Peru tours & vacations
Peru is brimming with natural wonders
This vibrant country in South America boasts a tapestry of experiences, from the famous ruins of Machu Picchu to the adventures that await you in the ancient capital of Cusco. Savor the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine, explore the cobbled streets of Arequipa and learn the locals' way of life on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. Absorb Peru's rich history by retracing the steps of the Inca and bask in a country where the past meets the present in a symphony of color, culture and diverse landscapes.
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Inca Trail Express
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Inca Trail Express from Lima
Inca Trail Express from Lima
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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
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, which is why most Intrepid tours operate all year round.
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from May to October when the Highlands and Amazon basin 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.
Remember that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February, although there are other treks to Machu Picchu which are still available at this time.
Eating and drinking
Peruvians take their food seriously. Whether you’re in a village or a large city, your taste buds will thank you for visiting this South American nation.
Peruvian cuisine draws on a mix of Andean, Spanish, African and Asian influences. Stews and soups made with potatoes, corn and quinoa are common, particularly in the highlands. Japanese-inspired seafood dishes and chifas (Peruvian-Chinese fusion) restaurants are also popular along the coast.
The cuisine is meat-heavy, but vegetarian options aren’t hard to come by - particularly dishes featuring avocados which grow abundantly throughout the country.
Foods to try in Peru
Ceviche
Peru's national dish is made with fish marinated in lime juice, onions, salt and chilli peppers. It's typically served with chunks of corn on the cob and sweet potato. Cevicherias in Lima do it best.
Cuy
Adventurous eaters should add cuy (guinea pig) to their must-try list. Roasted and usually served whole, it’s a popular staple in the highlands.
Lomo saltado
This beef or alpaca stir-fry is a popular chifa dish found across Peru.
Pisco sour
Made by mixing pisco, the national brandy, with lime juice, egg whites and sugar, this creamy and zesty cocktail goes down a treat.
Coca tea
Rumored 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.
Geography and environment
Peru is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including parts of the Amazon Basin, the Andean mountain range and Lake Titicaca. Not to mention areas of tropical savanna, desert, cloud forest and mangroves, all wrapped up in one country. Peru also has a long stretch of coast along the Pacific Ocean offering dramatic views of the sea.
Along the Pacific Coast, you'll find a mix of desert stretches and lush valleys, while the Andes slice right through the middle, creating a natural divide between the coast and jungle. And in the Highlands, you've got iconic spots like Machu Picchu, Cusco and Puno, each with its own blend of history, culture and breathtaking scenery.
History and culture
Peru’s rich history stretches back over 11,000 years, with some of the earliest organized societies appearing around 6000 BC, centered on agriculture and land cultivation. Across its rugged landscapes and coastal plains, evidence of these ancient civilizations is everywhere, from ruins to stone carvings.
The Incas lay claim to being one of the most famous and revered empires of all. From 1438 to 1532 AD, the Incas built an expansive empire, with Machu Picchu as its crown jewel.
Today, Peru is a unique blend of the modern and the ancient. In the highlands, many Quechuas and Aymara people (descendants of the Incas) maintain traditional ways of life, speaking their native languages, wearing traditional clothing and following agricultural customs. Cultural festivals across Peru celebrate these heritage practices with centuries-old foods, music and dance.
Festivals are central to Peruvian life, with celebrations like Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), the Virgen de la Candelaria and the Mistura Culinary Festival drawing locals and visitors alike. Across Peru, religion, family and a shared passion for soccer (futbol) create a deep sense of community and identity.
Top places to visit in Peru
Peru isn't short of bucket list-worthy wonders. Here are just a few must-visit places to experience on your trip:
1. Machu Picchu
No matter how many photos you've seen, nothing can prepare you for seeing Machu Picchu in the flesh. Time slips away as you try to uncover the ruins' secrets and marvel at how such grandeur is possible in such a remote place.
2. Cusco
History comes to life in Cusco. You can't turn a corner without coming across another reminder of its Inca past. Ruins are everywhere, and even new, elegant buildings have been built upon old Inca temples, houses and markets.
3. Sacred Valley
This fertile valley is packed with Inca sites including the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Visit on market day when the laidback villages come to life. The cobbled streets fill with every color, produce and animal imaginable.
4. Amazon Jungle
Spend mornings watching colorful macaws and monkeys and afternoons learning about traditional plant usage or spotting crocs in oxbow lakes. Then, at night, get your torch ready to seek out the jungle's larger creatures.
5. Lima
Peru's capital is home to unexpected treasures. Dig beneath the city's surface to uncover pre-Columbian temples, a touch of elegance and a huge dose of modern distractions, like the cafe-rich district of Miraflores. Lima is also world-renowned for its incredible food scene.
6. 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.
7. Colca Canyon
While the canyon is a dramatic sight (it's 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 wing span of 10.5 feet, this bird doesn't just glide, it soars.
8. Lake Titicaca
Big enough to house countless island communities, coca smugglers and the entirety of Bolivia's navy, Lake Titicaca is massive. Remnants of ancient cultures are everywhere and many communities live on reed islands as they have done for hundreds of years.
9. Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are one of the world's great mysteries. Shapes of spiders, monkeys and birds are drawn into the desert landscape over 190 sq miles. The most amazing part? They're only visible from the air.
10. Aguas Calientes
Whether you've just trekked the Inca Trail or traveled by train through the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes is the perfect place to stop, soak in a steaming thermal bath and reflect on the adventure so far.
Money matters
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).
Most hotels, large retailers and tourist attractions accept credit cards but usually charge a fee (about 7%) for using them. Expect to pay cash for purchases at small vendors, family-run restaurants and market vendors.
ATMs can be found in most of Peru’s major cities and tourist areas. ATMs are far less common in rural areas and small villages, so make sure you have enough cash to cover purchases when traveling away from the larger cities!
Peru travel FAQs
Many nationalities will not need a visa for Peru and will be issued a free visitor permit in the form of a passport stamp. If you’re not eligible for a visitor permit on arrival, you must apply for a tourist visa in advance at your local Peruvian consulate or embassy. For more information, check the Peru Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the Essential Trip Information.
To enter Peru, you may also need:
A passport valid for at least six months after return
At least two blank pages in your passport
Proof of onward or exit travel
Proof of sufficient funds
Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their 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.
For more information on insurance, please go to: 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 was good. Taxi drivers generally don't expect tips.
There are generally two seasons in Peru: wet and dry, but the geography is super diverse, so dressing in layers is key so you can be prepared as the weather changes throughout the day.
Wearing layers made of natural, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton is a good idea for Peru's varying climates. Merino wool is good for hiking and trekking as it wicks away moisture and regulates body temperature and lightweight, quick-drying sportswear is always a good idea for hot weather.
What you pack for clothing will depend on when you travel and what type of trip you choose, whether you're taking on the Amazon or sticking to the cities. For more details, refer to the Essential Trip Information for your trip of choice.
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.
Cell 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 sanitizer, as they are not always provided. Some public toilets charge a small usage fee. Expect to use squat toilets if traveling 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 gay 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+ travelers, it’s advised that you should exercise discretion when traveling in country areas.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveler
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 6561 feet (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 is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of traveling 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.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Peru directly support our foundation partner, Awamaki.
Awamaki
Awamaki empowers indigenous women in Peru with education and job opportunities. They offer lessons in quality control, product development and technical skills training for 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 travelers 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.