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
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1949 to US $2099
9 days
ex flights
Peru adventure vacation, small group
Experience coastal deserts, mountains and the Amazon Jungle
From
US $2691 to US $4229
19 days
ex flights
Peru walking and cultural vacation
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
US $2300
10 days
ex flights
Peru tour, off the beaten track
An cultural small group tour to the Northern region of Peru.
From
£3035
14 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
An authentic trek through the land of the Incas
From
US $1549 to US $1599
7 days
ex flights
Family vacation to Peru, Machu Picchu & the Amazon
Experience Peru's top sights as a family
From
£3563
19 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
US $3279
15 days
ex flights
Southern Peru small group tour
Journey through south Peru, the heartland of the Inca Empire
From
£3131 to £3386
14 days
ex flights
Peru small group tour, a food adventure
Peru is an exciting region to go on a foodie adventure.
From
US $2550
10 days
ex flights
Peru vacation, Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lake Titicaca
Tailor made amazing Andean adventure and cultural heritage
From
£2295
11 days
ex flights
Inca Trail adventure vacation
Discover Cuzco and the Sacred Valley on this Incan adventure
From
US $980 to US $1455
7 days
ex flights
Machu Picchu & Amazon small group vacation, Peru
Explore Peru from Machu Picchu the Amazon rainforest
From
US $2210 to US $2829
12 days
ex flights
Luxury Peru adventure vacation
Luxury Adventure travel in stunning Peru.
From
£4798
11 days
ex flights
Inca trail & Amazon Rainforest vacation
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & rainforest
From
US $3749 to US $4199
15 days
ex flights
Northern Peru vacation, off the beaten track
Get off the tourist trail and explore the beauty of Peru
From
US $1689
11 days
ex flights
Peru trekking tour, tailor made
Exhilarating Walking Experience in Peru's legendary sights
From
£1895
7 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, Bolivia and Chile vacation
Action-packed short tour of Peru, Bolivia and Chile
From
US $2692 to US $3729
15 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 family adventure vacation
Peru Family Adventure activity vacation
From
US $2608
8 days
ex flights
Highlights of Peru vacation
Join a cultural exploration of Peru
From
US $2850 to US $4199
21 days
ex flights
Galapagos and Machu Picchu vacation in Ecuador and Peru
Discover Peru's Machu Picchu and the Wildlife-rich Galapagos
From
US $4500 to US $8400
16 days
ex flights
Peru and Galapagos vacation
An inspirational tour combining Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos
From
£5195 to £5398
15 days
ex flights
Lima to Cusco coastal Peru tour
Get under the skin of Peru on this 12 day adventure vacation
From
US $1449 to US $2269
12 days
ex flights
Peru Amazon Rainforest family adventure
Amazon family adventure vacation, for children aged 4-10
From
US $844
4 days
ex flights
Peru 14 day itinerary, tailor made
Communities, Culture and Highlights of Peru
From
£1650
14 days
ex flights
Quito to Rio overland tour
Epic trip through the beautiful countries of South America
From
£5930 to £6180
112 days
ex flights
Inca Trail hiking vacation, Peru
The Sacred Valley, one of the world’s best known hikes
From
US $977 to US $1199
7 days
ex flights
Peru photography vacation
Peru, culture, history, and nature for photographers
From
US $2993
13 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.
Our top Peru Vacation
Hiking the Inca trail vacation
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
US $1949 to US $2099
9 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 18 Dec
2020: 25 Mar, 8 Apr, 29 Apr, 7 May, 13 May, 27 May, 4 Jun, 13 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 5 Aug, 8 Aug, 20 Aug, 2 Sep, 5 Sep, 10 Sep, 19 Sep, 24 Sep, 8 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 2 Dec, 18 Dec
2021: 26 Mar, 9 Apr, 30 Apr, 6 May, 20 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 12 Jun, 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 10 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 7 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 4 Sep, 18 Sep, 23 Sep, 8 Oct
2019: 18 Dec
2020: 25 Mar, 8 Apr, 29 Apr, 7 May, 13 May, 27 May, 4 Jun, 13 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 5 Aug, 8 Aug, 20 Aug, 2 Sep, 5 Sep, 10 Sep, 19 Sep, 24 Sep, 8 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 2 Dec, 18 Dec
2021: 26 Mar, 9 Apr, 30 Apr, 6 May, 20 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 12 Jun, 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 10 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 7 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 4 Sep, 18 Sep, 23 Sep, 8 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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