sites in Peru.
Now that you know about the weather, average temperatures, and packing tips for Choquequirao, you can plan your adventure with confidence. Whether you prefer the dry season for its sunny days or the rainy season for its quiet trails, Choquequirao promises an experience like no other—remote, mystical, and breathtakingly beautiful.
👉 Ready to explore? Join Tunqui Expeditions and make your Choquequirao adventure one you’ll never forget!
