With its more than 1,280,000 km², Peru is a summary of what the weather of both hemispheres has to offer. Andes, coast, rainforest: this South American country is hard to beat in terms of biodiversity… discover why Peru is an ideal destination for this winter.
#1: Winter is the best season to visit Lima
In the capital of Peru, the thermometer rises to 26° in winter and it is good to stroll there to discover breathtaking architecture between pre-Incan constructions in Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca and its truncated pyramids, baroque churches and convents or neoclassical buildings, Chinatown, and the many colonial-inspired neighborhoods that are bursting with life. The cultural life of Lima has nothing to envy of European capitals thanks to its remarkable museums such as the Larco Herrera Museum, the Oro del Peru Museum or the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.
#2: Lima is the world capital of gastronomy
Peruvian gastronomy is, everyone knows, one of the best in the world and the restaurant is proof of this. Central de Lima which rose to first place in the ranking of the 50 best restaurants in the world in 2023 according to Forbes magazine. Above the Central in Lima, there are hundreds of culinary styles whose fusion will amaze your taste buds. To convince yourself, take advantage of the numerous food tours organized in the capital which combine local meetings, tastings and discoveries of neighborhood life.
#3: Chill on the beaches
Piura, Tumbes, Tortugas or Playa Tuquillo, Mancora, Cabo Blanco, all these names evoke the sweetness of life on the sunny beaches of Peru. Here you can relax at leisure, indulge in the pleasure of swimming in the Pacific, meet sea turtles or practice your favorite sport. In Piura, summer is eternal, and you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Peru, such as Colán, Los Órganos, Vichayito and Lobitos and it is in Cabo Blanco that you will walk in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway. You won’t forget to taste the wonderful local seafood ceviches or sip your pisco sour as the sun sets.
#4: Catch the wave!
There is a mythical place in Peru for every surfer, it is Chicama beach. This beach located near the port of Malabrigo to the north of Trujillo, offers the longest “left” wave in the world and makes it the Mecca of all surfers. But you don’t need to be a wave pro to surf in Peru as there are so many beaches where you can indulge in your favorite sport.
#5: Spend a day with the marine wildlife of Isla Palomino
It’s a dream day for all marine wildlife lovers. Departing from Lima, you will embark for the Guanera Islands to admire wild sea lions and Humboldt penguins. It is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
#6: Climbing in the desert
4 hours south of Lima, change your scenery and immerse yourself in the coastal desert of Ica. There you will find the highest dunes in the world which will offer you great opportunities for hiking in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.
At sunset, the light becomes softer and you can reach the small resort of Huacachina to enjoy local life and discover the true cradle of pisco, unless you prefer a more romantic evening and dinner in the light candles in the middle of the desert. Set aside time to hike the Paracas Reserve.
#7: Admire the nature of Cajamarca
Far from the beaten track, Cajamarca is a land of valleys and fertile countryside that stands out for being the meeting point of two worlds, two cultures. You will be dazzled by the colonial city where it is pleasant to stroll and after tasting Emoliente, a detox specialty, you will have the energy to climb to the Mirador de Santa Apolonia from which the view of the city is breathtaking!
To reward yourself, dive into the “Baños del Inca”, which invigorate you with their 72° spring water. After that, go to the natural and archaeological site of Cumbemayo, located at 3500 m above sea level in the heart of green hills and
majestic places where you take a path that passes right through the middle of enormous and mystical rock formations.
#8: Back to the 15th century in Chan Chan
The Chimu kingdom, of which Chan Chan was the capital, reached its peak in the 15th century, shortly before succumbing to Inca power. The development of this city, the most important in pre-Columbian America, reflects a rigorous political and social strategy, marked by its division into nine “citadels” or “palaces” forming independent units.
#9: A festive country
With its diverse communities, Peru offers many opportunities during the winter period to experience the holidays with the locals: Christmas, Carnivals, Fiesta de la Purísima Concepción, Fiesta de la Marinera… each festival has its own gastronomy, dances and customs. Do not hesitate to participate while respecting the beliefs of each community.
#10: Succumb to the passion for chocolate
Like its UNESCO World Heritage sites, cocoa and chocolate are part of Peruvian heritage which proudly claims the authorship of the hot chocolate recipe. So go and discover the Choco Museo in Cusco…
