Everything you need to Know
The Peruvian Sierra, also called High Andean Region or highlands, is the mountainous and high plateau region of the country.
Characteristics of the climate in the highlands
The Peruvian highlands have a variable climate, related to the altitude and the proximity to the desert coast or the humid jungle.
The characteristic highland climate ranges from temperate to cold, with very dry air and has two seasonal phases.
The mountain climate has two distinct seasons, rainy and dry.
The snowy floor of freezing starts at 4800 meters above sea level, so there are numerous snow-capped mountains and mountain ranges.
Seasons in the Peruvian Highlands
The winter season, its climate is very cold, dry and has large daily thermal amplitudes, which means that most nights, even in the summer, it can freeze and at noon it is hot, temperatures can be 30°C in the same day to 5°C at night and 25°C at noon.
Dry season (April to October)
The dry season in the Peruvian highlands starts from April to October, it is recommended to visit the Peruvian highlands, especially for free activities, hiking, visiting archaeological sites, visiting the departments of Cusco, Machupicchu, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Huanuco, Pasco, Junin, Huancavelica, Puno, Apurimac.
Rainy season (November to March):
The rainy season in these months is not very heavy; heavy fluvial precipitation occurs in the months of February.
Climate in the highlands by region
The climate of the Peruvian highland departments is varied, with average temperatures varying between 6°C and 16°C.
The snow-capped peaks above 4500 masl have a glacial climate.
The altiplano supports a frigid climate.
The lower slopes have moderate temperatures and the deep valleys are warm.
Climate in the Southern Andes
The climate of the southern Andes is cold arid, and the predominant biome is desert in the altiplano and its mountain ranges.
In the valleys it is temperate most of the year, warm in summer 20 to 35°C and cold in winter from 5 to 20°C.
Climate in the Central Andes
Its climate is of puna, dry, very cold and has large daily thermal amplitudes, this means that most nights even in the summer it can freeze and at noon it can be hot.
Temperatures can vary from 30°C on the same day, to -5°C at night and 25°C at midday.
Climate in the North Andean
The climate is cold arid, and the predominant biome is the desert.
In the valleys the climate is temperate most of the year, warm in summer 20°C 35°C and cold in winter from 5°C to 20°C.
Impact of Climate on Activities and Tourism in the Highlands
One of the most obvious impacts of climate change on the tourism sector is the alteration of environmental and socioeconomic conditions that influence the behavior of tourists.
Tourism is vulnerable to these climate changes, because it poses a risk to the sector.
The climate is what determines the quality and duration of vacation seasons such as periods of long droughts, floods, high temperatures.
Tips for Traveling by Climate in the Peruvian Highlands
Adequate clothing:
- Choose the destination for your visit, make the necessary research and inquiries with an agency for your destination.
- Buy your tickets in advance.
- Make your reservations with the agency, this will be responsible for managing the reservations and purchases, if you chose to travel to the city of Cusco, the important thing is the income for Machupicchu.
- Bring with you your documents such as passport and airline tickets.
- The purchase of protected flora and fauna in parks or natural forests is prohibited, as well as hunting or the purchase of illegal substances.
- Be sure to wear appropriate clothing for the time of the sierra, you should consult weather forecasts for a better reference.
- The Peruvian highlands have a varied climate, cold, dry, this also depending on the chosen place, there are certain places that are very rugged and high.
- Consider that the sierra has two distinct seasons, rainy and dry.
Precautions for the altitude:
The Peruvian highlands due to its altitude should be considered taking certain precautions.
- Before taking your plane to the Peruvian highlands take altitude pills, this on the recommendation of your doctor.
- When arriving to the Peruvian highlands it is advisable to rest in order to acclimatize.
- Drinking coca tea or chewing coca leaves.
- Have or eat light things without fat.
Best time to visit:
The visit to the Peruvian highlands can be all year round although it is recommended during the dry season.
The Peruvian highlands have two seasons, the dry season (April to October), when you can enjoy your visit with clear skies.
And the rainy season from November to March, considering that February is the rainiest month, even so there are always visitors in these months.
