The standard answer is "May to September." The honest answer has more nuance. Here is a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect on the Choquequirao trail in 2026, based on what we've seen over the last 24 years and the recent climate shifts we've noticed since 2022.
The short version
Best months overall in 2026: May, June and September. April and October are excellent shoulder months with fewer hikers. July and August are dry and stable but slightly more crowded. November to March is the rainy season — we do not operate the trek then.
Month-by-month breakdown
January – March: Rainy season (do not trek)
Heavy rain, landslide risk on the Apurímac canyon trail, river crossings unreliable. The Apurímac River swells significantly and the Playa Rosalina crossing can become dangerous. We do not run Choquequirao treks in these months. Some operators will, but the risk profile is much higher.
April: Shoulder season — quiet and beautiful
The rains taper off in April. By mid-month the trail is dry and the canyon is at its greenest of the year. Wildflowers in bloom. Fewer hikers than peak season. Daytime temperatures pleasant (around 22 – 26°C in the canyon). Some lingering risk of late afternoon showers.
Our take: highly recommended for travelers who want the trek to feel remote.
May: Best balance
Reliable dry conditions, clear skies, green landscape still holding from the rains. Daytime temperatures warm in the canyon, cool nights at Marampata. This is when InfoCusco operates most group departures. Moderate hiker numbers.
Our take: best month of the year for most travelers.
June: Peak quality, more demand
Dry, clear, stable. The Andean winter sets in — sunny days and cold nights (down to 0°C at high points). Books fill up fast. Demand strong from European and North American travelers.
Our take: outstanding conditions but book at least 2 months in advance.
July – August: Peak season
The most popular months. Conditions are excellent — dry, clear, predictable. The downside: more hikers on the trail and harder to get specific dates. Lodges at Chiquiska and Marampata can be at capacity. Some travelers prefer the relative quiet of May or September.
Our take: superb if you book early. Skip if you want the trail mostly to yourself.
September: Hidden gem
Still firmly in the dry season but with fewer hikers than July – August. Temperatures slightly warmer than mid-winter. The landscape is dry and golden — different aesthetic from May, but equally striking.
Our take: our personal favorite month of the year.
October: Last call
The dry season is winding down. First isolated showers usually appear by mid-October. Trails still mostly dry. Hiker numbers drop further. Good pricing on private treks.
Our take: great choice for travelers who can deal with some weather variability.
November: Transition (caution)
Rainfall increases significantly. The trail is still walkable but afternoon storms are common. We operate fewer departures and only with experienced groups. River crossings become harder.
December: Closed
Wet, slippery, dangerous on the steep canyon sections. We do not run Choquequirao treks. If you're in Cusco in December, consider day hikes or the lower-altitude Sacred Valley instead.
Climate trends we've observed since 2022
A few things have shifted that don't yet appear in most travel guides:
- The rainy season is starting slightly later (typical onset moved from October to early-to-mid November)
- The rainy season is also ending later (March/April transition more variable than it used to be)
- The dry season has had occasional unseasonal showers in July and August — we've now seen this three years in a row
- Daytime temperatures in the canyon during May – September feel warmer than the historical average
These shifts are noticeable but they don't change the practical advice: May – September remains the trekking window.
Booking lead time for 2026
- Peak (June – August): 2 – 3 months ahead
- Shoulder (April – May, September – October): 4 – 6 weeks ahead
- Private treks any month: 2 – 3 weeks minimum, more if you have a tight date
Want help picking the right month for your specific schedule? Request a free personalized quote — our team will reply within 24 hours.