Peru Birdlife: Machu Picchu to Pristine Amazon
12 days from £2,450
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.
Begin your Peruvian birdlife holiday in Cusco, where you will be met and driven 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.
Stay in the one of the loveliest properties in the valley at Ollantaytambo, a small town lost in time between the Incas of its foundations and the colonial Spanish invaders, with little cobbled streets and adobe houses dwarfed by the massive bulk of its imperial Inca fortress.
The snow-capped Andean cordillera forms a stunning backdrop to this breathtaking landscape.
This is a modern hotel, but its traditional style blends in with that of the villages and farmhouses of the region. Terracotta walls and tiled roofs give a colonial look to the four buildings housing its cosy guestrooms, all set within attractive gardens with beautiful views of the mountains fringing the Sacred Valley.
Polished eucalyptus floors and beams enhance the hotel’s friendly atmosphere while a welcoming open fire makes the lounge a particularly cosy place to relax. Service is welcoming and there is also a pleasant restaurant, TV room and bar.
Hotel Pakaritampu is conveniently situated a couple of minutes’ walk from the railway station in Ollantaytambo, the point of departure for the scenic railway journey to Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo is well worth a visit in itself: it’s a rural village whose history is manifested in the Inca walls forming the base of colonial houses, the exposed water channels that run along its cobbled lanes, and a massive Inca fortress perched on the gateway from the Andes to the jungle.
Today is free to acclimatise and recover from your journey.
At 2,800m above sea level, Ollantaytambo is at a lower altitude than Cusco, so an ideal place to acclimatise.
Explore the delightful cobbled streets of this little town and perhaps visit the impressive ruins upon which the settlement is founded. Later in the day, perhaps take a stroll along the roaring Urubamba river, looking out for torrent ducks and the white-capped dipper.
This is a modern hotel, but its traditional style blends in with that of the villages and farmhouses of the region. Terracotta walls and tiled roofs give a colonial look to the four buildings housing its cosy guestrooms, all set within attractive gardens with beautiful views of the mountains fringing the Sacred Valley.
Polished eucalyptus floors and beams enhance the hotel’s friendly atmosphere while a welcoming open fire makes the lounge a particularly cosy place to relax. Service is welcoming and there is also a pleasant restaurant, TV room and bar.
Hotel Pakaritampu is conveniently situated a couple of minutes’ walk from the railway station in Ollantaytambo, the point of departure for the scenic railway journey to Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo is well worth a visit in itself: it’s a rural village whose history is manifested in the Inca walls forming the base of colonial houses, the exposed water channels that run along its cobbled lanes, and a massive Inca fortress perched on the gateway from the Andes to the jungle.
Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to reach the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The railway route through the Sacred Valley and Urubamba gorge passes through some of Peru’s most exquisite and dramatic scenery. From the fertile valley floor studded with fields bulging with cereals, fruit and vegetables, rimmed by rugged mountains, the track enters an ever-narrowing gorge: the river froths over water-smoothed boulders and vertical cliffs, increasingly draped in tropical vegetation, tower skywards.
You’ll have a guided tour of the ruined city, 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.
Look out for the Inca wren as you explore this spectacular setting.
Taking its inspiration from the template of minimalist boutique properties, El Mapi is uncompromisingly contemporary in style, eschewing the colourful textiles and Inca motifs typical of most Peruvian accommodation. Instead, the predominant colour is white and natural light filters in through panoramic windows.
Guestrooms are comfortable, spacious and well-equipped, with quality linens and bathrobes. The hotel also has a gift shop, a smart café serving organic food and a bar offering a selection of cocktails.
El MaPi is owned by the prestigious Peruvian luxury hotel group Inkaterra, and is a flagship of its new affordable range of properties. These hotels are more accessible to those on a modest budget but still offer the high standards and unique ambience which are the cornerstones of the Inkaterra portfolio.
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.
An early start this morning to enjoy the best time of day for bird watching in the cloud-forest. You may spot the torrent duck and white-capped dipper, as well as silver-beaked, blue-necked, fawn-breasted and saffron-crowned tanagers. The trails you can follow on this optional excursion are part of an orchid trail, where some 372 different native orchid species have been logged by the American Orchid Society, and are home to cock-of-the-rock, the golden-headed quetzal and 18 different species of hummingbird, including green-and-white and booted-racket-tail, which are native to the area.
After lunch, travel by train to the enchanting city of Cusco.
Cusco is choc a bloc with accommodation, but we think this little hotel not far from the centre is one of the best for its standard and price.
Just a few short blocks uphill from the Plaza de Armas, in arty San Blas, the amiable little Hotel Rumi Punka offers guests a cosy place to stay in a colonial-style environment. In common with most buildings of the era it has rooms facing central courtyards, but with the additional bonus of a peaceful garden at the back. Bits of original Inca wall and a genuine Inca doorway add to the historical flavour, and traditional Peruvian motifs appear throughout the décor.
Guestrooms have polished wooden floors and spacious, contemporary bathrooms. The hotel also offers free internet access, safety deposit box, laundry facilities, a lounge with fireplace and a breakfast room where an excellent spread is served. Unusually for this grade of hotel there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and gym, though there is an extra charge to use these facilities.
Once capital of the Inca Empire, 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 and bars.
A guided tour will take you for a wander through its cobbled streets where you will encounter impressive Inca walls, colonial churches, and bustling squares filled with local artisans and lively markets. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is palpable.
Perched on the hillside above, are the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán, which you will visit next. In 1536, a desperate and defining three-day battle was fought here between the Spanish and the Inca. The first conquistadores to lay eyes on it were awestruck, and centuries later, it remains an extraordinary and imposing sight, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization.
Cusco is choc a bloc with accommodation, but we think this little hotel not far from the centre is one of the best for its standard and price.
Just a few short blocks uphill from the Plaza de Armas, in arty San Blas, the amiable little Hotel Rumi Punka offers guests a cosy place to stay in a colonial-style environment. In common with most buildings of the era it has rooms facing central courtyards, but with the additional bonus of a peaceful garden at the back. Bits of original Inca wall and a genuine Inca doorway add to the historical flavour, and traditional Peruvian motifs appear throughout the décor.
Guestrooms have polished wooden floors and spacious, contemporary bathrooms. The hotel also offers free internet access, safety deposit box, laundry facilities, a lounge with fireplace and a breakfast room where an excellent spread is served. Unusually for this grade of hotel there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and gym, though there is an extra charge to use these facilities.
Begin your adventure to the Peruvian Amazon. This Biosphere Reserve is the biggest protected area of rainforest in Peru and one of the best places on the continent for seeing tropical flora and fauna.
This adventure takes you into wilderness rainforest, where wildlife spotting is its most rewarding, and to observe community projects and even assist in the scientific research undertaken there.
You’ll be driven from Cusco, climbing over Huancarani pass (3,700m), descending rapidly from the uplands, winding through a tortured rocky landscape and passing through the little traditional town of Paucartambo, the centre of ancient trading routes of the Incas, and on over another pass at 3,500m. The views en route of rippling waves of hazy mountain ranges are superb. Eventually you enter misty, succulent cloud forest before reaching the entrance to the Manú National Park and your simple lodge, the Cock of the Rock.
As its name suggests, the remote Cock of the Rock Lodge is the place to come if you wish to spot the rare, ostentatiously plumed cock of the rock, but that is far from its only virtue. At 1,600m above sea level, the lodge is in a pleasant temperate climatic zone which offers all the wild beauty of the pristine Manu cloud-forest without the stifling heat and humidity of lower elevations. Tremendously scenic trails radiate out from the property and hummingbirds weave their way around its gardens, while the sounds of the rippling stream running beside the lodge mingle with the uninterrupted birdsong.
Accommodation is simple and rustic, as you would expect in this unspoilt natural setting, eight hours by road from Cusco. Cabins have screened windows, mosquito nets, a private balcony and an en suite bathroom with hot water. The electricity is switched on for three hours each evening; at other times lighting is atmospherically provided by candles. There is also a bar and dining hall where guests enjoy delicious meals that make optimum use of fresh regional ingredients.
Rise before dawn and head out into the cloud forest to see one the vivid national bird of Peru, the coq-of-the-rock, and maybe watch entranced as the brilliantly fiery-orange creature performs its intricate dance in competition with other males.
Begin the journey by road further down into the cloud forest filled with the sights and sounds of the rainforest: monkeys and some of the richest varieties of birds on earth, in addition to the comical spectacled bear. Along the way, visit a coca plantation to learn about the uses of the leaves and their medicinal properties.
Later you embark on the spectacular, breathtaking, descent to Atalaya. Here you board a motorised canoe on the Alto Madre de Dios for an hour’s ride to the Manú Learning Centre where you wil be accommodated for four nights. These are the upper reaches of one of the most southerly feeders of the Amazon, flanked by low forested bluffs – your first impression of what will become, hundreds of kilometres downstream, the meanderings of the greatest river on earth.
Owned and operated by the rainforest research and preservation foundation CREES, the Manú Learning Centre is the first totally sustainable, carbon-neutral lodge to be opened in the region. Even the most serious wildlife enthusiasts will be impressed here – indeed, scientists and conservationists choose it as a base for research.
Manú is one of the most biodiverse rainforest areas on the planet, and guests can observe wildlife around the lodge and along the extensive trails system. Monkeys, hummingbirds, macaws and caiman are frequently sighted among a myriad of other exotic tropical creatures. Nature lovers will also be entranced by the exuberance of the plant life.
The lodge construction follows a traditional indigenous design comprising of large, airy buildings elevated above the ground and under a shelter of thatch. The two-level accommodation ‘pods’ consist of three simple but comfortable partitioned twin rooms on each level. Protected by mosquito screening, these rooms are open to the sights and sounds of the rainforest: part of the lodge’s aim is to inspire visitors to really become absorbed into the authentic conditions and atmosphere of the jungle.
The well-maintained shared toilet and bathing facilities (with hot showers) are in a separate block. There’s also a separate lounge and restaurant area, where seasonal Peruvian cuisine is served.
As well as a wetland viewing platform which provides excellent bird watching, the lodge has a bio-garden, a medicinal plants garden and an orchid garden, all open for guests to visit during their stay.
The lodge is verified by the Rainforest Alliance and uses sustainable practices to reduce the lodge’s impact on the environment, including solar energy and gravity-fed water pumps. The enthusiastic and helpful staff are employed from nearby communities.
On the next two days you will be rising early at about 5.00am to take part in the conservation and research projects. First, join scientists and researchers on an early morning boat trip to the clay lick (collpa), to view the activity of macaws, parrots, and parakeets. As dawn breaks, be dazzled by the vivid plumage of the birds as they flock together on the walls of the clay lick. A commonplace, everyday activity for the birds; a spellbinding display for the observer. The blue headed macaw is observed and studied here, as it is an endangered species.
Examples of the projects you can get involved in are mammal tracking such as the jaguar, puma, tapir and peccary. Help set camera and footprint traps. Head out on early morning hikes using various surveying techniques for recording data as well as at night doing sound surveys. There is a butterfly project setting fruit-bated traps in various areas of the rainforest and monitoring these. Other projects include the Biomass Forest Structure project which investigates the science behind carbon sequestration.
While taking part in these projects you will be experiencing differing terrain and multiple forest types, coming across squirrel monkeys, hummingbirds and razor-billed curassows. With over 13 different species of monkeys (according to the last report on the area around the Manu Biosphere Reserve) and a large mammal presence, you will be able to observe a lot of wildlife. With over 24 km of trails this is a large exploration area. After a full day working on the projects, return and freshen up for a homemade meal. Following dinner you can talk to the scientists, researchers and other volunteers, perhaps enjoying a presentation of their latest findings, or just relax and take in the sounds of the rainforest.
Owned and operated by the rainforest research and preservation foundation CREES, the Manú Learning Centre is the first totally sustainable, carbon-neutral lodge to be opened in the region. Even the most serious wildlife enthusiasts will be impressed here – indeed, scientists and conservationists choose it as a base for research.
Manú is one of the most biodiverse rainforest areas on the planet, and guests can observe wildlife around the lodge and along the extensive trails system. Monkeys, hummingbirds, macaws and caiman are frequently sighted among a myriad of other exotic tropical creatures. Nature lovers will also be entranced by the exuberance of the plant life.
The lodge construction follows a traditional indigenous design comprising of large, airy buildings elevated above the ground and under a shelter of thatch. The two-level accommodation ‘pods’ consist of three simple but comfortable partitioned twin rooms on each level. Protected by mosquito screening, these rooms are open to the sights and sounds of the rainforest: part of the lodge’s aim is to inspire visitors to really become absorbed into the authentic conditions and atmosphere of the jungle.
The well-maintained shared toilet and bathing facilities (with hot showers) are in a separate block. There’s also a separate lounge and restaurant area, where seasonal Peruvian cuisine is served.
As well as a wetland viewing platform which provides excellent bird watching, the lodge has a bio-garden, a medicinal plants garden and an orchid garden, all open for guests to visit during their stay.
The lodge is verified by the Rainforest Alliance and uses sustainable practices to reduce the lodge’s impact on the environment, including solar energy and gravity-fed water pumps. The enthusiastic and helpful staff are employed from nearby communities.
After an early breakfast you will be taking part in some of the community based projects. The Bio Garden project serves as a model of small scale subsistence farming and reforestation. You will be shown the different crops and be involved in planting them. You will assist the locals in implementing new and sustainable agricultural techniques, such as planting vegetables which are set alongside young trees in the same bed. The crops protect the trees in their most vulnerable stages; by the time the garden has been harvested for several seasons the trees have become established.
Another community project is the Agro-Forestry project, a reforestation plan which will provide you with the opportunity to plant away your own carbon emissions from your trip to Peru on locally deforested areas. Over the next 15 years projects like this one will generate over $US800,000 for the local community. After a full day working on the projects, overnight at the lodge, taking in the wonderful setting, having dinner and sharing experiences with others.
Owned and operated by the rainforest research and preservation foundation CREES, the Manú Learning Centre is the first totally sustainable, carbon-neutral lodge to be opened in the region. Even the most serious wildlife enthusiasts will be impressed here – indeed, scientists and conservationists choose it as a base for research.
Manú is one of the most biodiverse rainforest areas on the planet, and guests can observe wildlife around the lodge and along the extensive trails system. Monkeys, hummingbirds, macaws and caiman are frequently sighted among a myriad of other exotic tropical creatures. Nature lovers will also be entranced by the exuberance of the plant life.
The lodge construction follows a traditional indigenous design comprising of large, airy buildings elevated above the ground and under a shelter of thatch. The two-level accommodation ‘pods’ consist of three simple but comfortable partitioned twin rooms on each level. Protected by mosquito screening, these rooms are open to the sights and sounds of the rainforest: part of the lodge’s aim is to inspire visitors to really become absorbed into the authentic conditions and atmosphere of the jungle.
The well-maintained shared toilet and bathing facilities (with hot showers) are in a separate block. There’s also a separate lounge and restaurant area, where seasonal Peruvian cuisine is served.
As well as a wetland viewing platform which provides excellent bird watching, the lodge has a bio-garden, a medicinal plants garden and an orchid garden, all open for guests to visit during their stay.
The lodge is verified by the Rainforest Alliance and uses sustainable practices to reduce the lodge’s impact on the environment, including solar energy and gravity-fed water pumps. The enthusiastic and helpful staff are employed from nearby communities.
After breakfast, prepare for departure and take the boat back to Atalaya port-town, where you board transport back to Cusco. The landscape changes dramatically as you climb up into the cloud forest towards the Andes and then descend to the city and your hotel.
Cusco is choc a bloc with accommodation, but we think this little hotel not far from the centre is one of the best for its standard and price.
Just a few short blocks uphill from the Plaza de Armas, in arty San Blas, the amiable little Hotel Rumi Punka offers guests a cosy place to stay in a colonial-style environment. In common with most buildings of the era it has rooms facing central courtyards, but with the additional bonus of a peaceful garden at the back. Bits of original Inca wall and a genuine Inca doorway add to the historical flavour, and traditional Peruvian motifs appear throughout the décor.
Guestrooms have polished wooden floors and spacious, contemporary bathrooms. The hotel also offers free internet access, safety deposit box, laundry facilities, a lounge with fireplace and a breakfast room where an excellent spread is served. Unusually for this grade of hotel there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and gym, though there is an extra charge to use these facilities.
Transfer to Cusco airport for your international flight. Alternatively, extend your holiday elsewhere in Peru, or further afield to Ecuador, Colombia or perhaps to discover the wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
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 - 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.
Peru - The Peruvian Amazon (south)
Rainforest, rivers and ox-bow lakes make the southern Peruvian Amazon one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, and one of the best Peruvian Amazon holidays you can build into a wider Peru trip. Monkeys, macaws and caiman turn up on foot, by boat and even by bicycle, all within easy reach of Cusco.
Discover Peru’s incredible birdlife on a journey from the Andes to Amazon. With a breathtaking diversity of altitudes, landscapes and ecosystems, from chilly mountain ranges to humid lowland jungle, Peru is home to over 1,800 species of birds (120 endemic to Peru), 500 species of mammals and over 300 species of reptiles.
On this unique bird-focussed holiday in Peru, see the spectacular Andean setting of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to magnificent birds of prey, white-capped Dipper and torrent ducks, then wander through hummingbird-filled cloud forest below the lost city of Machu Picchu, the cultural highlight of any visit to Peru.
With time to discover the enchanting town of Cusco, travel down towards the remote Amazonian Manú National Park, which boasts one of highest levels of biodiversity of any reserve in the world. Here, explore Manú Biosphere Reserve on the edge of the Park, where highlights include razor-billed curassow, cock-of-the-rock, and intimate views of macaws, parrots, and parakeets at a nearby clay-lick.
Here, you also have the opportunity to get hands-on with the centre’s inspirational tree-top canopy research and studies into the endangered blue headed macaw, alongside the conservation-focused scientists and researchers who are based here.
Ben Line
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
2 rail journeys (longest 4hrs); 4 scenic road journeys (longest 8 hours – the breathtaking journey from Amazonian Manu to Andean Cusco); several river boat transfers and excursions.
- Accommodation
This holiday incorporates small mid range hotels with character, a bit of history and some special features. They have excellent locations and good facilities for their grade.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, full board days 6 – 10, lunch day 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 customers very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: Ollantaytambo 2; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 2; Manú 5; Cusco 1.
- 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 in Peru 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 on those days in the holiday itinerary when not in the Amazon or Galápagos , drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the very 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.
Given the limited facilities in the Amazon 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.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors. Not available in February.
- 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.
- 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.
Manú, in the Amazon rainforest, is only 12° south of the Equator. It’s hot and humid all year around with little variation from midsummer (December) and midwinter (June).. Daytime temperatures reach the mid-30C°s;from June to mid-September,however, cold snaps may occur lasting a few days. Rain may be encountered at any time of year, however during the “dry season” from May to October there is less than in the “wet season” from late November to April.
- Altitude
Your stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley 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.
- 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 in the jungle. Long-sleeved shirts will protect you from insects.
Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellant, sun block, hat and sun glasses. Bring a light waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Don’t forget your binoculars, camera, charger and cards.
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 such as malaria prophylactics.
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.
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.
Keep your eyes peeled for magical glimpses of jungle wildlife while exploring the Amazon on land and water.
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
Remote, rustic lodge in an extraordinarily beautiful cloud-forest setting, offering wildlife trails in a pristine natural environment and great chances of spotting the rare cock of the rock bird.
Sustainable and authentic lodge in one of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse areas of rainforest: an ideal base for serious wildlife lovers.
Welcoming hotel with a traditional, rustic feel, set within attractive gardens with beautiful mountain views.
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.
