What to Wear on a Trip to Cusco, Peru

LAYERS

That is the key to what to wear in Cusco, Peru. This place high up in the Andes Mountains has predictably unpredictable weather! It’s a land of extremes, so you need to be prepared to enjoy your trip. Here are some things to keep in mind!

1. Altitude
2. Seasons
3. Time of Day
4. Bugs
5. The Sun
6. Cultural Expectations
7. Machu Picchu
8. Suggested Clothing Packing List
9. In Conclusion…

Altitude

The city of Cusco is at 3400 meters above sea level – 11,155 feet. As a general rule, the higher up, the colder it gets. If you go up into the mountains for a hike like Salkantay or Ausangate, it will be a lot colder. If you go down into the Sacred Valley, Quillabamba, or the cloud forest, it will be warmer, more humid, and tropical. 

The humidity is, on average, only 60% – pleasant like springtime! The air feels dry and can even cause cracked skin and nosebleeds. In direct sunlight, it feels like summer, and you sweat, but if you step into the shade or inside a building, it feels like winter, and you start to shiver. You should always have some light sweaters with you during the day!

Seasons

Cusco doesn’t have four seasons, just two: rainy and dry. The rainy season is from November to March, and the dry season is from April to October. Temperatures year-round range from 32-70°F / 0-21°C, between highs and lows. The dry season is like winter, and the rainy season is like summer, but there are actually only a few degrees of difference between the seasons. 

Rainy Season

During the rainy season, it will most likely rain every day, a few times throughout the day. The weather can go from sunshine to a torrential downpour at the drop of a hat, so never leave home without your raincoat!

Your clothing choices during this time of year are a defining factor in whether or not you enjoy your trip. Bring a waterproof rain jacket (don’t buy plastic ponchos!) and waterproof shoes with a good sole. 

Leave the Toms and high heels at home. Cusco is built on a foundation of stones that deserve to have a sign dedicated to them – *Slippery When Wet*. I have personally been victim to falling while walking around the historical center’s cobblestone streets with flat-soled shoes! I’ve also been known to simply take my shoes and socks off to cross the street when it becomes more like a river than a walkway. You should also expect mud anywhere not made of stones (like on a day trip to the Sacred Valley or walking around Sacsayhuaman).

Dry Season

Dry season is easier to pack for! It’s extremely rare to have rain in these months, so you can forgo packing the rain jacket. You’ll also have the liberty to wear a wider variety of shoes. It is, however, very sunny during the day, yet chilly in the shade and pretty cold in the evenings, so keep that in mind when you make your choices. 

Time of Day 

There’s a drastic difference between daytime temps and nighttime temps. The highs (60-70°F / 15-21°C) are between 8 AM and 5 PM, and the lows (32-59°F / 0-15°C) are between 5 PM and 8 AM. Once the sun starts to go down in the late afternoon, you’ll feel chilly and put on a sweater. A couple of hours later, in the evening, you’ll want a heavier jacket and closed-toed shoes. In the dry season, add on a warm cap and scarf, too. In the rainy season, you’ll always need a raincoat ready to go on top of your other layers. Rain, even during the day but especially at night, drops the temperature quickly!

Bugs

There aren’t mosquitoes in the city of Cusco, but if you go on lower-altitude excursions, like to the Sacred Valley, toward Machu Picchu, or on the Inca Jungle Trail, you’ll need the bug spray. And I mean NEED. These bugs aren’t regular mosquitos – their bites are worse. They itch more, they swell bigger, and they turn red. One option for sure prevention is to wear long sleeves and long pants! DriFit is your best friend in bug-infested areas, especially while hiking. 

The Sun

Sunburns aren’t just for the beach! They’re actually worse here in the Andes Mountains. We are close to Equator, and the higher the altitude, the less atmospheric protection you have. The sun is SO strong here. You will burn very quickly in and around Cusco, even on a cloudy day and even if you’re hiking next to a glacier. Skin cancer risk at high altitudes is proven to be higher than in lower altitude destinations. The UV index in Cusco and the surrounding areas is among the highest in the world at an average of 13.6. Anything over 11 is considered “extreme.”

So sun protection is another key to having a fun trip! Literally, anytime you go outside, you should slather yourself with a high SPF sunblock OR wear long sleeves and long pants. Always wear some kind of hat, and be mindful of your ears if they’re uncovered. If you’re going to be continued outside all day, opt for a wide-brimmed sun hat of some kind! 

Cultural Expectations

In Cusco, it’s unusual to see a local wearing short, a skirt or a dress, or very revealing clothing at all. However, it’s not considered culturally rude to do so, so you can wear whatever you choose. If you want to blend in, though, wear simple, casual clothes! 

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is at a lower elevation than the city of Cusco by 3180 feet / 970 meters. It’s warmer and more humid, and there are lots of mosquitos. It’s in the cloud forest, a more tropical landscape than Cusco! I suggest you go with breathable clothing to be comfortable.

Suggested Clothing Packing List

My everyday garb in Cusco is boots or tennis shoes, a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt or blouse + a light sweater + a heavy coat, and a raincoat in the rainy season. Of course, that varies when I go on hiking trips or to warmer areas. Here are some suggestions of what to bring on your trip:

• Long-sleeved DriFit shirt(s)
• Tanks or tees for daytime use and hiking 
• Blouses (for the ladies) to use in the city and for non-adventurous attractions
• Cardigan(s)
• Pullover or zip-up fleece or sweater
• Top coat or puffer jacket
• Waterproof raincoat (November – March)
• Quick-dry hiking pants or lounge pants
• Jeans
• Sweatpants
• Skirt or dress (for the ladies) for special occasions 
• Shorts for hot springs or hiking 
• Bathing suit(s) for hot springs
• Warm pajamas
• Regular socks for everyday use
• Thick socks for nighttime
• Waterproof hiking boots
• A versatile, casual shoe for everyday use that can be dressed up if needed
• A pair of sandals for home, campsites, or hot springs
• Warm cap
• Ballcap for everyday use
• Wide-brimmed sun hat for outdoor days
• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Bug spray

In Conclusion…

Cusco is the perfect destination for any traveler! It has something for everyone, whether it’s in the city, in the Sacred Valley, or somewhere else. There is an abundance of archaeological sites to visit, adventure sports galore, and relaxing places to recharge the soul. Now you know how to dress for the occasion!