Peru - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
You might only know about Machu Picchu, but the fabled city is just the beginning. Peru was once home to a thriving pre-Columbian civilization that dominated the region before the Spanish. The Incas were responsible for creating some of the most beautiful archaeological wonders, combining striking architecture on the land of great natural beauty. To this day, Peru retains its alluring and enchanting features that were carved by the ancient Incas.
Tour Highlights
- Hike the Inca Trail, or its other famous alternative routes like the Lares Trek or Salkantey Trek.
- Visit Machu Pichhu
- Go sandboarding in the Peruvian desert
- Look for macaws in the Amazon jungle
- Explore the deep canyons of Colca
- Visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca
- Trek the Cordillera Blanca, the highest range of the Peruvian Andes
Travel Tips
- Machu Picchu can become very crowded during high season. Beat the crowds by staying nearer the site the night before your visit, and be sure to book your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
- Stores often shut down for the afternoon siesta, so always plan your meals in advance.
- It's advisable to not drink the tap water. Many hotels provide bottled water, which should also be used for brushing your teeth.
- Altitude sickness can be a real issue for some people visiting Peru. Try combatting it with coca leaf tea, a Peruvian remedy that is readily available across the country. Chewing the leaves can have the same effect.
- On a holiday to Peru, don't skip a visit to Lima. Peru's largest city is often overlooked for hotspot tourist destinations but is full of great food and interesting museums that you'll regret missing out on.
- Always carry cash when travelling through Peru as many shops will not accept credit cards.
Peru has seasonal weather so please do check up on the best time to visit Peru before planning your tour. And if you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Peru, do check out our Peru Travel Guide for more information.
Popular Tour Types in Peru
- Peru Budget Tours: Traveling on a budget? Select one of our Peru Budget Tours that offer an affordable way to explore this beguiling country. Hit the Inca Trail to the mystical Machu Picchu or enjoy a traditional homestay on Amantani Island. Our cost-saving tours will allow you to visit Peru’s famous attractions without hurting your wallet.
Peru Guided Tours: Join one of our Peru Guided Tours and discover the beauty of Peru with a local guide. Expert local guides will lead you through the most iconic spots in Peru, along with some lesser-known gems like Mount Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and the famous ruins of Choquequirao. Our guided tours promise to give you a unique perspective of Peru and its rich history. - Peru Private Tours: If you prefer the comfort of traveling solo with a personalized tailor-made itinerary, then our Peru Private Tours are just for you. Explore the historic architecture of Peru’s capital city, Lima. Stroll around Pisac’s famous craft market and discover the secrets of the Ollantaytambo in Cusco. A private tour will allow you to explore Peru in your time under the expert lead of a local guide.
- Peru Self-Guided Tours: Discover the magic of Peru on your own in one of our Peru Self-Guided Tours. If you like traveling under your own steam, then these types of tours are ideal. From hiking in the snow-capped Andes to visiting the floating island of Uros on Lake Titicaca, you decide where and when you want to go and how long you want to stay.
- Peru Luxury Tours: Are you a first-class traveler who likes your creature comforts? Then our Peru Luxury Tours is the perfect way to go about it. Take a luxurious train ride through the Andes to Machu Picchu and dine in some of Lima’s finest restaurants. Our luxury tours tick every box when it comes to luxe travel.
- Peru Customized Tours: If you are limited on time or prefer to travel off-the-beaten path, our Peru Customized Tours offer the perfect way to explore the country without missing anything. Our customized tours allow you to pick your destinations from world-renowned attractions, like the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu to treks through the Amazon Forest. With our Customized Tours, Peru is your oyster.
Activity-based Peru Tours
- Peru Cultural, Religious, and Historic Sites Tours: Peru has the most ruins of old civilizations of all the South American countries. The best way to delve into these aspects is on one of our Peru Cultural, Religious, and Historic Sites Tours. From the 15th-century city of Machu Picchu to the historical Inca capital of Cuzco, ancient historic and religious sites abound in Peru.
- Peru Natural Landmarks Sightseeing Tours: Peru is home to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and natural landmarks and one of our Peru Natural Landmarks Sightseeing Tours offers you a comfortable way to explore them. Head to the Colca Canyon to see 6,000-year-old rock art in the Mollepunko caves, or marvel at the geometric salt pools of Salinas de Maras that date back to before the Incan period, there is no dearth of sightseeing destinations in Peru.
- Peru Adventure Tours: If it is an adventure you are looking for, Peru will not disappoint. Our Peru Adventure Tours cover everything from hiking the Salkantay Circuit high in the Andes to trekking the jungle of the Amazon Rainforest. Enjoy a thrilling mountain bike descent from Malaga Pass to Huamanmarca and zip line through the lush forest of the Urubamba River Valley.
- Peru City Sightseeing Tours: Marvel at the ancient architecture of the Incan capital city, Cusco; explore the enchanting churches built from white volcanic rock in Arequipa, and discover Lima’s delicious cuisine on one of our Peru City Sightseeing Tours. Wander around Peru’s age-old cities, soak up their intriguing culture and history and enjoy some amazing sightseeing by booking one of our sightseeing tours.
- Peru Trekking Tours: Peru is a trekker’s paradise with an array of hiking and trekking trails. Book one of our Peru Trekking Tours and embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Hike the famous Inca Trail from the Spanish Colonial city of Cusco to Machu Picchu or head to the northern Andes and explore the glacial lakes of the Cordillera Blanca mountains.
- Popular Durations for a Peru Trip: Peru has so much to see and do, you could spend a lifetime there. However, with limited time, a seven-day trip in the country will give you enough time to hike the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. To delve deeper into Peru’s beauty, a 10-day or two-week trip is ideal for enjoying outdoor adventures, sightseeing, meeting locals, and sampling the delicious Peruvian cuisines.
Peru - Top Destinations to Visit
- Summit Machu Picchu: The pièce de resistance of Peru has to be the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the 15th-century archaeological site is a sight to behold and should not be missed. One of the most popular ways to get there is a multi-day trek along the Inca Trail from the city of Cusco. Another exciting way to head to the citadel is on a two-hour train ride from the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo. The best time to visit the magical city is in April and May when the rainy season has passed, and the surrounding mountains are vivid.
- Discover the Sacred Valley: Once the beating heart of the Incan Empire, the Sacred Valley is still a magical place to explore. The valley is home to quaint villages, and ancient archaeological sites, and is, of course, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Visit the bohemian town of Pisac to see its beautiful hilltop citadel and shop in one of the best handicraft markets in the region. Discover the secrets of the Ollantaytambo Inca fortress in the town of the same name and enjoy some outdoor adventures like trekking, rock climbing, and mountain biking in Urubamba. The best time to visit the Sacred Valley is during the dry season between June and September. - Hike the wilderness of Cusco: Hiking in and around Cusco is a must for the region is blessed with incredible landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Head to the pristine glacial-fed Humantay Lake for a lake-side hike or trek up the slopes of Rainbow Mountain. This high-altitude hike is very popular, but it can be cold and windy, so be prepared and know your limits.
Another lovely off-the-beaten-track hike is to the three lakes of Kinsa Cocha and you can do this alone or with a guide. There are also plenty of different hiking trails in and around Machu Picchu, from long, multi-day treks to short two-day hikes to the magnificent citadel. - Explore the ancient Inca Trail: Follow in the footsteps of an ancient civilization as you make your way along the Inca Trail to the 15th-century citadel of Machu Picchu. Hailed as one of the greatest multi-day treks in the world, this is an experience of a lifetime that you should not miss.
Constructed over 500 years ago by the Incas, the full trail winds its way from Chile to Peru for 40,000 kilometers, passing through forested valleys, historic Inca ruins, and ancient archaeological sites. Begin your trek in the old capital of Cusco and make your way through the Sacred Valley to the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Finally, head up to the Sun Gate overlooking the magnificent Machu Picchu. The best time to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu is between July and August in the dry season. - Travel to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon: Exotic, wild, and mysterious, the Amazon jungle has lured intrepid travelers into its untamed world for centuries. Take a short trip into the jungle from Puerto Maldonado and cruise down the Amazon in a canoe, searching for rare giant otters and caimans. Hop on a riverboat in Lima and head down the Amazon River, exploring Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, spotting unusual wildlife like pink dolphins, sloths, and brightly colored toucans. The best time to venture into the Peruvian Amazon is from May to September when wildlife congregates on the riverbanks to drink.
- Relish the colonial architecture in Lima: The dark days of the conquistadors may have left an indelible mark on Peru’s history, but Spain’s long colonial rule has also left magnificent architectural gems. From lavish presidential palaces to beautiful monasteries, Lima has its fair share of noteworthy architectural sights.
Stroll around the checkerboard streets of Lima and take in the grand patios, ornate arches, elegant courtyards, and beautifully sculptured façades of age-old buildings. Head to the Plaza de Armas to see the Archbishop’s Palace and the Cathedral and the Sagrario Chapel. Explore the beautifully preserved San Francisco Convent with its famous catacombs. Wander around the city on your own or join one of our guided tours where an expert in colonial architecture will lead you through the intricate history of Lima’s colonial buildings.
Peak Season and Low Season Tours in Peru
The best time to visit Peru is from May to September when the days are gloriously sunny and dry and nights are clear and cool. January through April is the low season and sees heavy and incessant rain showers. Some of Peru’s attractions like the Inca Trail may shut down in February due to the ongoing rains.
- Peak Season Tours in Peru: The high season is from May to September and is considered the best time to visit Peru. The weather is lovely and dry around this time while the days are long and sunny. The Andes are at their best and the Amazon bursts with life. This is the perfect time for enjoying trekking adventures like the Inca Trail. But bear in mind that this is also the busiest time of the year to visit Machu Picchu. Peru’s high season is also a good time to take to the water for boat trips on Lake Titicaca and the Amazon River.
- Low Season Tours in Peru: The low season in Peru is between January and April. The country sees increased rainfall and cooler temperatures during this time. Some of the hiking trails are closed in February, owing to rainfall. But despite the rain, this is a good time to head to Lake Titicaca to explore the Amantani, Taquile, and Uros Islands.
Popular Peru Trip Travel Guides
If you are planning a trip to Peru, you will want to know about the best time to visit, as well as check out all the available tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Peru. And once you are sure of your destinations and activities in Peru, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Peru. We generally recommend staying at least seven days in Peru, but to get the most out of your trip, plan a stay for 10 days or more.
If you are not sure whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour, check all our Peru tours at the top of this page.
Peru is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling. So please check our “Peru travel guide” that offers a lot of relevant information about traveling to the country.