Visiting Peru in March: Shoulder Season Begins and Inca Trail Reopens
March Weather in Peru
March marks the transition out of peak wet season in the highlands, though rain continues. The coast is still sunny and warm through mid-March.
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | 27°C | 20°C | Still warm, slight increase in coastal fog late month |
| Cusco | 19°C | 8°C | Wet season continuing, drier in second half of month |
| Arequipa | 20°C | 9°C | Warm with decreasing rain |
| Puno | 15°C | 4°C | Rainy, cold nights, rain easing late March |
| Trujillo | 28°C | 19°C | Dry and warm |
| Iquitos | 31°C | 23°C | High water, hot, rain decreasing |
Inca Trail in March
The Inca Trail reopens on 1 March each year after the February maintenance closure. March permits are released during January or February — monitor the official booking site (camino-inca.com) closely. March is not a busy permit month compared to May–August, so booking 6–8 weeks in advance is usually sufficient. Expect the trail to be green, muddy, and partly cloudy; cloud forests are particularly atmospheric in March.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter) moves with the Catholic calendar and falls in March or April. When it falls in March, it transforms highland cities:
Ayacucho: Peru’s most celebrated Semana Santa, lasting almost two full weeks before Easter Sunday. Massive candlelit processions, elaborate alfombras (carpet arrangements of flowers, seeds, and sawdust), and traditional highland music. The town’s hotels are fully booked during Semana Santa — reserve 3–4 months ahead.
Cusco: Solemn processions through the colonial streets, with the statue of the Lord of the Earthquakes (El Señor de los Temblores) carried through the city on Easter Monday. Significant cultural event, with large local crowds.
Highlights for March
Green Andes: The entire highland landscape is at its lushest in March — emerald terraces, waterfalls at full flow, and wildflowers across the puna grasslands. Photography is exceptional even with intermittent cloud.
Lower crowds: March is below peak season, so queues at Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, and popular Cusco restaurants are shorter than in July or August.
Amazon high water: The Pacaya Samiria wetlands reach close to peak water levels, making boat-based wildlife watching excellent. River dolphins are easier to spot.
Packing for March
Highlands (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno):
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof trekking shoes — still needed
- Light warm layers (evenings remain cool)
- Gaiters for trail mud
- Quick-dry clothing
Coast (Lima, Trujillo):
- Light summer clothing, though bring a layer for Lima evenings
- Sunscreen remains essential
Amazon:
- Light long-sleeves for insect and sun protection
- DEET repellent
- Waterproof bag covers
Practical Tips
Inca Trail permits: March permits open early; book as soon as the allocation is released.
Machu Picchu tickets: No seasonal closure. Book via machupicchutickets.gob.pe; circuit choice affects whether you reach the Sun Gate.
Road conditions: Some highland roads (especially to remote areas around Huaraz and Chachapoyas) can be affected by landslides in March. Check SUTRAN and local sources before travelling overland.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is March a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
- March is a reasonable month — the Inca Trail reopens on 1 March after its February closure, and rain frequency starts to decrease across the highlands. Expect some wet days and dramatic cloud formations. Crowds are below peak season levels (May–August), making it easier to get morning access to key sites. Book Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits as soon as the March allocation opens.
- Is March still rainy in Peru?
- Yes — March is still part of the wet season, though precipitation typically decreases compared to January and February. Afternoons bring rain in most highland areas. The last two weeks of March tend to be drier than early March. The coast (Lima, Trujillo, Paracas) remains warm and mostly dry.
- What events are in Peru in March?
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) sometimes falls in March, depending on the year. Ayacucho is considered Peru's finest destination for Semana Santa processions — the city shuts down for the week and hosts some of South America's most elaborate Easter celebrations. Check the exact dates; they shift annually.