Climate
Weather conditions vary with altitude.
On the coast summertime is from November to April when it is hot (up to 30oC) and sunny. At other times of the year there is a chilly mist.
The dry and sunny season in the mountains is May to October, when it can be cold at night. From December to March it can be cloudy and wet, especially in the afternoon, with temperatures similar to an English spring (18oC during the day) .
In the jungle the climate is generally hot and humid (about 30oC) with rainfall at any time but especially between November and April. Occasional cold fronts can lower the temperature dramatically.
Fiestas and holidays
The principal festivals are associated either with the Catholic calendar, for example Easter week (especially colourful in Ayacucho and Cusco) and carnival (February). The Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun, celebrating Inca history is a tourist attraction in Sacsayhuaman, Cusco where there is a colourful pageant (June 24). Less well known is the festival of the Virgen del Carmen at Paucartambo, a once remote town en route from Cusco to the Manu National Park (July 15-17).
Currency
Nuevo Sol. See www.oanda.com for exchange rates.
Visas
British citizens can find up-to-date travel advice on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Citizens of other countries can find visa information here.
Vaccinations
See www.MASTA.org for up-to-date health advice for travellers.