Independence Day

Make it longer

Take Friday 30 July off and get 5 days in a row (Wed 28 Jul – Sun 1 Aug).

Plan more breaks with the leave planner.

Where to go for Independence Day

Fiestas Patrias on 28 and 29 July give Peru a mid-winter break. It is the dry season in the Andes, with sunny days and cold nights, while Lima is often grey, making it a good time for the highlands or the sunnier north coast.

Budget-friendly

• Huaraz · Ancash

  Huaraz faces the glaciated peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, and dry-season skies suit day hikes to turquoise lakes in Huascarán National Park. The altitude calls for a day or two of acclimatisation, so plan shorter walks first.

  Typically around 28 July: high 17°C (62°F), low 0°C (32°F), rain on 10% of days.

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Mid-range

• Urubamba · Cusco

  In the Sacred Valley, Urubamba is a lower and slightly warmer base than Cusco for Pisac, Ollantaytambo, the Moray terraces and the Maras salt pans. Trains to Machu Picchu leave from the valley, and lodges serve local produce.

  Typically around 28 July: high 16°C (61°F), low 3°C (37°F), rain on 4% of days.

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• Tumbes

  On the far north coast near Ecuador, Tumbes stays warm when Lima is grey. Beaches such as Zorritos and Punta Sal are nearby, along with protected mangroves, and the local cooking leans on seafood, including ceviche of black clams.

  Typically around 28 July: high 28°C (82°F), low 22°C (71°F), rain on 4% of days.

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Splurge

• Cusco

  The former Inca capital combines colonial churches built on Inca walls with sites such as Sacsayhuamán just above town. Dry-season weather suits the train to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley trips; arrange transport and entry tickets ahead.

  Typically around 28 July: high 16°C (61°F), low 3°C (37°F), rain on 4% of days.

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• Iquitos · Loreto

  Reached only by air or river, Iquitos sits on the Amazon and is a base for jungle lodges, river trips and longer journeys to the Pacaya-Samiria reserve. The Belén market sells Amazonian fruit, fish and other produce.

  Typically around 28 July: high 29°C (83°F), low 23°C (73°F), rain on 44% of days.

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Trip ideas chosen by Public Holidays World, not sponsored. “Typically” lines are past averages, not forecasts; when the date is within about 9 days, a forecast is shown too.