Peru Holidays
Peru Holidays
Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon rainforest and Lake Titicaca — South America's most extraordinary destination
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Flight Time
12–14h from London (via Madrid, Amsterdam or Miami)
Best Time
May to October (dry season)
Country
Peru
Suppliers
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Peru Holiday Guide
Peru is South America's most extraordinary destination — a country of breathtaking contrasts where ancient Inca civilisation, dramatic Andean landscapes and extraordinary Amazon biodiversity combine to create one of the most rewarding travel experiences on earth.
The classic Peru itinerary is Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu — a circuit that can be done comfortably in 10-12 nights. Lima deserves 2 nights (food scene and Larco Museum), Cusco 2-3 nights (acclimatisation and city exploration), the Sacred Valley 2 nights (Pisac, Ollantaytambo) and Machu Picchu 1-2 nights in Aguas Calientes.
Adding Lake Titicaca (fly Cusco to Juliaca, 1 hour) takes the trip to 14-16 nights. Adding the Amazon (fly Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, 1 hour) adds another 3-4 nights. Rainbow Mountain is an excellent day trip from Cusco.
The best time to visit is May to October (the dry season) — clear skies, minimal rain and the best conditions for trekking. The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. June and July are the busiest months — book Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entry tickets well in advance.
Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real concern in Cusco (3,400m) and Lake Titicaca (3,812m) — allow 2 nights to acclimatise before strenuous activity, drink plenty of water and consider altitude medication. We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best Peru holiday deals.
Average Temperatures
Jan
19°C
Feb
19°C
Mar
19°C
Apr
19°C
May
18°C
Jun
17°C
Jul
17°C
Aug
18°C
Sep
19°C
Oct
20°C
Nov
20°C
Dec
19°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Peru
The ancient wonders, dramatic Andean landscapes and extraordinary Amazon biodiversity that make Peru one of the most rewarding destinations on earth.
Machu Picchu — The Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu is one of the most extraordinary places on earth — an Inca citadel built at 2,430m in the Andes, abandoned in the 16th century and rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The classic approach is by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then bus up to the Sun Gate. The Inca Trail (4 days, 43km) is the most famous trek in South America.
Cusco & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and is one of the most beautiful cities in South America — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Inca stonework forms the foundations of Spanish colonial churches and palaces. The Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu has extraordinary Inca sites — Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray — and the most colourful markets in Peru. Acclimatise in Cusco (3,400m) for 2 nights before visiting Machu Picchu.
Lake Titicaca — The World's Highest Navigable Lake
Lake Titicaca sits at 3,812m on the border of Peru and Bolivia — the world's highest navigable lake and one of the most extraordinary landscapes in South America. The Uros floating islands (man-made islands built from totora reeds, inhabited by the Uros people for centuries) are the most visited attraction. Taquile Island has a living Inca textile tradition recognised by UNESCO. The town of Puno on the Peruvian shore is the gateway.
The Amazon Rainforest — Madre de Dios
The Peruvian Amazon around Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios region) is one of the most biodiverse places on earth — the Tambopata National Reserve has over 600 species of bird, 1,200 species of butterfly, 180 species of fish and extraordinary mammals including giant river otter, jaguar, tapir and giant anteater. Amazon lodge stays (typically 3-4 nights) combine guided jungle walks, canoe trips and night safaris.
Rainbow Mountain — Vinicunca
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,200m in the Andes near Cusco has become one of Peru's most photographed landscapes — a mountain of extraordinary striped colours (red, yellow, green, purple and white) caused by different mineral deposits. The hike from the trailhead takes 2-3 hours each way and is strenuous at altitude. The views of the surrounding Andes are extraordinary. Best visited as a day trip from Cusco.
Lima — South America's Food Capital
Lima is South America's food capital — home to some of the world's best restaurants (Central, Maido and Astrid y Gaston have all featured in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list) and the birthplace of ceviche. The Miraflores and Barranco neighbourhoods have excellent restaurants, bars and the dramatic clifftop Larcomar shopping centre overlooking the Pacific. The Larco Museum has the finest collection of pre-Columbian gold and silver in the world.
The Nazca Lines — Ancient Mystery
The Nazca Lines are one of the world's great archaeological mysteries — enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert floor of southern Peru, depicting animals, plants and geometric shapes, some over 370m long. They were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE and are only fully visible from the air. Light aircraft flights from Nazca or Ica (30-45 minutes) are the standard way to see them. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
The Inca Trail — South America's Greatest Trek
The Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America — a 4-day, 43km walk through cloud forest, alpine tundra and Inca ruins, culminating in the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with the first view of Machu Picchu at dawn. Permits are strictly limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters) and sell out months in advance. The Salkantay Trek (5 days, more challenging, no permit required) is the best alternative.
Explore Peru on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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