Peru has a few landscapes and scenery to envy. With a great variety and diversity of amazing ecosystems, the best time to enjoy each one is practically during hole the year. Specifically, the summer in Peru is spent mainly in the coastal regions, since the highlands do not really experience the hot months of summer. But this does not mean that the highlands have nothing to offer in the summer. And walking along the beautiful beaches of Peru, tasting ceviche, and walking through jungle settings are just some of the reasons to enjoy the summer in this wonderful Peru. Therefore, together with the travel experts at Machu Travel Peru, we have prepared a small article about those places that you cannot miss in the summer. Meet this incredible season with us!
The best destinations to enjoy Peruvian summer
- The summer in Peru
- The beautiful Lima
- Outskirts Lima beaches
- Surfing in Mancora
- Discover Trujillo
- Sealife of Paracas
- Sandboarding in Huacachina
- Overfly Nazca Lines
- Inca vestiges in Cajamarca
- Charmings of Arequipa
- Tips to enjoy the Peruvian summer
- Is it worth visiting Peru in the summer
The summer in Peru
The Peruvian summer goes from November end to the last days of March. Totally contrary to the summer between June and September in the countries north of the equatorial line. But be careful! The benefits of the Peruvian summer are not enjoyed throughout its territory, only in the coastal region. Let’s remember that 3 ecological stripes cross Peru from north to south. These are the desert coast at the west, close to the Pacific Ocean, followed by the Andes mountains range in the meridional sector, and finishing in the Amazon rainforest, at the extreme east.
In the summer months, the average temperature goes from 66ºF to 80ºF with a warm climate, clear skies, strong sun rays, and humidity along the coastal stripe. Without mentioning that the north coast reaches peak temperatures from 61ºF to 88ºF. Extrem hot!
On the other hand, the mountain range and the south Andes present temperatures between 44ºF to 66ºF with cold breezes, cloudy skies, and hard rains. Of course, the Jungle shares the characteristics of the Andes with the warmest temperatures from 77ºF – 95ºF. That is why the Peruvian summer can be enjoyed in different forms, in different parts of Peru. For every taste!
The beautiful Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru, can reach temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. Also, these temperatures can be accompanied by very high humidity. What makes the months of December, January, February, March, and April the best to enjoy the beach. Most of Lima’s locals tend to head to the beaches that are scattered along the coast. They are the best places to spend the day, cool off, and enjoy the best sunset in Peru. These and other reasons make Peru’s beaches very crowded places. Besides, you can find people selling everything you need, from food to summer items.
Although the wonderful city of Lima dominates much of the central coast in Peru, it does not always enjoy sunny days. Something very characteristic of the capital of Peru is its constant cloudy weather. But this does not mean that the sun does not show, moving away from the city a bit on sunny days can be appreciated. And you don’t have to leave the city to enjoy beach landscapes or magical sunsets. Lima is an excellent place to enjoy the summer here.
Outskirts Lima beaches
But for those looking for more private retreats and away from all the people, the outskirts of Lima can offer incredible places to enjoy the Peruvian summer. Further down the Lima coast, is the coastal town of Plaza San Pedro. This place is perfect to get away from the crowds of Lima. In general, its beach is not very crowded, but the waves of the sea can be a bit dangerous. Further south you can find the beaches of El Silencio, with excellent Peruvian seafood restaurants.
Nearby is San Bartolo which has hostels, restaurants, and incredible waves for surfing. And not far from the highway is the fishing town of Pucasona, a fashionable tourist center for the inhabitants of Lima. And further south is the small town in Asia, full of trendy nightclubs and hotels. Asia is the place of preference for Lima’s upper class. Another 20 kilometers from the coast is Cerro Azul, popular with surfers thanks to its excellent waves. In itself, Lima is not the only place to enjoy summer in the Inca country.
Surfing in Mancora
To better appreciate summer on the coast of Peru, it is necessary to travel the Peruvian north. It is in the north where the best beaches in Peru are found. And if you’re going to head north, you can’t miss Mancora for anything. Máncora was an old small fishing village that did not have more than a couple of hotels. But over time it became one of the most fun vacation destinations in Peru. Today it is packed with beach hotels, budget hostels, and a lively nightlife scene. It is suitable for all audiences and for all budgets. You will find a great variety of restaurants with the best seafood dishes that you will try. And if you are looking to have fun, you can also explore the different bars and clubs. This small beach town has become a paradisiacal destination for young people and surfers.
Recognized as one of the most popular beach cities in Peru. Crowds of tourists fill its bars and restaurants during the summer. Also, near Mancora, you can find the town of Vichayito, a perfect place to relax in its peaceful environment. With its less busy beaches, it’s a great place to escape the crowds. Options and alternatives abound, and there are many things to do in Peru.
Discover Trujillo
Trujillo is located north of Lima, so not many tourist routes favor it. But touring this beautiful city is worth the time, as there are many and varied things to enjoy in the region. It is quite easy to get to Trujillo, thanks to the many bus services that choose the city as their destination. The city of Trujillo has numerous buildings full of old facades that reflect the past rich in history. Also, its colonial center is as picturesque as it is cultural, and its different museums are a must-see. Summer in Peru is best enjoyed in the beautiful city of Trujillo. Where you will find the beaches of Huanchaco, one of the best surfing reserves in the world.
And if beaches are not your thing, you can also find archaeological sites of interest. Near Trujillo, you can enjoy nearby attractions such as Chan Chan, a titanic adobe city that stretches along the Moche Valley. It includes many different complexes to visit, and it will take you a whole day to appreciate the place. You can take advantage and tour Trujillo on your way to the best beaches in Peru.
Sealife of Paracas
The Paracas National Reserve is one of the most popular sites in Peru. And it is not surprising, since it is one of the only places where the Peruvian coast comes to life. South of Lima, about 4 hours by car, is the city of Paracas. This fishing village has access to the famous Ballestas Islands. The site is a refuge for a surprising amount of wildlife, where you can find everything from penguins to sea lions and numerous birds. These are accessible by many speedboats waiting in the port. It is worth a visit for the different varieties of seabirds as well as for the colonies of sea lions that rest on the islands during the day. Enjoy one of the best tourist destinations in the different hotels in Paracas.
You should also not miss the bicycle tours within the National Reserve of Paracas. Or a visit to the Museum of San Juan Navarro can clarify any questions you have about the site and the ancient cultures that inhabited it. Summer in Peru is much more relaxed in the city of Paracas and its surroundings. You can get there from Lima with numerous bus companies. So, if you are planning a trip to Peru, you can’t miss this amazing site.
Sandboarding in Huacachina
Just south of Paracas is the small town of Ica, known as the city of wines. At Ica you will find numerous hotels and accommodations to enjoy for a few days. This city is located south of Lima and has a rich historical past. If you are looking to taste the wines of Peru while exploring the colonial churches, museums, and haciendas, then you should not miss this site. But wines are not the only thing that Ica boasts, but is also one of the best Pisco productions in the country. And Pisco is the emblematic and most representative liquor of the country.
And not far from Ica is the desert oasis of Huacachina. The Huacachina Oasis is a small secluded town about 10 minutes from Ica. The natural oasis also has numerous lodgings and attractions to enjoy. It is in Huacachina where you can practice sandboarding on the desert sand dunes in Peru, a great way to pass the time. You can also choose to take a refreshing dip in the desert lake or experience buggy riding in the desert dunes.
Overfly Nazca Lines
From Ica you can take a bus that is 3 hours away and will take you to the town of Nazca. This small town in the middle of the desert is home to the famous Nazca lines. These lines are one of the main attractions to visit in Nazca. Most visitors choose to take a flight above these. Since they are best appreciated from a flight in the air. The lines are a series of geometric and anthropomorphic shapes, some reaching up to 200 meters long. And it is one of the greatest mysteries of America drawn in the middle of the rocky desert floor.
The best way to appreciate them is through a short plane trip. However, if you do not have enough budget, you can choose to look at some of them from the observation tower. And if you feel energetic, it is possible to admire them from afar if you climb some of the dunes. But flying over the lines is not the only thing you can do. You can also choose to visit some of the surrounding museums. Learn about the somewhat eccentric theories about the origin of these mysterious lines drawn in the Nazca desert. One of the best places to explore in the Peruvian summer.
Inca vestiges in Cajamarca
If the beach is not your thing, further from the coastal region is Cajamarca. This beautiful inland city is full of beautiful colonial buildings and some fascinating views of the mountainous landscapes. Also, you can visit it in the best month to go to Peru, in general, May. It is located 2720 meters above sea level, so its mild climate is charming by day, but cold at night. This historic city was the place where Francisco Pizarro captured and tortured the last lord Inca Atahualpa. But history and culture are not the only things that abound in this city. You will also be able to appreciate numerous attractions in and around the city.
Cajamarca is a city located in the middle of a somewhat mountainous area but full of wonderful places to visit. Cajamarca’s climate is cool and kind of cloudy. But what really makes this place unique is its wonderful culture, history, and the natural landscapes it offers. Among its most popular attractions are El Mirador del Cerro Santa Apolonia, the Ventanillas de Otuzco and the Virgen del Rosario Sanctuary. Also, Cumbemayo, the Baths of the Inca, and the Frailones are other places that you should not miss. And if you have time, Cutervo National Park is also an excellent option. It is worth visiting and enjoying the Inca Baths, an excellent place dating from pre-Inca times. Peruvian summer is best enjoyed in Cajamarca.
Charmings of Arequipa
Arequipa is one of the best destinations to enjoy in Peru. The incomparable city of Arequipa is just a day trip from Lima. It is possible to get there from Lima both by bus and by plane. It is the second-largest city in Peru and is surrounded by four volcanoes, the most famous and largest is El Misti. The city has a beautiful hot and dry climate, beautiful white buildings, and much more. Besides, you can do cultural tours, visits to museums, excursions in the outskirts and much more. You can even taste renowned gastronomy that is as varied as it is delicious.
Its constructions are characterized by being made of local volcanic stones. Its main square has beautiful gardens, a beautiful church, and many restaurants where you can sit on a balcony and enjoy a delicious meal. A visit to Arequipa is a must for a summer vacation in Peru. Besides, Arequipa has the benefit of having numerous high-end accommodations and hotels where you can rest in luxury and privacy. Not far from the city is the Colca Canyon, another place of interest to visit. This is one of the deepest canyons in the world and it is a natural sight that you must admire.
Tips to enjoy the Peruvian summer
As you can see, enjoying summer in Peru means being prepared for everything. But don’t worry, here you will find the best tips to face this beautiful season in Peru.
- To enjoy the beautiful beaches, bays, and boulevards of the Peruvian coast, especially those in the north, requires taking certain care. Sunblock, caps, sunglasses, and light clothes will be recommendable.
- The summer, this time to visit Peru represents the time of offers and discounts on hotels and tours in the Andes, the coast has tourist traffic and normal prices. Therefore, making reservations in advance for hotels and tours on the coast is always recommended.
- Learning some Courtesy and Polite Spanish words is always important. Like gracias (thanks you), por favor (please), disculpe (scuse me), ¿Como puedo llegar a …..? (how can I get to?), among others.
- In the case of the Andes is completely different. You will find few visitors, many offers, and deals in hotels and tours, besides hard rains, cloudy skies, and very cold. Therefore, having hand Windcoats, rain jackets, waterproof trekking shoes, and umbrellas, will be important, always.
- In the case of the jungle, wearing light pants or shorts, in addition to the same accessories as in the Andes, will also be important.
Is it worth visiting Peru in the summer?
While it is true, Peru is known for its attractions in the Andes such as Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, or even the Nazca Line. However, the coast and its beaches, extensive deserts, bays, and boulevards offer endless activities for which it is worth visiting Peru in summer.
A. Paradise beaches
The northern coast of Peru is a Caribbean paradise in the middle of South America. White sands, warm waters, clear skies, and adequate hotel infrastructure will be waiting on beaches like Mancora, Zorritos, and Cabo Blanco, among others. Without mentioning water sports and even sand activities like sandboarding or buggy sand. Or water sports like jet-ski, windsurfing or surfing. It is worth mentioning that these Peru beaches also be visited from March to November, or during the dry season.
B. Unforgettable festivities
Another charming of the Peruvian summer is the festivities in different southern cities like Christmas in Cusco, where you will see a beautiful handicraft market in its main square and churches decorated with nativity scenes with sculptures of saints, baby Jesus, and other religious figures. In Puno, you will see a wonderful religious festivity with charming typical dances of several dancers, and mobile music orchestras. All these in honor of Virgen de la Candelaria. On the other hand, northern cities like Trujillo with its Marinera Dance National Competition, an enchanting typical dance in the north of Peru. Or the International Vintage Festival celebrated in the Ica department, where you will find several wine local productions with its best examples.
C. Deal and Discount season
February is the hottest month in Peru and it, together with the complete summer season, presents fantastic deals and discounts on hotel reservations, restaurants, and tours not only on the coast, but also in Sierra, and even the jungle. Because the tourist low season matches with the rainy season in the Andes, the tourist businesses along all of Peru, including the coast, need capt consumers through competitive offers and deals. For example, the price of a reservation room for one night in a 5-star hotel is 550$ and it usually goes down up to half-price. Amazing!
“A LITTLE BIT OF SUMMER IS WHAT THE WHOLE YEAR IS ALL ABOUT.”
To enjoy the summer in the Andean country there are many destinations. And many of these destinations can be combined into one great itinerary. We hope you have found a destination of interest to enjoy our summer. Don’t miss out on our wonderful beaches, natural landscapes, and rich culture. We hope together with the experts from Machu Travel Peru to have been of help. Remember that these are not the only places to enjoy summer in Peru, but they are some of the most popular. To find out more about our summer tours, consult with our qualified advisors.
