August is the busiest month of the year in the Sacred Valley. With warm, sunny days and crisp evenings, the ideal weather lends itself to enjoying all the attractions Peru has to offer, from admiring Machu Picchu to adventure sports in lesser-known areas of the country.

Weather

August is prime winter in Peru and the country's most consistent dry season, though weather patterns depend on where you're traveling. There are three distinct climate zones:

  • The desert strip zone: All along Peru's coastline, you'll typically find mild, sunny, and dry weather in winter with some fog, especially near the capital. This region includes Máncora, Trujillo, Lima, Paracas, and Arequipa. Lima averages highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C). In August, Lima's weather may include a thick, gray sea mist that lingers over the city, bringing a chill. North of Lima, it gets warmer and sunnier as you get closer to the equator. 

  • The Andean or highland zone: You will likely not see little to no rain in August, and cooling temperatures (especially at night) will vary depending on your altitude. This region includes Huaraz, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. Cusco has temperatures with highs around 68°F (20°C) and lows around 36°F (2°C).

  • The large eastern area covered by the Amazonian forest: This region, including Iquitos, Tarapoto, Manu, and Puerto Maldonado, has warm and humid weather throughout the year, with the least amount of rain in August—about six inches of rain compared to 14 inches in March (the tropical downpour usually occurs in the afternoon). Iquitos tends to see highs around 88°F (31°C) and lows around 70°F (21°C). 

Crowds & Costs

August is the busiest season for international tourism, given there's no rain and the skies are clear for hiking and sightseeing in the Andes and the jungle. This is also when North and South Americans and Europeans have their summer vacations, so be sure to book your tours and accommodations several months in advance if you're visiting during this time. (Hint: Inca Trail permits go on sale in January, and popular months sell out quickly.) 

Since it's low season along the coast, August is a great time to visit the beach towns, especially north of Lima. The weather is still good, and rates tend to be lower than in the prime season, December through March.

Where to Go

Peru's interior, specifically the Sacred Valley, is usually a must for international visitors. Machu Picchu is the most popular and important of all Inca ruins, and the Inca Trail is the only way to hike directly into the park through the Sun Gate, though August will experience peak crowds. A great alternative trail is the Salkantay Trek—a lesser-known 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, where 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. 

Another great trekking area, and much less crowded, is the Cotahuasi Canyon, the world's deepest canyon, located in the high Andes northwest of Arequipa. There are many trail options, ranging from one-day hikes to six-day treks. 

For those interested in experiencing Peru's Amazon rainforest, this is the best time of year to visit. The area possesses the planet's highest levels of biodiversity and is one of the wildest places on earth, with coiling rivers, cloud forests, indigenous communities, and wildlife. You can combine a trip to the jungle with the Inca Trail on this 12-day tour.  

A hidden gem, northern Peru is an area that is often overlooked by tourists. Here you can find beautiful landscapes with countless bird species, pre-Incan archaeology including the adobe city of Chan Chan, and abundant nature in the cloud forest with ample opportunities for treks, hiking and exploring lakes and waterfalls. Here's a 10-day itinerary in the northern Peruvian Andes, Huaraz & Cordillera Huayhuash Trekking. 

You'll find few crowds along Peru's coastline this time of year due to the winter season. Beach-goers should head north to surf towns like Máncora with warmer weather thanks to the equator. Further south is Paracas National Reserve with sand dunes and cliffs, and a diverse species of birds, fish, and marine mammals. There are also archaeological remnants of pre-Columbian cultures.

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What to Do

Trekking in the highlands: Peru's Andean range has long attracted lovers of the great outdoors, and trekking is by far the most popular activity. There are numerous multiday opportunities to choose from, other than Machu Picchu; check out a list of the Best 10 Treks in Peru. For shorter hikes, here's a list of the Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, many of which include visits to waterfalls, caves, and hot springs

Sightseeing 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.

History & Inca ruins: Within the Sacred Valley near Cusco, you'll find a host of ruins like Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, and Pisac. While these sites are smaller and 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. Also, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia is Lake Titicaca, said to be the birthplace of the Incas, with numerous ruins.

Hiking, biking & rafting: This is a great time of year to combine any or all of these activities with many options, like this two-week option in southern Peru. 

Cruising the Amazon River: August is an excellent time to head to Peru's jungle region with many options for hiking, canoeing, and bird-watching. For more adventurous types, you can take a river rafting expedition—or simply opt for a relaxing river cruise through Peru's wild jungle. Here's a list of the best river cruises ranging from 2 to 12 days. 

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

Events in August

Day of the Pachamama, Andes (August 1). These ancient worship ceremonies begin on the evening of August 1 in honor of Mother Earth as a way to thank her for the crops. 

Anniversary of Arequipa (August 15). This festival in Arequipa is celebrated with serenades, the parade of friendship and fairs, etc. 

Feast of Santa Rosa de Lima (August 30). Taking place every year, major processions in Lima, Arequipa, and Junín honor the patron saint of Lima and of the Americas. Santa Rosa de Lima was the first native-born American saint canonized by the Catholic Church, and her legacy is celebrated worldwide, with the grandest festivities taking place in her home country of Peru. Celebrations and memorials occur throughout the country, the most famous being in Santa Rosa de Quives just outside the capital city.

Traveling to Peru in August? Check out these great itineraries

Best of Peru's Historical Sights & Epic Landscapes - 16 Days. This multifaceted adventure covers the marks of Peru's ancient Inca civilization and its colonial history, plus awe-inspiring landscapes and city attractions in Lima and Cusco. Over 16 days, you'll explore ruins and sites, from the enigmatic Nasca Lines to the majestic Machu Picchu. You'll also hike in the beautiful rainbow mountains, admire the towering peaks of the Andes, and spend two nights in the lush Amazon rainforest.

Peruvian Trekking Excursion: Ausangate, Colca Canyon & Lake Titicaca - 21 Days. Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco before embarking on the 5-day Ausangate trek, a beautiful and off-the-beaten-path trek to Machu Picchu. During the trek, you'll discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amid herds of alpacas. After completing the trek, venture to the Machu Picchu citadel, then head out to explore Arequipa, before traveling to Colca Canyon. After trekking through the world's deepest, depart for Lake Titicaca to spend a few days hiking and kayaking.

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