December marks the official start of Peru’s beach season, with warmer Pacific temperatures and great waves. As for the mountains, rains start falling on the trails, though you can still opt for Christmas treks that end in Machu Picchu for holiday cheer at the world’s most famous Incan ruin.
## Peru in December: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
December in Peru signifies the transition into summer and the beginning of the wet season in the country’s interior. However, the weather conditions you’ll encounter are largely dependent on your specific destination within this diverse South American nation. Peru boasts three distinct climate zones, each offering a unique experience for travelers during this time of year.
**Weather Patterns Across Peru**
* **The Desert Strip:** The coastal region of Peru, encompassing cities such as **Mancora, Trujillo, Lima, Paracas**, and **Arequipa**, enjoys sunny, dry, and warm weather in December. This is a noticeable improvement from the preceding months, making it an ideal time for beachgoers and those seeking a respite from colder climates. **Lima** experiences pleasant weather in December, with average high temperatures reaching 75° F (24° C) and lows around 64° F (18° C). It’s worth noting that the further north you travel from **Lima**, towards the equator, the warmer the temperatures become, creating a tropical paradise for visitors.
* **The Andean or Highland Zone:** This region, home to destinations like **Huaraz, Machu Picchu, Cusco**, and **Lake Titicaca**, experiences an increase in rainfall throughout December. While the rain may be a factor, it shouldn’t deter you as the landscapes are lush and vibrant. When visiting the **Cusco** region, expect high temperatures around 68° F (20° C) and lows around 45° F (7° C). Packing layers is essential for navigating the fluctuating temperatures of the highlands.
* **The Large Eastern Area Covered by the Amazon Rainforest:** The Amazon rainforest, encompassing areas such as **Iquitos, Tarapoto, Manu**, and **Puerto Maldonado**, experiences warm and humid conditions year-round. However, December marks the beginning of the “wet season,” bringing increased rainfall to the region. In **Iquitos**, you can anticipate high temperatures around 88° F (31° C) and lows around 72° F (22° C). Be prepared for humidity and pack accordingly with breathable clothing.
**Navigating Crowds and Costs**
The onset of increased rainfall in Peru’s interior and jungle regions typically leads to a decrease in tourism compared to the peak dry season. However, December remains a relatively active month, particularly due to the holiday season, meaning there is some increase in travel. Don’t let the prospect of clouds and moisture discourage you from visiting! The flora and fauna are at their most vibrant during this time, and the showers are often interspersed with periods of sunshine. December can be a festive time to trek, offering the advantage of lower season pricing for hotels and tours.
However, it’s important to note that December is one of the busiest and most expensive months along the Peruvian coast. Locals tend to flock to the beaches during this time, seeking sun and relaxation. As a result, you can expect a lively atmosphere, full-service beach facilities, and a wide array of outdoor festivals and events.
**Exploring Peru: Where to Go**
For those seeking sun-drenched getaways, the Peruvian coast near **Lima** is an excellent choice in December. A short distance south lies the breathtaking **Paracas National Reserve**, boasting stunning sand dunes, pristine beaches, and a diverse array of wildlife. On the northern coast, young travelers will discover hidden gems like **Máncora**, renowned for its picturesque beaches and vibrant surfing scene. For a more tranquil experience, consider **Las Pocitas**, a nearby area offering luxurious hotels and resorts with less crowded beaches.
Regardless of the weather, a trip to the Sacred Valley in Peru’s Andean highlands is a must for any visitor. Explore the historic town of **Cusco** and marvel at the ancient city of **Machu Picchu**, the heart of the Inca Empire. The **Inca Trail** offers the only direct hiking route into the park through the Sun Gate, and permits go on sale in January, so plan accordingly if you wish to experience the famed multi-day hike.
**Northern Peru**, a region often overlooked by tourists, holds a wealth of natural and historical treasures. Here, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes teeming with diverse bird species, pre-Incan archaeological sites such as the adobe city of Chan Chan, and abundant nature in the cloud forests. The region offers ample opportunities for trekking, hiking, and exploring picturesque lakes and waterfalls.
**Unforgettable Experiences: What to Do**
* **Hit the Beaches:** With the holidays coinciding with the start of summer in Peru, the beaches become popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. Head south of **Lima** to discover popular stretches of sand such as **Punta Hermosa, Asia, Pulpos, Punta Negra, San Bartolo**, and **El Silencio**. These beach towns offer a vibrant atmosphere, and some, like Asia, can even become quite trendy during the holiday season.
* **Surfing and Watersports:** Surfing is a growing sport in Peru, and numerous beach towns north of **Lima**, including Cabo Blanco (home of the “Peruvian pipe”), Chicama, and **Máncora**, offer excellent surf conditions and a relaxed atmosphere with consistent sunshine. Kiteboarding, diving, and whale- and dolphin-watching are also popular activities along the coast. December is the ideal time for waves, as Peru attracts more northerly swells that bring warmer water.
* **Wildlife Viewing on the Ballestas Islands:** Embark on a tour boat from the beach town of **Paracas**, near Pisco, to reach the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Galapagos Islands of Peru.” These islands are home to a variety of rare birds, including pelicans, penguins, Peruvian boobies, and Inca terns. You may also spot sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and whales in the park. Due to its convenient location on the Pacific coast, day trips to the islands can be combined with exploring the sand dunes of Huacachina. **Lake Titicaca**, situated to the south on Bolivia’s border, provides additional opportunities for observing aquatic wildlife.
* **Trekking in the Highlands:** The Andean range in Peru has long attracted outdoor enthusiasts, and trekking remains the most popular activity. Beyond **Machu Picchu**, numerous multi-day trekking options await you. There are also plenty of opportunities for day hikes, with options that include visits to waterfalls, caves, and hot springs.
* **History & Inca Ruins:** Explore the Sacred Valley to discover a wealth of Inca ruins, including **Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman**, and **Pisac**, situated near the colonial city of **Cusco**. While these smaller sites are more spread out than **Machu Picchu**, they offer a unique glimpse into Incan history, accompanied by charming Spanish colonial villages and vibrant handicraft markets.
* **Sightseeing in Lima:** Despite its reputation as a layover city, **Lima** is a captivating destination rich in history and culture. The capital city boasts stunning architecture, magnificent cathedrals, interesting museums, a burgeoning culinary scene, lively nightlife, and excellent shopping opportunities. Be sure to spend an evening watching the sunset from the bluffs at **Miraflores**.
* **Sample Local Cuisine:** Embark on a culinary adventure by sampling the guinea pig dish known as “cuy,” a quintessential Peruvian delicacy often found in highland towns like **Cusco** and the Urubamba Valley. Indulge in fresh ceviche, savory stir-fried beef, and creamy chicken dishes. Potatoes, cultivated in the Andes for 10,000 years, are available in a remarkable variety and are particularly delicious with spicy cheese sauce. Don’t miss the chance to try picarones, the Peruvian version of donuts.
**December Events in Peru**
Peru is renowned for its numerous festivals, with thousands taking place throughout the country each year. Here are a few notable events to watch out for during the holiday month of December:
* **Fiesta de la Purísima Concepción:** Celebrated on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a national holiday marked by religious processions honoring the Virgin Mary. This is a significant religious feast day in Peru, featuring masses and performances of traditional native dances.
* **Santuranticuy:** This festival, meaning “sale of saints,” takes place in **Cusco** on Christmas Eve, December 24th. It is essentially a vast outdoor marketplace set up to celebrate the holiday. The main attraction is the array of dolls, sculptures, and figurines used to decorate Catholic nativity scenes in Peruvian homes during the Christmas season.
* **Christmas Day:** Christmas is a time for families to gather and celebrate, and in Peru, it is a more religious occasion, particularly in the Andean highlands. Depending on the region, Christmas dinner may include roasted turkey or suckling pig in the interior, while coastal areas often prepare fish dishes. Peruvians traditionally enjoy Panetón, a sweet bread filled with dried fruits, served with Peruvian hot chocolate, for breakfast or dessert.
* **La Virgen del Carmen de Chincha:** On December 27th, expect lively dancing and all-night music in the *peñas* (bars or clubs featuring live folkloric music) of El Carmen.
* **New Year’s Eve:** Like most of the world, Peru celebrates the end of the calendar year on December 31st. The beaches in Peru become the center of the biggest party scenes, although you can find festivities in any city. One of the most distinctive traditions is the 12 grapes tradition. As the clock strikes twelve, it is customary to eat twelve grapes, one for each month of the coming year, while making a secret wish for each grape.
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