With so many trips we have something for anyone
Peru tours & holidays
Go deeper in Peru
You'll never forget that first glimpse of Machu Picchu. But Peru is so much more than its legendary Inca citadel. This is a country where you can travel from the forested peaks of the Andes to geoglyph-dotted deserts or steamy jungles – all in a day. Trek llama-dotted plains and camp on wide-open ridges in the highlands. Get a feel for local life at an Indigenous homestay on Lake Titicaca. Or search for giant butterflies, macaws and medicinal plants in the Amazon. With so much to do, knowing where to start can be tricky. But with a little local know-how, you can experience it all.
4.9
Peru trips
**Prices and savings are based on the lowest priced upcoming departure for each trip, which may reflect discounts outside of the current sale. Prices are updated every 12 hours and are valid until sold out. Discounts apply to selected departures only and may be applied, modified or withdrawn at any time at Intrepid's absolute discretion. Read the terms and conditions or learn more about pricing
Our Peru trips
Build your dream adventure
Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.
Explore tailor-made tripsGet to know Peru
The power of a last-minute trip
Sometimes life gets messy, but for one writer, a quick decision to hike to Machu Picchu made a tough moment that little bit magical.
Read storyPeru highlights
Trek or train it to Machu Picchu
Whether you hike the hard but oh-so-worth-it Inca Trail or take the scenic train, nothing can prepare you for seeing this Inca citadel in the flesh. Built in the 15th century, historians are still puzzling over its exact purpose and the ruins continue to reveal secrets about the Inca Empire today.
Stay in an Amazon eco lodge
After a big day exploring the Amazon, what could be better than kicking back in a cosy lodge lit by kerosene lamps? Located in the heart of the action with decks that back onto the jungle, hammocks to lounge in and an ever-present soundtrack of weird and wonderful wildlife, this is as close as it gets to Mother Nature – without giving up a shower or bed.
Visit Titicaca's floating islands
Sail out to the Floating Isands of Uros to meet the Indigenous Uros people and gain an insight into their unique way of life. Totora reeds grow in the lake’s shallows and are a lifeline for the community. The reeds are used to build islands, boats, homes and furniture, while the roots make food and medicine.
Eat your way around Lima
Make sure you leave space in your itinerary (and your stomach) for Lima. Nicknamed the foodie capital of Latin America, you’ll discover all sorts of delicious flavours as you explore the markets. Eat elbow to elbow in cevicherias, snack on beef heart skewers hot off the grill and taste the blend of cultures in dishes like lomo saltado (beef stir fry) and tacu tacu (rice and bean cake).
Where you can go
Peru at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Lima (population 11 million)
POPULATION
34 million
CURRENCY
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
LANGUAGE
Spanish, Quechua
TIME ZONE
(GMT-05:00) Bogota, Lima, Quito, Rio Branco
CALLING CODE
+51
ELECTRICITY
Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin) Type C (European 2-pin)
Learn more about Peru
Best time to visit
While most of our trips operate all year, the ideal time for dry adventures is from May to October – especially if you want to trek through the Andes and have a good chance of seeing Machu Picchu against a clear sky. The Amazon is also less wet at this time of year, particularly from June through August, though you can always expect some rain in the jungle.
Planning a trip in the wet season from November to April is totally manageable as long as you bring waterproofs! The rain tends to fall for just a few hours a day, and sometimes it might just mean a bit of overcast weather, so it shouldn’t hinder your travels too much.
If you want to trek the Inca Trail, note that it closes for maintenance every February. The Quarry Trail and Salkantay Trek are great alternatives – and much less crowded too.
Eating and drinking
Things to try in Peru
Ceviche
Peru's national dish is a must try. Fish is marinated in lime juice, onions, salt and aji amarillo peppers, and served alongside corn on the cob and sweet potato. You’ll find it everywhere, but cevicherias in Lima do it best.
Cuy
Adventurous eaters should sample cuy (guinea pig), an Andean staple that dates back to the Inca civilisation. It's seasoned, stuffed with herbs and roasted or fried whole. Some people say it has a gamey taste like rabbit.
Lomo saltado
A favourite across Peru, strips of beef or alpaca are stir-fried with onions, peppers and spices in a rich gravy. It's served with a generous portion of chips and rice.
Pisco sour
Peru’s national drink is a frothy, zesty cocktail made by mixing Pisco (a grape-based brandy) with lime juice, egg whites and sugar. While in Lima or Cusco, maybe even have a go at making one yourself.
Coca tea
This traditional tea made with the leaves of the coca plant is hailed by Peruvians as a remedy for altitude sickness. It has a mildly bitter taste similar to green tea, so you might like to sweeten it with a spoonful of honey.
Geography and environment
Sitting on the central-western coast of South America and shaped by three distinct regions – the costa (coast), sierra (Andean highlands) and selva (Amazon) – Peru packs in a lot of biodiversity.
Along the 3000 km Pacific Coast, you'll find arid deserts, rocky headlands, sandy beaches and fertile valleys fed by rivers flowing from the Andes – including the Ica Valley, where you can sip Pisco with mountain views. It’s also home to Lima, Peru’s capital, and other major cities like Trujillo and Piura.
The Peruvian Andes – which form a natural barrier between the coast and the jungle – are part of a huge range that slices through the length of South America's western edge. In the foothills, you’ll find steamy subtropical cloud forests and the Sacred Valley – once the ‘breadbasket’ of the Inca Empire. Higher up, life continues to thrive in cities like Cusco (3400 m) and Puno (3827 m) on the shores of Lake Titicaca – the world’s highest navigable lake.
Then there’s the Amazon, which covers over half the country and spills into large areas of Brazil, Colombia and Bolivia. The rainforests and tributaries here are among the most biodiverse places on Earth, with up to 2500 butterfly species, about 1000 bird species and almost 300 types of mammals in the Peruvian Amazon alone.
History and culture
Peru’s history stretches back over 11,000 years. Some of the earliest organised societies – focused on farming and cultivating the land – appeared around 6000 BC, and ruins and stone carvings across the country reveal the traces they left behind.
The Inca Empire is the most famous, and one of the most revered in the Americas. From 1438 to 1532 AD, the Incas built an expansive empire, with Machu Picchu – a citadel believed to have been a royal retreat – as its crown jewel.
Today, Peru is a unique blend of the modern and the ancient. In the highlands, especially around the Sacred Valley, many Quechuas and Aymara communities descend from the Incas and keep traditions alive through speaking native languages, wearing traditional clothing and following age-old farming techniques. In fact, locals still use many Inca terraces to grow corn, potatoes and quinoa.
Festivals are also at the heart of Peruvian culture. Highlights include Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in Cusco and La Fiesta Candelaria in Puno, where music, dance and costume bring centuries-old traditions to life.
Top places to visit in Peru
Places to visit in Peru
Machu Picchu
Sitting on a 2430-metre-tall ridge in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of Inca ingenuity. Time slips away as you try to uncover the ruins' secrets and see how such grandeur is possible in such a remote place.
Cusco
Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire, and you can't turn a corner without coming across another reminder of its past. Ruins are everywhere, and even new, elegant buildings have been built upon old Inca temples, houses and markets.
Sacred Valley
This fertile valley is packed with Inca sites – including the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Try to visit on market day when villagers gather in the cobbled streets to sell textiles, handicrafts and fresh produce.
Amazon Jungle
After waking up to the sound of nature, spend your days hiking through the jungle, learning about Indigenous plant remedies and cruising through the tributaries in search of capybaras and pink river dolphins. Then head back to your jungle lodge and watch the macaws from a hammock.
Lima
Peru's capital is home to unexpected treasures. Dig beneath the surface to uncover pre-Columbian temples like Huaca Pucllana in Minaflores, bohemian areas like Barranco and one of South America's most regarded culinary scenes.
Arequipa
The White City, as it's affectionately known, is spectacular. Surrounded by canyons, volcanoes and deserts, the location is perfect for exploring Peru's wild side. But the true beauty of the city is in its buildings, built from white volcanic rock that shimmers in the sun.
Colca Canyon
While the canyon is a dramatic sight (it's roughly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon!), it's a glimpse of the elusive Andean condor that will really get your heart racing. With a wingspan of up to 3.3 m, this bird doesn't just glide, it soars.
Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is massive – like, 8372 sq km massive. Traces of ancient cultures are everywhere, with many communities living as they have done for hundreds of years – including the Uros people who live on floating islands made from totora reeds.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines remain one of the world's greatest mysteries. Created by the Nazca people over 2000 years ago, this collection of hundreds of geoglyphs – including straight lines, geometric shapes and figures of animals and humans – covers nearly 500 sq km. But their purpose? Archaeologists are still trying to figure it out.
Money matters
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).
Most hotels, large restaurants and tourist attractions in big cities accept credit cards, but some charge a fee (about 5 to 10%). Small vendors, family-run restaurants and market vendors usually only take cash.
You’ll find ATMs in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and most other major cities, but they’re far less common in rural villages and remote areas, so make sure you carry enough cash when venturing further.
Peru travel FAQs
Many nationalities don't need a visa for Peru and will be issued a free visitor permit stamp in their passport on arrival. If you do need a visa, you must apply in advance. For more information, check the Peru Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
To enter Peru, you may also need:
Passport with at least six months of validity
At least two blank pages in your passport
Proof of onward travel
Proof of sufficient funds
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.
Learn more about travel insurance
While tipping isn't mandatory in Peru, it's customary to add spare change or a small amount to restaurant bills. Although most restaurants and bars may already include a 10% service charge within the bill, feel free to add more if the service is really good. Taxi drivers generally don't expect tips.
Sturdy footwear is essential for walking cobblestone streets and uneven steps in Cusco and at Machu Picchu. If you're trekking, bring hiking boots as well – and make sure they're well broken in.
Clothing-wise, you can't go wrong with breathable attire that layers easily. Nights can get very cold in higher altitude places – especially in winter – so be sure to pack a warm/down jacket and thermal base layers. A light rain jacket is useful year-round, as showers are still possible even in the dry season.
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Peru. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating. Your local leader will be able to help you find filtered water, and for environmental reasons, filling a reusable bottle is your best bet!
Internet can be accessed at hotels, restaurants and cafes in large cities, but it can be more limited in rural and remote areas.
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Peru’s cities, but may not be available in more remote and mountainous areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home. You could also buy a local SIM card when you arrive.
Peru has a mix of both squat toilets and western-style flushable toilets. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser, as they're not always provided. Toilet paper isn't supposed to be flushed and most toilets have a bin next to them to dispose of the used toilet paper. Some public toilets charge a small usage fee. Expect to use squat toilets if travelling on the Inca Trail.
While it might be common to see rainbow flags displayed throughout the Andes, this is in fact the flag of the Inca Empire and not a Pride flag. Peru is a conservative, Catholic country where LGBTQIA+ rights are still developing. Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community don’t publicly identify themselves, and generally, Peruvians will tolerate homosexuality on a ‘don’t-ask-don’t-tell’ basis. While Lima may be more tolerant towards LGBTQIA+ travellers, it’s advised to exercise discretion when travelling in more remote areas.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex before you travel.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Most people can start to feel the effects of altitude at over 2000 m regardless of age, gender or fitness level. While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it's very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. It’s important to take it easy, drink plenty of water and speak to your leader immediately if you feel unwell.
We recommend seeing your doctor if you have any health concerns before undertaking the trip. Particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition or take any medication.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Peru directly support our foundation partner, Awamaki.
Awamaki empowers indigenous women in Peru with education and job opportunities. They offer lessons in quality control, product development and technical skills training to women artisans in rural Andean communities. Donations from our trips support the growth and development of their programs to lift more women into financial independence.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
Peru tour reviews
4.9 . 2799 reviews
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.
Filter by rating
2546
199
32
16
6
Inca Trail Express
Josee
Traveled May 2026
Inca Trail Express
Cara
Traveled May 2026
Peru: Trek the Inca Trail 4 Days
Sarah
Traveled May 2026
Peru: Trek the Inca Trail 4 Days
William
Traveled May 2026
Peru: Trek the Inca Trail 4 Days
Mark
Traveled May 2026
You might also like
Get inspired on The Good Times
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL THAT'S GOOD ALL OVER
We're here to do good by creating positive change through the joy of travel.
We're here to do good by creating positive change through the joy of travel.