Peru is a beautiful country with so many adventures no matter what time of year you go. However, there are a few reasons that make October stand out as the best month to plan a trip. As someone who personally experienced Peru during this time of year, I can’t recommend it enough! From perfect hiking weather, to fewer crowds at popular sites, to lower travel and hotel costs; October is the perfect time to embark on your Peruvian adventure.
BETTER WEATHER
October falls within Peru’s dry season which runs from May through the end of October. You can expect sunny days and mild temperatures during your visit.
During the two week period I was in Peru through mid- October, I only saw one day of rain in the Amazon and a mild drizzle at the beginning of my Machu Picchu hike. The temperature can differ pretty drastically depending on what region of Peru you are visiting. For the month of October, the average temperatures are:
Cusco: high of 70 degrees, low of 42 degrees
The Amazon (Puerto Maldonado): high of 90 degrees, low of 71 degrees
Lake Titicaca: high of 64 degrees, low of 39 degrees
Lima: high of 68 degrees, low of 60 degrees
Despite the warmer temperatures during the day, the temperatures in the evening can drop pretty significantly at night. Pack layers and bring clothing suitable for warm days, cooler evening, and the potential rain shower.
LESS CROWDS
October falls right after the peak tourist season in Peru, with the busiest months being June, July, and August. This means less crowding (and better photo opportunities) at some of Peru’s most popular sites such as Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley.
Fewer visitors also means more flexibility in your schedule. When my friend experienced altitude sickness in Cusco, our tour company Alpaca Expeditions (the best of the best) was able to change around her itinerary for the rest of the week to accommodate as there were many activities she could choose from that were not booked up.
PERFECT HIKING CONDITIONS
The combination of sunny, mild weather and fewer crowds makes for the perfect hiking experience! With lower chance of rain you can expect clear skies and beautiful views once you reach Macchu Picchu. I did the short Inca Hike through Alpaca Expeditions. There were only 6 others in my group which made for a relaxed hiking pace. While we did pass by other groups at times, the trail itself did not feel overly congested at all. We made several stops at different Incan ruins along the way to Macchu Picchu and most of the time, we were the only group at these ruins which allowed us to get amazing photographs with no crowds of people in the background.
After our 8 hour hike, we arrived at Macchu Picchu with the most amazing views! Of course, there were much more people once we finally reached the famous destination, but we were still able to get photographs without many people in the background and enjoy the stunning views in peace.
Need a good Machu Picchu Tour recommendation? I would 100% recommend checking out Alpaca Expeditions. They are a locally owned Peruvian company with an amazing reputation. The small group sizes and amazing tour guides cultivate strong bonds between all the hikers. I booked the trip as a solo hiker and made such amazing connections with the people I hiked with that we are still in touch today!
Another perk is the delicious food! Chefs hike food to your lunch destinations and plan an amazing feast for you. Most other company bring packed sandwiches as your meal.
Highlights
- Local, Peruvian owned company with the friendliest guides
- Small group sizes
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Delicious food prepared by chefs each day
I would recommend the short Inca hike to anyone staying in Peru for 10 days or less as there is so much to explore and experience in Peru; if you are still keen on doing the traditional 4-day Inca trail, I would still recommend you book with Alpaca Expeditions as they receive 5 star ratings across the board!
LOWER COSTS
Visiting after the peak tourist season means better rates on everything from flights, to tours, to hotels. I saved about 200 dollars on the international flight alone by visiting during October versus visiting in July. You can also expect to see hotels offering better rates during this time of year.
Taking advantage of the off-peak prices can allow you to stay in better accommodations or could allow you to spend a few extra days in beautiful Peru. Regardless, make sure you book in advance to get the best rates.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Peru, it will be the trip of a lifetime. October in particular is an amazing time to go to visit during the sunny, mild-tempered day, to experience some of the best attractions without the massive crowds, and to get in on better rates for flights and hotels. Just remember to book your accommodations and tours in advance as October is still a popular month to visit!
Ready to go to Peru? Check out my 10 Things You Should Know before going to Peru!
