Peru carnival celebrations 'are as big as Rio'

Travellers looking to book holidays in Peru in the New Year could be advised to visit the South American country in February.

This is because the month plays host to the nation's annual carnival season, with festivities taking place throughout Peru, particularly in Andean villages and the town of Puno, near Lake Titicaca.

One traveller, Michael Davies, described the celebrations in Puno as electric, before adding that despite his poor grasp of Spanish, residents were keen to "share a drink and some good times".

Writing for Viva Travel Guides, the correspondent noted that the streets were packed with people all day, playing the traditional celebratory music of their region.

"I would venture to say that these celebrations were some of the biggest this side of Rio," he remarked.

Culture vultures who wish to soak up the atmosphere of Peru's carnival season for themselves may wish to book onto Adventure Company's Taste of Peru or Active in the Andes tours, which both take in a variety of towns and villages across the country.

If this article sparks your imagination then have a look at our Machu Picchu tours or our holidays in Peru page