Stronger El Niño events linked to global warming could bring heavier rainfall, higher temperatures and localised disruption to parts of Peru, according to Hedder Quispe, travel expert at Machu Travel Peru, with implications for advisors booking clients to Machu Picchu, the Andes and the Amazon.
Northern coastal regions face greatest impact
Quispe said El Niño’s effects are felt most strongly in Peru’s northern coastal regions, including Piura, Tumbes, Lambayeque and La Libertad, where visitors may experience heavier rainfall, localised flooding, higher temperatures and occasional disruption to roads or transport services. However, Quispe noted El Niño does not affect the entire country equally at the same time, so travellers shouldn’t assume uniform conditions across all destinations.
In the Andes, including Machu Picchu, increased wet-season rainfall can raise the risk of landslides and cause temporary disruption to railways and roads, though Quispe said local authorities closely monitor conditions and Machu Picchu remains open to the public for most of the year. In the Peruvian Amazon, changes in rainfall can affect river levels, which may impact boat schedules and access to remote lodges, though most tourism activities proceed with only minor adjustments.
Advisors encouraged to build in flexibility and insurance
Quispe recommended travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance covering weather-related disruption, check forecasts throughout their trip, and pack for varied conditions, including lightweight clothing, waterproof layers, sturdy footwear and sun protection. Quispe said working with experienced local operators typically allows itineraries to be adjusted with only small changes when disruption occurs.
For agents selling Peru product, particularly itineraries covering Machu Picchu, the Andes or the Amazon, the advice underscores the value of building flexibility into client itineraries and working with established local ground operators who can adapt logistics if regional weather conditions shift during a trip.
