Explore our selection of Peru tours and find your perfect itinerary. Come to Peru to discover a mystical land with ancient citadels, coastal metropolises, enchanted lakes, bellowing canyons, top-notch hotels, and world-renowned gastronomy. You can see the Amazon Rainforest, the Pacific Ocean, the Andes Mountains, and some of the most revered ruins in the world like Machu Picchu all in one trip. Visit one of the most fascinating countries on the planet with local guides and first-rate accommodations, and cross some top destinations off your bucket list!
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The 10 Best Peru Tours
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Customize your Tour
Let our team of expert travel advisors help build your dream trip to Peru. Our fully customizable South America vacation packages allow you to hand-pick the destinations you wish to see at the exact pace you wish to see them. All of our offerings are also vetted firsthand by our team to ensure top quality and comfort. Contact our knowledgeable Peru experts today to plan your trip, with excellent tours, hotels and transfers throughout.
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Peru Highlights
Peru is brimming with famous sites to explore. Scenic landscapes, archaeological ruins, mouthwatering flavors, and eye-popping nature are all part of your Peru adventure. Must-see places in Peru include.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century stone citadel sitting at the top of a mountain. Built by the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and “New World Wonder” that is sure to take your breath away.
Inca Trail
Follow 500-year old stone pathways directly to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu by hiking the Inca Trail. Choose between the classic 26-mile 4-day Inca Trail trek, or opt for the shorter 2-day Inca Trail. Permits are limited so plan with your Peru for Less travel advisor 6-months in advance.
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest jungle in the world and is the perfect destination for animal sightseeing. Comfortable lodges near Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos will be your base for daily activities and excursions into the rainforest. Those wanting an extra dose of luxury should highly consider an Iquitos Amazon River cruise.
Cusco
Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco is an outdoor museum with archaeological ruins, colonial buildings, and endless opportunities for exploration. Here you can find Cusco’s best restaurant and hotel options. Don’t miss the picturesque city views from the Sacsayhuaman ruins before you visit Machu Picchu.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the entire world. Its waters are home to the Uros and Taquile floating islands made from totora reeds. Witness stunning sunsets, colorful textiles, and panoramic views of Lake Titicaca.
Lima
Lima is the capital city of Peru and where you’ll find award-winning restaurants, government palaces, and the UNESCO World Heritage historical city center. You’ll also come across pre-Incan ruins, artsy bohemian districts, and lots of shopping! We recommend enjoying a Pisco sour with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sacred Valley
See some of Peru’s most spectacular landscapes as you visit the Sacred Valley. Surrounded by the Andes mountains and with the Urubamba River snaking through, adventure awaits. Zip line or white water raft, see the Maras salt mins, explore Ollantaytambo and the Pisac market, options here seem endless. Sacred Valley hotels are idyllic retreats you’ll wish you had even more time at!
Nazca Lines
Hundreds of years ago, the Nazca culture drew huge geoglyphs and geometric shapes into the coastal desert of Peru. Today, they are a beautiful mystery that can be explored in a 12-seater plane that gives everyone perfect views of the famous Nazca Lines. You’ll see the spider, the monkey, the hummingbird, the astronaut, and more!
Paracas National Reserve
The Paracas National Reserve brings you close to nature on the coastal desert landscapes of Peru. Resting along the Pacific Ocean, you’ll witness rock formations, migratory birds, and sea lions. The protected Paracas National Reserve houses museums with well-preserved artifacts from pre-Incan cultures. Choose from ATV rides, boat trips to Ballestas Islands, or sit pool-side with a Pisco sour.
Arequipa
Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru, though it doesn’t feel like it with its quaint shops and cobblestone streets. The white stone used in the construction of the cities buildings like the white-stone basilica Cathedral in the historical center, have given Arequipa its nickname as the white city. See El Misti Volcano backdropped against this city brimming with great food and rich history.
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is where to go in Peru to see Andean condors flying freely. The lush valleys, terraced mountainsides, and crystalline rivers offer spectacular views. Relax in the natural hot springs of one of the deepest canyons in the world.
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Faqs
When is the best time to visit?
The very best time to visit Peru is between the months of May and September (Peru’s winter). This is the dry season in the Andes Mountains, therefore it’s the best time to see the most popular sites like Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Inca Trail. The best time to visit coastal Lima is the opposite, between December and April (Peru’s summer). During the summer months you can enjoy Lima’s warm sunshine and avoid the chilly mist and clouds of winter.
How much time do I need?
You can see the top sites of Peru in as little as four days, while you can get the full breadth of the country in two weeks. The majority of visitors spend somewhere in between — around a week to 10 days depending on what destinations they wish to see. Travelers focused on the beloved Andean sites of Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Cusco need a week or so. Travelers wanting to see the coast, mountains and rainforest should plan 10-11 days. Additional destinations like Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and Nazca Lines each add another 2-4 days.
Do I need a visa?
Visitors from the United States, Canada, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and select other countries do not need a tourist visa to visit Peru. Peruvian Immigrations will mark your passport upon arrival to Peru with how many days you are permitted to stay, typically 90 days. Remember that your passport must be valid for more than six months after your departure date. For specific information about additional countries’ visa requirements, visit VisaHQ.
What vaccinations should I get?
In general, all travelers should have their routine vaccinations up-to-date, plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines (especially those staying in rural areas). Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for those visiting the Amazon rainforest. For more information, visit the CDC Peru website and speak with your doctor for information about vaccination recommendations and requirements when traveling to Peru.
What language is spoken in Peru?
The primary language spoken throughout Peru is Spanish. Other official languages of Peru are the indigenous languages of Quechua and Aymara, which you will hear more in rural areas. English is not widely spoken in Peru, though you can get by with no problem with the help of guides, hotel personnel and language translation apps. It is helpful to learn some basic Spanish before your trip if possible as well.
Is Peru safe?
Yes, Peru is a safe tourist destination. Violent crime is no more common in Peru than any other tourist destination in the world. Of course, like anywhere, you should exercise caution to avoid petty crime like robbery by keeping your valuables secure and avoiding dark, non-touristy places at night. Be aware of your surroundings, know your route and keep your personal items secure and you will be fine.
Is the water safe to drink?
In Peru, the tap water is not safe to drink. For drinking water, stick to bottled water. We recommend brands like San Mateo and San Luis, which can be found at any corner bodega or supermarket. Tap water boiled vigorously for a minute or more is also safe for hot beverages, although those with a sensitive stomach should boil bottled water instead. The tap water is fine for brushing your teeth, just avoid swallowing it.
What is the best mode of transportation?
At Peru for Less, our vacation packages include all your secure transfers and transport with specific pickup locations for your ease and convenience. For any independent exploring throughout the city, we recommend simply booking a secure taxi through your hotel. Or, you can use a rideshare app like Uber or Cabify. We recommend apps like Uber over hailing a street taxi, so that you can confirm your driver/vehicle and easily visualize your route. The street bus system can be a bit tricky to navigate, but Lima’s Metropolitano offers easy rides to the historic center.
What kind of adapter/converter do I need for my electronics?
Peru uses a 220 volt, 60 cycle current while the US uses a 120 volt supply. Luckily, most laptops, cameras and mobile phones can accept dual voltage (110V/220V) , but be sure to confirm before plugging in. Other electronics, like hair straighteners, are likely 110V so you will need a converter for those. Conveniently, the outlets in Peru are often the two-pronged flat type like in the US, especially at popular hotels, but in some locations you will find the two or three prong circular kind. It’s a good idea to bring both a converter and adapter just in case. However, the converter can be skipped if you are sure your electronics are dual voltage.
What is the exchange rate?
The currency in Peru is Peruvian Soles and abbreviation is PEN. Currently, $1 USD is equal to 4.10 PEN. Money can be exchanged at any casa de cambio (exchange house). The touristy areas all have several casas de cambio that you can go to and find a good exchange rate. Some major supermarkets accept USD although the exchange rate won’t be as good, and change will be given to you in soles.
Can I use the ATMs?
Yes, and they are plentiful in the major cities. You can step into any BCP, Scotiabank, Interbank, BBVA Continental or others and use their ATM with your debit card for a $3-$6 fee. The machines at these banks all have options in English. Opt to use an ATM located inside a bank rather than on the street for higher security.
Is Lima worth visiting?
Absolutely! Lima is a very interesting metro area with many things to see. There is a historic central area, a beautiful coastline with 2+ miles of continuous parks, an artsy bohemian district and a world-renowned culinary scene. You can stay at a comfortable hotel in the popular Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco districts and enjoy day tours or wander around at your leisure sampling the amazing food and wandering into the shops. Keep in mind that between the months of June and October it is extremely cloudy and often misty in Lima, the rest of the year is more moderate and sunny.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
To get to Machu Picchu first you need to fly into Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport. From there, you need to take an hour and a half flight to Cusco. Once in Cusco, you can take a three hour and 15 minute train. Once in the town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu, you take a 40 minute shuttle bus up to the citadel.
Most travelers get to Machu Picchu more gradually than outlined. They spend a night or two in Lima, a night or two in Cusco, and a night or two in the Sacred Valley before making their way to Machu Picchu. The train from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu takes a little less than two hours. Some travelers also opt for a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu like the Inca Trail, Lares Trek or Salkantay Trek instead of train.
Will I get altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, occurs in 40-50 percent of people who live in low elevation areas traveling to an elevation of 10,000 feet or more. It occurs in 25 percent of people traveling to a destination of 8,000 feet or more. It is a temporary condition characterized by slight headache, shortness of breath when walking, fatigue, minor dizziness and loss of appetite. Symptoms develop between 6 to 24 hours of being at higher elevations, and last one to three days. It is typically mild and no need for alarm.
There are many ways to combat altitude sickness, like drinking lots of water, avoiding heavy and fatty foods, no smoking or drinking alcohol, eating whole grains and veggies and taking it slow the first couple days. Do not begin a challenging hike the first two days at high elevation, start your trek on day three the earliest.
Contact a travel advisor today, who will help customize your dream trip to Peru.
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FAQs
How many days in Peru is enough? ›
How much time should I spend in Peru? We recommend spending ten days to two weeks in Peru, as this allows visitors to visit plenty of the country's major highlights along with some off-the-beaten-path destinations.
What is the best way to travel to Peru? ›- Don't just be a typical tourist. ...
- Buses are better than planes. ...
- Don't rush. ...
- Be Prepared. ...
- Check the weather. ...
- Sample the traditional lunch “menu” ...
- Visit the local markets. ...
- Shop around for the best tours.
How many days in Machu Picchu do you need? For most people, one day is sufficient, but an extra day lets you explore the site and its surroundings more fully and at a more relaxed pace. However, in order to see everything and fully appreciate the site, we recommend spending two days at Machu Picchu.
How can I spend 5 days in Peru? ›- DAY 1: DEPART TO CUSCO + CITY TOUR. LIMA —> CUSCO. ...
- DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY. You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco between 7am-7:30am for the start of your tour. ...
- DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU. Today is the most magical day of your journey. ...
- DAY 4: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN 1 DAY TREK. ...
- DAY 5: DEPART CUSCO.
Lima is also the best option for different restaurants, bars, shopping, and nightlife. However, Cusco can be regarded as the Incan capital of the country. And this was the hub from where the Inca dominated western South America. The Inca became the largest pre-Columbian civilization in the Americas.
What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu? ›The best times to visit Machu Picchu are the shoulder seasons; April, May, September, October, and November. There is still little rain expected during these months, and it is away from the cold winter nights of the dry season. Also, during these months, there will be fewer visitors.
What can you not bring to Peru? ›- Drugs, narcotics and medication containing narcotics.
- Fireworks.
- Used clothes and shoes due to amount and value not considered for personal use.
- Any beverage named “Pisco” not produced in Peru.
- Used car spare parts.
- Some pesticides and other chemicals.
Although travel insurance isn't mandatory for visiting Peru, purchasing Peru travel insurance is a smart idea. The most common reason why travelers want to purchase Peru travel health insurance is to replace their health insurance while abroad in case the unexpected happens.
How much money do you need per day in Peru? ›Like anywhere in the world, in Peru, you live pretty cheaply or as expensively as you want, but on average, the daily amount of money you will need is $150-$200 per person per day.
Do you need a guide for Machu Picchu 2022? ›Inca Trail + Machu Picchu New Rules 2022
All visitors must be accompanied by a Tour Guide. A group must not exceed 16 visitors. A maximum of 500 people per day (including supporting staff) is allowed to start an Inca Trail. Porters are not authorized to carry more than 14 kg.
Can you sleep at Machu Picchu? ›
With WT, you'll stay in the famous Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, with its extraordinary location just steps from the entrance gate to the ruins themselves. Overnighting here means you explore the archaeological site all afternoon, after most visitors have gone, and can explore right until closing time.
How many hours do you need at Machu Picchu? ›You can see Machu Picchu in 3 to 4 hours, but you need at least two visits to fully appreciate it and experience the many things there are to do at the site.
Can you take a train from Lima to Cusco? ›The are no trains that will take you from Lima to Cusco but you can hop on a bus that will take you to Arequipa, then Puno and from there take the train to Cusco. The Belmond Andean Explorer railway will take you from Puno all the way to Cusco's Huanchac Train Station and the trip takes about 8-9 hours to complete.
How long is the bus ride from Lima to Cusco? ›A bus from Lima to Cusco takes around 29 hours.
Is Cusco cheaper than Lima? ›Which city is cheaper, Cusco or Lima? These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $57, while the average daily cost in Cusco is $38.
Is it worth going to Peru? ›Peru is one of the most popular countries for backpackers when visiting South America. Travellers flock to Peru for a country full of incredible natural scenery from volcanoes to cloud forests, a diverse and celebrated indigenous culture, and let's not forget – the incredible Machu Picchu.
What is the best month to go to Peru? ›Discover the best time to visit Peru. The winter (May – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel, especially if you're planning to visit Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. The summer (December – March) is warmer of course, but is also the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.
Can seniors go to Machu Picchu? ›Say yes to the adventure of a lifetime and go touring through Machu Picchu alongside other adventurers aged 50 and over! These incredible itineraries will guide you through iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Cusco, and wherever else you've been dreaming of.
How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu? ›How long before you have to book the Inca Trail reservations? To secure a permit to enter the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you must book many months before. 8 months is the early booking time we recommend.
Is 5 days in Peru enough? ›Summary of 5 days in Peru: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu
5 days in Peru are enough to get to know the country a little bit and visit some of the most popular places and bucket-list destinations.
Can you do Peru in 4 days? ›
The best way to visit Cusco, Peru is with a 4-day trip. During your visit you will appreciate tourist attractions such as: Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, the mountain of the 7 colors and, of course, the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
How many days do you need in Cusco Peru? ›When planning your visit, we think 2 to 3 days in Cusco is ideal, and then a further 2 days in the Sacred Valley. However, not everyone has that luxury so read on for our recommendations for stays of one, two, three days or more.
How much time do you need in Lima Peru? ›How many days to spend in Lima Peru? Two days is enough to see the main highlights in Lima Peru. But if you have a third day, I have a fun day trip recommendation for you at the end of this post.
What is the best time to visit Peru? ›The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season between May and October, especially if you plan to go on a trek. It is a wonderful time, with sunny days and bright blue skies, but early booking is crucial because it's the peak season.
What is the rainy season in Peru? ›Weather can play an important part in how you experience Peru, which has two main seasons: wet and dry. Their wet season is typically from November to March, which sees warmer temperatures with intermittent showers. Dry season is from April to October where you can expect more consistent weather, sun, and clear skies.
How many days do you need in Cusco and Machu Picchu? ›So, how many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu? Definetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days.
Are the beaches in Peru nice? ›But you might be surprised to know that there are many wonderful and impressive Peru beaches that are well worth a stop on your trip. Although it doesn't have the white sands and bath temperature waters of places like the Caribbean, Peru has an amazingly diverse and beautiful coastline.
Is Machu Picchu better in the morning or afternoon? ›For the best experience, try and visit either first thing in the morning or after 3 pm. By arriving right at 6 am, you'll be able to watch the sunrise and beat the mid-morning and afternoon crowds. If you prefer more of a sleep in, after 3 pm is another great time.
What should I wear in Cusco Peru? ›Wear lightweight pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Take hiking boots or footwear with strong ankle support and a warm sweater and have a dry change of clothing with you at all times. Take high factor sunscreen, sunglasses and a rimmed hat to deal with the sun during the day.
How long does it take from Cusco to Machu Picchu? ›The easiest way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu is to take the train to Aguas Calientes. It's a scenic 3.5-hour trip each way along tracks that run right along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley, with dramatic canyon walls on either side.