Peru travel guide
The name 'Peru' conjures up images of jagged mountain peaks circled by rare condors, the mysterious Nazca lines, sacred Lake Titicaca and its Aymara-inhabited floating islands, and one of the continent's biggest draws: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. It's easy to view a Peru vacation as a voyage into the lost Inca kingdom of the Andes, whose modern inhabitants - the Quechua - are living descendants of its pre-colonial past.
This epic nation is a South American microcosm, complete with all its most sacred and seductive riches.![]()
But don't underestimate Peru's diversity. Over half of the country is blanketed by the Amazon, hosting some extraordinary species-rich environments, and its coastline is a 2,500km desert, with the highest sand dunes on earth. Its cuisine is influenced as much by its coastline as by its native potatoes and quinoa, and its cities are an energetic mix of the modern and the ancient, with Spanish architecture perched on top of Inca stonework, and glass-fronted buildings overlooking colonial plazas. Read on in our Peru travel guide.
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Peru is/isn't
Peru is...
much more than just the Inca Trail. There are deserts, beaches and jungles...
Peru isn't...
for anyone who feels queasy at the sound of panpipes
What we rate & what we don't
UNDERRATED
RATED
OVERRATED
Our Peru Vacations
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $3799 to US $3979
15 days
ex flights
Peru walking and cultural vacation
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
US $2300
10 days
ex flights
High Inca trail trek in Peru
Machu Picchu, Inca fortresses and cloud forest
From
US $2879 to US $2949
14 days
ex flights
Peru family adventure vacation
Peru Family Adventure activity vacation
From
US $2915
8 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $2179 to US $2349
8 days
ex flights
Southern Peru small group tour
Journey through south Peru, the heartland of the Inca Empire
From
£3461
14 days
ex flights
Peru in 11 day itinerary
Whisk through the highlights of Peru in just 11 days
From
£1878
11 days
ex flights
Highlights of Brazil and Peru vacation
14 Days: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Iguazu, Rio
From
£2695
14 days
ex flights
Inca Trail adventure vacation
Discover Cuzco and the Sacred Valley on this Incan adventure
From
US $1190 to US $1440
7 days
ex flights
Peru and Bolivia vacation, highlights in 12 days
Experience the highlights of beautiful Peru and Bolivia
From
US $2788 to US $5804
12 days
ex flights
Classic Inca Trail vacation, 10 days
10-days: Lima, Cusco, 4-day Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
From
£1695
10 days
ex flights
Peru vacation, encompassed
Coastal desert, snowy Andean peaks and lush forest
From
US $3449 to US $3579
15 days
ex flights
Inca trail & Amazon Rainforest vacation
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & rainforest
From
US $4499 to US $4649
15 days
ex flights
Luxury Peru adventure vacation
Luxury Adventure travel in stunning Peru.
From
£4798
11 days
ex flights
Alternative Inca trail trek in Peru, Salkantay Trek
Salkantay trek - an alternative Inca Trail adventure
From
US $840
5 days
ex flights
Peru trekking tour, tailor made
Exhilarating Walking Experience in Peru's legendary sights
From
£1895
7 days
ex flights
Peru small group tour, a food adventure
Peru is an exciting region to go on a foodie adventure.
From
US $2585 to US $2825
10 days
ex flights
Peru vacation, Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lake Titicaca
Tailor made amazing Andean adventure and cultural heritage
From
£2700
11 days
ex flights
Cordillera Ausangate Lodge trek, Peru
Eco-lodge trek through stunning Ausangate range, Peru
From
US $1600
5 days
ex flights
South American overland tour
Overland tour from Colombia to Argentina
From
£9195 to £9590
101 days
ex flights
Northern Peru vacation, tailor made
Get lost among the beauty and history of northern Peru.
From
£1820
10 days
ex flights
Peru small group highlights tour
Watch stunning Andean scenery between Puno and Cusco
From
US $3380 to US $3490
15 days
ex flights
Tailormade vacation in Peru, the Amazon
An iconic journey from the Amazon to Machu Picchu
From
£4640
14 days
ex flights
South America Overland tour with carnival
Ultimate overland trip throughout South America
From
£17360 to £17955
191 days
ex flights
The Best of Peru & Inca Trail vacation
Explore the majesty of the Andes and trek to Machu Picchu.
From
£2399
17 days
ex flights
Exciting family vacation in Peru
A fabulous family vacation including the best of Peru
From
US $2900 to US $3700
15 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour
Customisable journey through the heart of Peru's Andes.
From
£1880
14 days
ex flights
Peru tailor made vacation, country tour
Tailor-made exploration of Peru's famous & little-known gems
From
£8530
25 days
ex flights
Peru & Inca Trail small group vacation
Get an in depth insight into the lost land of the Incas
From
£2499
19 days
ex flights
Small group vacation to Machu Picchu and Galapagos
Combine two of South America's most iconic destinations
From
US $5360 to US $5650
17 days
ex flights
Food, shopping & people
Eating & drinking in Peru
Try a tangy Pisco Sour, made with Pisco, lemon juice and egg white.
Quinoa is a tasty, protein-packed grain. The staple, sacred food of the Incas, it is native to the Andes.
Ceviche is Peru's most famous dish. Fresh, raw fish is marinated in lime juice and spiced with chilli and onions. Don't make the Gringo mistake of having it for dinner - true Peruvians only eat this at lunchtime.
Cuy is a Peruvian staple that may be less appetising to visitors - it's guinea pig. And it's usually served whole.
People & language
If you knock on a Quechua door, you may hear "Haykuykuy!" - Come in!
Peruvian culture varies by altitude. The highlands are the stronghold of the Quechua - descendents of the Inca - while the lowland forests have many smaller native groups. Peru's official languages are Spanish, Quechua and Aymara, but at least a dozen more languages are spoken in the Amazon.
You'll see the word "Inti" a lot. It means 'sun' or 'Sun God' in Quechua.
Lateness is a national trait - to try and encourage punctuality, emphasise the "hora inglesa" - 'English time'!
The great Inca Empire was actually a mere blip on the continent's 5000-year cultural history - their rule lasted barely a century.
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Our top Peru Vacation
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $3799 to US $3979
15 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2021: 1 Oct, 15 Oct
2022: 15 Apr, 6 May, 20 May, 3 Jun, 24 Jun, 22 Jul, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 9 Sep, 14 Oct
2021: 1 Oct, 15 Oct
2022: 15 Apr, 6 May, 20 May, 3 Jun, 24 Jun, 22 Jul, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 9 Sep, 14 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Peru or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Gifts & shopping
Alpaca wool hats, jumpers, scarves, ponchos and blankets are ubiquitous in Peru. Knitted items here are high quality and wonderfully warm, but you get what you pay for - a "bargain" may well be fake.
Colourful textiles handwoven on traditional backstrap looms capture the vibrant spirit of Peru's indigenous people. Try and buy direct from craft cooperatives. Cheaper items on markets will be mass-produced, and possibly imported.
Peru's jewellers use intricate filigree techniques, weaving and soldering thin gold and silver threads to create beautifully detailed earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
The humble potato originated in Peru - hence the local expression of national pride: 'I'm more Peruvian than the potato!' ![]()
How much does it cost?
Standard train journey from Machu Pichcu to Cuzco: £55
A whole, roasted guinea pig: £10.50
Ceviche in a restaurant: £5-£12
Large bottle of Cuzqueña beer: £1.40
Real alpaca shawl or jumper: From £40
More about Peru
From Cuzco and the Andes, to the Amazon and the coast, Peru has one of the most varied climates on earth. We help you choose the best time to go to Peru...
Our Peru map and highlights will help you make the most of your vacation, whether you’re seeking classic highlights, an Inca trek or combining Andes and Amazon...
If you're hoping to rediscover Machu Picchu, explore the Amazon or get off the beaten track then read on for our top things to do in Peru...
Our guide to Machu Picchu reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips on what to see, how to travel there and the best time to visit...
Peru's Inca Trail is one of the highlights of a South America vacation. Discover the history of the trail, the best time to go and a sample itinerary...
There are several alternative Inca trails that lead to Machu Picchu, taking in cloud and rainforest, high passes and indigenous villages...
We explain why, when you cross the border at Lake Titicaca and see Bolivia and Peru together, you gain more than just an extra stamp in your passport...
Community homestays, brightly woven handicrafts and spectacular island hikes are Lake Titicaca’s calling cards.
The Nazca Lines in Peru remain one of the country’s great mysteries. Find out about the lines’ history, and how to view them from land and from the air...
Traveling in Peru with kids is a fabulous idea. Machu Picchu will delight children as much as parents, while long-lashed llamas are sure to enchant...
Our Peru travel tips page is packed to the rafters with sound, practical advice from our South America experts as well as our independent traveler reviews...
Porters' rights are one of the most important Peru responsible tourism issues. We also share information on volunteering, homestays and the environment...
Find all of our Peru guides in one place, for particular places in Peru such as Machu Picchu. Or perhaps you would like to know more about the different types of Peru vacations we offer such as culture or trekking the Inca Trail.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: McKay Savage] [Lima: Art DiNo]
[Slow travel: travelmag.com]
[Lake Titicaca: Christian Haugen]
[Taste explosion: Picanteria karol]
[The Andes: McKay Savage]
[Fake Peruvian culture: Bruce Tuten]
[Aguas Calientes: ShashiBellamkonda]
[The "poor man's Galapagos": Esmée Winnubst]
[Nazca lines: Christian Haugen]
[Eating & drinking: José Fernandes Jr.]
[People & language: mokomoko663]
[Quote 1 (ancient Peru): Jeff1961]
[Gifts & shopping: mokomoko663]
[How much does it cost?: young shanahan]
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