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.

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Nature in Peru

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What to do in Peru?

On these pages you will find ideas for a trip to Peru to help you prepare for your trip. All these ideas are there just to get your imagination going; you can alter, mix and match them as you please. Your local agent will help you create a unique and unforgettable trip, just for you! Peru has three distinct parts, each with its own character: the Pacific coast, which is the most densely populated; the Andes range, with the highest mountain being the towering Huascarán at 6,768 metres; and the Amazon, which covers the largest part of the country. If you’re going, start with the must-see: Machu Picchu – fortunately not found by the Conquistadors – rediscovered in 1911. You should visit it at dawn to see the ruins shrouded in mist. This extraordinary site still clasps a few secrets to its bosom. Not far away, the Andes range draw ramblers and trekkers to magnificent landscapes. The ultimate rambling experience is the Inca Trail through exceptional archaeological sites. During your stay in Peru, you must stop in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The Spanish erected their buildings, especially religious ones, over Inca constructions which they systematically destroyed, only sparing their characteristic foundations, which are still visible today with their large, perfectly cut and fitted stones. A voyage out of time awaits you in Cusco.

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Start planning your Peru nature tour

Famous as the land of the Incas, Peru is one of the most interesting countries in the world, both historically and for its nature. It boasts a huge selection of natural wonders, historic ruins, an abundance of wildlife, vast deserts, winding rivers and incredible seashores. Plus, part of the world-famous Amazon rainforest can be visited here. Nature tours here will astound any visitor.

What makes Peru nature trips so special?

Peru's nature trips are unique because they offer amazing diversity. Over 20% of the country is covered by 60 national parks and reserves. In addition, there are a variety of national forests, national sanctuaries, and reservation areas. For nature lovers, there is a great deal to see on a Peru nature trip.

The best national parks and natural sites in Peru

With such a variety of natural landscapes, it can be hard to choose where to start your nature tour of Peru. Here are some of the best places to visit for nature lovers.

Go into the jungle at Manu National Park

Manu National park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Andean highlands. It’s one of the most pristine areas of the Amazon jungle in Peru, and offers a better chance of seeing more animals than you will typically find anywhere else in the country. Expect to spot many types of monkey, bears, and, if you’re lucky, even jaguars. Over 1,000 different bird species make their homes here, too.

See unique flora at Huascaran National Park

If plants and flowers are your thing, you’ll love Huascaran National Park. This land of vertiginous mountains and bright blue lakes is beautiful, but most interesting is the tall, thin giant puya raimondi plant, which can reach up to 15 metres high. Wildlife spotters might see cougars, jaguars, llamas, guanacos, marsh deer, and many kinds of ducks including the southern pochard.

Go wildlife spotting at Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is the largest natural reserve in Peru. It’s home to 500 different bird species and great wildlife, such as monkeys, capybara, giant turtles, river dolphins, and elusive jaguars. You can also find a canopy trail where visitors can walk through the jungle at a height of more than 30 meters, offering an excellent scenic views.

Head to the coast for Paracas National Reserve

Set along the coastline of Peru, the Paracas National Reserve is a spectacular natural landscape on land and in the water. With plenty of marine wildlife, and pristine beaches for relaxing, paired with a mix of rugged shoreline, desert plains and mountains, Paracas is a dream vacation for those who love the outdoors.

See spectacular birds at Bahuaja-Sonene National Park

Situated in the southeast of Peru, Bahuaja-Sonene National Park is one of the country's most popular destinations for wildlife viewing. Encircled by rivers, this lovely national park has diverse ecosystems, from tropical forests and foothills, to dwarf forests full of small trees. There are nearly 20,000 plant species and 600 bird species here, so it’s a brilliant place to see some beautiful birdlife.

What's the best time of year to experience Peru's nature?

June through September is the best time for Peru nature trips. This period has sunny days that can be enjoyed, with low levels of rainfall. This is also the ideal time to go trekking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and climbing, hiking and biking through the mountains and jungles.