Peru is a country privileged by its geographical diversity: from the arid coast to the snowy peaks of the Andes, passing through the exuberant Amazon rainforest. In the Andean region, there are numerous tourist destinations with temperatures that can drop below 0°C (32°F), especially during the winter months. Cities like Cusco, Puno, or Huaraz not only stand out for their cultural and natural richness but also for their cold climates and high mountain landscapes. Below, discover the 8 coldest tourist cities in Peruvian territory.
Contents
- 1. Cusco – The Historical Jewel of the Andes
- 2. Ayacucho – Colonial Art and Religious Fervor
- 3. Huancayo – Tradition and Nature in the Central Andes
- 4. Puno – Living Culture on the Shores of Lake Titicaca
- 5. Huaraz – Cradle of Mountaineering in Peru
- 6. Andahuaylas – Tradition and Andean Landscapes
- 7. The Colca – A Deep Canyon with Clear Skies
- 8. Marcahuasi – Mystery in the Heights of Lima
1. Cusco – The Historical Jewel of the Andes
Located at 3,399 m.a.s.l. (approx. 11,152 feet) in the heart of the Andean mountain range, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and is today one of the main tourist destinations on the continent. The cold comes partly from the imposing nearby snow-capped peaks, such as Ausangate and Salkantay. In the dry season, nights can reach -2°C (28°F).
Must-see attractions: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Mountain of 7 Colors (Rainbow Mountain), Choquequirao, and Humantay Lake.
Access: Flight from Lima (1h) or bus trip (20h)
Estimated cost: 5-day complete tour: between $1,000 and $3,000
2. Ayacucho – Colonial Art and Religious Fervor
Huamanga, the capital of Ayacucho, is located at over 2,700 meters (approx. 8,858 feet) of altitude. This city, famous for its colonial architecture, houses more than 30 churches in its historic center. During the Andean winter, temperatures can drop to 3°C (37°F), and even below zero in areas near the Carretera Los Libertadores (Liberators Highway).
Must-sees: Ayacucho Cathedral, Wari archaeological complex, Pampa de la Quinua, and the natural pools of Millpu.
Access: Flight from Lima (1h) or bus (11h)
Estimated cost: Holy Week Tour (5 days): between $500 and $1,200
3. Huancayo – Tradition and Nature in the Central Andes
The city of Huancayo, known as the “Unconquerable,” is located in the Mantaro Valley at 3,259 m.a.s.l. (approx. 10,692 feet). In the coldest months (June to August), the temperature can drop to 4°C (39°F). Its proximity to Lima makes it a popular getaway during holidays and long weekends.
Featured attractions: the Huanca Identity Park, the Cathedral, Torre Torre, Paca Lake, and the Ocopa Convent.
Access: Bus from Lima (7–8h)
Estimated cost: 5-day tour: between $400 and $1,000
4. Puno – Living Culture on the Shores of Lake Titicaca
At 3,827 meters (approx. 12,556 feet) of altitude, Puno is one of the highest cities in the country. Its location on the Collao plateau, on the edge of Lake Titicaca, gives it a cold and dry climate. Winter nights can reach -2°C (28°F) or even -10°C (14°F) in rural areas.
Main attractions: floating islands of the Uros, Taquile, Amantaní, Sillustani, and the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria.
Access: Flight from Lima (1h 40m) or bus from Arequipa (8h)
Estimated cost: 5-day tour (Candelaria festival): between $500 and $1,500
5. Huaraz – Cradle of Mountaineering in Peru
Located at 3,052 meters (approx. 10,013 feet), Huaraz is one of the most visited cities by nature lovers. Its climate is cold during the day and very cold at dawn, reaching 2°C (36°F) or lower. It is the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca and Huascarán National Park.
Highlights: Chavín de Huántar, Laguna 69, Pastoruri, Laguna Churup, and trekking in the Cordillera Blanca.
Access: Bus from Lima (8h)
Estimated cost: 5-day tour: between $500 and $1,000 (trekking routes can double the price)
6. Andahuaylas – Tradition and Andean Landscapes
In the south of the country, at 2,846 m.a.s.l. (approx. 9,337 feet), Andahuaylas stands out for its Chanka heritage and for being a destination full of living culture and nature. During the winter months, temperatures can drop to 4°C (39°F).
Must-sees: Pacucha Lake, Sondor archaeological site, Andahuaylas carnival, and the ruins of Achanchi.
Access: Flight from Lima (1h) or road trip (16h)
Estimated cost: 5-day tour (during carnivals): between $400 and $900
7. The Colca – A Deep Canyon with Clear Skies
The Colca Valley, located at over 3,600 meters (approx. 11,811 feet) in Arequipa, is home to the deepest canyon in the world. During the day, the climate is mild; however, nights can be freezing, with lows down to -3°C (27°F) in elevated areas.
What to see: the flight of the condor, thermal baths, natural viewpoints, multi-day hikes, and picturesque towns like Chivay and Cabanaconde.
Access: Flight to Arequipa (1h), then bus to the valley (4–5h)
Estimated cost: 5-day tour: between $800 and $1,800
8. Marcahuasi – Mystery in the Heights of Lima
Just 90 km (about 56 miles) from the city of Lima is Marcahuasi, a plateau located at 4,000 meters (approx. 13,123 feet) of altitude. This place is famous for its rock formations with human and animal shapes, and for its starry sky. Due to its altitude, temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F), especially at night.
Most striking: the Monument of Humanity, the amphitheater, the sacred feline, the valley of the seals, and more.
Access: Bus to San Pedro de Casta, then a 2 to 4-hour hike
Estimated cost: 1 to 3-day trip: between $100 and $300