The Best Time to Visit Peru—For Machu Picchu, Surfing, or Amazon Tours
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Beyond Machu Picchu, Peru has the thriving capital of Lima, the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking landscapes, and the lush Amazon—so the best time to visit Peru depends on what and how much you want to do. The good news is that Peru is a year-round destination with cultural sites, restaurants, and festive events to appreciate at any time of the year. It’s only natural: The country is home to civilizations with over 5,000 years of history and awe-inspiring archeological wonders, which means it’s brimming with ancient living cultures, stunning sights, top-notch gastronomy, unique nature and wildlife, and plenty of Peruvians to meet and learn from.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve tapped Peru-based travel experts from Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists network—Marisol Mosquera, founder of Aracari Travel, which has spent over 25 years crafting luxury experiences throughout Peru; and Dalia Gibu of Abercrombie & Kent (and a native of Lima)—to get the insider intel on the best time to visit Peru, plus where to go and how long to stay.
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Rainbow mountains or Vinicunca Montana of Seven Colors
When is the best time to visit Peru?
Peru is a year round destination, but the best time to visit would be in the shoulder seasons of April to May, and September to November. “These months offer great weather throughout the country and avoid the peak tourist season in June to August when it can get crowded at the key tourist sites,” says Mosquera of Aracari Travel.
Because the country sits in the southern hemisphere, it’s important to remember that the seasons are “flipped”—when it’s summer in North America or Europe, it’s winter in much of South America. “My favorite time to stay in Lima would be during our summer, from December to April,” says Gibu of Abercrombie & Kent. “That’s when the weather is perfect for ceviche and pisco sours overlooking the Pacific and for surfing the longest waves in the world along the coast.”
If your main focus is Machu Picchu, the best time to visit is during the dry season in the Andes, which runs from April to October, according to Gibu. “It’s a great time to hike the Inca Trail or see the Rainbow Mountain,” she says. “The same applies to the Southern Andes, where you’ll find Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and the Colca Canyon; and to the Amazon, if you want to trek through the rainforest on dry land.”
But if you’re navigating the Amazon River via small ship on the water, Gibu says that you can go at any time of year. During the rainy seasons, yes, there will be rain, but water levels also rise and allow deeper navigation by boat into the flooded forests.
When is the cheapest time to visit Peru?
In Peru, pricing remains consistent throughout the year, says Mosquera: “However, special rates can be found from January to March, which is the quieter season at Machu Picchu, making it a great time to visit with fewer crowds.” This time, from December/January to March, is a more affordable time to travel because it’s the rainy season, according to Gibu: “While rain showers will come and go during the day, the beauty of the landscapes remains stunning and green, you will be able to explore and enjoy with fewer crowds and most probably prices from the previous season or hotel specials will be available.” Just be aware that some of the trekking routes (including the Inca Trail) experience closures in the rainiest month of February.
When is peak season in Peru?
The peak season in Peru falls between June and August, according to both Gibu and Mosquera. This is when summer solstice celebrations take over the country. The festivities start around late June (in areas like Cusco, smaller community celebrations begin in late May) and continue through late July with the vibrant Fiestas Patrias, or national independence celebrations, on July 28.
“It’s a great time to experience the country's lively atmosphere,” Gibu says. “I suggest booking arrangements well in advance. This is a preferred time for travelers coming from the northern hemisphere on their summer holidays with their families. During this window, there are also school holidays on this side of the world, so we have domestic and regional travelers also exploring.”
When visiting Peru for the first time, where should I go? What should I see?
All travelers on their first visit to Peru will have to go through Lima, which is ideal because the city has a lot to see, eat, and do, Gibu says. “It’s the capital of the country, the main travel gateway in Peru, and the only South American capital with a coastline. Here, you can enjoy world-renowned cuisine that reflects our rich cultural history, with flavors influenced by African, Japanese, Chinese, and Italian migrations.”
Outside of Lima, Mosquera and Gibu say that first-time visitors also enjoy trips to Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, which is also reachable in exceptional style via the Belmond Hiram Bingham train. For those with the luxury of more time, they also recommend Lake Titicaca, the Amazon rainforest, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon, as well as the beaches and archaeological sites along the Pacific Coast.
How many days do I need to spend in Peru as a first-timer?
For a comfortable, un-rushed trip, Gibu and Mosquera recommend a minimum of eight days and seven nights when visiting Peru for the first time on a multi-destination itinerary. “With more time, travelers can also explore other fascinating areas of the country,” Mosquera says; 10 to 14 days on the ground is even better, if schedules and budgets allow.
What else should I know before visiting Peru?
Peru has a uniquely diverse geography; between the Pacific coast, the majestic Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, it can be complex to work multiple destinations in the country into one itinerary, utilizing domestic flights and connections via trains. (All the more reason to tap Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists like Gibu and Mosquera.) Additionally, travelers need to consider the altitude of Peru’s varied topography; you’ll need to factor in time to acclimate when you move between sites.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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