A Peruvian adventure in May, you say?

May is a brilliant month to explore Peru before the high-season crowds arrive. Venture into the mighty Amazon in search of monkeys and medicinal plants, learn how to make traditional chocolate or corn beer with locals in Sacred Valley, or munch and sip your way from Lima to Cusco on a Real Food Adventure. Big on hiking? May is one of the best months to hit the trails in Colca Canyon or conquer the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu when everything's still lush and green from the recent rains.

Top 10 Peru tours in May 2024

Departing Days From EUR
1 May 2024
Inca Trail Extension
6 1160
1 May 2024
Machu Picchu by Train Short Break
3 585
1 May 2024
Explore Peru & Bolivia
25 4755
1 May 2024
Peru: Amazon Jungle Short Break
4 530
1 May 2024
Peru & Galapagos Explorer
30 8276
7461
1 May 2024
Sacred Land of the Incas
15 3325
1 May 2024
Peru Encompassed
20 4400
3520
2 May 2024
Premium Peru with Ica Valley
12 5675
4824
2 May 2024
Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure
12 2835
2410
2 May 2024
Inca Trail Express from Lima
8 1745
1484
2 May 2024
Premium Peru in Depth with Ica Valley
18 8035
7232
3 May 2024
Inca Trail Express
7 1475
1254
5 May 2024
Ultimate Peru, Argentina & Brazil
30 9005
8105
5 May 2024
Premium Peru
9 4085
3473
5 May 2024
Premium Peru in Depth
15 6715
6044
6 May 2024
Inca Encounter
10 3660
6 May 2024
Peruvian Pathways
14 4800
11 May 2024
Majestic Peru
15 3825
11 May 2024
Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil
21 7325
13 May 2024
Real Peru to Bolivia
Ages 18 to 35
15 2410
13 May 2024
Real Peru
Ages 18 to 35
15 2605
17 May 2024
Classic Peru
9 2320
2088
17 May 2024
Best of Peru & Galapagos
18 6821
17 May 2024
Explore Peru, Argentina & Brazil
18 6660
5994
18 May 2024
Peru Essentials
21 2690
2287
18 May 2024
South America Highlights
44 6280
5652
18 May 2024
Peru, Bolivia & Argentina Adventure
35 4625
4163
18 May 2024
Best of South America
51 7325

Peru highlights

Three hikers posing in front of the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru

Hike to Machu Picchu

After a challenging trek, nothing beats the feeling of arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing the Lost City of the Incas (AKA, Machu Picchu) for the first time. As well as epic views every step of the way, you'll also uncover the history of this 15th-century treasure – and the wider Inca Empire – thanks to your expert local guide. Don't fancy hiking? You can always take the (seriously scenic) train.

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A plate of traditional Peruvian ceviche

Learn the secrets of ceviche

Blessed by Pachamama with fertile soils and abundant coastline, it's no wonder Peru is one of the world's most emerging foodie hotspots. Get under the skin of Peruvian cuisine on a food-focused adventure from Lima to Cusco. Learn the art of ceviche with a local chef, whip up traditional recipes with Andean ingredients and discover how chocolate's made at a cacao farm.

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Seven local women selling handicrafts in Sacred Valley, Peru

Meet locals in Sacred Valley

Located on the outskirts of Cusco, the lush Sacred Valley (known as Wilcamayo to the Incas) is home to the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo and has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Visit a local community to learn about their lifestyle, try your hand at traditional wool dyeing and weaving techniques and share a meal of local specialties (including guinea pig, if you dare).

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A family of capybaras in Lake Sandoval in Peru

Journey into the Amazon

There's no better way to experience the evergreen splendour of the Amazon than staying in an eco-lodge deep in the jungle. Set off on a trek with a local guide and learn about the medicinal uses of native flora, listen to the uplifting song of tropical birds and look out for cute capybaras hanging out by the water. With the ambient sounds of the Amazon, you're bound to sleep like a log.

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Peru tour reviews

Peru FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. 

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

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 was really good. Taxi drivers generally don't expect tips.

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.

Learn more about using your phone in Peru

You sure do. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Learn more about travel insurance

Most people can start to feel the effects of altitude at over 2000 m (6561 ft) 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 group leader at once 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.

Learn more about preparing for Machu Picchu altitude

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about accessible travel with Intrepid

 

Peru departures by month

Read more about travel in Peru