planning an expedition in Peru

[nite-nite-nite]

A few of my friends and I are planning a climbing expedition in Peru and we need some input..First, when would be the best time to do this? ALso, do you we need a guide? we're not novices, though I am wondering whether a guide is advisable?

thanks

[Ruby]

If you are planning an expedition to climb a mountain in Peru, I'd suggest becoming a member of the South America Explorers society which have clubs in both Lima and Cusco where you can check out books, maps, trip reports and speak to other mountaineers.

As far as climbing conditions, for Cusco, you will need to plan your expedition a little more in advance if you wish to climb here during the peak season, which falls between June and September.

The city of Arequipa is another main base for climbing in Peru and great if you guys are intermediate level climbers. The good thing about mountain climbing near Arequipa is that you can come any time so no need to worry about weather