The rainy season is finally upon us. Here are several reasons why I think this is the best time of year to be in Peru.

Market-life abundance

You can find an astoundingly diverse range of produce in Peru, thanks to the fact that the country contains such diverse ecosystems and climatic zones. And this is never more apparent than during the rainy season. Between the months of December and April, local markets begin to swell with new kinds of produce that is in season. This is a great time of year to make trips through local markets in order to explore the many kinds of fruits and vegetables that grow in Peru.

Carnival around the corner

When the hillsides turn green, I always know that carnival season won’t be too far away. Andean communities bring a unique flavor to the carnival celebration. In the Quechua language, it’s actually referred to as P’ukllay, a time for play and celebration. During the two weeks leading up to carnival, there are traditional celebrations and parades almost every night. Every indigenous community of the Andes, no matter how small, has its own unique way to celebrate, including how their dress and their dance. For great carnival celebrations, make your way to the Sacred Valley.

Waterfalls everywhere

It comes naturally that with water and mountains, there’s bound to be waterfalls. The rainy season is a great time of year to visit waterfalls around Peru.

A good reason to stay at home and nurture something wonderful

If you’re looking for a reason to stay at home to finish that book instead of going hiking with your friends, the presence of a day-long rainstorm is always a great justification, if to finish a book was not enough in itself, to not go out today. Take some time to stay warm and stay dry.
And if you feel like getting out in the rain, why not make a trip to one of the country’s many hot springs.

Mounds of riverside garbage get washed away

In many parts of the country, people use riverbanks as if they were a garbage dump. It is a sad sight to see piles of garbage along our sacred waterways, and hopefully something that we can come together to change. During the first weeks of the rainy season when the rivers quickly rise, the waters turn mud-thick and are filled with all sorts of garbage that pushes its way into the Amazon, and eventually onto the ocean. Watching all of this garbage flow past can be a sad sight to see, but something that you’re probably used to if you live in Peru.