If your main focus is Machu Picchu, the best time to visit is during the dry season in the Andes, which runs from April to October, according to Gibu. “It’s a great time to hike the Inca Trail or see the Rainbow Mountain,” she says. “The same applies to the Southern Andes, where you’ll find Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and the Colca Canyon; and to the Amazon, if you want to trek through the rainforest on dry land.”

But if you’re navigating the Amazon River via small ship on the water, Gibu says that you can go at any time of year. During the rainy seasons, yes, there will be rain, but water levels also rise and allow deeper navigation by boat into the flooded forests.

When is the cheapest time to visit Peru?

In Peru, pricing remains consistent throughout the year, says Mosquera: “However, special rates can be found from January to March, which is the quieter season at Machu Picchu, making it a great time to visit with fewer crowds.” This time, from December/January to March, is a more affordable time to travel because it’s the rainy season, according to Gibu: “While rain showers will come and go during the day, the beauty of the landscapes remains stunning and green, you will be able to explore and enjoy with fewer crowds and most probably prices from the previous season or hotel specials will be available.” Just be aware that some of the trekking routes (including the Inca Trail) experience closures in the rainiest month of February.

When is peak season in Peru?

The peak season in Peru falls between June and August, according to both Gibu and Mosquera. This is when summer solstice celebrations take over the country. The festivities start around late June (in areas like Cusco, smaller community celebrations begin in late May) and continue through late July with the vibrant Fiestas Patrias, or national independence celebrations, on July 28.

“It’s a great time to experience the country’s lively atmosphere,” Gibu says. “I suggest booking arrangements well in advance. This is a preferred time for travelers coming from the northern hemisphere on their summer holidays with their families. During this window, there are also school holidays on this side of the world, so we have domestic and regional travelers also exploring.”

When visiting Peru for the first time, where should I go? What should I see?

All travelers on their first visit to Peru will have to go through Lima, which is ideal because the city has a lot to see, eat, and do, Gibu says. “It’s the capital of the country, the main travel gateway in Peru, and the only South American capital with a coastline. Here, you can enjoy world-renowned cuisine that reflects our rich cultural history, with flavors influenced by African, Japanese, Chinese, and Italian migrations.”