Overview
Peru is a spectacular country of contrasts, from coastal deserts to Andes mountains, ancient Inca sites and Amazon rainforest. The country may be most famous for Machu Picchu, but there is far more to explore beyond ancient ruins. Devour delicious food in Lima, explore the unique fusion of Inca and colonial architecture in Cusco, hike into the depths of the Colca Canyon, take a boat trip over shimmering Lake Titicaca and watch wildlife in the Amazon rainforest.
Visitors on holidays to Peru are spoilt for choice, from impressive imperial cities to humble, welcoming villages. Adding to the colour of Peru’s contemporary culture are many fiestas, markets and music styles. A large area of Peru is in the Amazon basin, cloaked in lush tropical forests. Despite this, the country’s diverse and unique wildlife and flora are surprisingly accessible.
The country’s coastline is dotted with fascinating ruined reminders of ancient cultures. Woven amongst this natural and historical wonder, Spanish colonial heritage remains prominent, providing a living record of rich architecture and art.
Our Peru tours
Peru has a long tradition of welcoming visitors and caters for both grassroots and luxury travel. Follow in the footsteps of Michael Bond’s bear on our From Paddington to Peru family holiday. Get off the beaten track as a solo traveller on our Beyond the Sacred Valley with the Lares Adventure holiday; or perhaps you’re looking to join an escorted group tour like our Condor: Peru in Depth Group Tour.
For more inspiration, check out our pick of the best places to visit in Peru.
With over 40 years of experience in creating award-winning tailor-made holidays and escorted group tours to Central and South America, contact Our Peru Travel Experts to start planning your holiday to Peru.
Our top holiday styles to Peru
Holidays Peru
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays to Peru.
Private Journeys
Peru
A Taste of Peru
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Peru / Bolivia / Lake Titicaca
Active Peru and Bolivia: trekking Andean peaks to tropical rainforest
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Peru
Active Peru: The Santa Cruz Trek
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Peru
Active Peru: Cycling, rafting and the Inca Trail
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Places To Visit In Peru
Discover our guide to the most exciting, memorable and inspiring places to visit.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon
The sunlit oasis of Arequipa is home to pearl-coloured buildings and sits at the foot of craggy volcanoes. Nearby, condors swoop over the cavernous Colca Canyon. Book your tour with Journey Latin America now.
Ayacucho and central Andes
Discover a beautiful and culturally rich mountainous region speckled with historic colonial towns.
Cusco
Surrounded by the Andean mountains, the former capital of the Inca Empire boasts intricate temples and golden-hued colonial architecture. Explore rugged landscapes and fascinating architecture with a Cusco holiday from Journey Latin America.
Huaraz
The busy little city of Huaraz is the base for trekkers eager to explore the jagged ice peaks and turquoise lagoons of the Cordilleras Blanca and Huayhuash.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Where to go when - our guide to Peru
Weather in Peru
Peru is an all-year destination, but its variety of landscapes from coastal plain to high Andes and lowland Amazon jungle means that the weather may be optimum for a visit at different times in the various locations. The rich Inca and Spanish colonial heritage is on show in a number of fiestas and other cultural events you may wish to factor into the timing of your holiday in Peru.
The mountainous region of the Andes, including Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the trekking region of Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca, is at its best from May to October, when the sun shines with just a little rain. December to April are the wetter months, however landscapes are greener, with fields full of crops. The region receives more foreign visitors in July and August; May and September are quieter. Religious-inspired fiestas abound, most notably the Inca festival of Inti Raymi on 24 June, Christmas and the moveable feast of Easter.
During the Amazon’s high water season (December to May) it’s easier to get around by boat and the cloud offers protection from the strong sun. The somewhat hotter dry season (June to November) is sunnier and better for wildlife spotting from jungle trails.
The coastal strip is mostly desert, warm and sunny all year, including the oases at Nazca and Arequipa with little precipitation. It is usually cool and misty in Lima from April to November, however outside this period the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny with plenty of life in the pavement cafés and bars.
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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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