Choquequirao Weather

What’s the Best Month to Go to Choquequirao?

In the year, the best time to visit Cusco is in May, September, and October weatherwise. It’s similar to Choquequirao. You can expect lots of sunny days and not too much rain, meaning you’ll get some splendid views.

One great thing about this fantastic route is that it’s off-the-beaten-path and is still not hugely popular with visitors. This means that you don’t need to worry about tourist season unless your trek ends in Machu Picchu. June and July are the busiest months for tourists as June is the anniversary of Cusco, and in July, there are lots of patriotic festivities.

Below, we take a closer look at how the weather changes throughout the year and during the wet and dry seasons. This way, you’ll be able to plan your trip for the ideal climate for you.

Choquequirao Rainy Season: What to Expect

During the wet season, the weather is very unpredictable. Rain should always be expected, and it’s a great idea to bring a rain poncho or jacket with you at all times, just in case. However, you’ll also find there are many days when it doesn’t rain, and the skies are clear and sunny.

January and February are the wettest months of the year, which makes them the quietest for visitors as well. This is the real low season of the year. However, this means you can find many deals in the city for hotels, restaurants, and trips. Here’s the lowdown each month during the rainy season on the Choquequirao route.

• November

  November marks the end of the dry season. At this time of year, the land is very dry, and fields don’t look overly green. However, it also marks the start of the wet season. The later it gets in the month, the more likely you are to see rain. The overall temperature is very pleasant, though, and you’ll find it very mild.

• December

  This is the start of summer throughout Peru and is when all the nationals start going on holiday and traveling across the country. The temp is warm again like last month, but it also means that heavier precipitation is on its way. Hiking to Choquequirao is nice during this time of year; you just need to be equipped with protective rain gear.

• January

  There’s a bit less sunshine this month, and you’ll likely experience a shower or two most days. The good thing is that the rain doesn’t tend to last too long, and it dries up quickly when it disappears. If you hike to Choquequirao this month, make sure you take plenty of rain gear and hiking boots with a good grip.

• February

  Things are getting even wetter this month. February is the month with the most precipitation throughout the year. This means that the ground can be quite slippery, and you risk sliding around—quality hiking boots are a must. Despite the wet weather, the temp is pretty mild.

• March

  Heavy showers continue throughout March, but you’ll experience a few more breaks in the clouds and bask in a little more sun. However, you’re still very likely to get wet so having the right equipment is necessary to enjoy the Choquequirao Trek to the fullest.

• April

  The rain is finally fading away this month as the rainy season comes to a close. April is still considered part of the wet season due to the odd shower here and there. You’ll see lots of sunshine, though, and nice weather and temps in general.

Choquequirao Dry Season: What to Expect

When the dry season arrives, you’ll enjoy bright sunny days and some fabulous views of the landscapes and the Choquequirao archaeological site. However, this means that there are many more tourists who want to take advantage of the nice climate.

You’ll need to plan well ahead at this time of year as hotels, restaurants, and many trips can become fully booked months in advance. We suggest planning your vacation at least three months before you come. Now, let’s take a closer look at each month during the dry season.

• May

  May—the official start of the dry season. You may experience a shower here and there on the route, but not too much. The amount of rainfall has fallen greatly, and the temperature is very nice. At night, it starts to get a bit colder, but in the day, it’s very pleasant. Take advantage if you’re heading to Choquequirao and then Machu Picchu this month before the large crowds arrive.

• June

  The driest time of the entire year is in June. You might be able to avoid getting wet at all—although you still need to be prepared for a surprise shower! With this being the highest tourism season, you might see a few more people on the Choquequirao route. At night, temperatures are dropping to 0°C, but it’s still nice and bright during the day.

• July

  July is the coldest month of the year and still very dry. At night, it gets very cold, so your warm sleeping bag will come in very handy in your tent this month. In the day, though, the sun will come out, and you might notice there’s not a single cloud in sight. The sun and UV rays are very strong at this time of year, so stay well-protected. Don’t be surprised if you experience a surprise hailstorm either.

• August

  Peruvian winter is drawing to a close, but the nighttime temps are still pretty chilly. It’s getting warmer in the daytime, there’s still not a lot of rain about, and you’ll get some fantastic views. August is known for being very windy.

• September

  September is a lovely time of year. It’s getting warmer, and there’s still not much sign of rain. The days are warm, clear, and sunny, and you only see the occasional shower here and there. Tourism is tailing off a little, and you can enjoy some peace and quiet on trips like the Choquequirao Trek.

• October

  The warmest month of the year in Cusco and along the Choquequirao route in October. You can beat the big crowds and bask in the sunlight. Enjoy clear skies and warm temps as you look out at stunning landscapes.

What Is the Average Temperature of Choquequirao?

The temperature along the Choquequirao Trek changes depending on where you are because of the altitude. In the lower valleys, you can expect anything ranging from 25°C to 40°C. At higher altitudes and at colder times of the year, you’ll feel temps between 0°C and 19°C.

What Is the Coldest Month in Choquequirao?

The coldest months on the Choquequirao route are similar to the rest of Cusco—June and July. They are the driest months but also in the middle of winter. You’ll really need a good quality sleeping bag at this time of year for the cold nights.

Does the Weather in Choquequirao Affect Flights?

You can’t fly into Choquequirao. You’ll need to get a flight to Cusco if you want to do this trek. Sometimes, there might be such heavy rainfall that it affects flights, and they get canceled or delayed. The airlines will always put you on a new flight, though, so there’s no need to worry.

What to Pack When Visiting Choquequirao

To get all the details on what to pack and why check out our full Choquequirao Packing List. For now, we’ve put together a list of the essentials you need to take.

• Clothing - thin layers that you can take off and put on as the temperature changes.
• Raincoat or waterproof poncho.
• A warm jacket and sweater.
• Hand towel.
• Hiking boots or shoes - well worn-in.
• Sneakers.
• Warm pajamas.
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen factor 50+.
• A warm hat, scarf, and gloves for the cold nights and for when you’re up on a mountain on a trek.
• Insect repellent.
• Sandals.
• Toiletries.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Daypack to carry all your things around in.
• High-quality camera or phone with a good camera.
• Personal medication.
• Guide book/map.
• Passport.
• Lock for bags.
• Flashlight.
• Adaptors for plugs (if needed).

Time to Book the Trip of a Lifetime

Now you know what the weather is likely to be like on the Choquequirao Trek, you’ll be able to plan your trip better. This route is never very busy tourist-wise, but you can decide if you travel in the wet or dry season. We’re sure that whenever you decide to go, you’ll have the most amazing time on this historical and stunning hike in Peru.