June is an excellent time to visit Peru's interior. This month marks the start of the driest season of the year—the most ideal time to trek, especially if you're planning to visit Machu Picchu and the Cusco region. Find out what to do, where to go, and how to skip the crowds in this monthly guide.

Weather

June in Peru marks the official start of the dry season, though weather patterns depend on where you're traveling. There are three distinct climate zones:

  • The desert strip: Peru's coast offers sunny skies and mild temperatures in June, though southern areas can get cooler and foggier during this season. This region includes Mancora, Trujillo, Lima, Paracas, and Arequipa. Peru's coastline near Lima averages highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C). In fact, the weather is nearly always spring-like, but it almost never rains, creating a desert atmosphere. South of Lima, you'll experience slightly cooler temperatures than in the north (closer to the equator). 

  • The Andean highland zone: Expect little to no rain in June and cooling temperatures that vary depending on your altitude. This region includes Huaraz, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. If visiting the Cusco region, you'll experience more sunshine and slightly cooler temperatures with highs around 66°F (19°C) and lows around 34°F (1°C). This is a great time to visit.

  • The large eastern area covered by the Amazon rainforest: This area has wet, warm, and humid weather throughout the year with lessening rain in June, especially in the southern area. This region includes Iquitos, Tarapoto, Manu, and Puerto Maldonado. Iquitos tends to see highs around 86°F (30°C) and lows around 72°F (22°C).

Crowds & Costs

Starting in June, Peru's dry season in the Andes is the busiest time for international tourism, given there’s no rain and the skies are clear for hiking and sightseeing in the mountains. 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. 

Given that the skies are clear, this is the most popular hiking season in Peru. it's also the coldest time since this is Peru's winter. In general, the mountains and canyons are still quieter than in July and August, so it's a good month to come if you're trying to skip peak crowds.

As tourism slows down along Peru's coastline and shifts inland, June is a great time to visit the beach towns, especially north of Lima, where the weather is still good and rates tend to be lower than December through March.

Where to Go

Peru's interior, specifically the Sacred Valley, is usually high on the list 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. A great alternative trail is the Salkantay Trek—a lesser-known five-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. 

This is a good time of year to visit Peru's Amazon rainforest. 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. On this 12-day tour, you can combine a trip to the jungle with the Inca Trail.  

Off the beaten path, 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. 

Though it's likely too chilly to swim in the Pacific Ocean unless you're farther north (closer to the equator), it's worth visiting Peru's coastline, especially surf towns like Máncora. Farther south is the Paracas National Reserve, with sand dunes, cliffs, and diverse fauna. 

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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. Other than Machu Picchu, there are numerous multiday opportunities to choose from; check out a list of the Best 10 Treks in Peru. As for shorter hikes, here is a list of the Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. 

Biking & rafting: With great weather in the mountains this time of year, there are plenty of options for combining these activities, like this two-week option in Southern Peru. 

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. Lake Titicaca in Southern Peru, said to be the birthplace of the Incas, is also home to numerous ruins. 

City culture in Lima: Peru's capital is rich in history and culture with beautiful architecture, cathedrals, interesting museums, a growing culinary scene (including #6 and #7 on "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" list), nightlife, and great shopping. Make sure to watch a sunset overlooking the bluffs at Miraflores. 

River cruise in the Amazon: A more relaxing option is to enjoy Peru's wild jungle, via its rivers and waterways. Here's a list of the best river cruises from 2-12 days. 

Events in June

Qoylloriti Pilgrimage, Sinakara Valley. This religious festival, held in the Sinakara Valley of the Cusco Region, coincides with the full moon. It involves a large procession and dancing around the Lord of Quyllurit'i shrine.

The Festival of the Sun, Cusco. Held on the winter solstice each year, this is the greatest of Inca festivals in Cusco, attracting thousands of Peruvians and visitors. Towns in the Amazon also celebrate this day. For example, on the eve of the actual holiday, Iquitos celebrates with dancing, feasting, and cockfights through the night. 

San Pedro y San Pablo, Lima (June 29). The feasts of saints Peter and Paul provide more fiestas on June 29, especially around Lima and in the highlands.

Semana de Andinismo, Huaraz. Mountaineering aficionados descend on Huaraz to celebrate the Andes with hikes, rock climbing, paragliding, skiing, and concerts.

Inti Raymi, Cusco. The main event of the celebrations for the month of Cusco evokes the splendor of the Inca religious ceremonies. The staging begins in the Qoricancha, continues in the city's main square, and ends on the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman. The Inca performed the central role.

Traveling to Peru in June? Check out these great itineraries

Discover Lima, Northern Peru & the Andes - 12 Days. Experience this dynamic country's culinary highlights, incredible ruins, and gorgeous nature. Start by taking a walking food tour in the capital of Lima, then head to the northern city of Chachapoyas. This is where you'll ride a cable car up to the "Machu Picchu of the North," Kuélap, and take a six-hour hike to see one of the world's tallest waterfalls, Gocta. From there, transfer to Cusco to explore Inca ruins, local markets, and the iconic Machu Picchu itself.

Machu Picchu & Ausangate Camping Trek - 10 Days. The Ausangate trek is beautiful and remote, a great option for travelers keen on avoiding the crowds of the Inca Trail. With this itinerary, you'll start with history and culture in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. From here, embark on your five-day trek and discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region—glacial lakes, herds of alpacas, and pretty mountain views. Cap off your trek with a day of exploration at Machu Picchu.

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