Luxury Peru: Andes to Amazon
13 days from £9,880
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.
You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel by one of our local representatives. The half-hour drive through Lima is not the most enchanting introduction to this city of extreme contrasts, but it does encapsulate the invigorating buzz of a modern-day Latin American capital.
The towering glassy edifice of the modern yet stately Belmond Miraflores Park dominates the clifftop parks overlooking the Pacific Ocean, promising style, class and quality.
Uncompromisingly contemporary, the highly regarded establishment oozes opulence and the staff and service are just as impressive. Accommodation is in suites with their own private sitting areas, each large and smartly furnished with expansive views either over the sea or the pleasant residential and commercial district of Miraflores.
The hotel has many disarming features – the rain shower in the marble bathrooms (junior suites have their own saunas or Roman bath), an infinity swimming pool and spa on the dizzy heights of the 11th floor, and a choice of ornate dining rooms. There is even a Bath Butler who may be contracted to cater for your relaxation!
The hotel’s well regarded restaurant, Mesa 18, serves exciting fusions of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, and has received numerous accolades from international food critics.
Lima is a vast, complex metropolis, with a history dating from the era of its wealth and importance to Imperial Spain to its current status as a dynamic, growing city of trade, industry and tourism.
In the morning visit the impressive Larco Museum, one of the finest museums in Latin America, housing a vast collection of pre-Columbian pieces. The majority of artefacts in the museum are ceramics, depicting a number of Peruvian cultures including the Moche, Sicán and Chimú and there is also an excellent collection of textiles, gold and silver work, and mummies. We love this museum, so we have included just for you a special guided tour.
Transfer to the airport for a 1hr flight to Cusco in the Andes; on arrival you’re met and driven to your next accommodation.
It’s taken years of meticulous restoration but now the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (owned by Belmond, formerly known as Orient Express) is opening its huge wooden doors to guests. The hotel is conveniently close to Cusco’s central square but also next to the arty quarter of San Blas.
This luxurious hotel retains all the atmosphere of its colonial past, along with subtle manifestations of contemporary comforts and technology. No expense has been spared on its sumptuous furnishings but the décor is not excessively elaborate: there’s a real homely feel to the place.
There are 55 suites, beautifully appointed with wrought-iron bedsteads and polished wooden floors. In addition to the usual full range of amenities, you’ll find a stereo sound system, pre-loaded iPad, espresso machine, and underfloor heating in the bathroom. On request, all guestrooms can even be suffused with oxygen to combat the effects of altitude.
There are excellent facilities lodged within the seven cloistered terraces, including Cusco’s first outdoor heated swimming pool, a lounge in the former chapel, a boutique and a business centre. The patios are landscaped with flowers and herbs watered by fountains and Inca-style stone channels.
The spa specialises in bespoke treatments inspired by traditional Inca remedies. There’s also an elegant bistro-style restaurant specialising in contemporary Andean cuisine.
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.
Today a half-day tour of the city. You visit Q’oricancha, once the principal Inca Sun Temple, with intricate stonework, and then explore the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán, brooding on a hillside above Cusco. The first conquistadores to see it were awestruck, and centuries later it is still an extraordinary and imposing sight.
It’s taken years of meticulous restoration but now the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (owned by Belmond, formerly known as Orient Express) is opening its huge wooden doors to guests. The hotel is conveniently close to Cusco’s central square but also next to the arty quarter of San Blas.
This luxurious hotel retains all the atmosphere of its colonial past, along with subtle manifestations of contemporary comforts and technology. No expense has been spared on its sumptuous furnishings but the décor is not excessively elaborate: there’s a real homely feel to the place.
There are 55 suites, beautifully appointed with wrought-iron bedsteads and polished wooden floors. In addition to the usual full range of amenities, you’ll find a stereo sound system, pre-loaded iPad, espresso machine, and underfloor heating in the bathroom. On request, all guestrooms can even be suffused with oxygen to combat the effects of altitude.
There are excellent facilities lodged within the seven cloistered terraces, including Cusco’s first outdoor heated swimming pool, a lounge in the former chapel, a boutique and a business centre. The patios are landscaped with flowers and herbs watered by fountains and Inca-style stone channels.
The spa specialises in bespoke treatments inspired by traditional Inca remedies. There’s also an elegant bistro-style restaurant specialising in contemporary Andean cuisine.
Explore the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once the bread-basket of the Inca empire, it was heavily populated in imperial times and scores of archaeological sites remain, where well-preserved ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created. The drive passes through or close to several of the villages and temple-fortresses that pepper the valley.
You visit Pisaq, both the village, and the terraces and fort high above. The engineering and preservation are unrivalled. From the flat valley floor the sculpted hillside rises up like a green staircase to the heavens.
Continue along this picturesque, patchwork valley to the temple of Ollantaytambo. The snow-frosted Andean cordillera forms a stunning backdrop. Ollantaytambo, sitting strategically at the gateway to the Amazon basin, was never captured by the Spanish conquistadores, but the inhabitants decided that the settlement was too vulnerable and would eventually fail, and so they abandoned it. The fortress, the colonial grid plan and the Inca foundations are still intact and there are wonderful views down over the sloping hillsides and into the fertile valley.
The attractive boutique Belmond Rio Sagrado is located in the heart of the picturesque Sacred Valley, 4km outside Urubamba on the way to Ollantaytambo. It sits beside the banks of the Urubamba River and has an atmosphere of undisturbed tranquillity.
Accommodation is in terracotta-hued tiled bungalows; standard rooms have a balcony and superiors are larger with a small private garden. Inside they are very stylishly decorated, with local artwork and textiles adding warmth to the sleek contemporary layout, and all have under-floor heating and spacious bathrooms with rain showers. There are also two cottages ideal for families, each with three en suite bedrooms and a living area and kitchen.
The garden is shaded by trees and parasols while comfortable deck chairs make the most of the views. Facilities include a restaurant with an adjacent bar, a massage room, a sauna and a Jacuzzi.
Drive through stunning countryside, against a backdrop of the purple, snow-capped Andes to Chinchero, 28km from Cusco. Chinchero is an attractive Indian village with a colourful Sunday market. The central square has a splendid Inca wall on its western side, etched with 10 trapezoidal niches, each large enough to hold a human being. Also on the square, sitting on its upper level, is the town’s colonial church, built of adobe and decorated internally with beautiful floral designs.
Continue to the Maras saltpans, a series of terraces where a natural source of saline water is evaporated by the strong Andean sun. In use since Inca times, the saltpans continue to be worked by the local community. You’ll also visit Moray, an Inca experimental agricultural centre. It comprises numerous terraces carved into a large, natural amphitheatre, each one with a different microclimate from those above and below.
Time permitting, you can also visit a traditional weaving project, where local women demonstrate the weaving technique and you can learn about the use of natural dyes and patterns unique to the numerous mountain communities surrounding the Sacred Valley – also a great opportunity to buy excellent quality products, directly from the producers.
The attractive boutique Belmond Rio Sagrado is located in the heart of the picturesque Sacred Valley, 4km outside Urubamba on the way to Ollantaytambo. It sits beside the banks of the Urubamba River and has an atmosphere of undisturbed tranquillity.
Accommodation is in terracotta-hued tiled bungalows; standard rooms have a balcony and superiors are larger with a small private garden. Inside they are very stylishly decorated, with local artwork and textiles adding warmth to the sleek contemporary layout, and all have under-floor heating and spacious bathrooms with rain showers. There are also two cottages ideal for families, each with three en suite bedrooms and a living area and kitchen.
The garden is shaded by trees and parasols while comfortable deck chairs make the most of the views. Facilities include a restaurant with an adjacent bar, a massage room, a sauna and a Jacuzzi.
Embark the Hiram Bingham luxury train. All the stops are pulled out to give you a wonderful top quality experience, with gourmet cuisine and commentaries by expert guides. 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 bustling village of Machu Picchu.
The majestic ruined city, reclaimed from tropical cloud forest, is reached by minibus 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 the ruins’ location, on a ridge spur amid forested peaks and above a roaring river canyon, that most ignites the imagination.
Upon arrival, you will have a guided tour of the ruins, learning all about the majestic site, its history and the many stories and myths that surround it, before retiring to the nearby Sanctuary Lodge for an overnight stay.
This small, exclusive Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, now belonging to the prestigious Belmond hotel portfolio (formerly Orient Express), is situated right at the entrance to Machu Picchu. It is the only hotel within walking distance of the ruins.
You can enjoy the sight of the distinctive mountain Huayna Picchu crowning the landscape from several points in the hotel, including from the serene private terraces of some of the bedrooms – an ideal spot for breakfast.
However the location is far from Sanctuary Lodge’s only asset: this is a modern, stylishly designed property where attention to detail, ecological awareness and comfort have been thoughtfully combined. You are instantly drawn to the dramatic views as the minimalist décor and natural colours deliberately offer little distraction from the outstanding surroundings.
Revisit the ruins in the morning, before returning to Cusco by Vistadome train service.
Relive the rarefied atmosphere of the colonial era with modern luxury refinements in this converted monastery in the heart of old Cusco. You can’t ignore the strong presence of history here – Gregorian chanting is piped through the cloisters and Catholic art looms from the stone walls – but nor would you want to: the place is totally captivating.
Operated by Belmond (formerly known as Orient Express – the owner is the same only the name has changed), the levels of service at Belmond Hotel Monasterio are characteristically high and the rooms are decorated in distinctive style with remarkable attention to detail. Each is different in size and shape owing to the building’s former role – some were once monks’ cells, others spaces dedicated to religious devotion. Many have a state-of-the-art oxygen enrichment system to reduce the effects of altitude.
The building centres around a stunning cloistered courtyard, where a serene garden and shaded seating invite relaxation and contemplation. There’s also a series of smaller courtyards to wander around and a magnificent stone-arched restaurant serving inventive gourmet cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to look around the chapel with its ornate wooden carvings and gold filigree.
At leisure in Cusco. You might continue to explore the city, its markets and museums; or venture further afield to lesser known but enchanting historic sites such as the frescoed colonial church at Andahuaylillas. If you fancy something more active, you might choose to go white-water rafting, horse riding or mountain biking in the lovely countryside around the city.
Relive the rarefied atmosphere of the colonial era with modern luxury refinements in this converted monastery in the heart of old Cusco. You can’t ignore the strong presence of history here – Gregorian chanting is piped through the cloisters and Catholic art looms from the stone walls – but nor would you want to: the place is totally captivating.
Operated by Belmond (formerly known as Orient Express – the owner is the same only the name has changed), the levels of service at Belmond Hotel Monasterio are characteristically high and the rooms are decorated in distinctive style with remarkable attention to detail. Each is different in size and shape owing to the building’s former role – some were once monks’ cells, others spaces dedicated to religious devotion. Many have a state-of-the-art oxygen enrichment system to reduce the effects of altitude.
The building centres around a stunning cloistered courtyard, where a serene garden and shaded seating invite relaxation and contemplation. There’s also a series of smaller courtyards to wander around and a magnificent stone-arched restaurant serving inventive gourmet cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to look around the chapel with its ornate wooden carvings and gold filigree.
Fly to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon. Here you will board your vessel, accompanied by experienced naturalists, you will get acquainted with the diversity of bird, animal and plant life in this most vigorous and undisturbed eco-system.
Cruises operate throughout the year – in the high water season (December – May) you can venture further into the flooded creeks, in the low water months (June – November) you can stroll along sandy beaches exposed by the lowering water-line. There are opportunities to encounter local communities, and wildlife you may see includes pink dolphins, black caiman alligators and giant river otters. Other excursions include trying your hand at piranha fishing and night jungle trips.
Of the few luxury cruises on the Amazon river, Aria Amazon provides one of the most stylish. Spot wildlife in the rainforest from a comfortable vantage point on the water accompanied by experienced naturalists, becoming acquainted with the diversity of bird, animal and plant life in this most exuberant and undisturbed ecosystem.
The relaxed voyages follow the Amazon’s vast main channel, and from their expeditions by launch, they penetrate small estuaries in the rainforest and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
With 16 large suites, each with panoramic windows and their own sitting rooms, Aria Amazon is fully air-conditioned and adheres to the standards of a first class hotel. Gourmet meals are created from a portfolio of Peruvian and international dishes. There is also a stylish bar, observation deck and outdoor lounge.
Excursions by small launch and on foot to visit the rainforest. Each day’s programme includes many optional 2 to 3hr excursions into Amazonia. You will have the chance to explore remote Amazon river tributaries, spot monkeys and birds along a jungle trail, visit a local village, go fishing on one of the beautiful lakes, and much more.
The vessel is equipped with auxiliary aluminium skiffs which will take you along the waterways, or will ferry you to the landing point for onshore excursions. Each of the excursions is led by a trained and knowledgeable naturalist guide who speaks good English. We allow plenty of time for you to explore, listen to your guide’s explanation, and photograph the wildlife.
If there are days when you choose not to go onshore for an expedition, you can stay on board. Lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the Amazon air, soak up the sun, read a good book, watch the ever-changing view, and simply experience total relaxation in the heart of the Amazon jungle.
Of the few luxury cruises on the Amazon river, Aria Amazon provides one of the most stylish. Spot wildlife in the rainforest from a comfortable vantage point on the water accompanied by experienced naturalists, becoming acquainted with the diversity of bird, animal and plant life in this most exuberant and undisturbed ecosystem.
The relaxed voyages follow the Amazon’s vast main channel, and from their expeditions by launch, they penetrate small estuaries in the rainforest and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
With 16 large suites, each with panoramic windows and their own sitting rooms, Aria Amazon is fully air-conditioned and adheres to the standards of a first class hotel. Gourmet meals are created from a portfolio of Peruvian and international dishes. There is also a stylish bar, observation deck and outdoor lounge.
Return to Iquitos and fly to Lima. Transfer to Belmond Miraflores Park.
The towering glassy edifice of the modern yet stately Belmond Miraflores Park dominates the clifftop parks overlooking the Pacific Ocean, promising style, class and quality.
Uncompromisingly contemporary, the highly regarded establishment oozes opulence and the staff and service are just as impressive. Accommodation is in suites with their own private sitting areas, each large and smartly furnished with expansive views either over the sea or the pleasant residential and commercial district of Miraflores.
The hotel has many disarming features – the rain shower in the marble bathrooms (junior suites have their own saunas or Roman bath), an infinity swimming pool and spa on the dizzy heights of the 11th floor, and a choice of ornate dining rooms. There is even a Bath Butler who may be contracted to cater for your relaxation!
The hotel’s well regarded restaurant, Mesa 18, serves exciting fusions of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, and has received numerous accolades from international food critics.
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 - 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.
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 - The Peruvian Amazon (north)
The northern region of the Peruvian Amazon has flood plains and wide tributaries, a great environment for Amazonian river cruises.
Peru is a first-class holiday destination and deserves to be visited from first-class luxury hotels. Happily there is now an excellent choice and this holiday includes some of the best hotels in the country, many operating in prestigious the Belmond (formerly Orient Express) portfolio. from where you will take comfortable private excursions and have the opportunity to choose from a menu of top-quality restaurants. Visit Imperial Lima and colonial Cusco at the heart of the Inca empire and travel on the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train to the mountain-top citadel of Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend the night at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas.
Embark the luxury yacht Aria Amazon, an exclusive, contemporary and very service-oriented vessel the design of which was inspired by the traditional Amazon river boat. From the deck and your air-conditioned cabin, you can enjoy jungle views, and there are guided wildlife excursions into the Amazon jungle.
Sophie Barber
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
4 flights (longest 2hrs); 2 rail journeys (longest 4hrs).
- Accommodation
Nowadays Peru has a fine choice of first class luxury and boutique accommodation. We’ve chosen from the very best and most stylish properties available. They all have spectacular locations and top-of-the range facilities. The Amazon ship, not large, is the epitome of contemporary style and comfort.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch days 4, 5 and 6; full board days 9-11.
- 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
13 days, 12 nights: Lima 1; Cusco 2; Urubamba 2; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 2; Amazon cruise 3; Lima 1.
- Optional Excursions
There are a number of half-day, 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.
• Horse riding or white-water rafting, Cusco.
• Weaving project, Sacred Valley. Nilda Callanaupa Centre for Traditional Textiles of Cuzco. High quality weaving project. A short visit is included on day 4, a full weaving demonstration showing the process of setting up artisanal looms etc is available at extra cost.
• Re-visit Machu Picchu. - 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 (American Express are the most widely accepted), though these are gradually falling out of use. 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$50 per day should cover the cost of good quality meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the very best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are expected 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 is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
The holiday is suitable for all able visitors. If you have a disability we need to be aware of, or other special requirements, please call us.
The streets in Cusco are cobbled and steep; climb them slowly, you’re at altitude.
- Climate
The rainy season in the Andes runs between November and March when there are showers many afternoons and it can be chilly at altitude.
The dry season is in June, July and August when the sun is strong during the day, but at night the temperature drops dramatically (from freezing point to 10°C). May, September and October are less predictable, with both rainy and sunny spells.
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.
The Amazon region is uniformly hot and humid all year (30°C) but when the sun shines it will feel hotter.
- 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 Urubamba is at high altitude (3,300 – 2,800m). Most people are only mildly affected and if you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink alcohol for the first couple of days at altitude), you’ll probably be OK. 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.
Please refer to our Briefing Dossier for further information.
- 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 waterproof/breathable 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 repellant, sun block and sun glasses. You should take swimwear for pools. On the Amazon cruise you should wear light, long-sleeved, loose cotton clothing with something smart casual for meals on board..
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. Protection against malaria is advisable for the Amazon cruise.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- 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.
Take a tour of the colossal stone fortress of Sacsayhuamán, a hugely important Inca ruin on the outskirts of Cusco.
Travel on one of the continent’s most scenic rail journeys to arrive at the incomparable Lost City of the Incas.
Explore the world-famous Lost City of the Incas: the undisputed jewel in Peru’s crown.
Take a cruise of the Amazon on one of a choice of small, riverboat-style contemporary expedition boats, with daily excursions.
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
Beautiful boutique hotel backed by picturesque mountains, offering stylish accommodation in bungalows spread throughout tranquil gardens.
Aria Amazon is a first class vessel offering Amazon cruises of unparalleled luxury, complete with contemporary styling, gourmet cuisine and expertly led land expeditions.
The Belmond Miraflores Park is an outstanding first class property promising style, class and quality right down to the very last detail.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Nazca Lines + Paracas
Travel to the Paracas Peninsula and explore the bird-smothered Ballestas Islands by boat. Fly over the Nazca Lines for a bird’s eye view of the giant symbols and lines carved into skeletal desert rock by the pre-Columbian Nazca people. Day 1: From Lima, travel by public coach south to Paracas (3.5hrs) on the Panamerican Highway,…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
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.
