Choosing the best time to visit Peru can be as important as choosing where to go. While the dry season sees most travelers flocking to Machu Picchu and the rest of the Andes, the rainy season has a charm of its own. If you’re wondering how to enjoy traveling in Peru in the rainy season from December to April, you’re in the right place.
Yes, there are some regions that should be avoided during this time due to heavy rainfall and landslides, but there are also fantastic destinations that are not only safe but incredibly rewarding to visit. In fact, travel to Peru in the rainy season can be a unique, enriching experience — less crowded, more sustainable, and often more rewarding in terms of local interactions.
At Impactful Travel, we arrange Peru tours year-round and have seen this country in all its seasons. We’ve created this guide to the rainy season in Peru to help you during your travels. Keep reading below, and feel free to contact us with any questions about our tours!
What Exactly Is the Rainy Season in Peru?
First, let’s get one thing straight: the rainy season in Peru primarily affects the Andes and the Amazon jungle. Peru’s coast — being mostly desert — remains dry, sunny, and warm even during these months. That means not every destination is off-limits. In fact, it’s a great time to explore the coastal regions and lesser-known gems that shine in the off-season.
Traditionally, the rainy season ran from late December through early April. But due to climate change, we’re seeing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, with some of our travelers experiencing heavy rains even into May. While it doesn’t necessarily rain all day, rainfall can be intense and sudden. And unfortunately, in areas where the soil is unstable, especially on the jungle side of the Andes, this often results in landslides that block roads and railways, sometimes for days.
So, how do you enjoy traveling in Peru in the rainy season from December to April? Flexibility is key. If you’re the kind of traveler who’s open to change, enjoys slow travel, and finds joy in the unexpected, you might just fall in love with Peru in the off-season. For a more detailed overview, check out our guide to the Best Time to Travel to Peru.
Why Off-Season Travel in Peru Is More Sustainable
Traveling off-season in Peru isn’t just practical, it’s responsible. Visiting Peru during the rainy season supports local entrepreneurs in slower months when tourism revenue can be scarce. It helps reduce the burden on mass-tourism hotspots during peak months and spreads the environmental and social impacts more evenly throughout the year. You’ll also find it easier to connect with locals, enjoy more authentic experiences, and avoid the crowds of Peru’s high season. It’s a win-win for everyone. If you want to learn more about sustainable travel, read our guide to How to Plan Your Sustainable Trip to Peru!
Top Destinations to Visit During the Rainy Season in Peru
The Moche Route: Culture and Sunshine
One of the most fascinating yet underrated routes in northern Peru is the Moche Route. Stretching from Trujillo to Chiclayo, this cultural corridor showcases the legacy of the Moche civilization (100–700 AD). Think stunning adobe temples, intricate ceramics, and captivating museums — all under sunny skies, as this coastal region sees little rain even during the wet season.
For the perfect timing, travel here early in the year. While the Andes might be battling downpours, the northern coast is likely basking in warm, dry weather. It’s ideal for cultural immersion without weather-related disruptions. You can explore this incredible region through our Tours in Trujillo and Chiclayo, take inspiration from this Unique Trip to the Moche Route, or let us include the destination in a fully custom trip to Peru.
Just a heads-up: Chaparrí Natural Reserve, located a bit further inland from Chiclayo, is sometimes affected by overflowing rivers during intense rain up in the Andes. The water from the highlands can flood the access road entirely. Sometimes it even actually rains here, although that may not happen for 10 years or more. We remember it did happen in 2024, and the forest was bursting with green leaves and blooming flowers! So while Chaparrí is a gem for wildlife lovers, it’s best approached with some schedule flexibility in the rainy season.
Paracas: Desert, Wildlife, and Tranquility
Looking for sunshine, sea air, and wildlife? Paracas on the southern coast is a top destination in the rainy season. Only 3.5 hours from Lima by bus, this coastal town offers a surprising range of slow travel activities: bird-watching, kayaking, local seafood harvesting, and peaceful moments at boutique hotels with pools.
Home to a national reserve where over 200 bird species and 33 marine mammal species live, Paracas is perfect for nature and adventure lovers alike. Explore our range of Paracas tours or chat with our trip designers to plan your custom trip.
Pair it with Nazca for a desert adventure to walk among millennia-old mummies, meet local farmers, visit the Nazca Lines from lesser-known lookouts, and bike along ancient aqueducts still in use today. Check out our Paracas, Ica & Nazca travel guide for insider tips.
Lima: A Rain-Free Hub for Culinary and Cultural Exploration
Lima remains almost dry year-round, so the rainy season is a non-issue here. But don’t make the mistake of just passing through! The Peruvian capital is not only the gastronomic heart of the country, but also a cultural treasure trove.
From high-end fusion cuisine to traditional market stalls, Lima offers everything a foodie could wish for. Our Typical Peruvian Food Tour in Artsy Barranco introduces you to classics like ceviche and lomo saltado while supporting local producers through our partner, the Impact Eat Foundation.
Beyond food, we invite you to discover Lima in-depth through our unique walking tours and off-the-beaten-path experiences, perfect for slow travel. The capital might surprise you if you give it more than just a layover. Browse all our Lima tours to plan a meaningful visit.
Destinations to Avoid in the Peru Rainy Season
Manu: Too Wild for the Wet Season
We adore Manu National Park — its biodiversity and cultural richness are unmatched. But in the rainy season, the road into Manu becomes highly unreliable. Landslides are common and often severe, cutting off access and leaving travelers stuck. And getting out? You may need to take a days-long river detour.
For the best experience, plan your tour in Manu between May and November, when nature is more accessible and infrastructure more dependable.
Huaraz and Other High-Altitude Trekking Areas
While the Cordillera Blanca is a hiker’s dream, Huaraz tours in the rainy season are not ideal. Morning sun might give way to sudden downpours or even snowfall at higher passes, which can make trekking both uncomfortable and unpredictable. Trails can become slippery, and falling rocks or patches of mud may create hazards along the way, so extra caution and flexibility are strongly advised.
If you’re set on the region, consider staying in the lower valleys, perhaps in Vicos or at The Lazy Dog Inn, but even then, you’re likely to be limited by weather. After all, the main attractions are those impressive mountains. The same applies to other altitude trekking destinations like the Ausangate area or the Salkantay trail.
Chachapoyas: Save It for the Dry Months
Chachapoyas is another destination we hold dear, with archaeological wonders and vibrant Andean-jungle culture. But from December to April, landslides make road travel to this remote region risky. Tours in Chachapoyas are absolutely worth it, but only at the right time. And this isn’t it.
Machu Picchu and the Coffee Routes
Yes, you can still visit Machu Picchu in the rainy season — but be warned. This area lies on the jungle side of the Andes, which means frequent landslides. The railway to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) is often blocked, at least for a few hours, and occasionally for days. Every year, we hear stories of travelers stuck waiting for rescue teams to clear the tracks.
Even more remote routes, like our beloved Coffee Routes, become completely unmanageable and are off our rainy season offerings due to poor road conditions and high risk of landslides.
That said, if you’re traveling spontaneously, this might be your only chance to score a last-minute ticket to Machu Picchu! During peak months, you’d have to book months in advance. If you’re planning on visiting this bucket-list destination during the dry season, make sure to browse our range of Machu Picchu tours.
Peru Destinations Worth Visiting with Flexibility and Caution
Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Cusco and the Sacred Valley can be magical even in the rain. Imagine wandering through the romantic cobblestone streets of Cusco, shiny with fresh rainfall, surrounded by colonial buildings glowing under the street lamps. And once you head into the Sacred Valley, you’ll be rewarded with landscapes so green and vibrant, they feel almost surreal — the fields, terraces, and mountains are at their lushest during this season, making every drive or hike visually rewarding.
Yes, it can rain every day, but the region’s beauty doesn’t wash away. Visit archaeological sites with an umbrella, enjoy vibrant indoor markets, or book a traditional cooking class. If you’re open-minded and not made of sugar, this region is still very much worth the trip.
Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
Arequipa, located on the drier side of the Andes, is generally pleasant during the rainy season. The colonial architecture and mountain views, especially when the volcanoes are capped with green slopes, make for stunning scenery.
If you plan to visit the Colca Canyon, be extra cautious. Snowfall and heavy rain can impact road safety. It’s best to stay informed through reliable local agencies and only proceed with the canyon trip if weather conditions are favorable.
One Final Peru Travel Tip
If you’re traveling in the rainy season, we highly recommend checking the Peruvian government’s regional weather and alert system (SENAMHI). It offers updated information about floods, landslides, and other weather-related issues that could impact your trip.
Travel Smart in the Peru Rainy Season
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to enjoy traveling in Peru in the rainy season from December to April. While it may not be the perfect time for every destination in Peru, it opens up new opportunities for more intimate experiences, sustainable travel choices, and deep connections with the local culture and nature.
And remember: if you’re unsure how to plan your route, our expert custom Peru trip planners are here to help. They know the terrain, the risks, the secret rainy-season gems, and will tailor your itinerary accordingly.
So, go ahead — embrace the unexpected, enjoy the lush green beauty, and travel to Peru off-season with confidence. If you have any questions about our trips, don’t hesitate to contact us.
