Something that makes planning Peru group tours easy (in addition to choosing a guided tour)? It’s a great destination to visit year-round. The best time of year to travel to Peru depends on your preferences. Keep in mind that the seasons are opposite of what we experience here in North America.

Machu Picchu lies in the Andes mountains, where the dry season lasts from April through November, and more rain can be expected from December through March. The rainy season in the Amazon rainforest can stretch a bit longer, from around October through April. The capital city of Lima is known for its mild temperatures and cloudy conditions—it has the most sunshine during December through March.

Guided trips to Peru are a fantastic way to see much of what the destination has to offer. As the third-largest country in South America, it’s full of many sites to discover. Must-visit spots in Peru include everything from ancient ruins that tell stories of past civilizations to sites with scenic views that’ll take your breath away.

Here are a few of our picks for some of the best places to visit in Peru:

• Machu Picchu, the spectacular archaeological site and lost city of the Incas

• Lake Titicaca, which lies high in the Andes where Peru meets Bolivia

• Cuzco, the UNESCO-recognized ancient capital of the Inca Empire

• Ollantaytambo, impressive Incan ruins in the heart of the the Sacred Valley

• Lima, the colorful capital city that overlooks the Pacific Ocean

• The Amazon, where you can explore the lush landscapes and wildlife of the rainforest

  Interested in group tours to Peru? One of our expert Tour Consultants can help you get your adventure started!

Getting a taste of Peruvian culture can also be done by sampling its cuisine. When you travel on our tours to Peru, you’ll have the chance to try local specialties at included meals. You’ll find familiar staples such as quinoa, rice, beans, potatoes, and meat in many lunches and dinners—styles of preparation vary as you travel across the country.

A few traditional bites to try on Peru group tours include:

• Ají de Gallina, a yellow pepper cream sauce served over shredded chicken, olives, and rice
• Causa, yellow mashed potatoes layered with tuna or chicken
• Ceviche, raw sea bass marinated with lime and chilies
• Pisco Sour, a cocktail made with tasty white-grape brandy

On Peru tours at any time of year, prepare for hot and sunny days and the chance for cool temperatures at night. For all of our South America tours, we recommend that you bring loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered, as well as a comfortable pair of walking shoes. You should be prepared to get some steps in as you explore sites like Machu Picchu that are only accessible by foot.

A few other things to toss in your suitcase? Sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and insect repellent. Before you head out on tour, you’ll receive detailed packing information tailored to your specific itinerary. You can also download the Go Ahead Tour Companion App so you can have all the info for your tour right in your pocket!