Classic Safari
An incredible itinerary exploring the bustling cities of Peru followed by tracking through the Peruvian Amazon rainforest in order in search of the incredible flora and fauna which calls this area home.
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When to visit Peru
The best time for you to go to Peru will depend on where you want to go and what you want to see, although May to October tend to be peak. As Peru is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are generally reversed, but with such an array of topography the weather patterns in Peru can still be somewhat confusing and conflicting depending on where you are. The jungle will differ totally from the Andean highlands, which will also differ from the lowland coast, which can in turn differ according to whether you are in the north or south. Therefore, determining the best time of year to go really depends on what you want to see and where you want to go.
Peru consists of three main climate areas. The jungle areas east of the Andes are perennially hot and humid but nonetheless have distinct seasons- a dry season between May and October, and a wet season between November and April. Iquitos lends itself more to year-round travel, being closer to the equator, whilst Manu and Tambopata are far more favourable to visit in the dry season, when you can witness monkeys, birds, caimans, and small mammals. In Iquitos, animals can be easily spotted along the mud banks between June and September, once river levels recede.
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The best time to visit Peru
It is warm along the coast during January, with Lima being pleasant. Inland, it is much wetter, especially in Cusco and in the Amazon region the water levels are high.
February is a pretty low season to travel to Peru, although there is still plenty to do and Lima is warm during this time, the Inca Trail is closed during this month and there are still heavy rains in Cusco and the Amazon.
The coast is still warm in March and although there are still rains, it is a good time to explore the Amazon rainforest by boat.
Flora starts to bloom in April as the shoulder season appears in Cusco. Whilst it is drying up in the south of the country, the coast is slightly cooling although still pleasant to visit.
May is a great month to travel as the rains retreat across the country, leaving lush vegetation and landscapes. It is a great time to hike as the temperatures are pleasant but not too hot.
June is the start of the peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant in most areas of the country, and is a great time to set off on the waters of Lake Titicaca.
July is very similar to June in terms of weather and the best places to go. Lake Titicaca is beautiful against the blue skies, and it is also a good time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, although places may be busier than other times of the year.
August is a popular time to visit Machu Picchu, so it is ideal if you plan to visit during August to plan well ahead. It is one of the driest months of the year, especially in Iquitos.
The beginning of the month is still good for trekking before the rains start to come in towards the end of the month. However, it is the start of the low season so there are less crowds around.
Although it is the start of the wet season, it is one of the drier months in the Amazon, making it perfect to explore the jungle by foot. It is also great conditions to surf along the coast.
November is a good month for surfing, although the chances of rainfall increases significantly around Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Temperatures in the north start to rise and it marks the start of beach season, with sunny days and warmer weather. There is increased rainfall in Cusco and the Amazon.
Most visitors to Peru will incorporate the obvious charms of the Andean Highlands of Peru and the optimum time to trek amidst the beautiful Andean scenery of this region is between May and October, when the days can be clear and warm with somewhat chilly evenings, with temperatures reaching 20°C-25°C, or 68°F to 77°F in the daytime. This is Peru’s high season, and visitor numbers can be high. This is of particular note to those looking to trek the spectacular scenery of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to secure space. Outside of these months you may experience rain, but there will be fewer tourists, more verdant vegetation and flora, including orchids at Machu Picchu.
Between November and April the coastal regions along the west of Peru are bathed in sunshine. The further north you go, the longer this summer weather lasts, with places like Mancora in the far north enjoying good weather well into Peru’s winter. Further south, including the areas around Lima, Peru’s winter months bring cloud and a much cooler climate.
May to October
This tends to be the dry season in Peru. Visitors can enjoy warm and sunny days, and depending on the altitude, crisp and chilly evenings. Most of the places that Peru has to offer thrives during these months.
November to March
This tends to be the wet season in Peru. It is the wettest in the Andes and the Amazon between January and April. The Inca Trail Is closed during February, although access to Machu Picchu remains open. During the wet season, it is popular for visitors combining their travels with the Galapagos Islands.
Safaris & Planning
Long Safari
Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, the Amazon, the Nazca Lines – it's all here (and more) in an action-packed three-week journey that allows travellers to fully immerse themselves in the natural and cultural wonders of Peru.
From 12000 per person
Different Ways to Get to Machu Picchu
The remote location of Machu Picchu high up on a mountainside in the Sacred Valley rules out straightforward access by road, so either your route into or out of Machu Picchu will involve taking the train to/from Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo) – a town that’s swelled around the station at the base of the valley.
Read more about Machu Picchu
Salkantay Lodge and Adventure Resort
Located at 12,795 feet, Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort takes its name from the sacred most sacred peak in Inca mythology, which stands tall at a spectacular 20,500 feet. Welcoming you with a hot tub and fantastic views of an enormous glacier-cloaked mountain, this luxurious weigh station is on a lesser known route to Machu Picchu.
Read more about Salkantay LodgeWhat to do in Peru
Amazon Rainforest
Explore the Amazon rainforest, which covers a significant portion of Peru. Take guided jungle treks, boat tours, and canopy walks to spot diverse wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, sloths, caimans, and colorful butterflies.
Wildlife Photography
Capture Peru's stunning wildlife and landscapes through wildlife photography. Ensure you have the right equipment and knowledge of wildlife behaviour to get the best shots.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley
While exploring the historical sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, keep an eye out for native wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and Andean condors.
Birdwatching
Peru is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 1,800 bird species. Consider birdwatching excursions in various regions including the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, to spot Andean condors soaring above the canyon's walls. There is also a multitude of bird species in Manu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and the cloud forests of northern Peru.