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Peru

© Silvia Pascual / Dollar Photo Club

Best time to visit

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The driest period from May to October is considered to be the best time to visit Peru. It is all about rambling through the Amazon jungle and trekking on Machu Picchu or Pongo de Martinique. The weather is pleasant throughout the dry season, being cooler only on higher elevations. Lima and the desert coast see hot and humid weather. A peak season in Peru lasts from June to August, with overpriced accommodation and chords of tourists in Cusco. November marks the start of the rainy season, January through April being the wettest. This is when famous archeological destinations such as Pachacamac or Moray are at their finest.

41 things to do in Peru

Scissors Dance or La Danza de las Tijeras

May–September | late December Event

Head to the ground, one foot up, arms criss-crossed and blades right in front of your face—this is the ancient Dance with Scissors

Wititi Dance

November–February | July 14 Event

Witi Witi means "making love," so how do you imagine this dance looks like? Colca Valley would be the right place to check it out

Ice Climbing

March–October Activity

Snowy peaks look cold and unappealing to some, but in fact they own a very unique and magical beauty

Qoyllur Rit'i or Star Snow Festival

June 4–6, 2023 Event

Thousands of pilgrims walk to the foots of Andes to welcome new circle of life or honor the Lord

Cusco Carnival

March 3, 2024 Event

For those who like crowded and chaotic places with music, dance and other interesting activities, the right time to visit Peru is during the Carnival

Rafting the Urubamba River

May–October Activity

This adventure is quite extreme, but its beauty is well worth it

Avocado

January–June Food

Try not to miss the season of avocado in Peru, and try some signature dishes too!

Surfing

November–February | May–August Activity

Find your wave and have a perfect ride near the coast of Peru

Guinea Pig Festival

October 11, 2024 Event

Do you love guinea pigs or 'cuy' in the same way as Peruvians do?

Birdwatching

October–November Nature

About one fifth of all bird species on Earth can be found in Peru

Marine Fauna of the Ballestas Islands

January–March Nature

Sea lions, penguins, and pelicans are good neighbours on the Ballestas Islands

Salt Harvest at Salinas de Maras

May–October Nature

See thousands of salt terraces placed high in the mountains in the Sacred Valley of Incas

Titicaca and other Mountain Lakes

May–September Activity

Among high hills and ice glaciers, these lakes hide their stunning beauty

Warachikuy

September 15, 2024 Event

Inspiring event when young sons of the Incas show their strength and overcome different trials by fire

Inti Raymi Festival

June 24 Event

This ancient religious ritual survived till today and represents the most famous festival in Cusco

Peruvian Paso Horse Competitions

mid- April | September–October | late January Event

These horses are declared part of the cultural heritage of the nation

Lucuma

January–March Food

Fresh, dried, or frozen—this fruit remains absolutely delicious

Pink Dolphin Breeding Season

May–June Nature

Believe it or not, but these dolphins do exist. Their skin is pale pink, and males are more pink than females

Flying over the Nazca Lines during the Dry Months

November–March Nature

Be prepared to meet two thousand year old art

Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria

February 1–2 | February 9–11, 2025 Event

This is one of the biggest carnivals in Peru, which combines both Christian and prehispanic rituals

Fiesta De Las Cruces

May 3 Event

This festival represents a special religious tradition of carrying decorated crosses up the hill

Bullfighting Season in Lima

October 27–November 24, 2024 Event

This show isn't for the faint-hearted, but for some, this tradition is a work of art

Macaw Clay Lick

August–March Nature

A colorful army comes to eat the minerals

Virgen del Carmen

July 15–July 18 Event

Towns of Paucartambo and Pisac near Cusco are home to a festival dedicated to Virgen del Carmen, a ceremony well worth attending

Yawar Fiesta or Festival of Blood

July 28–July 31 Event

Though cruel and bloody, this event symbolizes the fight for freedom in Peru

Paucartambo Festival

July 15–July 18 Event

Learn about Peruvian history, pay respect to the dead, honor the Virgin, and try not to lose your head in the craziness of this event

Takanakuy—the Fighting Festival

December 25 Event

Any plans for Christmas? What about taking part in a traditional fight in Peru?

Cielo de Brujas or Sky of Witches

December–April Nature

Peruvian sunsets are worth a moment to stop doing everything and just enjoy it

Huacachina Oasis

May–November Nature

A lake in the desert—mirage or a sheer oasis?

Titan Beetle

September–October Nature

One of the largest beetles on Earth inhabits Peruvian rainforests

Hot Springs

May–October Activity

Take some time in your exploration to relax in healing hot springs between the green hills of the Andes

Q’eswachaka Bridge Weaving

June Activity

This Inca bridge is a connection between the past and the present, and its renovation is a real tradition for locals

Mango

November–April Food

There is no such Peruvian meal with mango that you won't enjoy!

Hiking Rainbow Mountain

April–October Nature

Hike a mountain unlike any other

Carnival

February 28–March 5, 2025 Event

Immerse in a vibrant mix of Catholic and Inca traditions

Cajamarca Carnival (Carnaval de Cajamarca)

March 1–5, 2025 Event

One of the best carnival celebrations in South America

Semana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

March 24-31, 2024 Event

Discover unique Easter traditions of Cusco, Ayacucho, and Arequipa

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

September–April Activity

A new spectacular wind sports destination

Red River

April Nature

The unusual river is among the top attractions of the Cusco region

Lima–Huancayo Train

April–November Activity

The highest railaway in the Americas is an amazing Andean adventure

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Dress up in yellow and get ready to party!

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