The best time to travel in Peru

The timing of a holiday in Peru should be decided according to on the region of the country that you want to visit. In fact there are huge differences in the climate depending on whether you are inland, in the rainforest or on the often foggy coast.

At a glance

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You can go to Peru at any time of year. In fact, the country's climate varies enormously across the regions. Choose the dry season, from December to March, to visit the coast. June to August or in mid-season is best for touring the Andes and September or November is best for a hike in the Amazon rainforest. You can climb the famous Machu Picchu and go down the Madre de Dios river by canoe in this colourful country with its huge number of tourist attractions.

The northern interior

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Choose the dry season, which is from June to August in this part of the country. The months between December and April are very humid, which might make your trip less enjoyable. You can also go in mid-season, in the months of April and May or September and November. In this region you can tour the mountains of the Andes on the hunt for remains of the ancient Inca civilisation on foot or on horseback. You mustn't miss out on a visit to the town of Cajamarca, with its superb architecture, or the forests of Chachapoyas. If you want to explore the Amazon part of the region, the months of September and November are preferable.

The northern coast

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Choose the dry season, which runs from December to March, to tour the North of Peru. For the rest of the year the coast is almost permanently sheathed in fog. It's best therefore to choose the dry season to explore the wonderful natural landscapes and to discover the rich pre-Incan culture along the coast. You can also enjoy the region's beaches and tour the dunes and cliffs that are dotted along the Pan-American Highway.

Lima and the surrounding area

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Choose the dry season to visit Lima, which is from December to March. For the rest of the year the heavy fog might make your trip less enjoyable. Here you'll discover superb temples as well as old colonial neighbourhoods and some really beautiful museums. You'll surely be seduced by the wonderful cuisine and the nightlife in Lima.. Join in with a typical religious procession before setting off the for the rougher outskirts of the town.

Touring the ancient ruins

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Peru is the perfect destination for lovers of old ruins and remains of ancient civilisations. Go to see Kuélap, an absolutely enormous fortified city, as well as Huari. You'll also find, on the south coast, Tambo Colorado and the two thousand year old pyramids at Cahuachi. In the Sacred Valley, you must see the famous village of Ollantaytambo. And of course, you don't need to be told about the famous Machu Picchu! Go to the coast between December and March. If you venture inland, the months of June to August are preferable. You can also go mid-season.

The South

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Choose the dry season, from June to August, to visit the South of Peru. If you want to, you can also go in mid-season, in April and May or from September to November. In any event, avoid the rainy season between December and April. If you're going on a trek in the Amazon rainforest, choose the months of September and November. Discover the wonderful town of Cusco, culturally very rich and always on the go. Going out of town a little, you can explore the ruins and the lost cities of the Sacred Valley. And of course, if you're in Cusco, its almost impossible not to climb the famous Machu Picchu!

The extreme South

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Discover the city of Arequipa, set in the midst of the wild, natural Peruvian environment. Explore the area on a trek or by mountain bike: this is a perfect destination for sports lovers. You mustn't miss the nearby Canon del Colca, or the Canon del Cotahuasi. If going inland, go between June and August. You can also go in April and May as well as from September to November. If you're staying on the coast, choose any time between December and March. You'll be able to explore the remains of pre-Columbian civilisations and enjoy the Pacific beaches without without being bothered by the fog.

The Centre of Peru

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The centre of the country should ideally be visited in summer, during the dry season. You thus avoid the heavy rains which fall between December and April. You can also enjoy the Centre of Peru in April and May, as well as from September to November. This is the wildest region of the country and you're sure to be seduced by its authenticity and its beauty. If you want to get away from it all for a few days, go to visit the region's almost deserted highlands. And choose the months of September and November if you would like to visit the Amazon rainforest.

Tiphaine Leblanc

11 contributions

Updated 9 May 2019

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