THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PERU

What is the Best Time to Visit Peru?

If your itinerary centers on Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and other Andes destinations, the dry season is usually the most practical time to go. As per PROMPERÚ's climate guidance, the Andes see lower rainfall from roughly April through October, with sunny days and cold nights. 

May through September falls in the middle of that window, and it’s when many travellers plan hiking, sightseeing, photography and visits to archaeological sites. 

A Few Peru Travel Facts to Know Before Booking

Peru welcomes millions of international visitors every year, and its geography shapes how travellers plan their trips. Some facts are worth checking before you book:

• Regions: Tourism in Peru is organized around three regions- the Coast, the Andes and the Amazon. 
• Machu Picchu elevation: Around 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level
• Cusco elevation: Around 11,152 feet (3,400 meters)
• Inca Trail closure: Access to the Inca Trail network is typically suspended in February for annual conservation and maintenance. In 2026, SERNANP suspended access during February and resumed operations on March 1.
• Machu Picchu access: Machu Picchu is open throughout the year, but access is not guaranteed on any given day. Tickets, circuits, conservation measures, weather, transport and other disruptions can all affect entry. Check current availability on the official Machu Picchu ticket and circuit page and book early. 

Quick Look At Peru Travel Seasons

Region	Months Weather pattern	Suited to	Trade-offs
Lima and the coast	June–Winter (about June to September) brings high humidity and dense fog, with temperatures of roughly 54 to 64°F. Summer has little fog and temperatures of roughly 77 to 95°F. Heavy rain falls from December to April, mainly in higher areas.	Beach time and city sightseeing in summer. Food-focused cities stay at other times of year.	Winter can be gray and damp. Summer is hot.
Cusco and the Andes	The lower-rainfall period runs from April to October, with sunny days, cold nights and little rain. Abundant rain falls from November to March.	Guided visits and Inca Trail hikes in the lower-rainfall months	Weather changes quickly at the site and along the trail.
Machu Picchu	June- September: Machu Picchu experiences cooler, mostly dry weather with daytime temperatures around 66–72°F. From October to April, the weather becomes warmer and more humid, with temperatures generally around 68–75°F.	Guided visits and Inca Trail hikes in the lower rainfall months.	Weather changes quickly at the site and along the trail.
Peak Travel Period	The low rainfall period runs from April to October. The rainy season runs from November to March. Humidity is very high all year,r and temperature can occasionally drop to about 46 to 54°F between May and August.	Popular, busy and often more expensive	Heat & humidity all year. Rain is heavier from November to March.

Travel Tip: Peru’s weather varies from region to region. What you experience in Lima can be different from the weather in Cusco.

Weather

The most popular time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May through October. This of course coincides with winter in the Southern Hemisphere, yet the conditions are as stable and dry as they get at any other time of the year. If you're looking for predictable weather, and you want to increase the possibility of sunshine and clear skies, then this is probably the best time to go.

Sunny day at Machu Picchu

The rainy season occurs between December and March, with the highest amount of rainfall in January and February. During this time of the year the conditions are much harder to predict, and rainfall can often be quite heavy and even set in for days. That can make hiking the Inca Trail or visiting Machu Picchu a damp experience, to say the least. Heavy rain can also make travel in the mountains unsafe due to mudslides and the Inca trail is actually closed throughout February because of this reason. However, there are a lot fewer people visiting the region, which allows for a more personal, remote experience. In addition to the dry and wet seasons, Peru also has two short shoulder seasons in April and November. These months are a little less predicable, as the seasons transition. The weather is generally good but a little unpredictable at times at these times of the year.

Rainy school day!

Crowds

The dry season is of course, the busiest time of the year to visit popular sites like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail. This is especially true in July and August, when tourism reaches its heights, coinciding with European and USA holiday time. If your main goal is to avoid queues and look for a more remote and relaxed experience, then this may not be the best time for you to visit.

Busy machu Picchu!

The rainy season and the two shoulder seasons are much lesser visited. Even the more popular attractions, such as Machu Picchu, are a much more chilled out experience and especially a good time, if you are looking to avoid crowds, but don't mind dealing with unpredictable weather.

Late December and early January are also really busy in Peru. Another influx of visitors, and national tourism, travelling for Christmas, can lead to crowded hotels, packed restaurants, and fully booked tours. If that is when you intend to go, keep in mind that the popular attractions may be a lot busier thank you had planned for.

Inca Trail Closure

If hiking the Inca Trail is your primary objective, be aware that the route is closed throughout the month of February. Due to the heaviest rainfall of the year, the Peruvian government decided to not open the trail during that month. First, it protects the trail and ensures that it won't get overly damaged when it is most wet and also keep trekkers safer and being a victim of possible mudslides.

Llama-tastic at Machu Picchu

The Coast, The Highlands, or The Jungle?

Peru's impressive geographical areas have several unique climatic zones to explore, with their idiosyncrasies. If you're mainly staying along the coastal region, then November through March will be your best bet in terms of sunshine and warmth. Yes, that is the rainy season throughout much of the rest of the country, but in Lima and along the pacific coast, it is summer and an excellent time to visit.

If Cusco, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and the Andes are your intended destination, then avoid the rainy season. The dry season is a much better time to visit, with sunny days and less chance of transport cancellations/ delays. April through October is the time to visit the highlands.

The Amazon Rainforest is best visited in the dry season, and preferably from May to September. It is always warm and tropical in the Amazon, but less rain means it is also more accessible and enjoyable too. Temperatures are a bit cooler during the rainy season of course, but humidity is quite high all year round. The wet season also seems to produce a lot more mosquitos, so go prepared!

Festivals and Holidays

As with most Latin American countries, Peru has its fair share of national holidays and local festivals. For the most part, they don't tend to interfere with travel and can actually make for highly memorable experiences. There are two festivals that travellers should certainly be aware of, particularly if they want to take part in them.

Paucartambo dance troup

The first of those is The Inti Raymi festival on the 24th of June. This is the biggest tourist attraction and local celebration of the year in Cusco, attracting thousands of visitors to watch this re-enactment of the festival of the sun. The festival marks the passing of the winter solstice and has been celebrated for over 500 years and is of profound significance for the indigenous people of Cusco.

The other massive festival is Semana Santa, which is a week of celebrations coinciding with Easter week and with celebrations and ceremonies every day. A lot of local people travel at this time of the year and many hotels, flights, and restaurants are booked out. While it is an incredible interesting festival to observe, be aware that many people travel and there are large crowds of people, perfect for the average pickpocket, especially.

Dry Season (Winter)

Peru's dry season occurs from roughly May to October each year. This, of course, makes it the most popular time to visit the country, as it coincides with the summer holidays in the Northern hemisphere and with travellers wanting to take advantage of the good weather. So you can expect heavier traffic at all of the top tourist spots, as well as full airports, hotels, trains, and restaurants, so please book in advance if you plan to travel at this time of the year. Temperatures in the mountains tend to be between 18 to 24 °c (68F and 77 F). In the jungle region, temperatures are higher ranging from 30 to even 40°c (86F to 100F) with high humidity. The coastal region generally ranges from 15 to 20 °c (60-70 F) unless you head to the north of Peru where temperatures can reach 30°c (86 F to 100F).

Sunny titicaca

Rainy Season (Summer)

With the arrival of the rainy season in December to March, conditions change fairly dramatically. In the mountains, the temperatures drop to an average of 15-18 °c (64 F to 68F) during the day, while in the jungle, temperatures are similar to dry season at 26 -30°c (mid-80s F to mid-90s F). Along the coast, things improve nicely, with sun and clear skies bringing temperatures ranging from 27°c to 32°c (77 F to 95 degrees F). Despite it being the rainy season in the highlands and jungle, however, it is generally dry along the Pacific at this time of the year. This tends to be the quietest time of the year at Peru's major tourist attractions. If you don't mind taking a chance on the rain (pack a good rain jacket!) it can be a pleasant time to be in the highlands as there are a lot fewer visitors, but heavy rains can literally dampen the occasion somewhat!

Rainy rainforest!

When to Go

After all these pros and cons, if you're still wondering when to visit Peru, then the question comes down to your preference, good weather or smaller crowds? If the answer is weather, then avoid the rainy season and pack your patience in your pack at Peru's biggest tourist attractions, as they are likely to be very busy. On the other hand, if you would rather not deal with large amounts of people, then going during the rainy season. Even better, one of the shoulder seasons may be right time for you. Just pack appropriately, and accept the fact that you'll likely encounter a shower at some point!

A Month-by-Month Guide to Peru Weather

Peru’s regions follow different seasonal patterns, so each month below is compared on the same points. 

January

In January, the coast is warm and pleasant, while the Andes experience more rainfall. In Cusco and Machu Picchu, expect a high chance of wet weather.

Lima and the coast: Summer with little fog and warm temperatures (roughly 77 to 95°F). Heavy rain can fall in higher coastal areas from December to April.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Rainy season with abundant rain

Amazon: Rainy season (November to March), with very high humidity.

Trekking and access: Rain can affect trails and transport. Check current conditions before you go.

Consider this month if your plan centers on Lima and the coast, or you’re comfortable with wet-season conditions in the mountains.

Trade-offs: Wet weather in the Andes can disrupt hiking and sightseeing

February

February is often one of the wetter months in the Andes. During this month, the Inca Trail is closed and Machu Picchu itself remains open. 

Lima and the coast: Summer with little fog and warm temperatures. Heavy rain is possible in higher areas.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Rainy season, often among the wetter months.

Amazon: Rainy season. February is not an easy month for Amazon, and conditions vary by subregion.

Festivals: Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno (early February). Carnival celebrations may vary by date and location.

Trekking and access: The Inca Trail network is typically closed in February for annual maintenance.

Consider this month if you want to see green landscapes, don’t need the Inca Trail and can be flexible if rain changes plans.

Trade-offs: Heavy rain, no Inca Trail access and possible weather disruptions.

March

The Andes usually remain rainy in March while the weather starts transitioning into the drier season. This month is perfect for travellers who want fewer tourists and don’t mind some unpredictable weather.

Lima and the coast: Late summer. Fog is limited until autumn begins around March 20.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Still within the rainy season, with conditions starting to shift toward April.

Amazon: Final month of the rainy season.

Festivals: Carnival or Holy Week may fall in March, depending on the year.

Trekking and access: The Inca Trail network typically reopens after the February closure.

Consider this month if you can accept unpredictable Andean weather and want to hike after the trail reopens.

Trade-offs: Rain remains likely, and trail conditions can be muddy or affected by weather.

April

April offers a good time to visit Peru because the Andes start transitioning toward drier weather and landscapes start showing lush green, as well as crowds tend to be lighter.

Lima and the coast: Autumn with average temperatures near 68°F. Heavy rain is still possible in higher coastal areas early in the month.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Lower rainfall period begins with sunny days and cold nights. Conditions may vary from year to year.

Amazon: Low-rainfall season begins.

Festivals: Holy Week processions, including in Ayacucho and Cusco, depending on the year.

Trekking and access: Trails are generally accessible, but rain can still occur.

Consider this month if you want a transition period between the wet and lower rainfall seasons and can handle some uncertainty.

Trade-offs: Rain is still possible, and the timing of the seasonal shift varies.

May

If your trip is Andes-focused, then May is going to be your favourite month. Rainfall begins to drop during this month, but you can still enjoy the landscape.

Lima and the coast: Autumn, with average temperatures near 68°F, and fog becoming more common as winter approaches.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Lower rainfall period with sunny days and cold nights.

Amazon: low-rainfall season. Occasional cold snaps can bring temperatures down to roughly 46 to 54°F.

Festivals: Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage near Cusco, typically late May or June

Trekking and access: Trekking conditions are generally favourable, but permits and entry tickets can still sell out.

Consider this month if you are planning Andean hiking and want to travel before the busiest summer period.

Trade-offs: Cold nights at altitude and popular routes may already have limited space

June

June gives you excellent conditions for exploring the Andes. And this month is also an important month on Peru’s cultural calendar. So, if you are planning June Peru’s trip, then always book all major attractions, accommodations and trekking permits ahead of time.

Lima and the coast: Winter, with high humidity, dense fog and temperatures of roughly 54 to 64°F.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Lower-rainfall period with sunny days and cold nights.

Amazon: Low-rainfall season with occasional cooler temperatures.

Festivals: Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi (June 24) in Cusco

Trekking and access: Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu may sell out well ahead.

Consider this month if you want to combine Andean trekking with Cusco’s festival calendar and can book early.

Trade-offs: Cold nights, gray coastal weather and tighter availability for trains, hotels and permits.

July 

July is often the busiest travel month in Peru, particularly in Cusco and Machu Picchu. The weather in the Andes is generally dry that makes it popular with international travellers, including Americans taking advantage of summer vacation.

Lima and the coast: Winter, with fog and cooler temperatures.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Lower-rainfall period with sunny days and cold nights.

Amazon: Low-rainfall season with occasional cool spells.

Festivals: Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo (mid-July) and Fiestas Patrias (July 28 to 29)

Trekking and access: Permits, trains and Machu Picchu circuits can be limited.

Consider this month if your schedule is tied to summer vacation and you can reserve early.

Trade-offs: Limited availability, cold nights at altitude and gray weather on the coast.

August

August remains one of the most popular seasons due to its dry weather. If you want to explore outdoor adventures, then this month is perfect.

Lima and the coast: Winter, with fog and humidity

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Lower-rainfall period with sunny days and cold nights.

Amazon: Low-rainfall season with occasional cool spells.

Trekking and access: Trekking is a common choice, but permits and tickets can sell out.

Consider this month if you want to trek and explore the Andes and can secure permits and lodging in advance.

Trade-offs: Cold nights and popular routes may have limited space.

September

The Andes become more pleasant to explore, and major attractions are often quieter even during the peak travel month, September.

Lima and the coast: Winter’s end, with fog and cooler temperatures early in the month, shifting toward spring after September 22.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Still within the lower-rainfall period, though rain onset varies from year to year.

Amazon: Low-rainfall season.

Trekking and access: Conditions can suit trekking, but demand at Machu Picchu may remain high.

Consider this month if you want a transition period between the peak dry months and the rainy season.

Trade-offs: Rain may arrive earlier than expected, and Machu Picchu demand can stay strong.

October

October is also a transition period. At that time, rain becomes more likely in the Andes. But conditions can still be favourable for many travellers.

Lima and the coast: Spring, with average temperatures near 68°F.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: The last month of PROMPERÚ's lower-rainfall period, with rain becoming more likely as the month goes on.

Amazon: Final month of the low-rainfall season.

Festivals: Señor de los Milagros processions in Lima

Trekking and access: Trekking is possible, le but the weather is less predictable

Consider this month if you can handle variable weather and want to travel as the season shifts.

Trade-offs: Rain onset varies and afternoon showers are possible.

November

In November, rainfall begins increasing in the Andes. During this month, the countryside starts taking on a lush look, which makes this period ideal for travellers.

Lima and the coast: Spring with mild temperatures

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Rainy season begins with rainfall increasing over the month.

Amazon: Rainy season begins with very high temperatures.

Festivals: All Saints' Day (November 1 to 2) and Puno Week (early November)

Trekking and access: Rain can affect trails & transports

Consider this month if you are comfortable with wetter conditions and want green scenery.

Trade-offs: Increasing rain can disrupt outdoor plans.

December

December starts bringing summer to Peru. The coast can be warm and inviting while the Andes begin experiencing more rainfall. That season also sees more domestic & international travellers due to vacations.

Lima and the coast: Summer begins December 21. Fog is limited,d and temperatures rise; heavy rain is possible in higher coastal areas.

Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes: Rainy season with abundant rain.

Amazon: Rainy season with very high humidity.

Festivals: Christmas and New Year celebrations, including Cusco's Santurantikuy market on December 24 

Trekking and access: Wet conditions can affect trails and transport.

Consider this month if you are planning a holiday trip focused on Lima & the coast.

Trade-offs: Heavy Andean rain and holiday-period availability.

Explore: Best 9 Days of Peru

Which Time of Year is Best for Peru’s Festivals and Cultural Events?

Festivals can shape a trip, but they also affect crowds and weather. So it’s worth planning around them deliberately.

Festival	Typical timing	Location	Consider it if…	Trade-offs and booking notes
Fiesta de la Candelaria	Early February, with the main day on February 2 [verify]	Puno, on Lake Titicaca	You want to see large-scale folk dance, costumes and live music	February falls in the Andean rainy season, and the Inca Trail network is typically closed that month. Book Puno lodging and transport early.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)	March or April, depending on the year's Easter date	Cusco, Ayacucho and other cities	You're interested in religious processions and local traditions	Dates change every year, and some businesses may alter their hours. Check the current year's dates before booking.
Inti Raymi	June 24	Cusco, ending at Sacsayhuamán	You want to see a reenactment tied to Inca history and can plan around crowds.	Seating at the main site may require advance tickets. Lodging, flights and other Cusco services can be in high demand. Cusco's altitude and strong sun call for a gradual first day or two.
Fiestas Patrias	July 28 and 29	Nationwide, including Lima	You want to experience Peru's Independence Day celebrations	Domestic travel demand can be high, so book flights, buses and lodging early. Some businesses close on the holidays.
Virgen del Carmen	Mid-July	Paucartambo, in the Cusco region, and other towns	You're drawn to masked dances and religious processions in a smaller town	Paucartambo is a small town with limited lodging, and the mid-July timing overlaps other busy Cusco-area dates. Plan transport and lodging well ahead.

Ready to shape your Peru dates into an itinerary? Share your travel window, destination and pace, and a VA expeditions travel designer will build a custom Peru itinerary around them, from Andean routes to the coast or the Amazon.

How to Choose Your Dates or Time to Visit Peru?

When it comes to choosing the best time to visit Peru, you need more than just planning; you need to think about the five most important factors:

Start With Your Main Destination

First of all, decide which parts of Peru you want to explore. For itineraries including Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, May to September is a great choice. For Lima & the Pacific coast, December to April brings the best weather. For the Amazon rainforest in your list, you can visit year-round.

Consider Your Activities

Your travel plans should also be affected by what you want to experience. Like if you want to spend your trip hiking, trekking, exploring ruins or taking long scenic walks, then the drier months from May to September are generally more comfortable in the Andes. On the other hand, if your main interests are food, museums, local culture or sightseeing, then you have more flexibility in your travel dates.

Decide How Much Rain You Can Handle

Rain doesn’t break your plans, but it can make a difference when you have outdoor plans. You may experience more rainfall in the Andes generally from November to March. If you can handle rain and don’t mind carrying a rain jacket, then the wetter months can still make a memorable Peru trip.

Planning Around Crowds, Prices and Weather Disruptions

Crowds, prices and weather are three separate questions, and a month that looks good on one can be difficult on another. That’s why treat the points as planning considerations rather than guarantees. Visitor numbers and access limits vary by destination and year, while prices depend on the market.

Check Festivals Before Finalizing Your Dates

Peru’s festivals can make your trip more memorable. So, if you want to enjoy Peru's festivals, then you should check festival dates before booking. These periods can really be an exciting time to visit, but they can also bring a larger crowd and higher demand for accommodation and transportation. Booking ahead is a smart move for festival time travelling to Peru.

Explore Suggested Itineraries

When to Visit Peru for Machu Picchu?

If you are flying to Peru from the United States, then Machu Picchu may be one of the places you are considering. The timing that suits you depends on more than the season, because access is shaped by the site’s ticketing system, the route you choose and transfer schedules.

Note: Hiking the Inca Trail requires some extra planning. The trail is usually closed during the month of February each year.

VA Expeditions 4-day Machu Picchu special combines a Cusco city tour, a train to Aguas Calientes and a guided visit to the citadel. Confirm availability for your dates before you plan around it.

What is the Right Time for Peru Hiking?

The right time for Peru hiking depends on which route you’re hiking. Peru’s trekking routes differ in altitude, cold, rain exposure, permits and difficulty. Look at some guidance on the right month:

Route	Altitude and cold	Rain and season notes	Permits and access	Consider it if…
Inca Trail	Crosses high passes, with a high point of roughly 13,800 feet (about 4,200 meters). Nights can be cold.	Rain is possible even in the lower-rainfall months. Wet conditions can make stone steps slippery.	Requires a permit and a licensed guide. Permits are limited and can sell out well ahead. The network is typically closed each February for maintenance.	You have experience with multi-day hiking at altitude and can book early.
Salkantay Trek	Crosses a pass at roughly 15,100 feet (about 4,600 meters). Higher and colder than the Inca Trail's high point.	Exposed to snow, cold and rain at the pass. Conditions can change quickly.	Not part of the Inca Trail permit system. Operators may adjust routes or camps for conditions.	You want a high-altitude trek without an Inca Trail permit and are comfortable with cold and variable weather.
Lares Trek	Generally lower than Salkantay, though it still crosses high passes.	Rain and cold are possible. Trail and village access can be affected by weather.	Check current requirements with your operator.	You want a route with more contact with Andean communities and can accept variable conditions.
Ausangate	Very high and remote, with passes near or above 16,000 feet. Nights can be very cold.	Snow and freezing conditions are possible. The rainy season can make it more difficult.	Confirm access, camping and guide requirements with an operator.	You're an experienced high-altitude trekker who has acclimatized well.
Lower-elevation hikes (for example around the Sacred Valley and cloud forest)	Lower altitude and warmer, though nights can still be cool.	Rain affects trails and roads in the wet season, and some areas are prone to slides.	Often no special permit, but entry fees, guides or site rules may apply.	You want shorter or less demanding days, or are still acclimatizing.

The Ideal Time for a Budget-Friendly Peru Trip

Value comes down to what you get for what you spend, and that depends on more than the month you travel. Airfare, lodging, tours, trains, permits and entry tickets each follow their own pricing and availability, and some are fixed regardless of season.

A quieter month may not lower your cost, and a busy month may not raise it. The best approach is to compare quotes for your exact dates and route.

What shapes the cost of a Peru trip;

• Route & Length
• Fixed Costs
• Demand & Availability
• Level of Service
• Booking Timing

Some ways to get more from your budget:

• Be flexible with dates
• Prioritize what matters most
• Book constrained items early
• Leave room for weather
• Ask what’s included & compare

If you’d like help balancing dates, routes and budget, a travel designer can build a custom itinerary around your priorities and explain the trade-offs.

Plan a tailor-made Peru trip.

Avoiding the Crowds: Peru Travel Guide

If you don’t want crowded attractions, then consider travelling to Peru during shoulder season- April, May, September and October. These months may encourage fewer travellers while still having a reasonable chance of enjoying good weather in many popular destinations.

For Machu Picchu, don’t assume that seasons mean empty. It is one of the most popular and attractive places. You have to plan smartly.

Still Not Sure Which Season Fits Your Trip?

Every traveller's idea of the time to visit Peru looks a little different, and that’s exactly where local expertise helps. Our South American travel specialist can match your dates, interests, and pace to the right route.

Get Support 24/7 at 1-(888)803-8004 by VA Expeditions.

Final Thought

Finally, there is no month that we can say is perfect. Because it totally depends on what you want to experience. So, if your priority is Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, then choose May through September, while if you want fewer tourists & more relaxed trips, then choose April, May, September or October. The most important thing is to plan your itinerary first and then choose the travel dates.

FAQ about Best Time to Visit Peru

How far ahead should I book Machu Picchu?

Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Entry to Machu Picchu is limited by ticket & circuit, and trains, buses and hotels are separate bookings that can also fill up. Availability changes by date, and busy periods can sell out sooner, so there isn’t one safe lead time for every month.

I can only travel during one specific month; is it still worth going?

Yes, in most cases. The trip just needs to be designed around that month. Peru’s regions have different seasons, so a month that’s wet in the Andes may be sunny on the coast. If your dates fall in the Andean rainy season (November to March), you might weigh your time toward Lima, the coast and cultural sightseeing.

Will altitude be a problem, and how do I prepare?

It can be. Cusco sits at roughly 11,152 feet, and many travellers notice it in their first days. That’s why talk to your doctor before you go, especially if you have a heart, lung, or other medical condition.

Should I plan my trip around a festival?

Yes, but only if it matters to you because festivals change the trip. They can bring strong demand for lodging and transport, and some involve crowds and street closures.

What should I pack for my dates?

It depends on the region you are visiting. For the Andes, pack warm layers for cold mornings and nights, sun protection, sturdy walking shoes and a rain jacket in any month.

How many days do I need for a first Peru trip?

It totally depends on how much you want to see. As a rough guide, a short trip can focus on Cusco and Machu Picchu that can be completed in 4 days. Adding the Sacred Valley, Lima, or the Amazon takes more time since internal flights and transfers take part of a day each.