Tour info

Transport

1 domestic flight (1 hour); 4 half-day road journeys in private vehicles with driver (4-5 hours); 1 public bus journey in comfortable vehicles featuring reclining seats, air-conditioning, an on-board toilet, and several bathroom stops (10 hours); 1 scenic rail journey on a train with reclining seats, air-conditioning, on-board toilets and several meals (10 hours).

Accommodation

This trip includes mainly mid and upper-mid range properties, chosen because of a combination of their locations, value for money and comfort. Most are modern in style and possess the everyday conveniences that this brings. All properties can be substituted for alternatives that better suit your travel style, preferred comfort level and budget (subject to availability).

Meals

Breakfast daily; lunch on days 4, 7, 10, 11 and 13; dinner on day 18; full-board on days 19 and 20.

Guides

We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for several decades. 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

21 days, 20 nights: Lima 2; Paracas 1; Nazca 1; Arequipa 2; Colca Canyon 2; Lake Titicaca 2; Cusco 2; Sacred Valley 2; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 2; Puerto Maldonado 3.

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. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.

Daily Spend

It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$45 per person, per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.

Tipping

Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.

Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.

Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.

Insurance

Travel insurance is essential.  Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.

Airport Taxes

If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax and taxes on internal flights are usually included in the ticket.

Trip Suitability

This holiday is suitable for all able-bodied, reasonably fit adults, but the long road and rail journeys, despite being in comfortable vehicles and scenic surrounds, may make the trip unsuitable for young children.

It is perfect for those who have a bit more time to spare and want to embark on a journey that has different types of experiences sewn in throughout its duration.

Those with an interest in history and culture will be particularly well suited, whilst wildlife and nature lovers will also have plenty to enjoy.

Several of the locations visited are at high altitudes, but when following the advice given, the vast majority of visitors will feel no, or very little, discomfort. Pregnant women, or those with breathing difficulties, heart conditions or other known conditions should take extra precautions and seek the advice of a GP before booking.

Don’t forget that this is a fully customisable itinerary which can be adjusted to match your preferences and requirements.

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 via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.

Vaccinations

Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.

You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health page.

Country info

When is the best time to visit Peru?

The best time to visit the Andes is April to October, the dry season but at this time it is misty and chilly in Lima. The jungle is an all-year destination, as is Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.

What is Peru's official language?

The official language spoken in Peru is Spanish.

What is Peru's official currency?

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Numerous money exchange offices exchange US dollar cash (few accept euros or sterling and the rate may be poor).

What is the time difference between Peru and the UK?

The time difference between the UK and Peru is GMT-5 hours.

Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?

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.

What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Peru?

Please check https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.

Which other countries combine well with Peru?

The Galapagos Islands combine well with Peru, as there are flights from Lima connecting through Guayaquil, Ecuador.

What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Peru?

Semana Santa (Easter): Many places throughout the country, Mar-Apr variable. Religious processions.
Inti Raymi, Cusco (24 Jun) Theatre and re-enactments of Inca history in the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, the temple fortress overlooking Cusco.

How do I adapt to the altitude in Peru?

Peru's high Andean spine is bookended by the Pacific coast and Amazon Rainforest, with Cuzco at 3,300m. Travel to high altitude can cause mountain sickness and even if you feel fighting fit it’s important to take things easy and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine) as you get used to the thin, dry air. You may initially notice a headache, dizziness or breathlessness and this usually improves with acclimatisation. If you are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill, have a medical condition such as heart or lung condition, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure you should seek the advice of your GP before booking.  We also recommend you check your travel insurance covers travel to high altitude.  If you’re taking the family, remember small children may be less capable of communicating altitude-related symptoms effectively: keep an eye on them too. Rest assured we will plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account any time spent at altitude.  If you have any questions or concerns about altitude please speak to your travel expert.

Further advice on travel to altitude is available on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk