Peru, a country located in the western part of South America, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cities. From the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu to the bustling streets of Lima, Peru has something to offer for every kind of traveler. But is December a good time to visit Peru? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of visiting Peru in December, and help you decide if this is the right time for your trip.
Weather in December
The weather in Peru in December is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in the highlands and 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the coastal regions. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the cities.
However, December is also the start of the wet season in Peru, and the country can experience heavy rainfall and flooding in some areas. The Amazon rainforest, which covers a significant portion of the country, is particularly prone to flooding during this time.
It’s worth noting that the weather in Peru can vary greatly depending on the region. The Andean highlands, which include cities such as Cusco and Puno, are generally cooler and drier than the coastal regions. The Amazon rainforest, on the other hand, is hot and humid throughout the year.
Regional Weather Patterns
| Region | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Highlands | 15-25 | 50-70 |
| Coastal Regions | 20-30 | 60-80 |
| Amazon Rainforest | 25-35 | 80-90 |
Pros of Visiting Peru in December
Despite the wet weather, December has its advantages. Here are some pros of visiting Peru in December: (See Also: Best Time to Visit Teton – Unforgettable Views)
- Less Crowded: December is considered the low season in Peru, which means fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Lower Prices: With fewer tourists, prices for accommodations and tour packages tend to be lower.
- Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations: Peru celebrates Christmas and New Year’s with great enthusiasm, and you can experience the local culture and traditions.
- Outdoor Activities: The mild weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the cities.
Cons of Visiting Peru in December
While December has its advantages, it also has some disadvantages. Here are some cons of visiting Peru in December:
- Wet Weather: December is the start of the wet season in Peru, and the country can experience heavy rainfall and flooding.
- Flooding in the Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon rainforest is particularly prone to flooding during this time, which can make it difficult to access some areas.
- Some Tourist Sites Closed: Some tourist sites, such as the Inca Trail, may be closed due to the wet weather.
- Power Outages: The wet weather can cause power outages in some areas, which can be inconvenient for tourists.
Best Places to Visit in December
Despite the wet weather, there are still some great places to visit in Peru in December. Here are some recommendations:
- Cusco: Cusco is a great place to visit in December, with its mild weather and festive atmosphere.
- Lima: Lima is a great place to experience the local culture and traditions, with its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine.
- Amazon Rainforest: While the wet weather can make it difficult to access some areas, the Amazon rainforest is still a great place to visit in December, with its lush vegetation and exotic wildlife.
- Lake Titicaca: Lake Titicaca is a great place to visit in December, with its stunning scenery and traditional Andean communities.
Best Time to Visit Specific Tourist Sites
Some tourist sites in Peru have specific opening hours and closures due to the wet weather. Here are some recommendations:
- Inca Trail: The Inca Trail is closed from December to March due to the wet weather.
- Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu is open year-round, but the wet weather can make it difficult to access the site.
- Colca Canyon: Colca Canyon is open year-round, but the wet weather can make it difficult to access the site.
Recap
In conclusion, December is a good time to visit Peru if you don’t mind the wet weather and are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. The country has a lot to offer, from its rich cultural heritage to its stunning natural beauty. However, it’s essential to be aware of the pros and cons of visiting Peru in December and to plan your trip accordingly. (See Also: Is March Good Time to Visit Thailand? The Best Season)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is open year-round, but the wet weather can make it difficult to access the site. It’s recommended to check the weather forecast before planning your trip and to consider visiting during the dry season (May to September).
Can I visit the Amazon Rainforest in December?
Yes, you can visit the Amazon Rainforest in December, but be aware that the wet weather can make it difficult to access some areas. It’s recommended to plan your trip with a reputable tour operator and to consider visiting during the dry season (May to September).
Are there any festivals or celebrations in December?
Yes, Peru celebrates Christmas and New Year’s with great enthusiasm. You can experience the local culture and traditions by attending festivals and events in cities such as Cusco and Lima.
Can I visit the Inca Trail in December?
No, the Inca Trail is closed from December to March due to the wet weather. It’s recommended to plan your trip during the dry season (May to September) if you want to visit the Inca Trail. (See Also: Best Time To Visit England Weather – Seasonal Guide)
What is the best time to visit Lake Titicaca?
December is a great time to visit Lake Titicaca, with its stunning scenery and traditional Andean communities. However, be aware that the wet weather can make it difficult to access some areas, and it’s recommended to plan your trip with a reputable tour operator.