Visiting Peru in May

1.- WEATHER OVERVIEW

When Visiting Peru in May you must take into account that this time of the year represents the change of season, from the rainy season when the weather is super unstable and changing to the dry season where the weather is much more stable and the activities are not affected by the climatic factor, this makes May one of the favorite months of travel for many travelers in the world making Visiting Peru in May the favorite time of the year. Of course you must also take into account the significant changes that exist between regions, however each region shows a different version of the weather so it is a good idea to be prepared for this in advance.

2.- How is this transition experienced in the regions of Peru?

Little by little as the month passes in the regions of Peru the change of season is noticeable, decreasing considerably the frequency of rains that exist, although in some areas you can still feel light rains during the day or afternoon (especially occurring in the mountains and jungle) the month of May is considered as a point of end and beginning because at the end of the most challenging season begins a new season that in many respects is considered favorable and optimal to develop tourism activities with clear skies and pleasant temperatures during the day which facilitates accessibility in destinations mainly with altitude.

2.1.- Andes

If during Visiting Peru in May you choose to visit places with a high altitude such as Arequipa, Cusco and Huaraz it will be the ideal time of the year since during this month the rains have dropped considerably so the most popular options in these destinations such as hiking are more feasible to perform being thus the best time to get into the popular Inca Trail, hike to the Colca Canyon and even start hiking to Huayhuash. Thanks to the temperatures feel cool during the day you can feel a temperature between 15 °C to 20 °C however for obvious reasons the nights are much colder reaching even degrees below 0 °C, this is the reason why it is recommended that the luggage mainly contains warm clothes to maintain body temperature and light clothing for daytime activities.

2.2.- Coast

Undoubtedly when Visiting Peru in May you will arrive first to the coast region since it is where the capital city Lima is located, however other cities such as Paracas and Trujillo have the same climatic characteristics where you can enjoy a very mild and dry climate, also represents the end of the rainy season so the sunny days are more pleasant, however in the central sector you can feel the presence of fog and the characteristic garúa that extends from May to June and although the rains are scarce the weather feels cool but humid at the same time by the presence of ocean, it is like feeling a temperature of 18 °C to 25 °C so during the days it is also ideal to rest on the beautiful beaches or archaeological sites during your Trip to Peru in May.

2.3.- Jungle

The magic and mystery that surrounds the Amazon is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why you should Visiting Peru in May, this region is quite exceptional in many ways as the rains are still felt frequently but decrease in intensity compared to previous months, what does stand out is the change in temperature as it can increase as well as humidity so that activities such as hiking or boating become much warmer but at the same time entertaining. The main cities to visit in this region are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado where the temperature can go from 30 °C to 35 °C during the day. Fortunately, as it is the transition from the rainy season to the dry season, the natural environment still maintains its splendor and it is also a good time to visit the place to better appreciate the wildlife.

3.- ADVANTAGES OF VISITING PERU IN MAY

The Best places to visit in Peru have something in common and is that they are full of popularity among visitors from around the world, it is for this reason that Visiting Peru in May gives you advantages over other times of the year especially if you are looking for natural beauty, tranquility and above all a unique adventure. Being the transition season is only the beginning of the high season so the presence of visitors is lower compared to the months of June or August which somehow allows the adventures to be more personalized having the possibility to know places like Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley and many of the other Best places to visit in Peru in a different way, in this season you can also better appreciate the attractions since there are no crowds you can enjoy having more opportunities to interact with local people or get the best photos of the destinations, This is also represented in the control points and access since there is not much frequency of travelers queues and waiting places are more accessible as is the case of trains that allow you to reach Machu Picchu to the availability of spaces, finally it should be recognized that it is the ideal time to know the nature in the purest state that can show us since having less impact by tourists protected areas and natural areas can provide a more incredible view for nature lovers looking for a deeper connection.

In addition, in economic comparison you can find more affordable prices that can contribute to optimizing your trip. This is due to the fact that many of the businesses such as lodging, restaurants and activity centers propose more accessible prices with the intention of encouraging or motivating travelers to choose them as destinations when Visiting Peru in May. Mainly are hotels and lodgings who usually offer special prices and economic rates especially in this month giving rooms at very low prices, there are also service providers that offer activities or guided tours either in popular places or in new routes that are just rushing, during this month the popularity is focused on adventure activities such as rafting, climbing, hiking and any type of outdoor activity. Another of the great advantages of economizing on the trip for Visiting Peru in May is undoubtedly the consideration in domestic flights as airlines usually offer promotions for the transition of seasons which gives greater availability and means considerable savings for those seeking Visiting Peru in May.

4.- TOP DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE

4.1.- Machu Picchu

There is no doubt that the ancient Inca citadel is considered one of the most emblematic places in Peru as well as in the whole world. It is located on top of a mountain in the Peruvian Andes with a height of 2400 m above sea level and is listed as one of the wonders of the modern world until today, this impressive construction was built in the fifteenth century during the time of the Inca culture and to this day remains in an adequate state of conservation impressive thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Culture of the Peruvian government, inside you can appreciate a set of enclosures and temples as well as terraces and squares that thanks to the combination that exists provide an incredible panoramic view of the mountains and the mystical environment. Knowing it during your Trip to Peru in May will be one of the best experiences you can have in your life and you can also take advantage of doing other activities such as:

• Discovering the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu when Visiting Peru in May also includes experiencing an exciting and unique way to access, this is only possible through the Inca Trail which consists of walking a path through the mountains and allow you to know archaeological sites and cloud forests for four days to finally reach the wonder of the modern world, Machu Picchu.
• You can also enjoy your time knowing the interior of the Inca city, a guided tour will be ideal for this allowing you to enjoy and at the same time know the history and secrets that are hidden in each of the enclosures, the experience of the guide will make you not only know the history but you can feel it and live it in the same place.
• The ascent to the top of the mountain known as Huayna Picchu is one of the most popular adventure activities that exist because it allows you to have a different panoramic view of the conventional, however this is only recommended if you have previous hiking experience because the geography of this mountain is quite steep and challenging.

4.2.- Sacred Valley

When visiting Peru in May you will undoubtedly also be in search of souvenirs and souvenirs to take with you to remember this beautiful experience is for this reason that you can not miss the opportunity to meet the traditional and beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas which is located between Cusco and Machu Picchu so it is also considered as a place of passage where you can see how the ancient Inca culture came to build cities, temples and a large collection of terraces (agricultural and support). Along this extensive valley that is crossed by the majestic Vilcanota River that later becomes the Urubamba River you can see a set of traditional villages and crafts that have kept alive the cultural heritage over many generations allowing you to interact and enjoy an experiential moment knowing more about these customs, among the best activities you can find here are:

• You can visit the famous handicraft market and the archaeological center of Pisac which contains the largest collection of terraces and at the same time the largest Inca cemetery. The wonderful thing about this is that it is located at the top of the mountain while the handicraft market is at the base.
• Enjoy a tour of the village of Ollantaytambo discovering the architectural ensemble with stones so large that can weigh about 120 tons.
• Meet the textile tradition that has been inherited for generations in the village of Chinchero, where the process of dyeing and making clothes from alpaca wool has become an ancestral custom.
• You can also visit the set of salt ponds on the side of a mountain, incredibly fed by a channel of salt water with characteristics similar to the sea.

4.3.- Titicaca Lake

A unique natural destination that is located on the natural border between Peru and Bolivia, it is also considered the highest navigable lake in the world with more than 3800 m above sea level, it becomes one of the destinations that you must visit when visiting Peru in May. This immense lake is also very representative within the Andean belief because unlike other places this is home to a culture that has developed its lifestyle on artificial islands made from local flora also known as totora, visiting this place certainly represents having a moment of serenity and calm in a large body of water surrounded by mountains and deep blue waters that simulate the ocean, of course there are also activities you can delight when visiting Peru in May:

• You can get to know the artificial islands of uros that are quite popular because they are made from the local plant known as Totora. The best way to get to know this place is undoubtedly by boat, which gives you time to see the customs it has.
• You can also visit the natural islands such as Taquile and Amantani, where the cultural heritage has remained intact for generations, here you can appreciate the textile traditions and at the same time embark on leisurely walks to learn more about the culture.
• History and culture can also be found in the city of Puno where various festivals and celebrations are held, the most representative of these being the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria.

4.4.- Colca Canyon

Visiting Peru in May also represents to obtain new achievements and that also implies to visit extreme places as it is the case of the Colca Canyon that has 3400 m of depth surpassing by far the one found in the United States, contains a set of mountainous landscapes that are mixed in a harmonious way with agricultural terraces that have origin from the pre-Columbian times and until today are used as a source of food, among the things that you can enjoy here are:

• Appreciate the incredible flight of the Condor, this is one of the few places in the Andes where you can appreciate in such a close way the majestic spectacle of the flight of the condor over the canyon.
• There is also the alternative of being able to hike up or down through the extensive canyon that can last several days while you go into the depths and meet small villages, agricultural terraces and incredible landscapes.
• You can relax the body in the conforming hot springs of Chivay, either a traditional day or through hiking. It is always a great idea to immerse yourself in these restorative waters.

5.- THE GREAT CULTURAL DIVERSITY

“Peru is also known as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, although the main language is Spanish there are several secondary languages that are also official being the most popular Quechua, Aymara and aboriginal languages. Allowing the story to be told in various interpretations giving the understanding that there is more than one version which increases the mystery and interest of world travelers.”

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6.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Is May a good time to visit Machu Picchu?

Yes, Visiting Peru in May is the ideal season to also visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, because this month is the transition to the dry season contains much more stable weather and you can enjoy a visit with a sunny day without the fear of what may be an unexpected rain.

• What wildlife can I expect to see in the Amazon during May?

May is also the ideal time to see wildlife at its best, species such as monkeys, jaguars, pink dolphins, exotic birds and reptiles are possible to appreciate during this month due to the presence of the rains and thanks to the influx of water, trees such as cedar and mahogany, as well as medicinal plants get a more brilliant look.

• Are there any cultural festivals in Peru during May?

Yes, in several cities of Peru there are religious festivities that are celebrated during this month such as the festivity of the cross or cruz velacuy and Holy week of Ayacucho, although the holy week is in April the celebrations can be extended until May.

• How should I prepare for altitude sickness when visiting high-altitude areas in May?

The altitude sickness is always present and the discomfort can significantly affect your trip for this reason it is recommended that to prevent it can arrive with a few days in advance in the city this will help your body to adapt easily, also avoid demanding activities during the first days and consume plenty of water, it will keep your body oxygenated.

Visiting Peru in May is a great time to experience one of the most incredible moments of your entire life, however you must take into consideration the important safety aspects that allow you to enjoy the experience and not worry about the other details. Auri Peru can design a customized adventure just for you, contact us now and together with our experience designers create a new adventure.

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