When to go to Peru
July, 2015 – When to go to Peru
When to go to Peru
Imagine travelling to a country that has all of the geographical wonders of the world in one place! Peru has amazed travellers for its rich landscapes, stunning views and its blend of ancient civilizations and modern cultures as a popular travel destination. Are you planning a trip to this hotspot and wondering when is the best time to travel to Peru?
Depending on the region you are going and the places you wish to visit, Peru is different from many other travel regions due to the weather and altitude. While it may be common to think of our travel itineraries in terms of the usual four seasons, Peru actually has two very distinct seasons, wet and dry. The best time to travel to Peru is therefore going to depend on the focus of your trip.
Whether you are looking to see the beaches and archaeology of the coast, the biodiversity of the Amazon or the majestic mountains of the Andes, including Machu Picchu, the optimal times for your vacation may vary.
Winter in Peru
The Peruvian winter is known as the dry season and lasts from May to September. If you are planning to visit the Cusco area and trek the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, this may be the preferred time to travel.
Rain slows down a lot in the Highlands and this is also a prime time for visiting other areas around the Sacred Valley where the rolling Andes and the cultural highlights delight many travellers. It rarely rains during this time and it is the perfect chance to catch those famous views of the beautiful mountains with clear blue skies.
The coastal climate gets cold during this time of year and becomes wet and rather grey. In Lima there is a thick layer of fog locally called ‘garua’, which brings with it cool temperatures and a consistent light drizzle. Once you start moving into different altitudes, you will find the change of temperature fluctuates and may be difficult to predict and can vary considerably, as is usual with mountain climates.
Traveling to Peru at this time is also considered the high season and be aware there will be many tourists enjoying the amazing sites. We recommend that you book your tours in advance during this time and perhaps choose to visit in April or May if you are keen to miss some of the crowds.
The Peruvian winter is also considered to be a good season for visiting the Amazon. June through November actually make up the warmest season with average temperatures of about 37 degrees Celsius (98 Fahrenheit) with a very high level of humidity, and being the dry season, it makes it the best season for jungle trekking and hiking.
While many people visit the Amazon in the summer months and the abundant flora and fauna blooms and thrills travelers at this time, the trails may experience high waters and sometimes flooding during December through May.
Summer in Peru
The summer season is from November to March and it is the wet season with frequent heavy showers with the peak of the rainy season falling between December and February. The temperatures are higher than in the summer during the days, yet drop temperatures drop considerably during the night to be colder.
If you are looking to visit the spectacular Peruvian coast, from Nazca to Paracas or Lima to Mancora, the weather is humid and sunny with temperatures consistently reaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) or higher and a great time to visit these regions.
Mid-December to March sees some very heavy showers and temperatures can drop quickly when the sun disappears behind the clouds. It’s best not to plan a trek in the Andes at this time of year yet many people enjoy the day tours to areas in the Sacred Vally and Machu Picchu. If you are looking to hike the Inca trail, keep in mind that it usually closes every year during February for maintenance.
If you are planning a trip to Peru at this time, December through May is a perfect time to visit the Amazon with warm temperatures during the day and with a high level of rainfall during this period. The reason is that the heavy rainfall will allow you to navigate every creek and lake, which gives you the opportunity to see fauna and flora that may not be visible during the other months.
As a travel tip, planning a visit to the jungle at the end of your trip is possible after visiting the other regions with just a 30-minute flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado where we can organize a a few days in this stunning region so you don’t miss it! From there you can get a direct flight back to Cusco or Lima.
Planning a trip to Peru can be planned at any time throughout the year to enjoy the natural beauty and variety of amazing experiences all year round.
While traveling with Green Stone Journeys, our yoga classes create a tour experience to relax and rejuvenate you while enjoying the daily tours and activities in each region. Remember, if you don’t get to do everything in one trip, you can always come back!
