Luxury Peru and Galapagos: Machu Picchu and the Enchanted Islands
14 days from £10,310
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 to the hotel 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. Lima’s history is grandiose in the extreme, a vital capital in Spanish colonial times it has monumental architecture to match. The city is composed of contrasting districts, and your hotel is in Barranco, one of the most interesting, with a history of creative arts and many galleries and a lively music scene.
The exquisite boutique Hotel B occupies a magnificent Belle Époque mansion which has been refurbished to reflect its former grandeur, incorporating high ceilings, large windows, open balconies and marbled terraces. It is set in the heart of bohemian Barranco, two blocks from the coast and a short stroll from Miraflores. The property is listed in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio.
Befitting of its artistic environs (Barranco is known for its proliferation of galleries and studios), the hotel has an impressive art collection which adds personality to all its interior spaces. Art lovers can even enjoy private viewings and other special events arranged by a local gallery with which the hotel maintains a close connection.
The sophisticated guestrooms meet the highest standards of modern comfort and luxury while still feeling individual. Colours are muted and the overall ambience stylish and sophisticated. The hotel also offers its own restaurant, bar and lounge offering excellent Peruvian cuisine in a light and informal setting.
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.
Fly to Cusco in the Andes, and climb by road out of the bowl in which Cusco is set and descend into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once the bread-basket of the 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. Overnight in the loveliest accommodation in the valley, with a magical location and ambience.
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.
Guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Visit the Pisac complex, set high above the river, and visible from the eponymous colonial village you will visit. The “city” crammed with residences, temples and storehouses, was built on terraces carved into the steep hillsides. From the flat valley floor this intricate hillside rises up like a green staircase to the heavens.
Continue along this picturesque, patchwork valley to Ollantaytambo. This temple and garrison, sits strategically at the gateway to the Amazon basin.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 snow-capped Andean cordillera forms a stunning backdrop.
Later, head on to Wayra ranch for a presentation by Peruvian pace horses (caballos de paso) renowned for having 5 gears. You spend another night in the mystical surroundings of the Sacred Valley, beneath the dome of a vast, clear Andean sky.
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, or take one of the hotel’s many excursions and adventure activities, or luxuriate with a spa treatment. In the afternoon, travel for 1.5hours by train from Ollantaytambo to 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 (formerly known as Aguas Calientes), dedicated to serving the many visitors with artisan markets, bars and restaurants.
The stunning Inkaterra hotel is perched on the banks of the River Urubamba in a private tropical forest reserve framed by Andean peaks, at the foot of iconic Machu Picchu.
Perfectly blending rustic charm with comfort and luxury, the award-winning property consists of a collection of tiled stone cottages set amid lush subtropical foliage and connected by atmospheric walkways. On entering the grounds, you feel you’ve discovered a serene Andean village hidden amongst the sprawling forest greenery. Over 12 acres, the grounds are home to more than 200 species of birds and one of the world’s largest native orchid collections, some 372 species.
Rooms and suites have wide, wood-beamed bedrooms with open fires, alpaca-wool blankets and Andean motifs that give a flavour of Inca culture without overpowering the calm, contemporary feel of the décor. Warm tones and soft light accentuate the welcoming cosiness.
A delightful glass-walled restaurant serves imaginative à la carte food in front of a spectacular river valley panorama. There is also a spa offering natural treatments inspired by regional therapies, including an Andean sauna, and guided bird-watching excursions and jungle walks along the hummingbird and orchid trails are complementary for all guests.
Inkaterra Hotels have Climate Positive certification with initiatives including reforestation of native trees, conservation of spectacled bears, energy efficiency and work with local communities. The group also funds an Amazon Research Station in Peru, staffed by scientists and volunteers.
Half-day guided tour 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 soon became clear to excavators that the conquistadores had never found the city, and for many years it was mistaken for the legendary last refuge of the Incas, Vilcabamba. It is the ruins’ location perhaps, on a ridge spur amid forested peaks and above a roaring river canyon, that most ignites the imagination. Return to Cusco by Vistadome rail service and road.
This very special place is recognised as one of Peru’s finest hotels and has received numerous international plaudits, ranking among the top hotels in the world according to prestigious magazines such as Tatler and Condé Nast Traveller. It is included in the exclusive Relais & Châteaux portfolio, the only accommodation in Cusco to have received this accolade.
The pampering you will get from the staff at Inkaterra La Casona will make you feel like an honoured guest. Although it’s close to Cusco’s main sites, this is an oasis of calm and contemplation.
There is a select number of generously-proportioned suites, each featuring a mélange of colonial-inspired antique furnishings and state-of-the-art modern facilities – from huge bath tubs and freestanding showers to under-floor heating. Yet the feel is far from impersonal: there are also lovely homely touches like an open fire and a hot water bottle waiting for you in your bed.
The public areas are particularly atmospheric, adorned with religious paintings, arches and Peruvian motifs, and the food served in the glamorous restaurant is among the best in Cusco.
Inkaterra Hotels have Climate Positive certification with initiatives including reforestation of native trees, conservation of spectacled bears, energy efficiency and work with local communities. The group also funds an Amazon Research Station in Peru, staffed by scientists and volunteers.
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 guide leads you on a 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; centuries later it is still an extraordinary and imposing sight.
This very special place is recognised as one of Peru’s finest hotels and has received numerous international plaudits, ranking among the top hotels in the world according to prestigious magazines such as Tatler and Condé Nast Traveller. It is included in the exclusive Relais & Châteaux portfolio, the only accommodation in Cusco to have received this accolade.
The pampering you will get from the staff at Inkaterra La Casona will make you feel like an honoured guest. Although it’s close to Cusco’s main sites, this is an oasis of calm and contemplation.
There is a select number of generously-proportioned suites, each featuring a mélange of colonial-inspired antique furnishings and state-of-the-art modern facilities – from huge bath tubs and freestanding showers to under-floor heating. Yet the feel is far from impersonal: there are also lovely homely touches like an open fire and a hot water bottle waiting for you in your bed.
The public areas are particularly atmospheric, adorned with religious paintings, arches and Peruvian motifs, and the food served in the glamorous restaurant is among the best in Cusco.
Inkaterra Hotels have Climate Positive certification with initiatives including reforestation of native trees, conservation of spectacled bears, energy efficiency and work with local communities. The group also funds an Amazon Research Station in Peru, staffed by scientists and volunteers.
Fly to Lima (1hr) and connect to Quito (2.5hrs), the highland capital of Ecuador. The active volcano Guagua Pichincha, to the east, glowers over the dynamic city which, at 2,850m, is one of highest capitals in the world. Quito is divided into two contrasting districts. The modern zone is characterised by towering glass buildings, and houses banks, international companies, hotels, shops and restaurants, while the central colonial area has well-conserved and recently spruced-up white-washed architecture, open air markets and graceful Spanish-style mansions and churches.
Casa Gangotena is a richly luxurious boutique hotel right on the main square of Quito’s old quarter. The building is a restored Renaissance-inspired mansion which preserves the opulent ambience and décor of its former incarnation. Furnishings and fittings are mostly neoclassical in flavour, the ornate design tempered by the use of muted colours – beige, light green, cream and gold.
Guestrooms are large, quiet and very well appointed. There is a nod to contemporary style in the spacious bathrooms where you will find marble bathtubs and rain showers.
Guests can book treatments at the onsite spa and there is a bar with great views over the plaza and a small patio garden. There is also a small Relais & Chateaux restaurant serving meals throughout the day.
Half-day guided walking tour of old Quito. Visit the colonial centre of the capital, the first city ever to be named a World Heritage site. High on the agenda is a walk through the main plaza, the Plaza de Independencia, where you will see the government palace, the cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the 16th and 17th centuries, including the monastery of San Francisco.
Afternoon at leisure.
Casa Gangotena is a richly luxurious boutique hotel right on the main square of Quito’s old quarter. The building is a restored Renaissance-inspired mansion which preserves the opulent ambience and décor of its former incarnation. Furnishings and fittings are mostly neoclassical in flavour, the ornate design tempered by the use of muted colours – beige, light green, cream and gold.
Guestrooms are large, quiet and very well appointed. There is a nod to contemporary style in the spacious bathrooms where you will find marble bathtubs and rain showers.
Guests can book treatments at the onsite spa and there is a bar with great views over the plaza and a small patio garden. There is also a small Relais & Chateaux restaurant serving meals throughout the day.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands (2 hrs approximately) where you will embark on the catamaran for your 6-day (5-night) cruise around the archipelago. Once you’ve paid your national park entrance fee (currently $US100 but under revision), your naturalist guide will be waiting to take you to the quayside.
The first class Ocean Spray is a striking vessel purpose-built for cruising in the Galápagos Islands. With a length of 34m and accommodating just 16 guests and 11 crew she is an intimate, service-oriented catamaran where comfort is a prime consideration. The attention of crew and guide, as well as the excellent facilities, will make you feel special on and off board.
The main deck accommodates the dining area and a lounge with library. The upper deck has a bar and al fresco dining – a barbecue is served here – while the ultra-spacious teak sun deck accommodates a Jacuzzi and loungers for relaxing in the sun. The cabins are particularly attractive, with extra-large windows offering wide ocean views and private balconies, luxurious assets rarely found on Galápagos cruisers. Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and wet suits are available on board. With the stability offered by a twin-hulled vessel and a top speed of 15 knots she can travel rapidly between one island and another.
The Galápagos Islands emerged in the Pacific Ocean six million years ago following a spate of volcanic activity and, isolated from the continental mainland, have become home to unique plant and animal species. Without fear of humans, they are sufficiently trusting to allow you to approach them and observe them up close.
The islands were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which formed the basis for his revolutionary book ‘On The Origin of Species’ published in 1859.
Although geologically constantly on the move, these islands remain suspended in time, with Giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins, Frigate birds, Waved albatross and Blue-footed boobies and a wealth of rare flora all thriving there. For many, the fascinating and unique wildlife and natural beauty of the islands are matched by the thrill of being at sea. Find a spot on deck as your ship makes way through the ocean, often trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.
Visits to Isabela and Fernandina islands are planned but the itinerary for your days in the Galápagos will depend on your date of departure and is subject to change. There are normally two landings each day to seek out the different wildlife that inhabits the islands.
The first class Ocean Spray is a striking vessel purpose-built for cruising in the Galápagos Islands. With a length of 34m and accommodating just 16 guests and 11 crew she is an intimate, service-oriented catamaran where comfort is a prime consideration. The attention of crew and guide, as well as the excellent facilities, will make you feel special on and off board.
The main deck accommodates the dining area and a lounge with library. The upper deck has a bar and al fresco dining – a barbecue is served here – while the ultra-spacious teak sun deck accommodates a Jacuzzi and loungers for relaxing in the sun. The cabins are particularly attractive, with extra-large windows offering wide ocean views and private balconies, luxurious assets rarely found on Galápagos cruisers. Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and wet suits are available on board. With the stability offered by a twin-hulled vessel and a top speed of 15 knots she can travel rapidly between one island and another.
Fly back to the mainland and board your international flight home.
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 - 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.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Quito
Quito, Ecuador built around colonial history and Andean drama, sharing the highland valley. At 2,850m and ringed by volcanoes, the historic centre mixes cobbled streets, whitewashed façades and colourful churches with a modern city beyond. Quito holidays combine both, and work just as a standalone city break or the start of a longer trip.
Combine Peru’s greatest highlights, Machu Picchu and Cusco, with a cruise to the Galápagos Islands on this luxury tour. Stay in top hotels and travel in style with a cruise on top-of-the-range motor yacht, MV Ocean Spray.
The warmth and friendliness of the Peruvian people, combined with the country’s rich traditions and diverse, extraordinary scenery, make Peru an easy place to fall in love with. Here we take you to its best known sites: the ancient Inca temples of Machu Picchu and the Inca capital and colonial treasure house of Cusco. Fly to Quito, the highland capital of Ecuador, and fly on to embark on MV Ocean Spray for a 5-day cruise around the Galápagos Islands, to see the greatest wildlife show on Earth. It was on a similar trip 200 years ago that Darwin returned to the archipelago to write the seminal book ‘On The Origin of Species’. Step into his shoes and explore the diversity of land and marine life which inhabit these enchanting islands.
Mary Anne Nelson
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
5 flights (longest 2.5hrs); 2 rail and road journeys (longest 4hrs).
- Accommodation
This holiday incorporates first class luxury boutique hotels with plenty of history and special features. They have excellent locations and top-of-the range facilities. Ocean Spray is a small and intimate first class motor catamaran offering ocean-borne luxury, excellent service and well guided excursions
- Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch days 3, 5; dinner day 4; full board days 9-13.
- 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
14 days, 13 nights: Lima 1; Urubamba 2; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 2; Quito 2; Galápagos 5.
- 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 drinks and the odd souvenir, and of good quality meals on those days in the holiday itinerary when not on the cruise.. 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.
Given the limited medical facilities in the Galápagos Islands and the costs related to air ambulance services, you are strongly encouraged to obtain travel insurance which includes air ambulance services.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- 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.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors. The sea can be choppy around the Galápagos islands. The streets in Cusco are cobbled and steep.
- Climate
The rainy season in the Andes runs between November and March when there are showers most afternoons. 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.
In Cusco and the highlands, June to September can be very cold at night, but days are usually extremely clear with sun. November to April 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. Nights are cold throughout the year at altitude.
In the Galápagos, from January to April it’s hot and the sun is relentless, with some sudden showers. May to July, and October to December is cloudier; August and September it’s often cloudy and cool, and a stiff breeze makes the waters choppier. High and Low seasons reflect demand rather than the best time to go. Many boats are in dry dock in September.
- Altitude
Your stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley is at high altitude (2,800-3,300m). 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 alcohol) in the first couple of days after arrival, you will minimise your chances of suffering any symptoms.
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, hat and sun glasses. You should take swimwear for pools and ocean swimming (Galápagos). The ship provides complimentary use of snorkelling equipment and 3mm ‘shorty’ wetsuits but you may prefer to bring your own. Aqua-socks or rubber sandals are useful for embarking and disembarking on wet landings. Bring a light waterproof jacket in case of rain. For June to November departures, the waters can be chilly.
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 and Galápagos.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
For admission to the Galápagos a yellow fever certificate is required for anyone over 1 year old coming from an area with risk of yellow fever transmission.
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.
- When To Go
At any time of year some of the fauna species will be breeding, nesting or in some other way particularly active. The climate is not extreme and even in the wetter months the rain usually only comes in afternoon showers. Dec – May the weather is hot with warm, calm seas and more chance of showers. Jun – Nov it is cooler with morning mist and choppier, colder seas.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish
- Currency
Ecuador uses the US dollar. The bank in Puerto Ayora may offer advances on a UK credit or debit card but you are well advised to bring US dollars cash sufficient for your needs on the islands with you.
- Time Difference
GMT -6 hours.
- Combines With
A land tour on the Ecuadorian mainland; the Inca archaeological sites of Peru (daily flights Quito to Lima 2hrs 20mins).
- Getting There
Flight time from Quito is 2-3 hours, 1.5hrs from Guayaquil. Quito flights normally touch down in Guayaquil.
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.
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 tour of the colossal stone fortress of Sacsayhuamán, a hugely important Inca ruin on the outskirts of Cusco.
Explore the historic centre of the Ecuadorian capital in the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Discover the Galápagos Islands for yourself – this is one of the most sought-after experiences in travel, and the reality does not disappoint.
Stroll with sea birds and snorkel with penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas on guided expeditions in the pristine natural wonderland of the Galápagos.
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.
This captivating first-class hotel resembles a serene Andean village of stone cottages hidden in lush tropical forest, right on the doorstep of Machu Picchu.
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.
