Nestled in the heart of South America, Peru offers a blend of historical wonders and vibrant urban life. With its getaway to the majestic Machu Picchu, Peru also delights with vibrant cities like Lima and Cusco, each brimming with its own unique charm. From May to September, visitors can trek the Andes and explore the Sacred Valley or discover Lima, renowned for its world-class cuisine and stunning colonial architecture. The Amazon Rainforest offers an immersive adventure year-round with river cruises showcasing its incredible biodiversity, where you can spot jaguars, monkeys, iguanas and plant life such as giant trees, orchids and medicinal plants. Whether it is a hot air balloon ride over the Sacred Valley, exploring the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, or experiencing a shamanic ceremony in the Andes, Peru offers something special for every traveller.
Local Time: GMT-5
Local Currency: Sol
While Peru is visitable all year-round, the best time to go from a weather perspective is during the dry season in the Andes, which starts in May and ends in September. During these months, the nights will be cool but the sun is strong during the day, temperatures get to the early to mid 20s and your chances of a rainy day are pretty slim. Bear in mind that during the UK/US school summer holidays (July/August) will be the busiest time to visit the country in terms of the number of other tourists you’re likely to encounter. If you can, I would advise travelling over the shoulder season, which is April/May or October/November, where the weather is generally still good but there are less crowds, which is a real blessing!
The only months we would advise avoiding if travelling to the mountains is December to February, where the rains are at their heaviest and some excursions may be disrupted as a result. The famous Inca trail, for example, is closed for the month of February due to the rains causing muddy and potentially unsafe conditions for hiking.
Machu Picchu
Lima
Travelling to Peru with True
At True Travel, we know how to take you far from the well-trodden path and create an authentic experience of Machu Picchu, Cusco and beyond. Our tailor-made itineraries are curated with just your travel experience in mind.
Our travel design process starts with you and your ideas, each trip created from a blank piece of paper.
Our Latin America specialists have created a selection of example itineraries to provide a sense of what can be crafted for you in Peru.
13 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £7,600pp
Guide Price: $9,100pp
Explore Caral, the Americas’ oldest city, and UNESCO-listed Chan Chan. Learn about Tucume’s pyramid complex and discover historic sites like Revash, Kuelap, Karajia, and the impressive natural features such as the Gocta Waterfall and hot springs.
16 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £11,700pp
Guide Price: $14,000pp
Explore Lima’s bustling markets and Machu Picchu, then sail Lake Titicaca for Peruvian traditions before starlit stays at Uyuni’s Airstream Campers. Delve into La Paz’s mystical cultural heritage for an enchanting experience.
16 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £11,100pp
Guide Price: $13,300pp
Venture to Peru to discover Lima’s vibrant markets and regional delicacies whilst also learning about ancient indigenous traditions at Lake Titicaca. Witness Condors soar at Colca Canyon and trek to the marvel of Machu Picchu, a pinnacle of Latin American wonders.
12 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £10,200pp
Guide Price: $12,300pp
Embark on a journey immersing in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Peru. Experience Lima’s colonial and contemporary blend, Cusco’s charm, and uncover history at the Sacred Valley’s Inca ruins and Machu Picchu.
Duration: 13 Days
Guide Price: $9,100pp
Guide Price: £7,600pp
Destination:
Explore Caral, the Americas’ oldest city, and UNESCO-listed Chan Chan. Learn about Tucume’s pyramid complex and discover historic sites like Revash, Kuelap, Karajia, and the impressive natural features such as the Gocta Waterfall and hot springs.
Duration: 16 Days
Guide Price: $14,000pp
Guide Price: £11,700pp
Explore Lima’s bustling markets and Machu Picchu, then sail Lake Titicaca for Peruvian traditions before starlit stays at Uyuni’s Airstream Campers. Delve into La Paz’s mystical cultural heritage for an enchanting experience.
Duration: 16 Days
Guide Price: $13,300pp
Guide Price: £11,100pp
Destination:
Venture to Peru to discover Lima’s vibrant markets and regional delicacies whilst also learning about ancient indigenous traditions at Lake Titicaca. Witness Condors soar at Colca Canyon and trek to the marvel of Machu Picchu, a pinnacle of Latin American wonders.
Duration: 12 Days
Guide Price: $12,300pp
Guide Price: £10,200pp
Destination:
Embark on a journey immersing in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Peru. Experience Lima’s colonial and contemporary blend, Cusco’s charm, and uncover history at the Sacred Valley’s Inca ruins and Machu Picchu.
Duration: 7 Days
Guide Price: $6,600pp
Guide Price: £5,500pp
Destination:
Explore Peru’s highlights such as Lima’s vibrant culture and the fascinating ancient Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley. Explore diverse hiking trails, culminating in a full day at Machu Picchu guided by specialists, before diving into Cusco’s rich history.
Duration: 7 Days
Guide Price: $10,500pp
Guide Price: £8,700pp
Destination:
Take in the highlights of Peru, with a four day Amazon cruise before trekking through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in an action packed week with the family.
Perfect For:
Cultural discovery or active adventures, everything is possible in Peru. With so many unique and special experiences available, our specialists can guide you on the best way to spend your time in Peru.
Setting a new standard for luxury river voyages on the Amazon, the 205-foot Aqua Nera draws inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical black water lagoons, bearing the signature style that Aqua Expedition ships are known for.
A shining example of how hospitality and community can work symbiotically, 43 luxury cottages, dotted around extensive gardens, each little home decorated with local artwork.
This charming resting spot before or after a journey to Machu Picchu is built to replicate a traditional Andean village.
From boutique hotels in the heart of the city, to retreats high up in the mountains and by the waters edge, the collection of accommodation in Peru is as varied as the terrain. True Travel has scoured hundreds of properties to ensure those we include in our itineraries are the very best.
Each trip True Travel curate is based on the experience you are looking for and as an independent travel operator, we are not obliged or committed to any properties. You can rest safe in the knowledge that the accommodation we recommend for your stay has been chosen based on your interests, not ours.
Peru’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant traditions make it a must visit destination for all types of traveller. Lima, the capital, combines historic charm with culinary excellence. Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, dazzles with Inca ruins. Explore the Sacred Valley‘s ancient sites and vibrant markets. The Amazon Rainforest beckons with biodiversity.
The world’s most famous Inca site should be explored between late April and early October when the skies tend to be clear with less chance of mountain mist. However, it doesn’t matter what the weather is doing when you arrive at Machu Picchu; you will be overwhelmed by this unforgettable experience. In the hands of a guide, you will learn the intricate details of how this citadel operated and discover a new awareness of space and time. The backdrop of jagged mountains is breathtakingly beautiful, and your guide will always allow plenty of time to sit in peace and let the magic of Machu Picchu sink in.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, located at 12,507ft (3,812m) and straddles the border of Peru and Bolivia, who are constantly disputing who has the more beautiful side of the lake!
When travelling from the Peru side, one of our favourite ways to reach the highest navigable lake on earth is by train. Travelling from Cusco to Puno along some of the highest train routes in the world, the view from your window is a display of magnificent Andean scenery. Stylish accommodation is scarce in this region, but the timeless waters of Lake Titicaca are worth the journey. Discover floating islands made entirely from totora reeds where small communities dressed in brightly patterned clothing go about their daily lives.
Taking care of your Latin America travel needs is Evie, our Senior Latin America Specialist. There are few people as passionate about the people and culture of the region, ensuring that in addition to the extraordinary destination highlights, you will experience the most authentic side of Latin America with a True Travel itinerary.
Evie has lived in Argentina and travelled countless times throughout Central and South America; acquiring a particular love for wildlife, epic scenery and endless outdoors adventures.
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