A Taste of Peru
12 days from £4,470
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel in Miraflores. This Pacific-side quarter contains a number of top restaurants, best known among which is the internationally lauded German-Peruvian Astrid&Gastón, with traditional Peruvian and fusion taster menus.
More nostalgic is Rosa Nautica, set on a pier over the crashing waves of the Pacific, serving excellent sea bass. Another classy eaterie with a spectacular location opposite the pre-Columbian adobe pyramid of the same name – illuminated at night – is Huaca Pucllana, which serves a good range of Peruvian dishes including the renowned seafood ceviche.
This flagship property of the Casa Andina Private Collection chain is in the heart of Miraflores, the hub of Lima’s lively social life. An attractive contemporary ambience is created with a range of first-class facilities, embellished with decorative features inspired by traditional Peruvian culture.
There are some 150 bright guest rooms and suites, with state-of-the-art soundproofing to eliminate noise from the city below. Design is smart and unpretentious, the style is business-like but only the finest quality furnishings and fittings are used. The traditional rooms are ample, but the superior accommodation and suites are huge.
The high-rise building has impressive views over the capital and the coast. Amongst the hotel’s comprehensive facilities, you’ll find an indoor pool, terrace, massage room and a smart restaurant. There’s also a small gallery of local works of art.
This exciting gastronomic experience takes you deep into the heart of Peruvian cuisine. With your guide, walk through the centre of Miraflores. At Surquillo market, you can inspect the various stalls piled high with succulent products. Some are native, others are imported but have thrived here: potatoes (there are hundreds of varieties), chilli peppers, beans, avocados, corn, quinoa, yucca, plantains, mangos.
Having strolled through Miraflores Central Park you’ll stop off for a snack at La Lucha Sanguchería, a famous sandwich shop and popular haunt for local residents. You will also savour chicha morada, a traditional beverage made from purple corn, and wander through the cliff-side Parque del Amor, famous for its romantic sculpture of two lovers embracing, from which there are superb views of the Pacific Ocean. Following a short drive to San Isidro Market, where you may spot one or two of the city’s most innovative chefs searching for their next recipe inspiration, you’ll visit Abel and Eduardo – the influential father and son fish vendors whose stall has been a mainstay for many years.
The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to try out some of Peru’s most well known recipes yourself. In the kitchen of Hotel Runcu’s intimate top floor restaurant you’ll be guided by an experienced chef to acquire the skills necessary to produce mouth-watering dishes during an animated Peruvian cookery lesson. You’ll learn how to prepare the refreshing cocktail pisco sour, ceviche, the popular dish based on marinated fish, causa, a potato-based delicacy and lomo saltado, a rich and tasty beef dish where the meat is sautéed with peppers and onions. Of course you get to eat up the results!
This flagship property of the Casa Andina Private Collection chain is in the heart of Miraflores, the hub of Lima’s lively social life. An attractive contemporary ambience is created with a range of first-class facilities, embellished with decorative features inspired by traditional Peruvian culture.
There are some 150 bright guest rooms and suites, with state-of-the-art soundproofing to eliminate noise from the city below. Design is smart and unpretentious, the style is business-like but only the finest quality furnishings and fittings are used. The traditional rooms are ample, but the superior accommodation and suites are huge.
The high-rise building has impressive views over the capital and the coast. Amongst the hotel’s comprehensive facilities, you’ll find an indoor pool, terrace, massage room and a smart restaurant. There’s also a small gallery of local works of art.
Travel down the sunny desert coast and inland to the oasis at Ica. In the afternoon, there’s a guided tour of a vineyard which culminates with a glass of espumante as you watch the apricot and lilac sunset from a viewpoint over the valley. Later, enjoy pre-dinner wine-tasting to sample more of the local wares. Overnight at the winery.
Resembling an upmarket Peruvian country house, the hacienda-style buildings which comprise the elegant Hotel Vinas Queirolo are set within a bucolic landscape of vines sweeping out towards the mountainous horizon – a fertile rural scene that is in stark contrast to the desert dunes of nearby Ica.
Inside, the décor is stylish and tasteful, with wooden features and subtle rustic touches highlighted against the white walls. Guestrooms are large, comfortable and characterised by soft, neutral tones. The outdoor areas are equally charming and include a tiny chapel, gardens and lawns lined with traditional pottery canisters, and an inviting swimming pool with a wooden sundeck.
The restaurant serves well-presented local cuisine with views out over the vineyard, and guests can also enjoy a free wine tasting and a tour of the winery and grounds.
There’s a long history of viticulture in the Ica oasis, where conditions are ideal for the cultivation of vines: the first vineyards were established in 1550. Over the years, the distillation of grapes evolved into the production of Peru’s national drink, the grape brandy ‘pisco’.
There are now dozens of cellars in the area, many of which have retained the same traditional methods of production. Visit Bodega La Caravedo. Founded in 1877, it was the first establishment to produce the liquor organically, and today produces the fine brand Pisco Portón for export.
You might like to take advantage of the opportunity to fly over the Nazca Lines, the mysterious geometric designs that date back to pre-Columbian times which are best observed from the air. (You will need to arrange this in advance).
Resembling an upmarket Peruvian country house, the hacienda-style buildings which comprise the elegant Hotel Vinas Queirolo are set within a bucolic landscape of vines sweeping out towards the mountainous horizon – a fertile rural scene that is in stark contrast to the desert dunes of nearby Ica.
Inside, the décor is stylish and tasteful, with wooden features and subtle rustic touches highlighted against the white walls. Guestrooms are large, comfortable and characterised by soft, neutral tones. The outdoor areas are equally charming and include a tiny chapel, gardens and lawns lined with traditional pottery canisters, and an inviting swimming pool with a wooden sundeck.
The restaurant serves well-presented local cuisine with views out over the vineyard, and guests can also enjoy a free wine tasting and a tour of the winery and grounds.
Return to Lima by public coach. You’ll be met at the coach station and escorted to the airport for your flight (1hr) to Cusco in the Andes. From there, transfer by road to the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas, once the breadbasket of the Incas.
A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio, this beautifully-designed lodge is 2km from Urubamba with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
There are luxury rooms across three room categories, all in spacious individual stone cottages with terracotta tile roofs and set among flowery gardens and well-tended lawns. All have private bathroom, terrace and exquisitely decorated with local textiles and individual art. The premium category also have an outdoor hot tub and separate living room.
Locally commissioned art and sculpture adorn the property, including the restaurant housed in a delightful round building with a lounge bar and a dining area with a log fire. There is also plentiful alfresco seating offering wonderful mountain views, ideal for breakfast in the sunshine or for pre-dinner cocktails. The gourmet menu makes the most of locally sourced produce with inventive takes on traditional dishes and the wine menu is one of the most extensive in the region.
There is a spa, outdoor heated swimming pool with loungers, and the hotel can also organise outdoor activities for guests including horse riding, mountain biking and guided walks, as well as cooking classes, workshops and other cultural activities.
Hotel Sol y Luna plays a very active role in the surrounding communities of the Sacred Valley. By staying in the hotel you will be supporting the Sol y Luna Foundation’s four educational projects, including the Colegio Intercultural, a thriving educational centre for children and young people, including those with special needs. Hotel Sol y Luna also supports the ‘Pack for a Purpose’ project which helps travellers donate items to children in schools and communities around the world. If you would like to donate any equipment, from pencils to laptops, please visit www.packforapurpose.org for further information.
Morning at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or to take an optional excursion or activity such as horse riding, river rafting or walking.
You might choose to have lunch at Rancho Wayra, which has an excellent reputation for its gastronomy. Eat on the sunny terrace, including a barbecue and dishes prepared from fresh local produce. You are entertained by an exhibition of the skills of the Peruvian pace horse. There is also an optional excursion into the countryside accompanied by the ranch’s chef to visit the farms which provide these ingredients and learn about their use and agricultural methods.
In the evening, sample the local cuisine with a 5-course tasting menu that combines 5 intricate dishes with a variety of wines to compliment and bring out the rich complexity of the flavours. The meals are prepared using all local ingredients. The experience takes place in the sophisticated setting of Wayra’s cellar, which houses some of the finest wines in the world. The intimate dining room provides a warm ambiance for an evening of gastronomic delights.
A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio, this beautifully-designed lodge is 2km from Urubamba with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
There are luxury rooms across three room categories, all in spacious individual stone cottages with terracotta tile roofs and set among flowery gardens and well-tended lawns. All have private bathroom, terrace and exquisitely decorated with local textiles and individual art. The premium category also have an outdoor hot tub and separate living room.
Locally commissioned art and sculpture adorn the property, including the restaurant housed in a delightful round building with a lounge bar and a dining area with a log fire. There is also plentiful alfresco seating offering wonderful mountain views, ideal for breakfast in the sunshine or for pre-dinner cocktails. The gourmet menu makes the most of locally sourced produce with inventive takes on traditional dishes and the wine menu is one of the most extensive in the region.
There is a spa, outdoor heated swimming pool with loungers, and the hotel can also organise outdoor activities for guests including horse riding, mountain biking and guided walks, as well as cooking classes, workshops and other cultural activities.
Hotel Sol y Luna plays a very active role in the surrounding communities of the Sacred Valley. By staying in the hotel you will be supporting the Sol y Luna Foundation’s four educational projects, including the Colegio Intercultural, a thriving educational centre for children and young people, including those with special needs. Hotel Sol y Luna also supports the ‘Pack for a Purpose’ project which helps travellers donate items to children in schools and communities around the world. If you would like to donate any equipment, from pencils to laptops, please visit www.packforapurpose.org for further information.
Full day guided excursion to Pisac, including the market in the riverside colonial village and the Inca ruins which tower above. Visit also the nearby Parque de la Papa, to learn about the cultural importance and sustainable use of medicinal native potatoes. You call in at several villages.
In Pampallaqta you encounter blankets full of steaming baked potatoes of multiple varieties, along with a piquant green dipping sauce. Sample each type, purple and yellow and white. Surprisingly, the tastes differ noticeably. After the taste test, file into the dim storehouse where over 1,000 different potato varieties are kept.
A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio, this beautifully-designed lodge is 2km from Urubamba with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
There are luxury rooms across three room categories, all in spacious individual stone cottages with terracotta tile roofs and set among flowery gardens and well-tended lawns. All have private bathroom, terrace and exquisitely decorated with local textiles and individual art. The premium category also have an outdoor hot tub and separate living room.
Locally commissioned art and sculpture adorn the property, including the restaurant housed in a delightful round building with a lounge bar and a dining area with a log fire. There is also plentiful alfresco seating offering wonderful mountain views, ideal for breakfast in the sunshine or for pre-dinner cocktails. The gourmet menu makes the most of locally sourced produce with inventive takes on traditional dishes and the wine menu is one of the most extensive in the region.
There is a spa, outdoor heated swimming pool with loungers, and the hotel can also organise outdoor activities for guests including horse riding, mountain biking and guided walks, as well as cooking classes, workshops and other cultural activities.
Hotel Sol y Luna plays a very active role in the surrounding communities of the Sacred Valley. By staying in the hotel you will be supporting the Sol y Luna Foundation’s four educational projects, including the Colegio Intercultural, a thriving educational centre for children and young people, including those with special needs. Hotel Sol y Luna also supports the ‘Pack for a Purpose’ project which helps travellers donate items to children in schools and communities around the world. If you would like to donate any equipment, from pencils to laptops, please visit www.packforapurpose.org for further information.
Travelling for 90mins by train from Ollantaytambo, you reach the ruins of Machu Picchu. As the river Urubamba enters its narrow gorge between thickly-forested granite hills, there is room only for a single track, which hugs the right bank and passes through hamlets that are no more than a collection of shacks beside the railway. Close to the foot of the mountain on a saddle of which the citadel was built is the village of Machu Picchu, dedicated to serving the many visitors with artisan markets, bars and restaurants.
The majestic ruined city, reclaimed from tropical cloud forest, is reached by bus up a sinuous road, or on foot up a near vertical rocky path. The American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, by which time it was completely buried beneath jungle vegetation. It is perhaps the ruins’ location, on a ridge spur amid forested peaks and above a roaring river canyon, that most ignites the imagination.
You will have a guided tour of the ruins along one of the set trails, before heading back down to spend the night in Machu Picchu village.
The elegant Casa del Sol Machu Picchu hotel is part of a portfolio of Peruvian-owned Casa del Sol properties. Painted in earthy tones and strewn with alpaca throws, the guestrooms incorporate abundant polished wood, discreet works of traditionally-inspired art and floor to ceiling windows. Bathrooms are strikingly original in design, and the suites even have a hot tub on a glass-fronted terrace overlooking the fast-flowing Vilcanota river.
Many guests have commented on how pleasant it is to fall asleep to the sound of the river, but should you need any more help relaxing there is a spa with a hydrotherapy pool, dry sauna and steam and massage rooms. There is also an excellent restaurant, offering exquisitely presented gourmet food in relaxed surroundings.
Train times permitting, there’s the opportunity to return to the site of Machu Picchu. Getting up early and taking one of the first buses up to the site is well worth it. The ruins are virtually empty at that time and the early morning mists swirl around the surrounding mountain tops.
There is time for an optional hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu (although this must be booked in advance). Alternatively enjoy the thermal baths or walks in the village below. Later, travel to Cusco by rail and road, taking about 4 hours.
There are many reasons why a stay in baroque San Blas, Cusco’s most arty neighbourhood and the place you are most likely to experience a mildly bohemian atmosphere, is an excellent choice for visitors. Not least is its location just a couple of blocks up the hill from the main square and the proximity to shops, galleries, cafés and markets.
The welcoming Antigua Casona San Blas is one of the quarter’s most recent additions, although like many other hotels in the city it embraces a renovated Spanish colonial residence as well as a more modern part which has been designed to blend harmoniously with the older section. The historic atmosphere is enhanced with pretty balconies, pot plants brimming with bright green foliage and a cosy sitting area in the interior courtyard which may host an open fire on chilly evenings.
The name Cusco derives from the Quechua word for navel, indicating its location at the centre of the Inca Empire. Today its many impressive original Inca walls display extraordinary craftsmanship, while the bustling squares are dotted with ornate baroque colonial churches.
It’s a vivacious city, where shoeshine boys and postcard sellers jostle for your attention in cobbled streets lined with handicraft shops and cafés. In the evening, the town centre fills with people flocking to the many restaurants, bars and cafés.
There’s a walking tour of the city including the comestibles market. Pyramids of brightly coloured fruit and vegetables claw towards the sky: tomatoes, soft fruit and corn from the valley, potatoes and onions from the highlands.
There are many reasons why a stay in baroque San Blas, Cusco’s most arty neighbourhood and the place you are most likely to experience a mildly bohemian atmosphere, is an excellent choice for visitors. Not least is its location just a couple of blocks up the hill from the main square and the proximity to shops, galleries, cafés and markets.
The welcoming Antigua Casona San Blas is one of the quarter’s most recent additions, although like many other hotels in the city it embraces a renovated Spanish colonial residence as well as a more modern part which has been designed to blend harmoniously with the older section. The historic atmosphere is enhanced with pretty balconies, pot plants brimming with bright green foliage and a cosy sitting area in the interior courtyard which may host an open fire on chilly evenings.
Visit the Choco Museum. As its name implies, it’s a cathedral to chocolate. Cocoa is produced in Peru’s Amazon region. You’ll learn about how the cacao beans are cultivated and processed to make fine chocolate.
As the museum makes its own chocolate drawing on Aztec and Inca techniques, all the manufacturing process is described step by step and you will be able to make your own chocolate with nuts, almonds, coffee beans or cashews.
The rest of the day and evening are at leisure for you to enjoy this multi-faceted city with its wealth of top quality restaurants and innovative bars.
There are many reasons why a stay in baroque San Blas, Cusco’s most arty neighbourhood and the place you are most likely to experience a mildly bohemian atmosphere, is an excellent choice for visitors. Not least is its location just a couple of blocks up the hill from the main square and the proximity to shops, galleries, cafés and markets.
The welcoming Antigua Casona San Blas is one of the quarter’s most recent additions, although like many other hotels in the city it embraces a renovated Spanish colonial residence as well as a more modern part which has been designed to blend harmoniously with the older section. The historic atmosphere is enhanced with pretty balconies, pot plants brimming with bright green foliage and a cosy sitting area in the interior courtyard which may host an open fire on chilly evenings.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Peru - Lima
Peru’s capital doesn’t get the credit it deserves. In Lima, colonial grandeur, world-class gastronomy and Pacific Ocean views combine to make it one of South America’s most exciting cities. Known as the City of Kings, Lima blends rich colonial heritage with contemporary culture, outstanding museums and some of the best food on the continent.
Peru - Paracas, Ica and Nazca
Vast desert landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and ancient mysteries combine one of Peru’s most fascinating coastal regions. From marine-rich waters of the Ballestas Islands and the dunes of Huacachina to the enigmatic Nazca Lines etched into the desert floor, Paracas, Ica and Nazca offer a completely different side of Peru to the Andes or the Amazon.
Peru - Sacred Valley of the Incas
We think of the Sacred Valley as the heartland of the Inca Empire – fertile valleys, snow-capped mountains and ancient stone fortresses make it one of Peru’s most captivating landscapes. Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, it’s home to colourful markets, traditional villages, remarkable archaeological sites and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
Peru - Machu Picchu
Few archaeological sites in the world compare to Machu Picchu, where ancient Inca stonework clings to a mountain ridge high above a jungle-clad valley. Nestled among cloud-wreathed Andean peaks at 2,430m, this corner of Machu Picchu Peru combines spectacular scenery, remarkable architecture and fascinating history to create one of South America’s most unforgettable travel experiences.
Peru - Cusco
Surrounded by the Andean mountains, the former capital of the Inca Empire boasts intricate temples and golden-hued colonial architecture. Explore rugged landscapes and fascinating architecture with a Cusco holiday from Journey Latin America.
Peruvian cuisine isn’t all about potatoes. You might also have heard that guinea pig is a local delicacy. But there is so much more; and delicious recipes are starting to receive world-wide recognition. Some of the world’s best restaurants are in Lima. On this holiday you will visit Peru’s highlights including Cusco and Machu Picchu, with visits to markets, vineyards and a couple of cookery lessons built in.
Fusion cookery is à la mode and Peruvian dishes exemplify this so well: a country of immigrants,Peru has evolved a menu of scrumptious meals in which Chinese, Japanese, African, Italian, German, Spanish flavours and textures blend with age-old delicacies conceived by the indigenous populations of the Andes, the desert coast and the Amazon: the choice of ingredients is as wide as the variety of landscapes from which they come.
Juliet Ellwood
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
Two flights (approx 1hr); 2 road journeys (5hrs); 2 rail journeys (1.5hrs each).
- Accommodation
On this tour we use good quality boutique and first class hotels, all relatively small, friendly establishments, colonial or modern in style with well-equipped rooms, private bathroom and heating.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch days 2,7,8. Dinner days 6, 8.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: Lima 2; Ica 2; Sacred Valley 3; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 3.
- Optional Excursions
There are a number of half-, full-day or longer excursions or activities you may wish to consider in order to customise your holiday to cater for your interests. Please contact us to discuss these further or to add them to your itinerary before you depart.
• Flight over Nazca Lines from Pisco.
• Lunch at Wayra Ranch with Peruvian pace horse demonstration.
• Second day visit to Machu Picchu.
• Maras and Moray in the highlands outside Cusco. - Currency
The unit of currency in Peru is the sol.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are gradually falling out of use (American Express are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$45 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax and taxes on internal flights are usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able-bodied, reasonably fit visitors, including families. An interest in Peruvian cuisine and drink is advisable. Although there are some early starts, there is also some time at leisure.
The streets in Cusco are cobbled, so make sure you have appropriate footwear.
- Climate
Lima is covered in a dull grey mist for much of the year, although the sun does break through between November and March. It almost never rains in Lima, and temperatures are moderate.
In Cusco and the highlands, June to August is the dry season: it can be very cold at night, but days are usually extremely clear with sun. November to March are the wettest months of the year – note that rains tend to be in short, heavy bursts, rather than continual showers, with rains clearing towards the end of April. May, September and October are less predictable, with both rainy and sunny spells.
Nights are cold throughout the year at altitude.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Altitude
Your stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley is at high altitude (2,800-4,000m). A small minority of visitors may suffer temporarily from altitude sickness. Symptoms vary; most common are mild headaches, slight nausea and breathlessness. If you don’t recover in a day or two speak to our representatives; in very rare instances it is necessary to descend to lower altitudes. Most people are unaffected and if you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink an excess of alcohol) in the first couple of days after arrival, you will minimise your chances of exhibiting any symptoms.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
For day-to-day wear you should go prepared to encounter all seasons. Both warm clothing and a sun hat are essential at altitude; a light fleece jacket and a Gore-Tex outer shell makes a good combination. Trousers, skirt or shorts made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials work well. If you plan to eat in smart restaurants, although clothing is not formal (no need for jacket and tie), something quite smart would be appropriate.
Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellent, sun block and sun glasses. You should take swimwear for the pool in Ica. Due to luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu, main luggage must be left in Cusco. You can take up to 10kgs per person on the train and an overnight holdall is recommended to separate your luggage for the night spent away from Cusco.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health page.
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Holders of a full British passport don’t need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel. If you’re travelling via the US, you’ll also need an ESTA. For the latest entry requirements, check the FCDO travel pages or contact us.
- How do I get to Peru from the UK?
There are no direct flights from the UK to Peru. Most routes connect through a European or US hub – common connections include Madrid, Amsterdam and Miami. Flights land at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, around 45 minutes from the city centre.
Flight time is typically 12 to 15 hours depending on routing. We’re happy to quote international flights separately based on your dates and preferences.
- How do I get around Peru?
Distances are large, so domestic flights are the most practical way to move between regions. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
From Cusco, we arrange private transfers to the Sacred Valley and train connections to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. Cusco to Puno, for Lake Titicaca, is around six to seven hours by road across the high Altiplano, or you can take the scenic PeruRail Titicaca train.
Reaching the Amazon means a short flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado or from Lima to Iquitos.
- What currency is used in Peru?
Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, but you’ll get a better deal paying in sol. Carry cash for markets, smaller restaurants and remote areas. Peru is five hours behind GMT.
- How long should I spend in Peru?
Two weeks is ideal for a full tour covering Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and either Colca Canyon or the Amazon. Ten days comfortably cover the main highlights.
With three weeks, you can add the Amazon, the Nazca Lines, or a crossing into Bolivia. Peru also combines well with Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, or with Argentina and Patagonia as part of a wider trip.
- What’s the best time of year to visit Peru?
The dry season from May to October is best for the Andes, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca – warm days, cold nights and clear skies. The Inca Trail closes in February.
Lima’s coast is warmest from December to April, and the Amazon can be visited year-round, with different advantages in each season. We can advise on the best timing for your itinerary.
- What countries combine well with Peru?
Peru pairs naturally with Bolivia – many of our holidays cross from Lake Titicaca into La Paz and the Uyuni salt flats. Ecuador is a short flight from Lima, and a Peru–Ecuador–Galápagos Islands itinerary is one of our most popular.
For a broader South America trip, you can add Argentina and Buenos Aires, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, Chile or Colombia. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country tour around you.
- What vaccinations do I need for Peru?
Please check current health recommendations for Peru before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you’re visiting the Amazon, and you may need a certificate if travelling on to certain other countries.
Altitude sickness is a consideration in Cusco (3,400m) and at Lake Titicaca (3,812m) – we build acclimatisation time into all our itineraries. For up-to-date advice, check the FCDO travel pages or contact us.
- Is Peru safe to visit?
The main tourist areas – Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon lodges – are well visited and generally safe.
As anywhere, take sensible precautions, particularly in Lima and Cusco. We plan every itinerary carefully using trusted local partners and established routes. Check the FCDO travel pages for current government advice, and our Travel Experts will flag anything relevant to your trip.
- What is the food like in Peru?
The food is one of the highlights of any trip. Lima ranks among South America’s best places to eat – ceviche made with fresh fish cured in lime juice, lomo saltado (a stir-fried beef dish with Chinese-Peruvian roots), and ají de gallina (shredded chicken in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce).
Try a pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, in a rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific. In the Andes, the traditional dishes include hearty soups, roasted guinea pig (cuy), and quinoa; in the Amazon, freshwater fish and tropical fruit. Wherever you go, our local restaurants of choice are ones we’ll happily point you to.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Explore the world-famous Lost City of the Incas: the undisputed jewel in Peru’s crown.
Travel on one of the continent’s most scenic rail journeys to arrive at the incomparable Lost City of the Incas.
Experience the capital’s world-class cuisine for yourself on this introduction to Peruvian food and drink, from ceviche and anticuchos to the potent Pisco Sour cocktail.
Take a guided stroll through the historic Inca capital with its extraordinary mix of ancient stonework and colonial architecture.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Peaceful, attractive mountain lodge in the Sacred Valley offering standard and luxury accommodation in stone cottages amidst flowery gardens.
Elegant hacienda-style hotel resembling an upmarket Peruvian country house, set on a vineyard in the foothills of the Andes.
Elegant, welcoming and socially conscious riverside hotel, offering stylish, luxury accommodation and exceptional cuisine in a very convenient and scenic location.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
