Signature Peru and Brazil: Machu Picchu and Rio de Janeiro
12 days from £4,240
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 in the cliff-side Pacific residential and commercial district of Miraflores. The journey encapsulates the invigorating buzz of a modern-day Latin American capital. 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.
The Pullman Lima Miraflores, located close to the beautiful Costa Verde promenade and Larcomar outdoor mall in Peru’s capital city, is a stylish property that boasts a rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the ocean and city. The high-rise checkerboard façade is indicative of the hotel’s eclectic décor that blends the traditional with the modern. The spacious rooms have floor to ceiling windows, modern geometric art, wood panels, desks, marble-design showers, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Larger suites are also available. The rooftop terrace has a pool with sun loungers and a bar, and the hotel also has a fitness centre. The open-plan Plural Restaurant and Lounge offers modern Peruvian cuisine, while the Ambra Rooftop Bar on the 16th floor serves cocktails and homemade pizza to accompany the stunning sunset views.
Tour the principal republican sites of Lima: including the Museum of Art, the monument to Miguel Grau, the Palace of Justice and the Plaza San Martín. From here you will continue to a selection of the colonial churches, promenades and palaces which showcase some of the Spanish architecture that forms part of Peru’s heritage. Other stops include the church of Santo Domingo and the ornate cathedral or San Francisco Church.
The final port of call is the private Larco Museum with its collection of beautifully modelled pottery, unique gold and silver work, mummies, and ceramics from pre-Inca civilisations.
The Pullman Lima Miraflores, located close to the beautiful Costa Verde promenade and Larcomar outdoor mall in Peru’s capital city, is a stylish property that boasts a rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the ocean and city. The high-rise checkerboard façade is indicative of the hotel’s eclectic décor that blends the traditional with the modern. The spacious rooms have floor to ceiling windows, modern geometric art, wood panels, desks, marble-design showers, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Larger suites are also available. The rooftop terrace has a pool with sun loungers and a bar, and the hotel also has a fitness centre. The open-plan Plural Restaurant and Lounge offers modern Peruvian cuisine, while the Ambra Rooftop Bar on the 16th floor serves cocktails and homemade pizza to accompany the stunning sunset views.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Cusco in the Andes (1hr). Continue by road as you climb 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 many remaining ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created.
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.
Take a guided tour exploring the valley. The drive takes in several of the villages and temple fortresses that pepper the region. The Pisac complex, set high above and visible from the eponymous colonial village you will visit, is built on terraces carved into the steep hillsides. The engineering and preservation are unrivaled. From the flat valley floor this intricate hillside rises up like a green staircase to the heavens.
Continue along this patchwork valley. The snow-capped Andean cordillera forms a stunning backdrop to Ollantaytambo, sitting strategically at the gateway to the Amazon basin, was never captured by the Spanish conquistadors, but was abandoned. 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.
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.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo and travel for 90 minutes by train to the town 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 town of Machu Picchu, dedicated to serving the many visitors with artisan markets, bars and restaurants.
The majestic ruined city, reclaimed from tropical cloud forest, is reached by 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. The ruins’ location is on a ridge spur amid forested peaks and above a roaring river canyon.
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 lunch and retreating to the town for an overnight stay.
The elegant Casa del Sol Machu Picchu hotel is part of a portfolio of Peruvian-owned Casa del Sol properties. Painted in earthy tones and strewn with alpaca throws, the guestrooms incorporate abundant polished wood, discreet works of traditionally-inspired art and floor to ceiling windows. Bathrooms are strikingly original in design, and the suites even have a hot tub on a glass-fronted terrace overlooking the fast-flowing Vilcanota river.
Many guests have commented on how pleasant it is to fall asleep to the sound of the river, but should you need any more help relaxing there is a spa with a hydrotherapy pool, dry sauna and steam and massage rooms. There is also an excellent restaurant, offering exquisitely presented gourmet food in relaxed surroundings.
Return to Cusco by rail and road. The name Cusco derives from the Quechua word for navel, indicating its location at the centre of the Inca Empire, which reached its zenith at the same time as England was fighting the War of the Roses. Today its many impressive original Inca walls display extraordinary craftsmanship, while the bustling squares are dotted with ornate baroque colonial churches. It’s a vivacious city, where shoeshine boys and postcard sellers jostle for your attention in cobbled streets lined with handicraft shops and cafés. In the evening, the town centre fills with people flocking to the many restaurants, bars and cafés.
There are many reasons why a stay in baroque San Blas, Cusco’s most arty neighbourhood and the place you are most likely to experience a mildly bohemian atmosphere, is an excellent choice for visitors. Not least is its location just a couple of blocks up the hill from the main square and the proximity to shops, galleries, cafés and markets.
The welcoming Antigua Casona San Blas is one of the quarter’s most recent additions, although like many other hotels in the city it embraces a renovated Spanish colonial residence as well as a more modern part which has been designed to blend harmoniously with the older section. The historic atmosphere is enhanced with pretty balconies, pot plants brimming with bright green foliage and a cosy sitting area in the interior courtyard which may host an open fire on chilly evenings.
Today you have a fascinating tour of the city. Among the feast of cultural; and historic delights you’ll savour Q’oricancha, once the principal Inca Sun Temple, with extraordinarily intricate stonework, and then explore the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán, brooding on a hillside above Cusco. In 1536 a desperate and defining three-day battle was fought between the Spaniards and the Incas around this fortress. The first conquistadors to see it were awestruck and centuries later it is still an extraordinary and imposing sight.
There are many reasons why a stay in baroque San Blas, Cusco’s most arty neighbourhood and the place you are most likely to experience a mildly bohemian atmosphere, is an excellent choice for visitors. Not least is its location just a couple of blocks up the hill from the main square and the proximity to shops, galleries, cafés and markets.
The welcoming Antigua Casona San Blas is one of the quarter’s most recent additions, although like many other hotels in the city it embraces a renovated Spanish colonial residence as well as a more modern part which has been designed to blend harmoniously with the older section. The historic atmosphere is enhanced with pretty balconies, pot plants brimming with bright green foliage and a cosy sitting area in the interior courtyard which may host an open fire on chilly evenings.
At leisure in Cusco. It’s a compact city, easy to explore on foot independently. You are at leisure to discover the street markets, the many baroque churches and museums, and to wander the attractive narrow streets. There are a number of optional excursions in the surrounding region, including a trip to Maras and Moray, about an hour’s drive from Cusco. Moray is a system of ancient agricultural irrigation paths which now form circular depressions in the earth, with wonderful views into the Sacred Valley and in the shadow of the snowy peak of Mount Veronica. From here it is a short walk to the salt pans at Maras, circular pans of glistening white carved into the mountainside. Feeling you’d like to be active? White-water rafting, cycling and horse riding are on offer.
There are many reasons why a stay in baroque San Blas, Cusco’s most arty neighbourhood and the place you are most likely to experience a mildly bohemian atmosphere, is an excellent choice for visitors. Not least is its location just a couple of blocks up the hill from the main square and the proximity to shops, galleries, cafés and markets.
The welcoming Antigua Casona San Blas is one of the quarter’s most recent additions, although like many other hotels in the city it embraces a renovated Spanish colonial residence as well as a more modern part which has been designed to blend harmoniously with the older section. The historic atmosphere is enhanced with pretty balconies, pot plants brimming with bright green foliage and a cosy sitting area in the interior courtyard which may host an open fire on chilly evenings.
Fly to Rio de Janeiro (via Lima) and transfer to your hotel on the beachfront in Copacabana. Rio is arguably the most romantic, intriguing and beautiful city on the continent. Sumptuous apartments overlook the sparkling bays against the backdrop of half-built slum dwellings, favelas, which cling precariously to the hillsides.
Rio has an awesome bay-side location among near-vertical granite mountains. Here, tropical foliage swoops down to white-to-toffee coloured sandy beaches in turn battered by the huge waves of Atlantic surf. Rest of the day at leisure.
The attractive, contemporary Porto Bay Rio International is ideally located on Copacabana’s beachfront with superb views across the coastline from the striking rooftop pool. Guestrooms are relatively spacious and most have sought-after ocean views and balconies, unusual in Rio.
Rooms without balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows and magnificent, dual-aspect views. Rooms also have air-con, cable TV, Wifi and ensuite bathrooms.
There is a 5th-floor restaurant with great beach views, plus a sauna, small gym, cafe and bar, while the highlight is undoubtedly the rooftop lounge bar and decked open-air pool area overlooking Copacabana’s golden sands.
Take an exhilarating trip by open-topped jeep through tropical fruit-laden vegetation up the sheer-sided Corcovado Mountain to drink in the views from beside the famous Christ the Redeemer statue on the peak.
Continue to Santa Teresa, the colonial heart of the city which sits on a hill close to the Cathedral in the busy centre. This is a popular residential area for artists and TV personalities who occupy the stately shaded houses lining its cobbled streets. There are plenty of old-fashioned bars, or bodegas, and an ancient rickety tram still climbs around impossibly steep lanes lined by high walls sheltering museums, parks, art centres, smart restaurants and one or two luxury hotels.
The attractive, contemporary Porto Bay Rio International is ideally located on Copacabana’s beachfront with superb views across the coastline from the striking rooftop pool. Guestrooms are relatively spacious and most have sought-after ocean views and balconies, unusual in Rio.
Rooms without balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows and magnificent, dual-aspect views. Rooms also have air-con, cable TV, Wifi and ensuite bathrooms.
There is a 5th-floor restaurant with great beach views, plus a sauna, small gym, cafe and bar, while the highlight is undoubtedly the rooftop lounge bar and decked open-air pool area overlooking Copacabana’s golden sands.
Relax, explore independently or join an optional excursion of your choice. Popular sites to visit include Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Olympic Park from the 2016 games, and the Iconic Maracana football stadium.
The attractive, contemporary Porto Bay Rio International is ideally located on Copacabana’s beachfront with superb views across the coastline from the striking rooftop pool. Guestrooms are relatively spacious and most have sought-after ocean views and balconies, unusual in Rio.
Rooms without balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows and magnificent, dual-aspect views. Rooms also have air-con, cable TV, Wifi and ensuite bathrooms.
There is a 5th-floor restaurant with great beach views, plus a sauna, small gym, cafe and bar, while the highlight is undoubtedly the rooftop lounge bar and decked open-air pool area overlooking Copacabana’s golden sands.
If your flight is departing in the late evening, you have most of the day at leisure in Rio. The chic boutiques of Ipanema are a stroll away along the beachfront. The quarters of Leblon, the smartest part of town, and Lagoa – the shores of this attractive urban lagoon – have excellent restaurants and night clubs with world class performers. Close by are the recently refurbished Botanical Gardens, an oasis of calm in this sometimes frenetic city.
If you wish to extend your adventure, why not fly to the thundering Iguacu Falls, immerse yourself in the wildlife havens of the Amazon rainforest or Pantanal, or relax in one of the numerous coastal resort towns near Rio.
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 - 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.
Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
Waking up to your first view of Copacabana Beach is one of Brazil’s great travel moments, and Rio only builds from there. Granite peaks, rainforest-covered hills and golden sand meet a city that never quite sits still: samba spilling out of bars, football on the beach, Carnival taking over the streets once a year.
This luxurious private journey through Brazil and Peru captures the cultural highlights of the southern Andes of Peru and the exotic beauty of the Iguazú Falls and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Arrive in the vast metropolis of the Peruvian capital, Lima, and move on to historic Cusco, the former Inca capital and a treasure trove of meticulous Inca stonework and graceful colonial architecture. Travel onwards into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas and travel by rail alongside a tempestuous river through a narrow gorge leading to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu set on a sub–tropical mountain saddle above the Urubamba Valley.
Fly across the continent to Brazil where you’ll immediately notice a different culture and pace of life. You arrive in Rio to revel for a few days in this exciting outdoor city, including an adventurous jeep tour climbing through rainforest to the peak of Corcovado mountain and the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Once in Rio, you can easily extend your stay to visit some of Brazil’s other highlights, including the astonishing Iguazu Falls, or the wildlife wonders of the Amazon and Pantanal.
Rosie Kay
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
3 flights (may vary depending on seasonal connections); 2 rail journeys (longest 4hrs).
- Accommodation
This holiday uses a choice of first class hotels, a mix of historic and contemporary style with well-equipped rooms, excellent facilities and stunning locations.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch days 4 and 5; dinner day 5.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: Lima 2; Urubamba 2; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 3; Rio de Janeiro 3.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Peru is the sol; in Brazil it’s the real (plural: reais).
- 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 person, per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
This is a fairly leisurely tour, although it visits a number of places in a short time. Greater distances are travelled by air. Drives are relatively short and scenic, stops possible.
The stay in the Andes is at altitudes of between 2,800 and 3,500m (see the paragraph “Altitude” below).
- Climate
The rainy season in the Andes runs between November and March when there are showers many afternoons. The dry season is from May to September, when the sun is strong during the day, but at night the temperature drops dramatically (from freezing to 10°C). April and October are less predictable, with both rainy and sunny spells.
In sub-tropical Rio, December to March are the hottest and most humid months, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C, and rain which falls in brief, heavy showers. From June to September, temperatures are more moderate (18-23°C) and there is plenty of sunshine, but cold fronts can usher in periods of up to several days of cloud and drizzle in Rio.
- Altitude
Your stays in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are 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 Gore-Tex outer shell makes a good combination. Trousers, skirt or shorts made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials work well. If you plan to eat in smart restaurants, although clothing is not formal (no need for jacket and tie), something quite smart would be appropriate.
If you are travelling in the southern summer you’ll only need summer clothing for Brazil, plus beachwear and an umbrella. Winter in Rio (June-August) is less predictable and can be a bit chilly, though never cold.Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellent, sun block and sun glasses.
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. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
As of 2018, visitors to Brazil travelling on our holidays should be protected with a vaccination against yellow fever, and carry the corresponding certificate. In April 2013, the World Health Organisation Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation concluded that a single primary dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained immunity and lifelong protection against yellow fever disease, and that a booster dose is not needed.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Brazil from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, taking around 11.5 hours to Rio. There are also connecting routes via Lisbon, Madrid and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Brazil?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through São Paulo or Rio. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. In the Pantanal, travel is by 4×4 and boat from your lodge, and in the Amazon, river transport is part of the experience.
- What currency does Brazil use?
The official currency is the Brazilian real. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns, though some have withdrawal limits. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Brazil?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Rio with Iguazú Falls and either the Amazon or the Pantanal. To go further and add Salvador, the northeast beaches or Fernando de Noronha, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Brazil?
Portuguese is the official language, and Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few words of Portuguese go a long way and are always warmly received.
- Is Brazil safe for travellers?
The tourist areas of Brazil are generally safe and well visited. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Rio and São Paulo, keeping an eye on your surroundings, avoiding flashy valuables and using licensed taxis or ride apps. We plan every itinerary carefully with trusted local partners, and our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to your route.
- What countries can I combine with Brazil?
Brazil pairs naturally with Argentina, taking in both sides of Iguazú Falls and adding Buenos Aires or Patagonia. Peru combines well for a broader South America itinerary, and Uruguay is an easy connection from the south. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
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.
Explore the world-famous Lost City of the Incas: the undisputed jewel in Peru’s crown.
Travel on one of the continent’s most scenic rail journeys to arrive at the incomparable Lost City of the Incas.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Peaceful, attractive mountain lodge in the Sacred Valley offering standard and luxury accommodation in stone cottages amidst flowery gardens.
Elegant, welcoming and socially conscious riverside hotel, offering stylish, luxury accommodation and exceptional cuisine in a very convenient and scenic location.
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.
Buzios
Head along the Atlantic coast from Rio, passing lagoons and wild, surf-lashed beaches to the chic beach village of Búzios. The low-key, but upmarket, European-style resort is renowned for art shops and fine dining. Here a peninsula of cliffs and low hills is dimpled with little coves and speckled with boutique-style hotels. Day 1: Transfer…
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.
