Green is the new black
Peru hides its gems in the off-season
Ever fantasized about exploring arcane mountain citadels, Indiana Jones style without another soul in sight? How about thudding down a dewy cliff-top lawn, reaching the edge only to launch yourself into paraglider assisted flight over the South Pacific? Perhaps your dream is to don an alpaca poncho and dance the night away with the locals during the biggest festival of the year in the folk-capital of the Americas.
All this and more is possible in Peru – for the traveller who knows when and where to strike. The “Green Season” in Peru lasts from December through March, and refers to the light showers that are common during these months, leaving the various landscapes verdant and lush.
Minus Lima, that is, a city celebrating sunny, charged summer days during this period. Not to worry. It works out that a couple days of surfing, sampling Michelin-star restaurants and bicycling between breweries and ancient ruins is a fine way to ease into the real adventure.
During the months of January and February, access is at its apex. You may very well find yourself in the footsteps of explorers like Hiram Bingham: winding your way through centuries-old tunnels and fortresses, emerging to a misty cloud-forest and sweeping views over the Andes, with only your worthy travel companions and trusty guide to share your remarkable discoveries.
Heading down into the rainforest you will find that water levels have been rising steadily since June, and the scene has completely transformed. All new parts of the forest are accessible via canoe, and more exposure to the treasures of the canopy is granted.
Meanwhile, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, February is synonymous with Candelaria. The largest celebration in the country and one of the largest on the continent, this is a party that should be on every traveller’s list.
To find out more about how to incorporate these seasonal opportunities as part of your unique, individually tailored Peru itinerary, contact the Peru Empire Company at travel@pec.pe or on +51-1- 700-5100 or, if you are in the US, 347-713- 7030/34.
