There is no time during the year when one cannot or should not travel to Peru. High season is June to October, while the rainy season (which principally affects highland areas) lasts in its greatest intensity from January to March. Light rains at other times of the year should not have a negative impact on travelers’ ability to get to and enjoy any destination in Peru. In general, we recommend traveling on the margins of high season, when travelers are likely to have an easier time making travel plans and reservations in popular destinations.

The rainy season is of particular consequence in the Andes and Amazon regions. Although one might want to avoid the rainy season (December to March) if planning to do extensive hiking in the Andes or forays deep into the Amazon rainforest, most other areas are fine to travel to during these months. Odds are that you’ll experience just a couple of cloudy days and/or brief afternoon showers. The benefits of traveling during the rainy season is the opportunity to see the Andes and highland valleys painted brilliant, varied shades of green and encounter a relative paucity of other tourists.

The high season for travel, between June and October, is when the great majority of foreigners arrive in Peru. Prices climb, hotels are often full, and Peru’s most popular sights are frequently very crowded. For these reasons, we recommend making flight and hotel arrangements far in advance for travel from late June through October. Not coincidentally, these are the best months for trekking and mountain climbing in the Andes (activities that are very difficult to pursue during the most intensive rainy season, January to March; in fact, the Inca Trail is closed during the entire month of February for much-needed maintenance).

In summary, many people find it ideal to travel to Peru during the shoulder seasons (April to the end of May and late October to early December). Springtime, after the heavy rains have ceased, is particularly attractive, as the highlands are turned a striking green.

For coastal travel, conversely, the months of December through March are best, when sunny skies are the norm and Peruvians head to the beaches; and for wildlife viewing in the Amazon rainforest, the peak of dry season – August to October – is optimal.

For additional information on When to Travel to Peru, you can write to travel@casa-andina.com