Climate
Weather conditions vary greatly with altitude. On the coast summertime is from November to April when it is hot (up to 30°C) and sunny. At other times of the year there is a chilly mist.
The dry and sunny season in the mountains is May to October, when it can be cold at night. From December to March it can be cloudy and wet, especially in the afternoon, with temperatures similar to an English spring (18°C during the day).
In the jungle the climate is generally hot and humid (about 30°C) with rainfall at any time but especially between November and April. Occasional cold fronts can lower the temperature dramatically.
Below are two graphs showing average 24-hour temperature and rainfall for Lima, Cusco, Puno and London for comparison.
Average 24-hour Temperature (in oC)
Average Rainfall (in mm)
Festivals & Holidays
The principal festivals are associated either with the Catholic calendar, for example Easter week (especially colourful in Ayacucho and Cusco) and carnival (February). The Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun, celebrating Inca history is a tourist attraction in Sacsayhuaman, Cusco where there is a colourful pageant (June 24). Less well known is the festival of the Virgen del Carmen at Paucartambo, a once remote town en route from Cusco to the Manu National Park (July 15-17).
Currency
The local currency is the Nuevo Sol. Current exchange rates are available via Google currency conversion or the OANDA currency converter. It’s not advisable to try to acquire Latin American currency before travelling, if a currency is available in high street banks or exchange outlets the exchange rate is usually very poor. You can change US dollar cash or travellers checks locally and obtain cash advances via ATMs in most towns and cities. We’d advise that you tell your bank you intend to use your card abroad before you set off.
Visas
British citizens can find up-to-date information on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Citizens of other countries should consult their embassy before travel.
Vaccinations
We recommend that you always check with your own travel clinic or health professional before you travel, for advice specific to your requirements. The NHS Fit For Travel website contains for up-to-date health advice and lists the common vaccinations for travellers to Peru.