EXPLORE PERU

Climate Overview

Peru’s climate is diverse due to its varied geography, including the coast, Andean highlands, and the Amazon rainforest. The best time to visit depends on the region.

Coastal Region (including Lima)

Dry Season (December to April)

Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Ideal for visiting beaches.

Wet Season (May to November)

Cooler with high humidity, but little rainfall.
Advantages: The summer months (December to April) are perfect for coastal activities and enjoying sunny skies.

Andean Highlands (including Cusco and Machu Picchu)

Dry Season (May to September)

Daytime is sunny with cold nights. This is the best time for trekking and visiting archaeological sites.
Wet Season (October to April)

Warmer but with significant rainfall, especially from January to March.
Advantages: The dry season offers the best conditions for hiking and sightseeing in the mountains.

Amazon Rainforest

Dry Season (May to October)

Less rainfall and lower river levels, making it easier to hike and spot wildlife.
Wet Season (November to April)

Heavier rains with higher river levels, ideal for boat tours and seeing the rainforest in bloom.
Advantages: Both seasons offer unique experiences for exploring the rainforest and observing wildlife.

Quick Tips

Peak Tourist Season: May to September for the Andean region and Machu Picchu. Advance booking is recommended for accommodations and popular treks like the Inca Trail.
Cultural Events: Consider visiting during festivals like Inti Raymi in Cusco (June) and the Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno (February). These events offer a deep insight into Peruvian culture and traditions.

Cuisine

Peru’s cuisine, or “gastronomía,” is acclaimed for its variety and complexity. Dishes like ají de gallina, a creamy chicken stew, and causa, a layered potato dish, highlight the fusion of native and imported ingredients. Regional specialties, from Amazonian jungle dishes to hearty Andean soups, offer a culinary exploration of Peru’s varied landscapes.

Beverages

Peruvian beverages blend tradition and flavor. Pisco, a grape brandy, forms the base of the iconic Pisco Sour. Indigenous drinks like chicha morada, made from purple corn, and mate de coca, a tea from coca leaves, offer a taste of Peru’s rich beverage culture.

History & Culture

Peru’s cultural landscape is a testament to its complex past, from the rise and fall of ancient empires to the impacts of Spanish colonization and the fusion of different cultural elements into a unique Peruvian identity.

In Peru, every traveler finds a story – be it in the silent ruins of ancient civilizations, the bustling markets of Lima, or the serene beauty of the Andes. Peru is a country that not only showcases the splendor of its past but also embraces the vibrancy of its present, offering a rich and deeply engaging travel experience.

UNESCO SITES

Peru’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco, and the Chavin Archaeological Site, highlight its historical and cultural significance. The Manu National Park and the Huascarán National Park underscore its ecological diversity.

Overview

In Peru, Spanish and Quechua, along with other indigenous languages, play significant roles in the cultural identity of the nation. The Peruvian Sol is the official currency, reflecting the country’s economic practices and history. Peru is renowned for its rich heritage from ancient civilizations like the Inca, diverse landscapes from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, and its vibrant multicultural society.

Language: Spanish

Currency: Peruvian Sol (S/)

Unique Aspect: Peru’s unique aspect is its rich archaeological heritage, including world-famous sites like Machu Picchu, which reflects the sophisticated societies that existed before the Spanish conquest. The coexistence of Spanish and indigenous languages and traditions in modern Peru creates a unique cultural blend. The Peruvian Sol, with its symbols of national identity, and the prevalence of both modern and traditional lifestyles, mirror the country’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes. Peru’s cuisine, recognized worldwide for its variety and flavors, also adds to its distinctiveness.