Peru travel guide
The name 'Peru' conjures up images of jagged mountain peaks circled by rare condors, the mysterious Nazca lines, sacred Lake Titicaca and its Aymara-inhabited floating islands, and one of the continent's biggest draws: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. It's easy to view a Peru holiday as a voyage into the lost Inca kingdom of the Andes, whose modern inhabitants - the Quechua - are living descendants of its pre-colonial past.
This epic nation is a South American microcosm, complete with all its most sacred and seductive riches.
But don't underestimate Peru's diversity. Over half of the country is blanketed by the Amazon, hosting some extraordinary species-rich environments, and its coastline is a 2,500km desert, with the highest sand dunes on earth. Its cuisine is influenced as much by its coastline as by its native potatoes and quinoa, and its cities are an energetic mix of the modern and the ancient, with Spanish architecture perched on top of Inca stonework, and glass-fronted buildings overlooking colonial plazas. Read on in our Peru travel guide.
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Peru is/isn't
Peru is...
much more than just the Inca Trail. There are deserts, beaches and jungles...
Peru isn't...
for anyone who feels queasy at the sound of panpipes
What we rate & what we don't
UNDERRATED
RATED
OVERRATED
Our Peru Holidays
Peru tailormade holiday
Lima, Colca, Titicaca & Machu Picchu in a customisable tour.
From
£1765
14 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca trail holiday
An unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery
From
£1949 to £2499
11 days
inc UK flights
Peru holiday, Cusco to Lake Titicaca
Customisable Overland Trip: Machu Picchu & Titicaca Islands
From
£1220
8 days
ex flights
Peru highlights tour, Inca trail, Titicaca and Nazca
Taste Peru's diverse landscapes and fascinating culture
From
£2649 to £3299
17 days
inc UK flights
Peru walking and cultural holiday
Trek the cultural sites and mountain scenery of Peru
From
£1917
10 days
ex flights
Family holiday to Peru, Machu Picchu & the Amazon
Experience Peru's top sights as a family
From
£3430
19 days
ex flights
Peru tour, off the beaten track
An cultural small group tour to the Northern region of Peru.
From
£2885
14 days
ex flights
Southern Peru small group tour
Journey through south Peru, the heartland of the Inca Empire
From
£3131
14 days
ex flights
Inca Trail walking tour, Peru
Customisable holiday including comfort service Inca Trail
From
£1285
8 days
ex flights
Luxury Peru adventure holiday
Luxury Adventure travel in stunning Peru.
From
£4798
11 days
ex flights
Machu Picchu & Amazon small group holiday, Peru
Explore Peru from Machu Picchu the Amazon rainforest
From
£1350 to £1799
12 days
ex flights
Highlights of Peru holiday
Join a cultural exploration of Peru
From
£1822 to £2549
21 days
ex flights
Alternative Inca trail trek in Peru, Salkantay Trek
Salkantay trek - an alternative Inca Trail adventure
From
£672
5 days
ex flights
Peru trekking tour, tailor made
Exhilarating Walking Experience in Peru's legendary sights
From
£1895
7 days
ex flights
Adventure holiday in Peru, off the beaten track
Nature and culture from Peru's coast to the Andes and Amazon
From
US $2000 to US $2500
10 days
ex flights
Peru small group tour, a food adventure
Peru is an exciting region to go on a foodie adventure.
From
£1566 to £1800
10 days
ex flights
Peru and Galapagos adventure holiday
Combine superb hiking with a spectacular wildlife cruise
From
£6540 to £7830
18 days
ex flights
Inca Trail adventure holiday
Discover Cuzco and the Sacred Valley on this Incan adventure
From
£716 to £985
7 days
ex flights
Lima and Cusco holiday in Peru, local experience
Authentic intercultural experience in Lima and Cusco
From
US $1800 to US $1950
10 days
ex flights
Classic Inca Trail holiday, 10 days
10-days: Lima, Cusco, 4-day Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
From
£1695
10 days
ex flights
Peru, Bolivia and Chile holiday
Action-packed short tour of Peru, Bolivia and Chile
From
£1760 to £2749
15 days
ex flights
Amazon eco lodge budget tour, Peru
Authentic local and ecological experience in the Amazon
From
US $300 to US $350
3 days
ex flights
Inca trail & Amazon Rainforest holiday
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & rainforest
From
£3149 to £3839
17 days
inc UK flights
Peru homestay and coffee tour, Kuelap
Ancient culture, amazing nature and delicious coffee
From
US $900 to US $1280
6 days
ex flights
Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
An authentic trek through the land of the Incas
From
£1155 to £1739
7 days
ex flights
Cordillera Huayhuash trekking holiday
Dramatic Huayhuash trek through Peru's Cordillera Blanca
From
£976 to £1903
18 days
ex flights
Amazon conservation project in Peru
Help conserve the species of the incredible Amazon jungle.
From
£1395
16 days
ex flights
Food, shopping & people
Eating & drinking in Peru
Try a tangy Pisco Sour, made with Pisco, lemon juice and egg white.
Quinoa is a tasty, protein-packed grain. The staple, sacred food of the Incas, it is native to the Andes.
Ceviche is Peru's most famous dish. Fresh, raw fish is marinated in lime juice and spiced with chilli and onions. Don't make the Gringo mistake of having it for dinner - true Peruvians only eat this at lunchtime.
Cuy is a Peruvian staple that may be less appetising to visitors - it's guinea pig. And it's usually served whole.
People & language
If you knock on a Quechua door, you may hear "Haykuykuy!" - Come in!
Peruvian culture varies by altitude. The highlands are the stronghold of the Quechua - descendents of the Inca - while the lowland forests have many smaller native groups. Peru's official languages are Spanish, Quechua and Aymara, but at least a dozen more languages are spoken in the Amazon.
You'll see the word "Inti" a lot. It means 'sun' or 'Sun God' in Quechua.
Lateness is a national trait - to try and encourage punctuality, emphasise the "hora inglesa" - 'English time'!
The great Inca Empire was actually a mere blip on the continent's 5000-year cultural history - their rule lasted barely a century.
Our top Peru Holiday
Peru tailormade holiday
Lima, Colca, Titicaca & Machu Picchu in a customisable tour.
From
£1765
14 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Peru or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Gifts & shopping
Alpaca wool hats, jumpers, scarves, ponchos and blankets are ubiquitous in Peru. Knitted items here are high quality and wonderfully warm, but you get what you pay for - a "bargain" may well be fake.
Colourful textiles handwoven on traditional backstrap looms capture the vibrant spirit of Peru's indigenous people. Try and buy direct from craft cooperatives. Cheaper items on markets will be mass-produced, and possibly imported.
Peru's jewellers use intricate filigree techniques, weaving and soldering thin gold and silver threads to create beautifully detailed earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
The humble potato originated in Peru - hence the local expression of national pride: 'I'm more Peruvian than the potato!'
How much does it cost?
Standard train journey from Machu Pichcu to Cuzco: £55
A whole, roasted guinea pig: £10.50
Ceviche in a restaurant: £5-£12
Large bottle of Cuzqueña beer: £1.40
Real alpaca shawl or jumper: From £40
More about Peru
From Cuzco and the Andes, to the Amazon and the coast, Peru has one of the most varied climates on earth. We help you choose the best time to go to Peru...
Our Peru map and highlights will help you make the most of your holiday, whether you’re seeking classic highlights, an Inca trek or combining Andes and Amazon...
If you're hoping to rediscover Machu Picchu, explore the Amazon or get off the beaten track then read on for our top things to do in Peru...
Our guide to Machu Picchu reveals the history of this sacred site, with tips on what to see, how to travel there and the best time to visit...
Peru's Inca Trail is one of the highlights of a South America holiday. Discover the history of the trail, the best time to go and a sample itinerary...
There are several alternative Inca trails that lead to Machu Picchu, taking in cloud and rainforest, high passes and indigenous villages...
We explain why, when you cross the border at Lake Titicaca and see Bolivia and Peru together, you gain more than just an extra stamp in your passport...
Community homestays, brightly woven handicrafts and spectacular island hikes are Lake Titicaca’s calling cards.
The Nazca Lines in Peru remain one of the country’s great mysteries. Find out about the lines’ history, and how to view them from land and from the air...
Travelling in Peru with kids is a fabulous idea. Machu Picchu will delight children as much as parents, while long-lashed llamas are sure to enchant...
Our Peru travel tips page is packed to the rafters with sound, practical advice from our South America experts as well as our independent traveller reviews...
Porters' rights are one of the most important Peru responsible tourism issues. We also share information on volunteering, homestays and the environment...
Find all of our Peru guides in one place, for particular places in Peru such as Machu Picchu. Or perhaps you would like to know more about the different types of Peru holidays we offer such as culture or trekking the Inca Trail.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: McKay Savage] [Lima: Art DiNo]
[Slow travel: travelmag.com]
[Lake Titicaca: Christian Haugen]
[Taste explosion: Picanteria karol]
[The Andes: McKay Savage]
[Fake Peruvian culture: Bruce Tuten]
[Aguas Calientes: ShashiBellamkonda]
[The "poor man's Galapagos": Esmée Winnubst]
[Nazca lines: Christian Haugen]
[Eating & drinking: José Fernandes Jr.]
[People & language: mokomoko663]
[Quote 1 (ancient Peru): Jeff1961]
[Gifts & shopping: mokomoko663]
[How much does it cost?: young shanahan]
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