Peru Ayacucho and central Andes

When is the best time to visit The central Andes?

The central Andes can be visited throughout the year. Most visitors will use climate as a criterion but others may be attracted by any one of numerous fiestas: Inti Raymi, Easter, Corpus Christi, Christmas. The dry season when sunny days can be expected runs May-Oct but in Jun-Jul it can be below freezing at night.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
 Rain falls Jan-Mar.

What is Peru's official language?

The official language spoken in Peru is Spanish.

What is Peru's official currency?

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Numerous money exchange offices exchange US dollar cash (few accept euros or sterling and

What is the time difference between The central Andes and the UK?

The time difference between the UK and the central Andes is GMT-5 hours.

Which other countries combine well with the central Andes?

Cusco and the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas, 270km by road;  Machu Picchu, 75km by road and rail from Cusco; Tambopata and the lodges of the southern Amazon, 1 hour by air from Cusco 

How do you get to the central Andes?

Flights to Ayacucho from Lima take 1 hour.

What are the festivals, and cultural events in the central Andes?

Ayacucho: Semana Santa (Easter week): many elaborate religious processions. Many other religious festivals throughout the year, including Carnival in the week before Lent. 
Ayacucho: Fiesta de las Cruces: around May 23rd, variable; includes a folkdance involving men dancing with scissors. Tarma: Many festivals including Holy Week (with flower carpet competition); Carnaval Tarmeño (20-25 Feb) 
Tarma and around: Several Senor de los Milagros processions in October. 
Mantaro Valley:  This area hosts a huge number of festivals, especially at Carnival and Holy Week (Good Friday processions take place in many villages).