Peru Tours & Vacations
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Vacations
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Overview
An adventure holiday of this magnitude – walking in the ancient footprints of the mystical Incas to Machu Picchu – demands the best Peru Tour package. Or, a custom-woven holiday that includes a diverse range of the truly amazing things this country offers.
This South American country has it all. Peru is the land of towering peaks in the Andes, lush Amazon jungles and arid plains leading to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, it is home to more than 90 micro-climates! It’ ...
An adventure holiday of this magnitude – walking in the ancient footprints of the mystical Incas to Machu Picchu – demands the best Peru Tour package. Or, a custom-woven holiday that includes a diverse range of the truly amazing things this country offers.
This South American country has it all. Peru is the land of towering peaks in the Andes, lush Amazon jungles and arid plains leading to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, it is home to more than 90 micro-climates! It’s also overflowing with history and culture to beguile and entrance you.
Although one of the continent’s more well trodden tourist trails, its stunning wealth of historical and cultural treasures means that Peru is always worth a second look…and it doesn’t take much to get off the beaten track, in true Wild Frontiers style. Its matchless landscapes encompass the world’s highest navigable lake, the spectacular scenery of the Colca Canyon and Machu Picchu, without doubt the finest and most important archaeological site in South America.
Discovered by Hiram Bingham III in 1911, the World Heritage site of Machu Picchu is the jewel in Peru’s glittering crown of highlights. But the country can also boast the sand dunes of the Paracas Peninsula, the mysterious Nazca Lines and picturesque and historical Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then there are the Inca ruins and colonial elegance of Cusco, the rich wildlife of the Amazonian rainforest and the sheer majesty of Lake Titicaca.
Home to some of South America’s finest cuisine, Peru can also offer up an enviable range of accommodation, from luxury hotel and charming boutique guesthouses, to remote lodges and welcoming homestays.
Meet the Expert
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Peru with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
Peru: Lost Treasures Of The Cloud Warriors
Explore the ancient sites of Kuelap and Chan Chan, seek spectacled bears and condors, visit Gocta Falls and much more.TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Classic Peru
The classic itinerary takes in all of Peru’s southern highlights exploring a mixture of wildlife at the Ballestas Islands, nature and culture in the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca and, of course, world-class ruins
Peru In Style
A grand tour taking in all of the country’s highlights in the utmost luxury. The itinerary features Peru’s most exclusive accommodation options with a focus on eco-tourism and unique experiences
Wild Peru: Biking & Rafting
Enjoy Peru’s world-famous ruins, protected colonial heritage and stunning Andean scenery with this very active trip of hiking, biking and rafting, as well as some handpicked cultural tours to round off the experience
Peru and Colombia: From the Inca Highlands to the Caribbean Coast
Enjoy ancient South American history in Peru, with an exploration of its Incan ruins, followed by some relaxation and immersion into current Latin culture at a coffee ranch and on Colombia’s Caribbean coast
Peru and Ecuador: Machu Picchu and the Galapagos
Focus on two of South America’s highlights: its rich biodiversity and its historic archaeological heritage. Explore two of the most famous examples of these, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
The Best of Peru and Bolivia
Spend two weeks focussing on the highlights of neighbouring Peru and Bolivia. Explore the vast Salt Flats of Uyuni and grand ruins at Machu Picchu, crossing the border at Lake Titicaca that spans both Andean countries
Chile, Bolivia and Peru: Deserts, Lakes and Canyons
A truly remarkable trip for those wanting to dig deeper and spend longer exploring some of the most fascinating natural delights of South America and the Andes, making extraordinary border crossings at Lake Titicaca and the Atacama Desert and Uyuni Salt FlatsHIGHLIGHTS OF PERU
BEST EXPERIENCES
Hike the ancient Inca Trail
A truly spectacular way to visit the ruins is by hiking the royal Inca Trail. The classic route takes four days but, if short on time, the last part of the trail can be completed in a day, entering through the legendary Sun Gate to Machu Picchu.
Walk around old Lima
Visit old Lima, a UNESCO world heritage site, touring its classic colonial monuments and architecture from Lima’s glorious past. An example of the city’s historic architecture includes Casa Aliaga, a 15th century mansion still owned by the same family.
Travel through the Amazon at night
With over 60% of rainforest animals being nocturnal, the nighttime is an opportunity to spot wildlife that are difficult to see during the day. With the help of your native guide you will be led into the dark jungle listening out for movement around you
Hike to secluded Pumamarca ruins
This short hike is great to experience both Inca history and living culture. Follow an old Inca Trail down a steeply terraced valley to the little-explored Pumamarca ruins, passing rural Peruvians along the way most of whom still wear traditional clothing
Get a panorama of Machu Picchu
Take the short but steep two-hour climb up the neighbouring Huayna Picchu peak for a condor’s eye view over Machu Picchu ruins. With exposed steps and a sheer drop, it’s not for the faint-hearted but well worth the effort.
Go rafting on Río Apurímac
Travel through the spectacular 3,000m-deep canyon on this one-day rafting adventure down the mighty Rio Apurimac. The world class rapids are interspersed with gentle patches, amazing scenery and lunch on a deserted beach.
Paddle in tranquil Lake Huaypo
Set amongst fields of corn with fantastic views across to the snow-capped Vilcanota Mountains, Huaypo is the ideal place to enjoy stand up paddleboards or kayaks. It is a truly peaceful experience gliding along with spectacular views of the Andes mountains.
Take a food and culinary tour
Lima has taken its kitchen to world class levels. This tour includes a stop at a local market to peruse local produce before learning how to make a traditional dish such as ceviche at a local restaurant.
Canoe on the Oxbow Lake
With the use of motorised and paddle canoes, you can explore a lake teeming with caimans, bats, waterfowl and home to a family of giant otters. Take binoculars for an added experience whilst your guide navigates in search of the lake’s fauna.TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Cusco
Until the arrival of the Spaniards in 1532, Cusco (also spelt Cuzco or Qosqo) was the centre of the Inca Empire and is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent ...
Lima
After its founding by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima (originally named 'La Ciudad de los Reyes') soon became the commercial and administrative centre of the Spanish empire in South ...
Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes town is the gateway to Machu Picchu ruins, and is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. It is located in the valley below the world famous citadel and really the only reason to stay here ...
Southern Peruvian Amazon
This is the least populated territory in Peru, with only 600,000 people living in its 30,880 sq miles of jungle area. Gold panning on the Tambopata and Madre ...
The Sacred Valley
A mere hour's drive from Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is home to picturesque communities, impressive terraces and several important archaeological sites. In Inca times, the valley was the ...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
No matter how adventurous you are, or how deeply you want to dive into the traditions of the ancient Incas and the glories of the Andes and Amazon, a good night’s sleep is important!
Antigua Casona San Blas, Cusco
The Antigua Casona San Blas is a lovely colonial property with just 26 rooms, located in the trendy San Blas area of the city, a stone's throw from Cuzco's main attractions, bars and restaurants. The…
Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima
The Miraflores Park Hotel is one of the only beach front hotels in Miraflores, recently refurbished offering suites with both ocean and city views. The hotel has just 88 suites, all of a high standard…
El Albergue, Sacred Valley
The boutique El Albergue Hotel is one of the best places to stay in town and is something of an institution in Ollantaytambo, the heart of the Sacred Valley. Situated on the edge of town, on the train…
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Puerto Maldonado
Considered to be the most luxurious of all southern Amazonian ecolodges in Peru, the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is located along the steep banks of the Amazon River tributary of Madre de Dios River…
La Casona Inkaterra, Cusco
La Casona Inkaterra is an exquisite, private Relais and Chateaux 16th Century mansion just a block from the main Plaza de Armas with a small and peaceful plaza in front of it. With just 11 suites over…
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge was an Orient Express property now managed by the high-end Belmond group and has a truly privileged location. Just a few metres from the entrance to Machu Picchu,…
Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa, Sacred Valley
The Relais & Châteaux, Sol y Luna property is a rustic yet luxurious hotel with 38 spacious and beautifully decorated suites and bungalows, spread amongst the manicured grounds of the hotel. The…
Tambopata Research Center, Tambopata National Reserve
Located on the banks of the Tambopata River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River, lies the Tambopata Research Center. TRC is one of the most remote jungle lodges in South America and can be…
Casa Republica Barranco, Lima
Casa Republica is housed in a beautifully restored 18th century mansion and renovated to reflect the glory days of Lima’s Republican era. Located in the artistic Barranco neighbourhood, the hotel…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Peru’s climate has two main reasons- wet and dry- though the weather can vary greatly depending on the geographical region. There are three main geographical climatic regions; the Amazon Jungle, the Arid Coastal Desert and the Andean Mountains and Highlands. Though really an all-year round destination the best time to visit is between May and November during the dry season and the wettest months in the Sacred Valley near Machu Picchu are from December through to March.
Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Peru, though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Peru, so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments as we are not medical professionals.
Currency
In Peru the official unit of currency is the Nuevo Sol.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours we frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your guides will be able to advise you accordingly.
Language & Religion
In Peru, the three main languages that have official status are Spanish, Quechua and Aymara. Spanish is by far and above the most useful language, although if you can muster a few words of Quechua, you’ll be amongst the few foreigners who take the trouble to do so. Over 90% of the country is Roman Catholic (at least nominally), although many of the indigenous people also hold strong traditional beliefs.
Time
Peru is 5 hours behind GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Peruvian food may not be considered amongst the world’s most famed cuisines but there is much to enjoy here. On the coast any seafood lover should try ceviche, Peru’s version or sushi. Traditional staples include lomo saltado (a beef and vegetable stiry-fry) and palta a la reyna (avocado stuffed with chicken salad). Quinoa, maize and local potatoes are also widely found.
Vegetarians can be catered for, although please be aware that the variety available to you will be limited in certain areas. With regards to alcohol, Cusqueña beer is available pretty much everywhere as is the ubiquitous pisco sour. Coca tea (mate de coca) is made from the coca leaf and can assist with altitude acclimatisation. This is the same leaf from which cocaine is produced but don’t expect to be feeling anything other than refreshed after a cup or two!