Discover Tailor-Made Peru Vacations

This is when sunny skies and dry conditions create the best environment for trekking and coincide with vibrant festivals like Inti Raymi in Cusco. It’s also the busiest time at Machu Picchu, so early booking is essential. Arranging your trip six to eight months ahead of your planned visit is ideal.

May and September bring the same pleasant weather but with fewer crowds, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter pace and more flexibility in securing top accommodations. 

Mild winters in the Andes also create perfect conditions for cultural exploration without the intense summer heat. Whether you’re here for mountain adventures, Amazon wildlife, or coastal culinary tours, timing your trip can make all the difference. For a month-by-month breakdown of weather, events, and experiences, explore the best time to visit Peru.

In Cusco, watch Andean dancers in traditional dress perform during feast days. In the Sacred Valley, join a Pachamama ceremony high in the mountains, an experience that Destination Specialist Ruth Leonty describes as deeply moving. 

On the coast, Lima blends Spanish colonial heritage with cutting-edge cuisine, making food an integral part of the cultural story. 

Amazonian communities bring their own traditions to life through storytelling, music, and handicrafts, adding another dimension to the nation’s diversity. Learn more about Peruvian culture and traditions through Goway’s handy guide.

Ancient superfoods like quinoa, amaranth, and potatoes form the backbone of many traditional dishes, while bold spices and fresh coastal ingredients elevate everyday meals. Now recognized as a global capital of gastronomy, Lima is home to many of the world’s top restaurants, where chefs reinvent classics with modern flair.

Must-try dishes include ceviche, Peru’s national dish of marinated fish with lime and chili, and lomo saltado, a flavorful stir-fry reflecting the influence of the country’s Chinese immigrants. Comfort foods like ají de gallina, a creamy chicken stew, and causa rellena, layers of seasoned potato with avocado and seafood or chicken, showcase Peru’s home-style flavors. 

Street food favorites such as anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) highlight the country’s bold, authentic tastes. Pair your meals with iconic drinks like the pisco sour, a frothy cocktail, or chicha morada, a refreshing purple corn beverage.

To dive deeper into the country’s flavours, traditions, and dining etiquette, explore our guide to Peru Food and Drink, then sample Peru’s award-winning cuisine for yourself on your own tailor-made journey.

If you're heading to Machu Picchu, you’ll likely be taking one of the many trains that serve the route between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes; alternatively, you may prefer to hike the Inca Trail for a more immersive experience. Both options offer unforgettable views and unique perspectives on the landscape. 

Because altitude can affect even seasoned travelers, Destination Specialist Ruth Leonty suggests adjusting your itinerary to spend time in the Sacred Valley before Cusco to acclimatize. You'll still need to fly into Cusco, but an immediate transfer to the Sacred Valley will do wonders, especially when paired with plenty of water and (non-alcoholic) liquids, lighter meals, and a good night's rest.

In terms of what to bring, packing layers is essential, as climates vary greatly between Lima’s coast, the Sacred Valley’s highlands, and the cloud forests around Machu Picchu. For more advice on health, safety, and smooth logistics, see our guide on Things to Know Before You Go.