Holidays to Peru
Top destinations in Peru
Lima
Peru’s ‘City of Kings’ brims with history, culture and ceviche. Explore its ancient ruins and European-style architecture, then seek out the best salsa bars and seafood spots.
Cuzco
Perched high in the Andes, the former Inca capital is more than a starting point for the trek to Machu Picchu. Stay awhile for its architectural wonders, charming markets and panoramic vistas.
Arequipa
Peru’s ‘White City’ is a charming jumble of chalky buildings and historic squares woven together by cobblestone streets. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the wilderness of Colca Canyon.
Peru: fast facts
| Language | Spanish, Quechua, Aymara |
|---|---|
| Currency | Peruvian sol (S/) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 |
Peru holiday highlights
Hike the Andes
The world-famous Inca Trail is a breathtakingly scenic hike, ending at the ruins of the 15th-century citadel, Machu Picchu. No wonder, then, that trekking is at the top of many people’s list of things to do in Peru. From lush green valleys dotted with traditional villages to the ice-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, you’ll find spectacle whichever path you take through the Andes.
Paddle the rivers
A maze of rivers that feed the Amazon run the entire length of eastern Peru. Explore them via kayak alongside pink river dolphins, or go whitewater rafting through foaming rapids. On the border with Bolivia sits tranquil Lake Titicaca, 3,800 metres above sea level. Visit the Uros people who live on its floating reed islands, and watch the sunset over glittering blue waters.
Discover ancient wonders
Peru’s cities trace the course of human civilisation. Head to the desert to walk through the 5,000-year-old pyramids of Caral, or venture north to Kuélap, whose mountain fortress was built by the Chachapoyas centuries ago. Discover Inca baths in Cajamarca, or tour the ongoing excavations at La Huaca Pucllana in Lima, which dates back to 400 AD.
Things to do in Peru
Top attractions
Machu Picchu, the stone citadel built at over 2,400 metres on a mountain peak, is not only one of the world’s seven wonders — it’s also a historical mystery. For giant Andean condors and terraced agriculture that predates the Incas, don’t miss the Colca Canyon. Lima’s food scene is your go-to for tasting Peru’s native ingredients prepared by some of South America’s most creative chefs.
Beaches
Surfers will love the beaches in Peru. Join the scene at popular Punta Hermosa, just south of Lima, or head north to catch a perfect wave all to yourself. From hip resort towns like Máncora to isolated fishing villages, there’s plenty of space along the country’s 2,500 kilometres of desert coastline. Try sport fishing, sandboard across South America’s largest dunes and explore otherworldly rock caves.
Nature
Peru’s rainforest is home to some of the most biodiverse habitats on the planet. Sloths and monkeys hang from the trees, jaguars and pumas stalk the undergrowth, and the murky waters hide giant anacondas and tiny piranhas. In the mountains, watch the giant Andean condor take flight. Visit the Islas Ballestas, a marine sanctuary off the southern coast, to spot penguins, sea lions and blue-footed boobies.
Culture and museums
The museums in Peru reflect the country’s epic history, both ancient and modern. The Museo Regional de Ica’s impressive collection features 2,000-year-old textiles and ceramics. And Museo de Arte de Lima houses thousands of works of Peruvian art spanning three millennia in a colonial palace. Lima’s bohemian Barranco district is home to many of the country’s artists today.
Cuisine
Lima has blossomed into one of the food capitals of the world, putting street eats and restaurants in Peru on the map. Seafood is a major ingredient at the best spots. You’ll find it in soups, stews, ceviche and seasoned with native aji mochero chilli. Head to Arequipa to sample alpaca steak and mountain potatoes in one of its traditional, female-run ‘picanterías’ (lunchtime restaurants).
Family friendly
Museum hop in Cusco to learn about the engineering and agricultural genius of the Incas, as well as their love for chocolate. Spy Amazonian butterflies, capybaras and toucans at the Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado. Or take the older kids on dune buggies and sandboards at the desert oasis of Huacachina.
Find the best time to visit Peru
Weather in Peru
April – October: The shoulder months of May and October offer some of the best bargains and great weather windows to explore all regions of Peru. During the dry season, expect warm, sunny days and cooler nights, especially in the Andes. Temperatures and humidity remain relatively friendly in the Amazon and near the coast.
November – March: Peru’s tropical climate splits the year roughly in two — the dry season and the wet season. November to March marks the arrival of frequent rain, especially in the Andes and Amazon (December to April if you’re closer to the coast). Raincoats and waterproof walking shoes are a must.
Events in Peru
La Fiesta de la Candelaria (January and February): For three weeks, the city of Puno is transformed by the colour and excitement of La Fiesta de la Candelaria. This popular event is marked by a frenzy of processions, masks and Andean music.
Inti Raymi (June): Every winter solstice since the Inca Empire, thousands have gathered in Cusco to celebrate Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun). Expect a full lineup of parades, rituals and feasts as locals give thanks to the sun god and Mother Earth.
Mistura Food Festival (September): For ten days each September, Peru’s best-in-class produce, street food and pisco sours take centre stage at this national food festival held in the Park of the Exposition in Lima.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Though tipping isn’t mandatory in restaurants, it’s worth adding 10% if service isn’t included. Be sure to always ask permission before snapping a photo of someone. Some savvy talent might request a small payment, especially in busy tourist areas. Cover up when visiting churches, and take the time to offer greetings when entering shops.
Health and safety
Many top attractions sit above 2,500 metres, so consult with your doctor about preventative measures for altitude sickness before travelling. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended, and other insect-borne diseases like dengue, Zika and malaria are present in certain regions. Use repellent and wear protective clothing, especially in the jungle. And always opt for bottled water.
LGBTQ+ travel
Progressive laws and attitudes make Peru a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travel. But conservatism still holds strong in many regions, so it’s best to avoid public displays of affection, particularly in rural areas. Lima is very friendly to queer travellers and is home to several gay clubs and an annual Pride parade in June.
Budget
It’s easy to plan a cheap holiday to Peru, a country where meals can cost as little as 15 Peruvian soles (S/). A short taxi ride will cost around S/30, but public buses are far cheaper. Alongside Lima’s luxury hotels and fine dining, you’ll find lots of budget accommodation.
Getting around Peru
Public transportation
Buses: Major coach companies Movil, Cruz del Sur, Tepsa and Oltursa offer an extensive network between cities and towns across Peru. You can book seating and checked luggage and opt for daytime or overnight travel. Peru Hop is an alternative operator geared towards shuttling tourists to popular sites and destinations.
Trains: Several lines cross the country, with routes to Aguas Calientes, near Machu Picchu, and Puno popular with tourists. Economy trains can be crowded and uncomfortable, while the more expensive services provide food and security.
Boats: This is the go-to mode of transport across the Peruvian Amazon and Lake Titicaca. Boat transfers are ordinarily included on organised tours, but it’s also possible to book ferries from towns like Puerto Maldonado and Capachica.
Domestic flights
Flying is a great way to see more of this vast country. Domestic carriers like LATAM offer competitive rates, with flights departing mostly from Lima.
Driving
You can hire a car in Peru, but be wary of chaotic driving conditions and avoid travelling after dark. Car hire companies are known to exaggerate damages to increase payouts, so be sure to have comprehensive insurance.
