Good: Lush landscapes and fewer tourists at major sites. Lower prices on flights and accommodation. The Amazon rainforest is intensely alive - wildlife watching is in full swing with local experts at jungle lodges. Northern beaches including Máncora have warm, sunny summer weather December to March. January is ideal for coastal Peru.

Watch out: January and February are the wettest months in the highlands. Rainy season makes highland trekking challenging and temperatures dropping overnight add to difficulty. The Inca Trail closes entirely in February. Travel can be more challenging due to increased rainfall.

Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

The Andes mountains from Cusco south to Puno operate on a clear dry and wet season cycle. May through September is the window for reliable hiking, clear skies over the Sacred Valley and the best visibility from Machu Picchu's Sun Gate. Fly into Cusco and plan at least two full rest days before any high-altitude trekking - the city sits at 3,400 metres.

Lake Titicaca and Puno

Dry season delivers calm conditions for boat trips to the Uros floating islands and across to Taquile Island. Dry winter nights at altitude make for exceptional stargazing - overnight homestays on Taquile Island are outstanding in May and August. In the wet season, choppy water makes boat travel less reliable.

Amazon and Puerto Maldonado

The Amazon rainforest operates on different seasonal logic. September and October are the low-water season - excellent for wildlife spotting as animals concentrate near water. In the wet season, river access extends deep into the flooded forest and wildlife watching is in full swing with local experts at lodges.

Lima and the Coast

Lima and the central coastal cities experience La Garúa from May through September - a thick fog from the cold Humboldt Current that makes the capital feel grey. Beach weather on the central coast is essentially absent May to October. Northern beaches including Máncora have warm weather and excellent conditions December through March.

Cusco to Puno (Inca Heartland)

Inti Raymi on 24 June is Peru's unmissable cultural event - book Cusco accommodation six months ahead. Independence Day on 28 July brings celebrations across the country. All Saints Day on 1 November draws significant events in Puno that blend Catholic and indigenous traditions.

Book Inca Trail permits immediately

The trail has a daily limit of around 200 trekkers. Permits for June to August sell out six months ahead. Book through a licensed operator as soon as dates are confirmed. Even May and September permits go quickly - don't delay.

Acclimatise before trekking

Cusco sits at 3,400 metres. Plan at least two full rest days before any strenuous activity. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk without proper preparation. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol in the first 48 hours and consider altitude medication (Diamox) - discuss with a doctor before travel.

Book Machu Picchu entry in advance

Machu Picchu operates on timed entry windows with a daily visitor cap. Book your specific slot at machupicchu.gob.pe as soon as dates are set. Peru Rail and Inca Rail tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes also sell out far in advance for peak season.

Layer for altitude shifts

Temperatures in Cusco and the Sacred Valley can swing 15 degrees between midday and evening. Pack lightweight thermal layers, a mid-layer fleece and a waterproof shell regardless of season. Insect repellent is essential for any Amazon itinerary.

Travel insurance matters

Weather cancellations on the Inca Trail and Amazon tours are real risks. Choose a policy that explicitly covers trek cancellations and weather-related disruptions. Medical evacuation from altitude can be expensive without adequate coverage.

• ·Day 1: Fly into Cusco. Full rest day for acclimatisation.
• ·Day 2: Sacred Valley day trip - Pisac market and Ollantaytambo ruins.
• ·Day 3: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• ·Day 4: Early morning Machu Picchu on first timed slot. Return by afternoon train.
• ·Day 5: Cusco city - Sacsayhuaman and San Blas neighbourhood.
• ·Day 6: Day trip to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Uros island boat trip.
• ·Day 7: Return to Lima via Juliaca airport.

• ·Days 1–2: Lima arrival. Miraflores and Barranco districts.
• ·Days 3–5: Fly to Puerto Maldonado. River lodge in Tambopata Reserve.
• ·Days 6–7: Fly to Cusco via Lima. Acclimatisation day. Sacred Valley afternoon.
• ·Days 8–9: Puno and Lake Titicaca. Overnight homestay on Taquile Island.
• ·Day 10: Return to Lima for departure.

• ·Days 1–2: Lima. City orientation and coastal day trips.
• ·Days 3–5: Fly to Iquitos. Amazon River lodge and guided boat walks.
• ·Days 6–7: Fly to Cusco. Acclimatisation and city exploration.
• ·Days 8–9: Sacred Valley. Maras salt pans, Moray and Ollantaytambo.
• ·Day 10: Train to Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu visit.
• ·Days 11–12: Return to Cusco. Inti Raymi on 24 June at Sacsayhuaman.
• ·Days 13–14: Puno and Lake Titicaca. Community visit and artisan markets.

When is the best time to visit Peru?

May and September are the best months to visit Peru. The dry season runs May to October with clear Andean skies, reliable trekking conditions and full Inca Trail access. May and September offer the same dry conditions as peak months June to August but with fewer crowds and easier permit availability. For Machu Picchu specifically, early morning entry in May or September delivers clear visibility and manageable queues.

When does the Inca Trail close each year?

The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. The closure runs the entire month. Any trip planned around Machu Picchu in February should use alternative routes such as the Salkantay Trek or the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Inca Trail permits for peak season (June to August) sell out six months in advance - book as soon as dates are confirmed.

What are the best months for spotting Amazon wildlife in Peru?

September and October are the best months for wildlife watching in the Amazon. Water levels drop during this period, exposing muddy banks and concentrating animals near water sources, making them far easier to spot from boats and canopy walkways. Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos both offer year-round lodge access, with September to October the most productive window for wildlife spotting.

When can you expect clear skies in the Andes?

May through September is the dry season in the Andes, delivering consistently clear skies and sunny days averaging around 20°C in the highlands. May and September offer the best balance of good weather and thinner crowds compared to peak months of June, July and August. The Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca are all most rewarding in this window.

Is it worth visiting Peru in the wet season?

Yes, for the right traveller. The wet season from November to April brings lush green landscapes, fewer tourists at major sites and lower prices on flights and accommodation. The Amazon is particularly rewarding in the wet season. The main trade-offs are unpredictable rain in the highlands and the February Inca Trail closure. April is an excellent shoulder month as the rains ease and the landscape stays green.

When is shoulder season in Peru?

Peru has two shoulder seasons: March to April and October to November. April is especially strong for hiking as the rains ease, the landscape is still green and Machu Picchu queues are shorter than in peak summer. October offers warm temperatures, dropping crowds and excellent Amazon wildlife conditions as water levels fall.