When May and June come to Peru and Ecuador, it means one very important thing: the dry season. Once the rains have stopped, you can get more out of travelling in both of these captivating countries.
Thanks to its geographical quirks, Peru is like three countries in one. The Andes mountain range – which in May will be covered in wonderfully vivid shades of green – divides the desert-like beaches of the Pacific coast from the luxuriant wilderness of the Amazon basin.
One of Peru’s highlights is undoubtedly is the ruined 15th-century Inca city of Machu Picchu. Set high within a lush cloud forest, the ruins and this section of the Inca Trail are among the must-see sights of South America.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Head further south to reach the spectacular Colca Canyon, home to remote villages perched on terraces and some of the most enchanting birdlife in the country. You won’t have to wait long to spot condors, eagles and kestrels.
Colca Canyon, Peru
The arrival of the dry season makes it considerably easier to hike through the dense jungles of the Amazon basin. Fly from Cusco to the Manu Biological Reserve, a Unesco site combining cloud forests, rainforest and mountain grasslands. Zoom through the canopy on a zip wire, or get a close-up view of the exotic flora and fauna from the vantage point of a raft along the river.
Manu Biological Reserve, Peru
Make time to visit the fascinating city of Cusco, which is a favourite base for travellers exploring the southern part of the Amazon basin. Discover its colonial architecture as well as the Inca sites that surround the city. If you plan to visit on 24 June, you can join the festivities during the Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun. This lavish spectacle celebrates the winter solstice and the harvest, and it harks back to the days of the Incan rulers and even earlier times.
Cusco, Peru
If you’re in neighbouring Ecuador, specifically in the town of Otavalo north of Quito, you can catch a local Inti Raymi festival here as well. Once the party is over, revel in the tranquil pace of life in while hiking through peaceful Andean villages and rainforests.
Quito, Ecuador
Many visitors to Ecuador can’t resist the lure of the Galapagos Islands, with their unique wildlife and lunar volcanic landscapes scattered around 19 islands. Most of the creatures on the Unesco-listed archipelago – ranging from giant tortoises to sea lions – have no fear of humans, giving you spine-tingling close encounters. If you’re visiting in May, take a boat to the island of Santa Cruz where you can see marine iguanas hatching. The island is also home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos – the white sands of Tortuga Bay, where you can also look out for flamingos and pelicans.
Galapagos Islands
Back on the Ecuadorian coast, explore the tropical dry forests and unspoilt beaches of Machalilla National Park, whose Playa Los Frailes stands out as one of the country’s most exquisite beaches. You’ll get your fair share of wildlife too, with colonies of sea lions, frigate birds and – from June till September – humpback whales. There’s always some part of the natural world that will put on a show.
Machalilla National Park, Ecuador
