Things to Do in Cusco in November

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November marks Cusco's transition into the wet season, and that single fact shapes everything about a visit this month. The city sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet). Mornings tend to be clear, warm enough for a light jacket. By early afternoon, clouds build fast over the surrounding peaks. Most days bring a downpour between 2pm and 4pm that can last an hour or two. Night temperatures drop enough that you need proper layers, and the dampness at altitude makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

Cusco's surrounding hills and the Sacred Valley turn a deep green that the dry-season postcards never capture. Crowds at sites like Saqsaywaman thin to a fraction of their July numbers, and locals outnumber visitors at San Pedro market for the first time since April. The first two days of the month bring Todos los Santos and Día de los Difuntos, when families carry elaborate food offerings to Cementerio de la Almudena. T'anta wawa bread appears in bakery windows across the city. Few cultural moments in Cusco's calendar feel this unrehearsed.

But let's be direct. If your trip centers on multi-day treks, whether the Inca Trail or the Salkantay route, November is not the month. Trails get muddy above 4,000 meters, cloud cover blocks the Andean views, and rain adds genuine discomfort to overnight camping. For the city itself, its colonial plazas, its food, and its markets, November works if you plan around the afternoon storms.

Why visit in November

Hotel rates across San Blas and Centro Histórico drop well below the June-through-August peak, with last-minute availability common at mid-range properties.
Crowds at major sites like the ruins circuit above the city and Coricancha are a fraction of dry-season levels, meaning shorter queues and room to photograph without waiting.
The rainy season turns the Sacred Valley and hillsides around Cusco intensely green, producing a landscape that dry-season visitors never see.
Todos los Santos and Día de los Difuntos offer one of Cusco's most genuine cultural experiences, with families gathering at Cementerio de la Almudena for elaborate food offerings and live music.

Worth knowing

Expect rain on most afternoons throughout the month. Outdoor plans after 1pm almost always need a fallback.
Multi-day treks (Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares) become muddy, slippery, and frequently clouded in. Mountain views are obscured for hours at a stretch.
Afternoon thunderstorms at altitude can produce hail and lightning, making exposed archaeological sites uncomfortable or unsafe during the storm window.
Some restaurants and tour agencies in Centro Histórico reduce hours or close entirely during the low season, limiting evening dining compared to the dry months.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 19° / 8°C 169mm rain · 24 rainy days · 72% humidity rains perceptibly ~3h/day · 83% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Layers are essential. Mornings call for a t-shirt with a light fleece, afternoons demand a waterproof shell, and evenings need a warmer insulating layer. A compact umbrella handles the daily downpour. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots with good tread prevent slips on wet cobblestones. Sunscreen and sunglasses for the intense morning UV at altitude. A warm hat and gloves for after-dark walks.

November sits squarely in the early wet season. The daily pattern is remarkably consistent. Mornings break clear, with sunshine and blue skies until roughly midday. Clouds gather between noon and 1pm, and by 2pm most afternoons deliver a heavy, sometimes theatrical downpour that typically clears by 5pm. Evenings are cool and damp. Rainfall reaches 169mm across about 24 rainy days, nearly five times October's total. Humidity averages 72%. The average high of 18.6°C (65°F) feels warmer in direct morning sun, while the average low of 7.9°C (46°F) feels sharper at altitude than it would at sea level. That said, freezing temperatures are rare in the city itself.

Seasonal caution

Afternoon thunderstorms at Cusco's altitude can produce hail and frequent lightning. Avoid exposed hilltop sites like the Saqsaywaman plateau after 2pm when storms build.
UV radiation at this elevation is intense even on overcast mornings. The UV index regularly exceeds 11 (extreme category) in November. Sunburn can happen in under 15 minutes without protection.
Altitude sickness remains a risk regardless of season. Symptoms typically hit within 6-12 hours of arrival and can worsen during the low-pressure storm systems common this month.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Cusco
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	17	8	226
Feb	17	8	185
Mar	16	8	180
Apr	17	7	74
May	17	6	35
Jun	18	5	5
Jul	19	5	7
Aug	19	5	20
Sep	19	6	41
Oct	19	7	92
Nov	19	8	169
Dec	18	8	180

Best things to do in November

Todos los Santos pilgrimage at Cementerio de la Almudena

cultural

During the first two days of November, Cusqueño families gather at Almudena Cemetery with food offerings, marigolds, candles, and live musicians for their departed relatives. The atmosphere is celebratory rather than somber. Families set out full meals on grave sites, hire bands, and share food with anyone who stops by. The scent of fresh bread and roasting corn mixes with marigold flowers and candle wax. Respectful visitors are welcome.

Happens only at the start of November. The cemetery gatherings are the most intimate cultural event of Cusco's calendar outside Inti Raymi in June.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive before 10am on the first day for the most active atmosphere. Bringing a small offering of flowers is a respectful gesture.

Morning ruins circuit above the city

sightseeing

The archaeological loop north of Cusco covers Saqsaywaman, Q'inqu, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay in a half-day walk. The sites sit on exposed hillsides above 3,600 meters with views across the valley. November mornings are typically clear, and the thin crowds mean you might have entire sections of Saqsaywaman's massive stone walls to yourself.

Low-season crowds make the sites feel closer to what they were before modern tourism. You'll share the circuit with maybe 20 people instead of 200. Start by 8am to finish before afternoon storms.

Booking tipPurchase the Boleto Turístico at the COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol. It covers all four sites on this circuit.

Tipón archaeological water channels

sightseeing

Tipón, about 23 kilometers southeast of Cusco, is an Inca-era site famous for its water engineering. Terraced agricultural platforms are fed by stone channels and fountains that still function after five centuries. The stonework is as precise as anything at Machu Picchu but draws a fraction of the visitors even in peak season.

November rains fill the channels and fountains to capacity. The water system is at its most visually dramatic now, the opposite of the dry months when several channels slow to a trickle.

Booking tipHire a taxi for the 40-minute drive or join a Sacred Valley south tour. The site rarely fills up.

Rainy-afternoon museum circuit in Centro Histórico

cultural

When the 2pm rains arrive, the Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP) on Plaza Nazarenas houses pre-Columbian gold, ceramics, and textiles in a colonial mansion. From there, the Museo Inka on Cuesta del Almirante is a 5-minute walk and holds one of Peru's best collections of Inca artifacts. Both are compact enough to see in an afternoon.

November's reliable afternoon downpours make indoor cultural activities more than a fallback. They become the plan. Low-season crowds mean these small museums feel private rather than packed.

Booking tipNo advance booking needed. MAP closes at 5pm. Museo Inka stays open until 5:30pm.

Guided food tour through San Pedro neighborhood

food

A 2-3 hour walking tour through the San Pedro area covers the central market, surrounding street food vendors, and nearby bakeries. Tasting stops typically include chicha morada, fresh-squeezed juices, tamales, and whatever the day's ceviche vendor is offering. The smell of frying chicharrón and simmering soups fills the aisles by 7am.

The Todos los Santos bread displays in the first week transform the market's bakery aisles. Beyond that, the lighter tourist traffic means vendors have time to explain what they're selling, and guides can linger at stalls without blocking foot traffic.

Booking tipGuided food tours run daily but November's low demand means you can often book the day before.

Sacred Valley day trip to Pisac and Ollantaytambo

day trip

The Sacred Valley towns sit lower than Cusco at around 2,800 meters, which means warmer temperatures and slightly less rainfall. Pisac's terraces and the Sunday market are the main draws, along with Ollantaytambo's fortress. The green valley floor with the Urubamba River running high frames the ruins differently than the brown dry-season landscape.

The valley is at its greenest. The Urubamba River runs fuller and more dramatically. Tour prices drop and crowds thin to the point where Ollantaytambo's steep terraces feel navigable rather than congested.

Booking tipBook a day tour or hire a private driver through your hotel. Low-season rates are typically 20-30% below dry-season pricing.

Huchuy Qosqo day hike

hiking

This Inca-era administrative site sits at about 3,600 meters above the Sacred Valley town of Lamay. The hike from Tambomachay takes 5-6 hours one way, or you can drive to Lamay and hike up in roughly 3 hours. The ruins include stone warehouses, terraces, and a two-story building with its original walls still standing.

It's a viable single-day alternative when multi-day treks are inadvisable due to rain and mud. The route is lower and shorter than the Inca Trail, which reduces rain exposure. Start early to reach the site before afternoon clouds.

Booking tipHiring a local guide in Lamay is straightforward and inexpensive. No permits required, unlike the Inca Trail.

What to eat in November

In season: fruit

Tuna (prickly pear fruit)
The cactus fruit enters its brief Andean season in late October and peaks through November. Vendors at the central market sell them peeled and ready to eat. The flesh is sweet, heavily seeded, and ranges from pale green to deep magenta depending on variety.

On menus now

Lechón cusqueño
Slow-roasted suckling pig seasoned with huacatay (black mint) and aji peppers. It appears at family gatherings during the Todos los Santos celebrations and at market stalls near Wanchaq through the month. The skin crackles, the meat falls apart, and the huacatay gives it a sharp herbal scent that carries across the stalls.
Rocoto relleno
Stuffed spicy peppers filled with ground beef, raisins, and peanuts, topped with melted cheese. Fresh rocotos from the valleys below Cusco reach their peak fragrance during the early wet season months. The pepper's heat ranges from moderate to searing depending on the batch.

What to drink

Ponche cusqueño
A warm spiced punch made from dried fruits, cinnamon, cloves, and toasted wheat. It starts appearing at market stalls and street carts as the rainy season's cool evenings settle in. Practically no one drinks it in July. By November it is everywhere, served in small plastic cups for a few soles.

Festival food

T'anta wawa
Bread shaped like swaddled babies or dolls, baked specifically for the Todos los Santos holiday. The bread is sweet, dense, and often decorated with brightly colored dough faces. Bakeries across the San Pedro neighborhood sell dozens of varieties, with the most elaborate ones reaching nearly a meter tall.

Regular events in November

Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day)Free

A national public holiday in Peru. In Cusco, families bake t'anta wawa bread, prepare elaborate meals, and visit the graves of relatives. Churches across the city hold special masses. Government offices, banks, and many shops close for the day.

November 1

Día de los Difuntos at Cementerio de la AlmudenaFree

The second day of the remembrance period. Families return to the cemetery with food, drink, and hired musicians. The atmosphere is more festive than the previous day, with communal eating and drinking among the graves. Visitors are welcome to observe and participate respectfully.

November 2

Aniversario de la Batalla de TarapacáFree

A civic commemoration of the 1879 Battle of Tarapacá during the War of the Pacific. Schools hold flag ceremonies, and military parades take place in some cities. The observance is more muted in Cusco than in southern coastal cities like Tacna, but you may see small ceremonies near government buildings.

November 27

Best places this November

Cementerio de la Almudena
cultural site
Cusco's main cemetery becomes the center of the city's cultural life during the Todos los Santos period. Outside those dates, its hillside location on the western edge of the city offers quiet views of the valley. The tiered layout, with elaborate family mausoleums climbing the slope, tells a visual history of Cusco's social structure.
Santiago
Coricancha (Qorikancha)
archaeological site
The Inca sun temple, with origins dating to around 1201, sits beneath the Convento de Santo Domingo. November's low crowds let you linger at the precision-cut stone walls and study the trapezoidal niches that once held gold plates reflecting sunlight. Morning visits between 8am and 11am avoid both the afternoon rain and the tour-bus waves that clog the courtyard in July.
Centro Histórico
Cusco Cathedral (Catedral del Cusco)
church
Construction began in 1559 on the foundations of the Inca palace of Wiracocha. The interior holds over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School, including the famous Last Supper depicting Christ eating cuy (guinea pig). A rainy-afternoon visit here fills 90 minutes easily, and the cool stone interior provides relief from the humidity.
Centro Histórico
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
church
Completed in 1668 on Plaza de Armas, this Jesuit church rivals the Cathedral in ornamental detail. The carved stone facade catches morning light, and the gilded interior is among Cusco's most photogenic spaces. November mornings offer unobstructed views without the usual wall of tour groups.
Centro Histórico
Mercado Central de San Pedro
market
The city's primary market is more accessible in November than at any point since April. Lines at the juice bars and soup counters move faster, vendors have time to explain what they're selling, and the aisles feel navigable rather than packed. In the first days of the month, the bakery section transforms for the Todos los Santos bread tradition, drawing local families alongside the usual tourist traffic.
San Pedro
Mirador de San Cristóbal
viewpoint
The viewpoint beside the Iglesia de San Cristóbal, perched above Centro Histórico, gives you the classic terracotta-roof panorama. November mornings, when the sky is clear and the surrounding hills are green, produce the most saturated colors of the year. Arrive before 10am for the best light and to beat the clouds.
San Cristóbal
San Blas artisan quarter
neighborhood
The steep cobblestoned streets above Plaza de Armas are home to ceramicists, woodworkers, and textile artists. November's slower pace means artisans have time to talk about their work rather than process a queue. The Plazoleta de San Blas, anchored by the Iglesia de San Blas and its famous carved cedar pulpit, is quieter than it has been since May.
San Blas
Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)
museum
Housed in a colonial mansion on Plaza Nazarenas, the collection spans 3,000 years of pre-Columbian art. Gold work, Nazca ceramics, and Moche portrait vessels fill well-lit rooms. It's small enough to see in 90 minutes and perfectly positioned as an afternoon rain refuge two blocks from Plaza de Armas.
Centro Histórico

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Waterproof hardshell jacketAfternoon downpours are near-daily and arrive fast. A packable hardshell that fits into a daypack pocket lets you move between morning sunshine and 2pm rain without carrying a heavy coat all day.Shop
Waterproof hiking shoes or bootsCusco's colonial cobblestones become slippery when wet, and the steep streets of San Blas are particularly treacherous after a downpour. Trail runners with smooth soles are not enough in November.Shop
Compact umbrellaLocals carry them. The rain is heavy but rarely windblown at city level, so a standard compact umbrella works better than you might expect. More practical than a poncho for navigating markets and narrow streets.Shop
Warm fleece or down midlayerEvening temperatures feel colder at this altitude than at sea level. A midlayer that works under your rain jacket handles both the post-rain chill and the walk back to your hotel after dinner.Shop
SPF 50+ sunscreenThe UV index here regularly exceeds 11 in November, even on partly cloudy mornings. At this elevation, 15 minutes of unprotected exposure can produce a burn. Reapply before any outdoor morning activity.Shop
Wool or synthetic beanieMorning starts and post-rain evenings are cold enough for a hat. Cotton absorbs moisture from the humid air and stays cold against your skin. Wool or synthetic dries fast and retains warmth.Shop
Dry bag or waterproof daypack linerA 10-liter dry bag inside your daypack protects electronics, your passport, and spare layers from the afternoon storms. Even packs marketed as waterproof leak through their zippers over time.Shop
Reusable water bottleAltitude and low morning humidity dehydrate you faster than you realize. Aim for 3 to 4 liters daily to help with acclimatization. Tap water in Cusco is not potable, so fill from filtered sources at hotels or restaurants.Shop
Quick-dry travel towelNothing dries fast in November's humidity. A synthetic travel towel dries overnight, while cotton towels in budget accommodations may stay damp for 2 or 3 days straight.Shop

Insider tips

The rain follows a remarkably consistent schedule in November. Plan all outdoor activities, especially ruins visits and viewpoint stops, for before noon. After 1pm, shift to markets, museums, and covered restaurants. Locals almost never schedule anything outdoors after lunch this month.
For the best t'anta wawa around Todos los Santos, skip the tourist bakeries near Plaza de Armas and head to the small panaderías along Calle Marqués near San Pedro market. The bread is fresher, less decorated for Instagram, and roughly half the price.
The cobblestones in San Blas get dangerously slick after rain. Locals walk along the raised edges near the building walls rather than down the center of the street where water channels and pools collect.
If you're heading to Machu Picchu from Cusco in November, book a morning train departure. The citadel is often above the clouds at sunrise but socked in by early afternoon. A 6am departure from Poroy or Ollantaytambo gets you there during the clearest window.
Carry small bills in 5 and 10 PEN denominations. In low season, market vendors and taxi drivers frequently claim they cannot break 50 or 100 PEN notes, and ATMs along Avenida El Sol tend to dispense only large denominations.

Avoid these mistakes

Booking outdoor tours for the afternoon. November's rain pattern is predictable enough that any guide based in Cusco knows to schedule ruins visits for the morning. If a tour operator offers a 1pm departure to the hilltop circuit, they're optimizing their own schedule, not yours.
Skipping altitude acclimatization because November feels less intense than peak season. The altitude is identical year-round, and the lower atmospheric pressure during storm systems can actually worsen symptoms. Spend your first 24 hours below 3,500 meters, drink water constantly, and avoid alcohol on arrival day.
Packing only for the daytime high. The roughly 10-degree Celsius swing between midday and nightfall surprises visitors who checked the forecast and packed for the upper teens. By 8pm you will want a fleece and a warm hat.
Assuming the Inca Trail is a reasonable November option. It is technically open (it closes only in February for maintenance), but daily rain, mud on steep sections, and persistent cloud cover over the Sun Gate make the experience far less rewarding than in the dry months.

Practical tips for November

Book Machu Picchu train tickets at least 2 weeks ahead. PeruRail and Inca Rail reduce their November schedules. The Boleto Turístico covers 16 sites including the ruins circuit above the city and costs 130 PEN (roughly 38 USD at the current rate of 1 USD to 3.3792 PEN). Buy it at the COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol rather than at individual sites, where daily allocations run out faster. Restaurants in Centro Histórico tend to close earlier than in peak season, with last orders often around 9pm instead of 10:30pm. Alejandro Velasco Astete airport (CUZ) sees afternoon delays from storm cells, so leave at least 3 hours for connecting flights if you depart after 2pm. Altitude sickness medication (soroche pills) is available without a prescription at pharmacies along Avenida El Sol. November is a good month to negotiate accommodation rates. Many guesthouses in San Blas and Santa Ana will offer 10-15% discounts for stays of 4 nights or more if you book directly rather than through a booking platform.

FAQ

Is November a good time to visit Cusco?

November is a fair choice, not ideal. It is the start of the wet season, with rain expected on most afternoons. Multi-day trekking is significantly compromised by mud and cloud cover. That said, the city itself functions well, prices drop to low-season levels, and the Todos los Santos celebrations at the start of the month are genuinely rewarding. If you're flexible about afternoon plans and more interested in Cusco's urban offerings than backcountry hiking, November works.

What is the weather like in Cusco in November?

Expect clear mornings with comfortable temperatures and reliable sunshine, followed by afternoon thunderstorms that typically arrive between 1pm and 3pm and last 1-2 hours. Rain is near-daily. Nights drop into single digits Celsius, which feels sharper at altitude than at sea level. Humidity is moderately high. Bring layers and rain gear, and plan outdoor activities for morning hours.

Is Cusco crowded in November?

No. November is solidly low season. Tourist numbers drop sharply after October's shoulder period, and you'll notice the difference immediately at sites like the ruins circuit and Coricancha. Restaurants that need reservations in July will seat you on arrival. The main exception is Cementerio de la Almudena during the first two days, which fills with local families rather than tourists.

Is Cusco safe for solo travelers in November?

Cusco scores 6.2 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see /research/solo-safety/). Petty theft, particularly bag snatching and pickpocketing, is the primary concern, concentrated around Plaza de Armas and the market area. November's reduced tourist numbers can mean fewer people on quieter streets after dark. Stick to well-lit areas in Centro Histórico and San Blas at night. Taxis are preferable to walking alone after 10pm.

Can I hike the Inca Trail in November?

Technically yes. The trail closes only in February for maintenance. But November conditions are poor for trekking. Daily afternoon rain makes the path muddy and slippery, cloud cover frequently obscures the Sun Gate arrival view, and camping in wet conditions at altitude is uncomfortable. If the Inca Trail is your primary reason for visiting Peru, the months from May through September offer dramatically better conditions. For November visitors, shorter day hikes like Huchuy Qosqo or the ruins circuit above Cusco are more practical alternatives.