Visiting Peru in September

September sees the last full month of the dry season as spring arrives in Peru, with some great opportunities to spot new plants and flowers, including orchids, as well as birds galore in the forests. Make the most of the months of little rain and head to the Amazon rainforest, where the lower water levels mean you’re more likely to see wildlife venturing closer to the main waterways in somewhere like the Tambopata National Reserve.

It’s also one of the last months to spot condors in the Colca Canyon as they often begin to migrate to the coast from October (although you can be lucky and see them later in the year). Team it with a stay in Arequipa, where it’s still pleasantly warm with temperatures in the mid-20Cs, and a visit to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, for your own bird’s eye view of the archaeological site.

Or venture up to the world’s highest lake, Lake Titicaca, where the crowds of peak season have begun to drift away and you can enjoy views of the lake under blue skies and learn about everyday life on an island-hopping trip.

One of the big highlights this month is a visit to Machu Picchu, the Inca sites of the Sacred Valley and trekking through the Andes while it’s quieter but before the end of the good weather. Take a train journey through the Sacred Valley or explore by car to see the sites at your own pace. Save some time to hike and trek if you can though – there’s a one-day hike to give you a taste of the classic Inca Trail, and a day trip from Cusco to the Humantay glacial lake, one of the highlights of the longer Salkantay Trek. Or take an alternative route along mountain paths and past traditional villages on the Lares Trek.

If you’re looking for a challenge, the hike to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, is an adventure that’s doable in a day and much quieter than the peak midwinter months, while you could also get your heart acing by mountain biking, rafting and ziplining to the Lost City of the Incas.

For even quieter routes, head north of Lima to the world’s highest tropical mountain range in Huascarán National Park, or discover Kuelap, dubbed the Machu Picchu of the north, which pre-dates the Inca Empire by centuries. Make the most of the dry weather with a stay at the beach in Máncora, where temperatures hover between around 20C and 26C with barely any rainfall.

It’s a little cooler on the coast around Lima, while the capital itself is usually misty and colder as well, so less tempting for a visit this month unless you’re checking out the Mistura festival.

Festivals: The 10-day Mistura festival celebrates Peruvian food and agriculture, along with a big market, all held in Lima during September.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, Inca sites, trekking and hiking, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon

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