Safari in Peru

Peru's Manu National Park and Tambopata Reserve protect some of the Amazon's richest rainforest, with jaguars, giant otters, spectacled bears, and the...

Peru Safari at a Glance

7 safari regions, 59 parks & reserves, 261 wildlife species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Peru

UK FCDO: Advises against all but essential travel to parts.

Best Time to Visit Peru

The best months to visit Peru are May, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 17.5°C, rainfall 210.4mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • February: Poor, temperature 17.8°C, rainfall 220.6mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 83.6%
  • March: Poor, temperature 17.7°C, rainfall 247.1mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • April: Poor, temperature 17.4°C, rainfall 175.9mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 82.9%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.8°C, rainfall 120.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 81.2%
  • June: Good, temperature 16.1°C, rainfall 77.1mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 78.1%
  • July: Good, temperature 16°C, rainfall 66.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 75.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 16.2°C, rainfall 59mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 74.6%
  • September: Good, temperature 16.7°C, rainfall 90.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.1°C, rainfall 132.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 78.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature 17.1°C, rainfall 150mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 78.7%
  • December: Poor, temperature 17.3°C, rainfall 202.1mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 82.3%

Wildlife in Peru

Home to 261 recorded species including 70 birds of prey, 70 iconic birds, 54 waterbirds, 44 tropical birds, 5 predators, 5 marine & freshwater.

Notable Species in Peru

Recommended Packing List for Peru

Based on average temperature of 17.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 80%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 17°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Safety & Health - Peru

Peru offers an unparalleled wildlife experience, from the Amazon's jaguars to the Andes' condors. While generally safe, we urge travellers to prioritize health precautions, especially vaccinations for the jungle, and maintain situational awareness in urban areas. With proper planning and a sensible approach, your Peruvian adventure will be unforgettable.

Visa

For most Western passports-holders, including those from the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand, you'll be pleased to know that a tourist visa isn't required for stays typically up to 90 or 183 days. We always recommend double-checking with your specific embassy or consulate well before departure, as rules can change.

Malaria

Malaria risk is present in the Amazon rainforest regions, including Manu National Park and Tambopata Reserve, particularly at altitudes below 2,000 meters. The Andean highlands, thankfully, are generally considered low-risk. We strongly advise consulting your doctor about anti-malarial prophylaxis if your itinerary includes the Amazon, and always use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets.

Safari Calendar - Peru

Peru offers a dual safari experience, blending the unparalleled biodiversity of the Amazon with the dramatic landscapes of the Andes. For the Amazonian jewels of Manu National Park and Tambopata Reserve, we find the dry season from May to September offers the most comfortable weather and best wildlife viewing, particularly for riverine species like giant otters and jaguars. However, the green season from December to April brings lush scenery and spectacular birding. If you're keen on spotting Andean condors and vicuñas, the dry months of May through September are also ideal for exploring the highlands.

January - Green Season

We love the sheer abundance of life during this green season, especially the incredible birding opportunities in Tambopata.

February - Green Season

If you don't mind the rain, February offers a truly wild and uncrowded experience in the Amazon.

March - Green Season transitioning to Dry Season

We find March to be a sweet spot, with fewer crowds and wildlife becoming more concentrated.

April - Dry Season

We highly recommend April for its comfortable weather and excellent opportunities to see riverine wildlife in Manu and Tambopata.

May - Dry Season

May is perfect for combining Amazonian wildlife with Andean discoveries; we love the crisp air in the highlands.

June - Dry Season

We adore June for its reliably dry weather and abundant wildlife; it's ideal for first-time visitors.

July - Dry Season

July is sensational for wildlife encounters across the board; we recommend booking well in advance.

August - Dry Season

We find August offers a fantastic combination of dry weather and predictable wildlife sightings; it's hard to beat.

September - Dry Season transitioning to Green Season

September is a great month to visit before the heaviest rains return; we love the vibrant energy of the rainforest.

October - Green Season

We enjoy October for the dramatic green landscapes and the incredible birdlife that thrives in the early rains.

November - Green Season

For those who embrace the rain, November offers a truly immersive and less crowded Amazonian experience.

December - Green Season

We recommend December for its raw, untamed beauty and the incredible biodiversity that flourishes in the wet season.

Safari Regions

Peru FAQs

When is the best time to visit Peru for optimal wildlife viewing in both the Amazon and the Andes?

For the Amazon (like Manu or Tambopata), the dry season (May to October) offers easier access, fewer mosquitoes, and higher chances of spotting wildlife near shrinking water sources. In the Andes, the dry season (April to November) provides clearer skies for viewing Andean condors and vicuñas, though wildlife is present year-round.

How can I best experience the famous macaw clay licks and what should I expect?

To witness the spectacular macaw clay licks, particularly in Tambopata, plan for an early morning visit as the birds arrive at dawn. You'll typically observe from a camouflaged blind, watching hundreds of macaws and parrots descend to ingest vital minerals from the clay, a truly vibrant spectacle.

Is it feasible to combine an Amazon rainforest safari with an Andean wildlife experience in one trip to Peru?

Absolutely, combining the Amazon and Andes is a popular and rewarding itinerary in Peru, offering diverse wildlife from jaguars to condors. However, be mindful of travel time between regions, often involving domestic flights, and allow for acclimatization if transitioning from low-lying Amazon to high-altitude Andean areas.

What are the chances of spotting elusive jaguars or spectacled bears, and what preparation is needed?

Spotting elusive jaguars in the Amazon, particularly in Manu or Tambopata, requires patience, experienced guides, and often multi-day boat excursions along rivers. For spectacled bears, look to cloud forest regions of the Andes; while rare, their presence is indicated by their unique tree-climbing habits and requires dedicated tracking.

What are the typical accommodation and travel options for reaching remote safari lodges in Peru's Amazon, and what are the safety considerations?

Access to remote Amazon lodges, especially in Manu or Tambopata, typically involves a domestic flight to a regional hub like Puerto Maldonado or Cusco, followed by a combination of overland transfer and several hours by motorized canoe. Lodges range from rustic to luxurious, and while generally safe, it's crucial to follow guide instructions and use reputable operators for jungle expeditions.

Recommended Books for Peru

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.

Other Safari Countries in Central & South America