Best Time to Visit Peru? What You Need to Know

The Best time to visit Peru would normally be any time with the dry season between May and October as optimal. But the 19^th largest country in the world (at 800 miles long and 350 miles wide) has been experiencing political upheavals and as of this month, it may not be the best time to visit Peru.

Peru has been shaken by two months of protests after former president, Pedro Castillo, was impeach and arrests in early December after attempting to dissolve parliament and rule by decree.

Currently, Castillo’s supporters continue to protest in certain parts of the country within an evolving political situation that has claimes the lives of some 48 demonstrators in clashes with police. The Peruvian National Police controls the policing the country with the support of the Armed Forces. Certain parts of the country are currently more apt to demonstrations, such as southern Peru, including Cusco, Paracas, Ica, Puno and Arequipa. Here’s what you need to know: 

Best time to visit Peru

As of February 9, the U.S. State Department advises Americans to reconsider visiting Peru at this time and exercise increase caution with a careful eye on emerging civil unrest. While would-be travelers can check this link for updates, it is also suggest that Americans register in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

What areas are affected by the protesting? 

Tensions in Peru have been limits to particular parts of the country, especially in the southern and southeastern regions, such as Ica, Arequipa, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cusco and Puno. In all these cases, Peruvian authorities execute various actions to safeguard the integrity of national and foreign tourists in the different regions.

Best Time to Visit Peru: Are the airports open? 

For now, Peru’s main airport in Lima is open, though only ticket passengers with schedule flights can enter the terminals, with the exception of minors and others who require special assistance. Several airports throughout the country have paused operations at various times during the protests. In the case of the Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa, as of Feb. 8, the opening hours have been restore from 6 am to 10 pm. The Inca Manco Cápac International Airport, located in the city of Juliaca in Puno, remains closed until further notice.

Best Time to Visit Peru: Are tourist attractions open?

The main tourist attractions in the north and east zones of Peru, as well as the circuit of northern beaches, are fully open. Ica region’s tourist attractions and national reserves are also open.

Best Time to Visit Peru: Are there tour operators currently operating in the country? 

In general, tourist attractions are open to the public and tour operators are working normally. However, in the case of those located in southern and southeastern regions of the country, they could have limitations on receiving tourists due to the interrupt transit on some roads. In relation to visits to the main tourist attractions, the Lambayeque beach circuit and other provinces of the region are receiving visitors. Regarding the Ica region, the main tourist attractions and National Reserves have been operating normally.

Is Machu Picchu open and are trains running to tourist destinations?

As of February, train services to Peru’s historic Machu Picchu have resumed, following nearly three weeks of suspension. The Machu Picchu citadel is also now open and those who currently have tickets to Machu Picchu will be able to use them. Questions? Contact: ingresos@cultureacusco.gob.pe).

Railway operations in the South and Southeast of the country, Ferrocarril Trasandino S.A., will continue to suspend on the stretch of Cusco-Juliaca-Puno and Juliaca-Imata-Pillones-Arequipa of the Southern railway. Railway operations on the Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Machupicchu-hydroelectric route and the branch to Urubamba have also been suspended.

It is important to mention that the Inca Trail typically closes in February for maintenance.

Best Time to Visit Peru: Are the cruises in the Amazon currently operating? 

Cruises in the Amazon are operating normally. Currently, Iquitos and surrounding tourist areas are receiving visitors. From July to October is a good time to enjoy the white sand beaches that are form because of the low water season. 

What is the country doing for tourists who need assistance? 

As it may not be the best time to visit Peru, the tourism ministry has set up a Tourist Protection Network (an inter-institutional network) that maintains permanent communication with tour operators, tourism agencies and other related services, and works jointly with the Tourism Directorate of the National Police of Peru to help tourists as needed. 

Safe tourist corridors have been created from the airports to historic centers in affected areas like Cusco, Arequipa, Puno and Tacna. Peru’s tourism board suggests travelers download the Tourist Police Peru app, which can be accessed through Google Play, and have emergency numbers on hand, including the Central POLTUR at (01) 4601060 or IPERÚ via WhatsApp +51 944492314 (text only) or by phone (01) 574-8000; as well as these important emails: 
proteccionalturista@mincetur.gob.pe and iperu@promperu.gob.pe. 

Americans currently in Peru who find themselves stuck or needing assistance can also contact the U.S. Embassy in Lima at +51-1-618-2000 or LimaACS@state.gov.