Peru Travel In March
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on November 17, 2022 by James Bustamante
March is an excellent time for a Peru travel package, including the coastal and highland regions. Typically considered one of the shoulder months in Peru, March tends to have fewer international visitors. However, there are also plenty of local celebrations along the coast due to the great weather, thereby increasing domestic tourism. Let’s review some essential information to consider for Peru travel in March.
Peru March Weather
March is a month of contrast when it comes to the local weather. For example, Lima is warm along the coast, with temperatures averaging between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (22 -29 degrees Centigrade).
On the other hand, it is well into the coastal summer, so pack light clothing if Lima is your destination. However, most of the cost from Lima down to Paracas and Nazca or Trujillo and Tumbes will have clear, sunny skies.
The Peruvian highlands are also entering a period of good weather in March. The worst part of the rainy season falls between January and February, so the skies begin to clear by March. Places like Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa are still as green as they were during the wet season but with more pleasant weather conditions.
To be clear, March will still have a few light rain showers scattered throughout the month, but heavy rain is no longer something to worry about during the Machu Picchu hike. Temperatures will drop in Cusco and range from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (7-19 degrees Centigrade).
March is also a fantastic time of the year to take long camping excursions to Machu Picchu, like the classic Inca trail or the Salkantay trek. Of course, hikers will still need to bring a rain poncho along, but the sun will shine by mid-morning.
Peru Travel in March To Avoid Large Crowds
Crowds in places like Machu Picchu or Cusco during March are very manageable. We are still not in the high season, so lines at the citadel will be fine. A small influx of travelers will arrive for the first 20-25 days of the month.
However, towards the end of March, this might change. Once we get closer to April, day trips to Machu Picchu begin to fill up quickly in the group tour setting. Private versions of day trips are still easy enough to book, though.
If travelers want access to Wayna Picchu permits, they’ll need to have those booked as early as January and as late as the beginning of February.
Day trips to the Rainbow mountain or the Maras and Moray tour stand out due to the lush green environment, thanks to the rainy season. In the group tour setting, crowds for daily excursions like the ones mentioned are still relatively small in March.
In short, if you would like to join a group tour but want to make sure the size is on the smaller side, March is a great time to travel. On average, day trips will have around 5-8 people, excluding guides and drivers.
On the other hand, Lima will have more travelers staying in the capital than during other months. March is still within the summer months in the coastal region, so look forward to long sunny days. Travelers can take advantage of the good weather and go to the Huacachina Oasis in Ica or boat trips to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas.
Peru Celebrations in March
March is characterized by several local celebrations and festivals, particularly along the coast. The Vendimia Festival in Ica takes place at the beginning of March and has been going on since 1965. It is a celebration dedicated to the grape harvest and the process to make the local spirit “Pisco.”
“Holy week” or “Semana Santa” is a countrywide celebration that starts at the end of March or the beginning of April. As a result, the country takes a holiday, and Peruvians focus on domestic tourism.
The festivities begin towards the end of March or the start of April and last for seven days. The locals have big parties, prepare local food, and have plenty of dancing; the best part is that everyone is invited. Carnavales are celebrated in various parts of the country, each adding a regional touch to their local festivity. Travelers can head to Chachapoyas in the Amazonas region and participate in their upbeat dancing, go to Trujillo to try the local delicacies, stay in Lima for Pisco sours, or spend the week in Cusco.
Semana Santa is a popular time for foreign travelers to begin their vacation in Peru, so if you want to book your Peru tour package for this hectic week, you’ll need to do it a couple of months in advance.
So, Is March a Good Month For Peru Travel?
Yes, March is a perfect time to travel to Peru, thanks to the fantastic weather in the coastal and highland regions of the country. In addition, crowds for the first half of March are on the smaller side, so long lines at Machu Picchu are virtually nonexistent.
Peru travel in March is good for planning long hikes to Machu Picchu, visits to Lake Titicaca, and Amazon excursions. It is a perfect month for travelers looking to spend time in Lima, take a speed boat to the Ballestas islands, go sandboarding in Huacachina, or fly over the Nazca lines. In addition, it is one of the best months to visit beaches in northern Peru like Vichayito, Tortugas, Zorritos, etc.
Packing List For March Travel To Peru
Planning your Peru tour package for March will require different items for places like Lima or Cusco. For example, if you stay in Lima for a few days, you will mainly need summer clothing. However, while you visit Cusco, the temperature will be slightly cooler, so heavier clothing will be necessary.
March Packing List For Lima and Coastal Region
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- T-shirts/shirts/pants/shorts
- Jacket (evenings)
- Sneakers
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Camera
March Packing List For Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rest Of The Highlands
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts/shirts/shorts
- Hiking style pants
- Coat (evenings)
- Camera or camera phone
- Insect repellent (essential)
- Chapstick or lip balm
- Rain poncho or a rain jacket
- Comfortable footwear/sneakers/hiking shoes
Conclusion
Peru travel in March will be a good experience for travelers looking to spend time on the coast and the Peruvian highlands. There will be fewer rainy days in Cusco and Machu Picchu, but the occasional shower will take place. However, the beginning of March still presents small crowds, so if small groups are your thing, this is an excellent time of the year to be in Peru.
Towards the end of the month, a significant influx of international travelers will arrive just in time for Semana Santa. The coastal region will still be in the summer, so look forward to fantastic weather and plenty of local activities.
