Visiting Peru In March: Expert Advice For Luxury Travelers

Are you considering visiting Peru in March?

From exploring mysterious ancient ruins and spotting exotic Amazon animals, to enjoying private rail journeys, five-star jungle lodges, and tailored cultural experiences - Peru is a perfect country for luxury travelers to explore. March marks the beginning of the autumn season for Peru and is still hot around most parts of the country - and also has its own particular advantages for those who choose to visit during this month.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Peru in March. This includes all of the advantages and disadvantages, what the weather is like across the country, specific cultural events and how to prepare for your vacation properly. Later in this article we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.

Is It Worth Visiting Peru In March For Luxury Travelers?

While the previous month of February in Peru saw the most amount of rainfall, March is slightly drier and is perfect for having many unique experiences.

Within the Peruvian Andes, travelers can enjoy beautiful green pastures and less crowds in the Sacred Valley region, while also getting to experience the Inca Trail during one of its quieter months of the year. The entire country also comes alive with many cultural events during this month, such as the famous Semana Santa (Holy Week), as well as the regional celebrations like the Carnaval in Cajamarca and Vendimia Festival in Ica.

The warm weather also makes it a perfect time to experience Lima and the Pacific coast without the crowds, with beach towns like San Bartolo, Punta Hermosa and Punta Sal perfect choices for a beach escape. While rainfall is still heavy in the Andes and Amazon Rainforest, the fresh landscapes and abundance of wildlife easily make visits to these regions more than worth it.

The Weather And Tourist Seasons For Peru In March

While considered an autumn season month, March follows similar weather to the previous months. This means we can enjoy hot weather in the Pacific Coast and Amazon regions, while occasional heavy showers can be expected in destinations like Cusco, Machu Picchu and within the jungle.

The Pacific Coast

March is typically seen as the last ideal month for hitting the beaches along the Pacific Coast, before temperatures start dropping in Peru during April. Exclusive towns like San Bartolo are perfect for hiring your own beach bungalow, enjoying delicious Peruvian seafood overlooking the Pacific, and relaxing with less crowds around. If you prefer a more exotic and tropical destination, then consider Punta Sal in the north - which also enjoys hot temperatures and minimal rainfall, along with swaying palm trees and white sands that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The Andes Mountains

The autumn season is often regarded as one of the most underrated times to explore the Peruvian Andes. While rainfall is still heavy, the region will now be flourishing with green pastures, blooming orchids and more active wildlife - and especially in the Sacred Valley region and along the Salkantay Trail. Luxury travelers can also enjoy warm daytime temperatures and less chilly nights compared with the winter season, which is perfect for those who want to experience an adventurous full or short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek.

The Amazon Jungle

The Amazon Rainforest follows the same pattern of rainfall as the Andes - where frequent showers can be expected however are often short-lived. Temperatures are also hot during the daytimes, so it’s vital to bring both rainproof gear as well as light and breathable layers for jungle trekking. March is one of the very best months for spotting wildlife in the Amazon given they are more active during wetter months, and also as there are less crowds on jungle trails which might otherwise scare off curious animals.

Is March A Busy Or Expensive Month For Peru?

Similar with January In Peru, March also has certain weeks which are busier and more expensive than others. The first couple of weeks generally tend to be the quietest - and therefore the best for exploring Peru with less crowds, more authenticity and better last-minute deals on hotels and flights. The week of Semana Santa sees a hike up in prices and crowds given it’s one of the most important festivals of the year - which often falls on the last week of March (although dates change each year). During this time, cities like Cusco, Ayacucho and Lima can get very busy with both locals and tourists, where religious processions and parades take to the streets and main plazas.

The Best Things To Do In Peru During March

Enjoy Machu Picchu With The Luxury Hiram Bingham Train

As crowds fall during the early weeks of March, this makes it the perfect time to experience Machu Picchu at its quietest with minimal crowds around. Lush green cloudforests will surround you as you explore the ancient ruins with your private guide, and the scenic Hiram Bingham Train offers both spectacular views and refined comforts during your journey from Cusco. March also marks the reopening of the Inca Trail - meaning you can also combine your visit with a short one day hike to visit remote Inca strongholds like those of Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate.

Visit The Stunning City Of Arequipa With A Private Guide

Like Lima, Arequipa has a unique microclimate which results in very little rain throughout the entire year. This makes it the perfect city to visit while other areas of the Andes can get quite wet - where we can enjoy privately guided excursions around the city. This includes visiting the beautiful red Santa Catalina Monastery, exploring the sillar architecture and cobblestone streets of the Historic Center, as well as discovering the scenic Colca Canyon. Travelers can also enjoy an outdoor gourmet meal in luxury restaurants like Chicha por Gaston Acurio.

Take An Unforgettable Private Flight Over The Ancient Nazca Lines

Located in the desert a few hours south of Lima, the Nazca Lines are one of Peru’s biggest unresolved mysteries - dating back over 2000-2500 years. Travelers seeking adventure and a unique experience can charter a private flight over these impressive geoglyphs, some of which measure over 300 metres in length. You’ll have door-to-airport service included, as well as an experienced pilot who will give you an aerial tour and explain each of the designs you will see such as the Dog, the Hummingbird and the Condor - and explain the cultural significance behind each geoglyph.

Stay In The Heart Of The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest 

Those who are looking to experience the world’s most pristine rainforest can do no better than staying in a luxury jungle lodge. Equipped with elegant suites, refined Amazonian cuisine, and expert naturalist guides during your stay, you will be able to see curious Monkeys swinging from branches, observe colorful Parrots and Toucans in the canopy, and spot the native Pink River Dolphins along the Amazon tributaries. Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos offer the best Rainforest experiences, with the latter also being the departure point for various Luxury Multi-Day Amazon Cruises.

Unique Cultural Events Or Festivals In Peru During March

March marks the transition from the wet summer season into autumn, where proud cultural heritage and early harvest seasons combine to create many unique festivals during this month. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of Peru’s most important annual religious celebrations, which is often celebrated on the last week of March - although dates can change annually. Cities like Cusco and Ayacucho transform with giant candlelit processions, colorful costumes and parades, as well as ancient Andean-Catholic rituals. On the 8th March, the city of Ica hosts the Festival de la Vendimia, which celebrates the region's famous Pisco and vineyards with grape stomping, elegant horse parades and many specialty varieties to sample and enjoy.

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5 Essential Travel Tips For Luxury Travelers Who Want To Visit Peru In March 

• Prioritize Wellness At Five Star Hotels - Exploring Peru isn’t just about seeing unique sights and heading on tours; five-star resorts and refined comforts also help to make your experience unforgettable - and especially when staying in hotels like the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco.

• Secure World-Class Dining Reservations Early - Award-winning restaurants like Central, Maido and Chicha are very popular, so it’s worth booking your reservation at least a month in advance for March - or even further in advance if visiting during Semana Santa.

• Pack A Range Of Layers For Your Vacation - If visiting multiple regions during your trip, then you’ll need to pack accordingly. This includes thin layers for the Pacific Coast, thick jumpers and a coat for the Andes, and waterproofs for the Amazon Rainforest.

• Incorporate Cultural Festivities Into Your Itinerary - March is a brilliant month for enjoying authentic experiences in Peru, such as the Festival de la Vendimia for Pisco tasting in Ica, and the Semana Santa festivities in either Cusco or Ayacucho.

• Stay Flexible With Your Plans - As the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes and Amazon in March, it’s a good idea to have alternative activities in mind for when it rains. This includes visiting world-class spas in hotels such as the Palacios del Inka, or participating in a gourmet cooking class experience.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Visiting Peru In March

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about visiting Peru in March, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Is Machu Picchu Worth It In March?

March is a great time to visit Machu Picchu for many reasons. Firstly this month falls within the low tourist season period, so crowds and queues are less hectic when compared with the more popular winter season months. Secondly, while there will be frequent showers within this Andean region, this can create a stunning misty backdrop behind Machu Picchu along with greener surrounding vegetation. Just remember to bring waterproofs and comfortable shoes or hiking boots.

What Is The Weather Like In Peru In March?

Overall the weather remains warm in most parts of the country, given March marks the start of the transition from summer to autumn. This can be best felt in the Amazon Rainforest and Pacific Coast regions, while the Andes remain warm during the day yet cold at night due to the higher altitudes. Rainfall can be heavy and frequent in places like Cusco, Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado - although these showers are usually very brief and do not usually cancel outdoor plans for the whole day.

What To Wear In Peru In March?

Thin layers, shorts and dresses are ideal for the Pacific Coast of Peru, where temperatures can get very hot in destinations like Lima, Huacachina and Paracas. It’s a similar story for the Amazon Rainforest - although you’ll also need rainproofs or a poncho ready when heading on a jungle trekking tour or on private expeditions during your Luxury Amazon Cruise. In the Andes, you’ll need both thin layers for the hot daytime highs, as well as thick jumpers, a coat, gloves and a hat as temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down.

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Overview Of Visiting Peru In March

And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about visiting Peru in March.

One of the most extraordinary countries that you can visit within South America, Peru is full of fascinating ruins, incredible cuisine and beautiful scenery within each of the Pacific Coast, Andes and Amazon regions. Peru in March brings many of its own unique advantages such as the famous celebrations and parades of Semana Santa, exotic wildlife that can be spotted within the rainforest regions, as well as an overall quieter and more relaxed ambiance in Machu Picchu and along the Inca Trail.

With over a decade of experience crafting the most perfect Peru vacations, here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company we can tailor your entire trip exactly as you want it - whether that includes five-star hotels and resorts in every destination, a luxury Amazon cruise and spotting exotic wildlife, or enjoying gourmet cuisine at some of Peru’s most exclusive restaurants.