December is a mixed bag on the Inca Trail. The rain is coming down on an almost daily basis, but the flowers and plants are thriving, beautifying the trail views. Crowds can be very low (at the beginning of the month) or very high (over Christmas and New Year). A few memorable festivities take place this month to spice things up pre- and post-hike, too: read on for more about what to expect.
Before the Incas, a long line of indigenous civilizations thrived in Peru—and today, visitors can see what they left behind, from mysterious geoglyphs in the desert to fortress-like ruins in the cloud forest to a massive adobe pyramid in one of Lima's hippest neighborhoods. Discover the remains of Peru's ancient cultures with these suggestions.
April is a great time to visit Peru when rain levels dip significantly in the Sacred Valley. There are few crowds before the high season begins (with the exception of Holy Week). You'll also have sunny weather and lower rates along the 1,500 miles of Pacific coast. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.
Lima's international airport makes it the most common entry point for travelers heading to Peru's many cultural and adventure destinations, including Machu Picchu. Due to flight schedules, most travelers spend at least one evening in the capital—but with so much to do here, extending your stay is easy. Enjoy the art galleries and ocean views of lively Miraflores, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and local food stands, or visit Inca ruins within city limits. Read on for more.
Lima offers history, world-class museums, an unbeatable foodie scene, and the second-largest cityscape in South America. Not sure where to start? To the rescue: a foolproof plan for a perfect day in the Peruvian capital.
Fourteen to 15 days is a great length for a Peru trip, with stops in Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. It's also possible to hit the highlights in 11 to 13 days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country. Keep reading for more inspiring Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley itineraries.
The end of the dry season is a great month for hiking: crowds in the Sacred Valley and on the Inca Trail are down, while bright, sunny weather predominates. Although the chances of rain are increasing, temperatures are sneaking up, too. Altogether, this is one of the best months for outdoor activities in the Sacred Valley before the rains commence in earnest next month.
It is hard to envisage a better time to hike the Inca Trail than April. Wet season is over by the middle of the month, and crowds are nowhere near the levels they will be in high season. Flora is thriving across the region after the rains, brightening almost every view, and communities of the Sacred Valley put on colorful Semana Santa celebrations (should Easter fall after the first week of April).
Most travelers will find that eight to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Peru trip with stops in Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. It's also possible to hit the highlights in seven days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another place like Puno, Arequipa, Cabanaconde, and the Amazon. See more ideas for Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley itineraries below.
Visiting Peru at the height of its spring shoulder season means less-crowded Sacred Valley trails. October is also one of the best months for rainforest treks in the Amazon, where wildlife-watching is at its best. Meanwhile, Peru's coast starts to attract surfers picking up the early summer swells. Find out what to do and where to go with this monthly guide.