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Peru Snapshot
Peru is a fascinating country with four distinct geographical regions. Not many countries can offer beaches, mountains, rainforests and deserts on one visit. These distinct regions offer something for everyone - that's why most Intrepid tours operate all year round. June, July and August are considered the driest months in the highlands and Amazon basin and are optimal for hiking and river journeys. However, even during the rainy season in the Amazon, the rains only fall for a few hours at a time. In the Andes, the rainy season can sometimes just mean a bit of overcast weather. The advantage to travelling in these areas at this time is that many other travellers make the mistake of postponing their plans until the dry season, leaving you with more of Peru to yourself. The best time to visit the infamous Nazca Lines or the coastal areas is from December to April, although the other months of the year are perfectly good times to visit also. Remember that the Inca Trail is closed for cleaning during February, although there are other treks to Machu Picchu which are available at this time.
Eating and Drinking in Peru
- Papas Rellenas: This popular street food consists of baked potato stuffed with beef, onion and spices. The perfect budget backpacker snack.
- Choclo con Queso: How can something as simple as corn on the cob with cheese be so tasty? This street food triumph is a winner - it's perfect for fussy eaters, vegetarians and the budget conscious.
- Pisco Sour: The national drink of Peru gets whipped up with lime juice, egg white and sugar to create this well known cocktail. Try it in Pisco… actually why not try it all over Peru?
- Mate de Coca: Rumoured to help with altitude sickness, this tea made from coca leaves is drunk by locals all over the Andes region and is hailed for its 'medicinal' properties.
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Food in Peru tends to be hot and spicy, and while meat features quite heavily on the menu, vegetarian options aren't too hard to come by considering potatoes and avocados are in abundance.
Shopping in Peru
- Alpaca Wool Clothing: As one of the largest alpaca wool producers in the world, travellers will be able to find alpaca wool clothing almost everywhere in Peru. Beautiful shawls, ponchos and jumpers are the perfect way to keep warm, as Peruvians have traditionally done for centuries.
- Chullos: The classic hallmark of any backpacker who has travelled through South America - the chullo (knitted hat with ear flaps) might be a bit of a travel cliché but will be a well received as a gift back home.
- Jewellery: Good quality gold and silver earrings, rings and bracelets are widely available throughout Peru, with classic Inca-style designs proving popular.
With rich handicraft traditions on display in all the markets across the country, Peru is a great place to pick up handmade souvenirs at low prices.
It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring some items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Accommodation
Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.
When travelling with us in Peru you may find yourself staying in a:
When travelling with us in Peru you may find yourself staying in a:
Homestay
- Experience home-grown hospitality and food while staying with a local family who live right on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Jungle Lodge
- Stay close to the action in a lodge located within the wilds of the awesome Amazon Jungle.
Camp
- Camping along the Inca Trail is one of world's most sought-after travel experiences. Bond with fellow travellers over some food and rest up before another day of trekking.
Transport
Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.
Depending on which trip you're on while in Peru, you may find yourself travelling by:
Depending on which trip you're on while in Peru, you may find yourself travelling by:
Bicycle
- Cruise along the coast while pedalling a bike through the colourful neighbourhoods of Lima.
Canoe
- Spot exotic flowers, birds and mammals while enjoying a canoe ride down the mighty Amazon.
Train
- Everyone gets a window seat while riding on the Vistadome train - the clear roof and windows allow maximum viewing for all.
Shortlist
No trips.
Peru at a glance
- 77
- Lima (population 8.2 million)
- 29.9 million
- Spanish, Quechua
- PEN
- (GMT-05:00) Bogota, Lima, Quito, Rio Branco
- Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin), Type C (European 2-pin)
- +51
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