Before the year-end festivities, travelers take advantage of Visiting Peru in November to explore the country with fewer crowds, enjoy pleasant weather, and experience vibrant local traditions. From the lush Andes and cultural festivals to the Amazon’s rich biodiversity and coastal escapes, this month offers a perfect window to discover Peru’s landscapes, history, and cuisine in comfort and style.
So, we’ve gathered everything you need to know for your next trip. Read the full guide to make the most of your visit and plan an unforgettable experience in Peru this November.
The best of visiting Peru in November
Firstly, as it is low season before the rains intensify, tourist destinations receive fewer visitors, allowing you to explore places such as Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley with greater peace of mind and enjoy a more personalized service. In addition, accommodation and tour prices are usually more affordable, making this month an economical option for travel.
The weather in November is pleasant, with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities in both the mountains and the Amazon. Thanks to the first rains of the season, the landscapes are especially green and vibrant, ideal for photography and contact with nature.
It is also an interesting month for those who enjoy culture, as local festivities such as the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno are celebrated, offering an insight into ancestral traditions and rituals.
Finally, the Amazon rainforest, in places such as Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, offers optimal conditions for observing fauna and flora, with accessible trails and good visibility for exploring the region’s unique biodiversity.
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Huacachina Desert in Ica
Peru in November weather
November marks the transition from the dry to the rainy season in Peru, offering a unique blend of favorable conditions across various regions:
Coastal Region (Lima, Paracas, Máncora)
Average temperatures: Daytime highs around 72°F (22°C), with nighttime lows near 61°F (16°C).
Climate: Warm and dry, with minimal rainfall—less than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm).
The best time for: Beach activities, surfing, and exploring natural reserves.
Andean highlands (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu)
Average temperatures: Daytime highs between 65°F and 71°F (18°C to 22°C); nighttime lows ranging from 43°F to 47°F (6°C to 8°C).
Climate: Mild and increasingly humid, with occasional afternoon showers.
Best for: Trekking, cultural tours, and visiting archaeological sites.
Amazon Rainforest (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado)
Average temperatures: Daytime highs around 89°F (32°C); nighttime lows near 73°F (23°C).
Climate: Hot and humid, with significant rainfall averaging 10 inches (254 mm) over 18 days.
Best for: Jungle expeditions, wildlife observation, and river cruises.
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Calendar of festivities in Peru in November
Visiting Peru in November means experiencing the country during a culturally rich time when traditional celebrations and regional festivals bring communities together across the nation, In this section, we’ll share the festivities and celebrations you can’t miss in november. Take note!
All Saints’ Day (November 1 – National Holiday)
This national holiday transforms cemeteries across Peru into colorful gathering spaces where families honor their deceased loved ones. In Andean communities, people prepare special breads shaped like babies (called “tantawawa”) and horses, along with the deceased’s favorite meals. It’s deeply moving to see how Peruvians blend Catholic traditions with indigenous customs, creating vibrant social spaces filled with flowers, food, and shared memories.
Fiesta de la Virgen del Milagro de Andahuaylas (Second week of November)
Andahuaylas celebrates the Virgin of the Miracle with religious processions, traditional dances, and community gatherings. The streets fill with devotees and visitors who come to witness the colorful festivities that combine faith with local Andean traditions, creating a unique cultural experience.
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Natividad de Cajatambo (November 15)
Cajatambo honors the Virgin of the Nativity with religious ceremonies, folkloric dances, and traditional music. This mountain town celebration offers visitors an authentic glimpse into highland customs, with locals dressed in traditional attire participating in processions and cultural performances.
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Purísima Concepción de Chachapoyas (November 3)
Chachapoyas kicks off the month with festivities honoring the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. The celebration features religious ceremonies combined with regional dances and music, showcasing the unique cultural identity of the Amazonas region.
3rd Trout Festival and 11th Agroindustrial and Tourism Fair in Amazonas (November 21)
This festival celebrates the region’s trout production with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and culinary competitions. Visitors can sample fresh trout prepared in traditional and creative ways while exploring local agricultural products and handicrafts. It’s a delicious way to experience Amazonas’ natural resources and gastronomy.
Yanacancha Jubilee and Tourism Week, Pasco (November 22-30)
Yanacancha celebrates its anniversary with a full week of cultural activities, folkloric performances, and tourism promotion events. The festivities highlight the region’s traditions, natural attractions, and local products, offering visitors multiple opportunities to engage with the community and explore Pasco’s unique character.
Shrimp, Pisco, and Wine Festival in Aplao, Arequipa (November 23-24)
This two-day festival in Aplao celebrates the region’s famous river shrimp along with local pisco and wine production. Visitors can enjoy tastings, traditional cooking demonstrations, and culinary competitions featuring creative shrimp dishes. The event combines Arequipa’s gastronomic excellence with music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere that attracts food lovers from across Peru.
| Festival | Location | Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta de la Virgen del Milagro | Andahuaylas | Second week of November | Religious processions, traditional dances, community gatherings; streets filled with devotees and visitors, combining faith and Andean traditions. |
| Fiesta de la Virgen de la Natividad | Cajatambo | November 15 | Religious ceremonies, folkloric dances, traditional music; locals in traditional attire, authentic highland customs, cultural performances. |
| Fiesta de la Virgen de la Purísima Concepción | Chachapoyas | November 3 | Religious ceremonies with regional dances and music; showcases Amazonas region’s cultural identity. |
| 3rd Trout Festival & 11th Agroindustrial and Tourism Fair | Amazonas | November 21 | Celebrates trout production with tastings, cooking demos, culinary competitions; explore local agricultural products and handicrafts. |
| Yanacancha Jubilee and Tourism Week | Pasco | November 22-30 | Cultural activities, folkloric performances, tourism events; highlights traditions, natural attractions, and local products. |
| Shrimp, Pisco, and Wine Festival | Aplao, Arequipa | November 23-24 | Tastings of river shrimp, pisco, and wine; cooking demonstrations, culinary competitions, music, dancing, festive atmosphere. |
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Is November a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, November is a great time to visit Machu Picchu, even though it marks the beginning of the rainy season in Cusco. During this month, the showers are usually light and intermittent, so you can still enjoy the archaeological site without major issues.
There are also fewer tourists compared to the peak months of June to August, meaning a quieter experience, easier access to train tickets and entrance passes, and often better prices. The landscapes start turning greener, creating stunning views of the Andes.
So, if you don’t mind a bit of rain, you can still enjoy this magnificent archaeological complex and its surroundings. But that’s not all, below we’ll share other incredible places you can explore if you’re visiting Peru in November.
Places you must visit in Peru in November
Cusco
Cusco in November offers pleasant daytime temperatures and clear skies perfect for exploring the city’s incredible colonial architecture and Inca ruins. The city isn’t overrun with tourists yet, so you can wander through San Blas neighborhood, visit the main plaza, and check out nearby sites like Sacsayhuamán without the chaos. The mix of Inca stonework and Spanish colonial buildings looks especially beautiful under November’s bright skies, and you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can relax between sightseeing.
Amazon Rainforest (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Manu)
The Amazon in November is at its most vibrant. The vegetation is lush, rivers are at good levels for boat excursions, and wildlife is incredibly active. Whether you choose Iquitos for pink river dolphins and jungle lodges, Puerto Maldonado for accessible rainforest experiences, or Manu for pristine wilderness, November’s conditions are ideal. You’ll spot monkeys, colorful birds, caimans, and maybe even jaguars if you’re lucky. The moderate rainfall keeps things fresh without making trails impassable, and the humidity actually makes the forest come alive.
Lake Titicaca and Puno
Early November is fantastic because you catch the tail end of Puno Week celebrations—the city’s founding anniversary brings incredible folkloric dances, parades, and traditional music. Beyond the festivities, Lake Titicaca itself is stunning this time of year. The floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island offer authentic cultural experiences, and the high-altitude lake reflects the clear skies beautifully. The weather’s generally mild, though mornings and evenings get cold at this altitude, so pack layers.
Northern Beaches (Máncora, Zorritos, Vichayito)
If you’re craving beach time, Peru’s northern coast in November is perfect. Máncora offers warm waters, consistent surf, and sunny days without the peak season crowds. The vibe is laid-back, with beachfront bars and restaurants serving fresh ceviche and cold beers. Nearby spots like Vichayito provide quieter alternatives with beautiful beaches, while Zorritos appeals to those wanting even more tranquility. The water temperature is pleasant for swimming, and the surf conditions attract boarders from beginners to experienced riders.
Paracas and the Ballestas Islands
November brings calm seas and clear skies to this coastal desert region, making it ideal for boat tours to the Ballestas Islands. You’ll see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat. The nearby Paracas National Reserve offers dramatic desert landscapes meeting the Pacific Ocean, with red sand beaches and stunning cliffs. It’s also a great base for visiting the Nazca Lines or enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants overlooking the bay.
Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca
For serious hikers and mountain lovers, Huaraz in November is excellent. The rainy season hasn’t fully hit yet, so trails like the Santa Cruz trek and day hikes to Laguna 69 are accessible with spectacular views. The Cordillera Blanca’s snow-capped peaks look incredible against clear blue skies, and glacial lakes show off their most intense turquoise colors. It’s cold, especially at high altitudes, but the scenery is absolutely worth it. Plus, you’ll encounter fewer trekkers than during the dry season rush.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Arequipa’s white volcanic stone architecture looks gorgeous under November’s sun, and the city’s pleasant climate makes exploring comfortable. The nearby Colca Canyon—one of the world’s deepest—offers incredible condor watching in the mornings when these massive birds ride thermal currents. November’s weather provides good conditions for both the canyon trek and relaxing in the natural hot springs. The surrounding volcanic landscape with snow-capped peaks creates dramatic backdrops for photos.
Chachapoyas and Northern highlands
This underrated region shows off November’s greenery beautifully. Kuelap, the massive pre-Inca fortress, rivals Machu Picchu for impressiveness but gets a fraction of the visitors. Gocta Waterfall, one of the world’s tallest, flows strongly thanks to recent rains. The cloud forests and archaeological sites scattered throughout the region feel mysterious and untouched. It rains occasionally, but it’s usually brief afternoon showers that clear quickly, leaving everything fresh and vibrant.
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Activities to do in Peru in November
Now that you know the best places to visit and the festivities you can attend in November, you’re ready to enjoy the Activities to Do in Peru in November. These are the best activities that you can only do at this time of year.
Andes and Highlands
1. Trekking to Machu Picchu
November is actually a sweet spot for visiting Machu Picchu. You’ll deal with way fewer tourists, and the landscapes look incredibly lush and green after the rainy season kicks in. The trails, including the famous Inca Trail, are open and give you those amazing misty mountain views with ancient terraces stretching everywhere. Without the crazy crowds you get in peak months, the whole experience feels more genuine and peaceful, you can really take in the magic of this place.
2. Laguna 69 excursion
The hike to Laguna 69 in the Áncash region is pretty much essential if you’re into mountain trekking. The route takes you through high-altitude terrain, crystal-clear streams, and Andean grasslands before you reach this stunning glacial lake with the most intense blue color, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. November works great for this trek because the heavy rains haven’t started yet, so you get clear views and the scenery is absolutely spectacular.
3. Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas mixes history, culture, and natural beauty in one package. In November, you can explore villages and archaeological sites like Ollantaytambo, Moray, and the salt mines of Maras while everything’s green and fertile. Local markets sell handmade crafts and traditional foods, and the rivers and agricultural terraces add extra charm to the whole experience. It’s like stepping back in time to see how traditional Andean life really works.
4. Flora and fauna observation
The Peruvian Andes in November showcase an explosion of flora and fauna. Mountain trails and valleys are filled with wildflowers and aromatic herbs, while crystal-clear lakes reflect the sky and surrounding mountains. It is an ideal time to observe local birds, small mammals, and butterflies, and enjoy waterfalls and streams flowing strongly, creating a perfect natural environment for photography and nature lovers.
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Gocta Falls in the Peruvian Amazon
Amazon rainforest
1. Jungle Trekking
November is an excellent month to explore the Amazon rainforest, as the trails are accessible and the forest is impressively green. Tourists can walk along well-marked paths and discover the richness of tropical vegetation, from enormous trees to medicinal plants. The humidity and moderate rainfall help to make the wildlife more active and the landscapes more lush, making each hike a totally immersive experience in nature.
2. Wildlife watching
Visiting Peru in November offers unique opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat, like Monkeys, exotic birds, caimans, and capybaras are just some of the species that can be seen during this time of year. Local guides know the best times and places for sightings, ensuring an educational and exciting experience, ideal for wildlife lovers and nature photographers.
3. Canoe and boat Rides
Exploring the rivers and lagoons of the jungle by canoe or boat allows you to get close to wildlife in a safe and peaceful way. During November, water levels are ideal and the vegetation is at its most lush. These types of tours offer the chance to see birds, caimans, and other species while enjoying the tranquility of the water and the sounds of the forest, creating unforgettable memories in the Peruvian Amazon.
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Islands in Paracas, Ica
Coast and beaches
1. Surfing in Northern Peru
The northern beaches, especially Máncora, are famous for their waves and pleasant weather in November. It is a perfect month for surfing, as the waters are warm and the sunny days allow you to enjoy the sea for long hours. In addition, the beaches are less crowded than in high season, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for surfers of all levels.
2. Islas Ballestas tour
From Paracas, tours to the Ballestas Islands allow visitors to observe marine wildlife such as sea lions, penguins, and guano birds in their natural environment. November offers good weather for boat trips, with calm seas and clear skies. In addition to the wildlife, visitors can enjoy breathtaking coastal landscapes, with rock formations and hidden beaches that make the excursion unforgettable.
3. Red Beach (Playa Roja)
Playa Roja, near Paracas, is a unique destination thanks to its reddish sand and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. November is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is pleasant and allows you to explore the cliffs and walk along the beach without worrying about heavy rain. It is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of the sea, take photographs, and disconnect from your daily routine.
What to wear and pack for visiting Peru in November
When visiting Peru in November, pack for mixed weather. Bring light layers for warm days, a waterproof jacket for occasional rain, comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. If you plan to visit the Andes, include warmer clothes for cool evenings.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
- Waterproof jacket or poncho for occasional rain
- Comfortable shoes for walking or hiking
- Warm sweater or jacket for evenings, especially in the Andes
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small backpack for day trips
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or smartphone for photos
