April is a great time to visit Peru when rain levels dip significantly in the Sacred Valley. There are few crowds before the high season begins (with the exception of Holy Week). You'll also have sunny weather and lower rates along the 1,500 miles of Pacific coast. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.

Weather

Located just south of the equator, this is the beginning of Peru's autumn season, with different weather patterns depending on where you travel. There are three distinct climate zones:

  • The desert coastal strip: April offers mostly dry, sunny skies and springlike temperatures with little rain. This region includes Máncora, Trujillo, Lima, Paracas, and Arequipa. Lima averages highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 64°F (18°C), while south of Lima, you'll experience slightly cooler temperatures than the north (closer to the equator). 

  • The Andean zone or highlands: It's time to dry off. This region, which includes Huaraz, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca, starts to see less rain in April and cooling temperatures that range depending on your altitude. If visiting the Cusco region, you'll experience slightly cooler temperatures with highs around 66°F (19°C) and lows around 41°F (5°C) with occasional moisture. However, any remaining clouds and moisture from the rainy season during April should not deter you from visiting—the flora and fauna will still be beautiful.

  • The large eastern area covered by the Amazon rainforest: Expect warm, humid temperatures and wet weather, though temperatures tend to cool off at night. This region includes Iquitos, Tarapoto, Manu, and Puerto Maldonado. The Amazon jungle near Iquitos tends to see highs around 88°F (31°C) and lows around 72°F (22°C). The tropical rains usually occur in the afternoon as a downpour or thunderstorm, though rain will likely be more frequent in April with a monthly average of 12 inches.

Crowds & Costs

In April, more visitors begin to arrive in Peru, particularly as Easter approaches. If Holy Week occurs in April, expect a surge in crowds and high-season prices. Hotel rates will spike and availability will be low, so it's best to make reservations far in advance. With the exception of Holy Week, travel to the Sacred Valley during this time offers fewer crowds, less muddy conditions, bright green scenery, and decent rates for flights and hotels. In general, the mountains and canyons are still on the quieter side this time of year, so April is a good month if you're trying to avoid the high season.

As tourism starts to slow down along Peru's coastline and shifts to inland, April is a great time to visit the beach towns. The weather is still good, there are fewer people, and prices are lower.

Where to Go

Peru's northern coast stays sunny and warm year-round (it's closer to the equator), and there are cool surf towns to check out, like Máncora. As for beaches around Lima, April starts to get too cold for swimming in the Pacific Ocean, but this is still a good time of year to sunbathe and visit the scenery. Farther south is the Paracas National Reserve with sand dunes and cliffs, and diverse fauna that's great for exploring. This is also a popular time of year for those wishing to combine Peru with a visit to the Galápagos Islands.

Machu Picchu is the most popular and important of all Inca ruins in Peru's interior. The Inca Trail is the only way to hike directly into the park through the Sun Gate, and the trail may get crowded during Holy Week. A great alternative trail is the Salkantay Trek, a lesser-known five-day trek to Machu Picchu. On this trek, you'll hike past coffee farms, glacial lakes, and rugged snowcapped peaks before descending into the dense cloud forest for your approach to the Inca ruins.

In southern Peru, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, is one of South America's largest lakes: Lake Titicaca. Said to be the birthplace of the Incas, this area is also home to numerous ruins, while the Titicaca National Reserve shelters rare aquatic species such as giant frogs. The climate is agreeable this time of year, with little rain, though due to the high altitude, nights can get chilly. 

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What to Do

Trekking & day hikes: Peru has long attracted lovers of the great outdoors, and getting out on the trail is the most popular activity. In addition to multiday treks, there are shorter hikes. Here's a list of the Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, including visits to waterfalls, caves, and hot springs. 

Watersports & surfing: The sport of surfing is growing in Peru, and many beach towns north of Lima, like Cabo Blanco (home of the "Peruvian pipe"), Chicama, and Máncora, offer excellent surf conditions. Kiteboarding, diving, standup paddleboarding, and whale- and dolphin-watching are also popular. Keep in mind that ocean temperatures begin to get colder this time of year, so you might need a wetsuit.

History & Inca ruins: Within the Sacred Valley, you'll find a host of ruins like Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, and Pisac near the colonial city of Cusco. While these smaller sites are more spread out than Machu Picchu, you'll have your fill of Spanish colonial villages, handicraft markets, and Inca history if you manage to visit them all. 

City culture in Lima: Despite the fact that it hardly ever rains here, this layover city often gets overlooked for Cusco. But Peru's capital is rich in history and culture with beautiful architecture, cathedrals, fascinating museums, a growing culinary scene (including #6 and #7 on "The World's 50 Best Restaurants list"), nightlife, and great shopping. Make sure to spend an evening watching the sunset overlooking the bluffs at Miraflores. 

Wildlife viewing on the Ballestas Islands: These islands, nicknamed "the Galápagos Islands of Peru," are accessible by tour boat from the beach town of Paracas (near Pisco). they're home to rare birds like pelicans, penguins, Peruvian boobies, and Inca terns. The park also has sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and whales. Due to its ideal location on the Pacific coast, day trips can be made while you explore the dunes of Huacachina.

Sample local cuisine: The guinea pig dish called cuy is Peru's most authentic edible experience, often found in highland towns like Cusco and the Urubamba Valley. Also look for fresh ceviche, stir-fried beef, and creamy chicken. Potatoes have been cultivated in the Andes for 10,000 years, and a dizzying number of types are on offer (great with spicy cheese sauce). Also, make sure to try the picarones (Peruvian doughnuts).

Events in April

Semana Santa, Nationwide. Since 85-90% of Peruvians are Catholic, the week leading up to Easter (either March or April) is an especially holy week, during which festivities and processions are carried out along the streets (especially in Ayacucho).

Festividad del Señor del los Temblores del Cusco, Cusco. The Lord of the Earthquakes is the patron saint of Cusco and the focus of this major Holy Week celebration (either March or April). Dating back to an earthquake that took place in 1650, when the town was saved from ruin, a statue of Jesus was removed from Cusco's cathedral and paraded throughout the city. 

National Competition Paso Horse, Pachacamac. This weeklong festival in mid-April takes place in the district of Pachacamac and includes a display of favorite horses, prizes, and skill demonstrations. Horsemen parade their horses with Peruvian coastal dances like the Marinera, with the use of handkerchiefs as props. 

Traveling to Peru in April? Check out these great itineraries

Peru Highlights & Jungle Adventures - 12 Days. From Lima to the Amazon, this itinerary has it all. Take in the sights and flavors of the capital city, then head east to Puerto Maldonado, a jumping-off point for a journey to the rainforest. Spend three days at a jungle lodge and see wildlife like colorful parrots and giant river otters, then travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley to learn about Inca history. Finish with hikes to Machu Picchu and vibrant Rainbow Mountain—the perfect way to end this whirlwind trip.

Explore Southern Peru & Conquer the Salkantay Trek - 15 Days. In just over two weeks, you'll discover the best that southern Peru offers. Start with a tour of Lima before flying to Cusco to discover Inca ruins and meet alpacas. Ride a quad bike to the Salt Mines of Maras, then transfer to Challacancha to start the four-day Salkantay Trek, culminating at Machu Picchu. End the action-packed tour in Arequipa, where you can admire colonial-era churches, indulge in local food, and take a day trip to Colca Canyon to visit a paleolithic cave and see condors in flight.

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