Visiting Peru in October

The dry season is now over, with mixed weather during this shoulder season month – you can still find great weather for exploring Inca sites, trekking and enjoying the scenery at Lake Titicaca but it does get rainier throughout the month. There are also more spring flowers as the month gets wetter, including orchids and lusher vegetation in the forests.

It’s the last time to visit the Amazon before the rainiest months start again; you’ll always encounter some rain in the rainforest after all, but the trails are still accessible, and much of the wildlife will be visible by the river edge in places like the Tambopata National Reserve until the rains really get underway.

Over at the coast, it’s the start of surf season in Peru. The far north at Máncora is one of the warmest spots as well as being gentle enough for novices, although there are more surf spots all along the Pacific coast. It’s cooler as you head south towards Lima, with colder, misty conditions in the capital itself, but getting warmer as the weeks go on.

If you’re venturing down the coast, it’s easy to combine it with a stop at the Islas Ballestas protected reserve, where fur seals are starting to breed and calve from this month, and where you can also spot penguins and other bird and marine life. Then continue on to the Nazca Lines, to view the mysterious archaeological site, before exploring the colonial architecture and cultural sites at Arequipa, where it’s still pleasantly warm.

It’s quieter but colder at Lake Titicaca, one of the last good months to visit the world’s highest lake before the rains set in again. Make the most of it on island-hopping trip to see as much as possible of this fascinating destination, and learn about everyday life on the water. It’s no longer the best time to head high into the Andes, but you can still head out trekking on some of the most popular routes, including the Inca Trail itself, plus some of the alternatives including the Lares Trek and the Salkantay Trek.

Be prepared for changeable weather though, or consider a shorter option if you don’t want to risk days walking in the rain – try a one-day hike on part of the Inca Trail, or take a day trip from Cusco to the Humantay glacial lake, along the Salkantay route. If you’d prefer not to take the risk at all, why not explore the Sacred Valley by train or head off at your own pace and sightsee by car.

Festivals: Battle of Angamos Day on October 8 is a public holiday in Peru, commemorating a significant naval battle against Chile during the War of the Pacific. Although the Peruvian fleet was defeated, it also remembers Admiral Miguel Grau Seminario, considered one of Peru’s greatest modern heroes, with military parades in major towns and cities.

On October 18, 19 and 28, the largest Catholic procession in South America takes place in Lima, marking the day when enslaved Angolans painted an image of Christ on the walls of their meeting place, one of the few things left standing after an earthquake. Deemed a miracle, this is a solemn religious occasion but an unmissable occasion if you’re visiting the capital.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, Inca sites, Lake Titicaca, surfing, Arequipa

January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December

Region	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Coastal	● 26°C ☀️	● 27°C ☀️	● 27°C ☀️	● 24°C 🌤️	● 22°C 🌤️	● 20°C 🌥️	● 19°C 🌥️	● 19°C 🌥️	● 20°C 🌤️	● 21°C 🌤️	● 23°C ☀️	● 25°C ☀️
Machu Picchu	● 17°C 🌧️	● 17°C 🌧️	● 18°C 🌧️	● 18°C 🌦️	● 17°C ☀️	● 16°C ☀️	● 16°C ☀️	● 17°C ☀️	● 18°C 🌦️	● 19°C 🌦️	● 18°C 🌧️	● 17°C 🌧️
Amazon	● 28°C 🌧️	● 28°C 🌧️	● 28°C 🌧️	● 27°C 🌦️	● 27°C ☀️	● 26°C ☀️	● 26°C ☀️	● 27°C ☀️	● 28°C 🌦️	● 28°C 🌦️	● 28°C 🌧️	● 28°C 🌧️

Legend:
● Good weather
● Average weather
● Poor weather