The wildlife in Peru is unlike any other experience of the natural world. With hundreds of endemic species and thousands of beautiful creatures to get to know, there’s so much to explore. That said, the types of wildlife you’ll see on your trip to Peru will be influenced by which season you choose to visit. When planning a trip with Aracari, we’ll help you organize your itineraries carefully to be sure that you’ll arrive in the right season to see the best wildlife.
Peru has a rainy and dry season, and those two distinctions are even more impactful than the traditional four seasons. Temperatures and precipitation (and, in turn, mud) are distinctly different between the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season hits during Peruvian fall and winter (April through October), while the rainy season is in spring and summer (November through March). Below, a seasonal Peru travel guide to when you’re most likely to see some of Peru’s most treasured animals.
Fall Wildlife In Peru
Andean Condor In Colca Canyon
The fall is a magical time to spot the Andean condor in Colca Canyon. The largest flying bird, the Andean condor is endangered and seeing its population continually decrease. Seeing this unbelievable bird in flight is something you’ll never forget. The condor is most active in Colca Canyon starting in April, and on through November. The expansive canyon in Southern Peru, near Arequipa, is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The canyon’s Cruz del Condor viewing point is an excellent place to watch for the bird up close.
Colca Canyon is also well known for its natural hot springs, so when you’re done birdwatching for the day, you can kick back in a luxurious setting like the nearby Colca Lodge to soak up the springs.
Winter Wildlife In Peru
Hummingbirds In The Amazon
May through October, dry season, is the best time to explore the Peruvian Cloudforest and Rainforest. In Chachapoyas, a lush region located in Northeast Peru, rife with waterfalls, archaeological sites, and a stunning cloud forest, you’ll find some of the most striking hummingbirds in the world. During the dry season at destinations like Kentitambo Lodge, you can sit near the lodge’s hummingbird feeders and see a variety of colorful species up close and personal. The feeders often receive visits from the marvelous spatuletail, a majestic species of hummingbird that is endemic to Peru. You may also spot other beautiful birds like toucans, parrots, and warblers.
Whale Watching along The North Coast
Whale watching off the northern coast of Peru is a wonderful experience from July 15th to October 31st. You can set off into the Pacific from the coast of Mancora, our favourite seaside location. From there, you can enjoy a boat ride across the Pacific ocean as you gaze out, looking for majestic humpback whales on their yearly migration as well giant turtles.
Spring Wildlife In Peru
Macaw Clay Lick In The Amazon
One of the most beautiful features of a Peruvian Amazon adventure and one featured numerous times in National Geographic magazine is a visit to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick. Visitors can observe technicolor macaws up close and personal as the birds gather to eat clay. From August to October, there is high activity at the clay lick, so your odds are higher of seeing an especially spectacular sight.
Summer Wildlife In Peru
The months from November through March are an excellent time to visit Peru’s Pacific Coast, where you’ll find a wide range of beautiful wild birds. One of the most famous is the Inca Tern, a coastal bird characterized by bright colored beaks and a charming white “moustache.” You may also spot flamingoes, boobies, and pelicans on the coast. Talk about natural beauty!
Contact us today to create your very own tailormade itinerary to see the best wildlife of the season, or explore one of our many itineraries for inspiration!