Due to the great diversity of climate, Peru is one of the most beautiful destinations for adventure-seekers. Lima is the second-largest desert city in the world, the Andes hide incredible Inca ruins left almost intact by a civilization that perished too soon, and the Peruvian part of the Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Machu Picchu Fortress is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, and its abundant variety of natural resources attracts each year millions of tourists fascinated by Peruvian cuisine.
Get Inspired
Tips & Tricks
Travel Guides
Who We Are
Peru
DESTINATIONS
HIGHLIGHTS
Destinations! Although Machu Picchu is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, do not miss out the chance to visit the coastal regions and the desert. Book at least 3 days in Lima to discover the Peruvian gastronomy for which Peru has been recognized as one of the world’s best culinary destinations.
Nature! Peru is the country with the highest biodiversity in the world, with countless species of flora and fauna. The Amazon is home to millions of species of insects, fish, birds or large mammals and is the last place where the harpy eagle, jaguar and river pink dolphin can be found. It occupies half of South America and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes, its Peruvian side being the richest in terms of biodiversity.
Incredible Experiences! Trekking the vast network of roads built by the Incas in the Peruvian Andes, has become in recent years one of the most appreciated experiences in South America.
Gastronomy! It’s worth booking a flight to any Peruvian destination, just to try a Lomo Saltado (and you would still happily return home). In addition, if you are lucky enough to find a homemade Chicha Morada, somehow you already began your journey into the Peruvians soul.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Due to the relief diversity, the best time to visit Peru depends on your destination. Keep in mind, however, that a broader itinerary also involves organizing your luggage in much more detail!
Lima is the third largest desert city in the world, where it rains only a few times a year. The most pleasant temperatures are between December and March (24-27˚C), but if you want to swim in the ocean you’ll still need a neoprene suit. On the other hand, seasons in the Andes are much better defined. If you continue your journey to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, you’ll need proper clothes to keep you warm and dry, because the weather in the mountains is cold and it rains more often. Yet, the jungle can be visited all year round. Although the rainy season lasts from November to April, regardless of the month, the air is very humid and the temperatures are high. Usually during this period it can heavily rain, even a few hours a day.
THE PERFECT 20-DAY ITINERARY
Peru is a bucket-list destination, you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Whether you are looking to discover ancient Inca citadels, have fun in the desert, get lost in the breathtaking scenery of the Andes or try new and exciting experiences in the Amazon jungle, Peru is a place rich in unforgettable experiences.
With endless possibilities to immerse yourself in nature, culture and local traditions, our 20-day Itinerary will take you through some of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular landscapes.
VACATION BUDGET
The official currency of Peru is the Sol (S). The average budget for a day in Lima is around USD170. That includes accommodation in a central location, meals for one day and tickets for visiting some nearby museums or tourist attractions.
Accommodation
From luxurious hotels overlooking Pacific Ocean on Lima’s Costa Verde to cozy traditional inns in the Andes, there are many unique places that will leave you speechless if you catch yourself staying in Peru. For a double room with breakfast included, hotel prices in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular district, range from about USD110 at Casa Andina Select Miraflores to USD200 at Marriott Lima Miraflores. If you visit the Andean region, take a glimpse into Cuzco’s history and its impressive mid 15th century buildings. The main plaza of the city is surrounded by properties with stunning colonial architecture, with an average price up to USD113 at Terra Andina Colonial Mansion. In the Amazon you will find incredible lodges with a master bedroom, private bathroom and terrace in the middle of the jungle. A 3 days/2 nights experience at Amazon Planet starts at USD285, for the all-inclusive program.
- Price recommendations for the best mid-range hotels:
Lima: USD 70-100/night
Cuzco: USD60-120/night
Amazon (all inclusive): USD365/3nights
Transport
The most popular way of travel in Peru is by bus, especially in the Andes. Public transportation in cities like Lima or Puerto Maldonado is considered a bit dangerous though, so it may be better to take a taxi or a tuk-tuk instead. A definitely good idea is to ask the receptionist at your hotel to call a taxi for you.
However, some destinations in Peru can only be reached by plane (Iquitos) or train. PeruRail Vistadome train offers a unique way to travel to Machu Picchu, surrounded by panoramic windows that allow you to immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery. Also, on the return trip you can enjoy fashion shows featuring authentic baby alpaca wool collection.
Tips&Tricks: US dollars are accepted in many places, but if necessary, you will find “cambistas” on the streets (they usually wear a blue or green jacket with $ on the back) who legally buy and sell USD and EURO. Yet, you should avoid exchanging large sums of money.
TRADITIONAL PERUVIAN CUISINE
Due to its landscape and climate diversity, Peru offers an an incredibly rich and diverse array of dishes and superfoods that can’t be found anywhere else. With over 50 species of corn, 4000 varieties of potatoes and 650 native species of fruit, Peruvian cuisine is a fusion of flavors, culinary styles and influences. Considered one of the best in the world, traditional cuisine can be geographically divided into three regions: coastal desert, mountain highland and tropical forest.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language of Peru, but Quechua (the native language spoken by the Incas) and Aymara are widely spread in the Andean area. With over 400 tribes living in the Amazon Rainforest, each with its own language, numerous dialects can also be found in this part of the country.
TIPS & TRICKS
1. Create your own itinerary, from accommodation, transport, fun activities to do, or places to eat. If you travel on a tight schedule, book it with a local travel agency to make the planning process easier. You’ll visit as much as possible without having to worry about staying in line for tickets.
3. Do not forget that flights are often delayed. Try to organize your schedule accordingly, and don’t underestimate the importance of arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. If you are taking a connecting flight, make sure you follow the time limits for each individual flight.
2. Inca Trail is a 4-day trekking route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu following the ancient trails built by the Incas. If you want to hike to the famous citadel rather then taking the train, you must plan your trip a year in advance. In order to reduce the negative impact of tourism on the original structures, there is a limited number of organized tours that can only be booked from a few authorized travel agencies.
4. Spend a few days in the Amazon Rainforest. Stay at a lodge in the heart of Tambopata National Park, Manú National Park or Iquitos to watch its amazing wildlife, and don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit a Macaw Clay Lick.
0
