Active Peru: Cycling, rafting and the Inca Trail
12 days from £3,500
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel in the cliff-side residential and commercial district of Miraflores.
The modern and welcoming small El Tambo Hotel is in the attractive district of Miraflores; the oceanfront residential and commercial centre of Lima. It has the advantage of being in a quiet central location yet close to the city’s seaside promenade, the Malecón, and within easy walking distance of many of the city’s best restaurants and bars.
There is nothing especially Peruvian about the contemporary décor but the guestrooms are spacious, bright and decorated with local handicrafts and pictures. The hotel has some pleasant outdoor areas including an attractive front garden with a lawn. There’s a restaurant and bar, and a good range of services and facilities.
Walking tour of Lima. This guided stroll visits dynamic Lima’s contrasting residential, financial and colonial districts. Starting off from the cliff tops in Miraflores, admire the views over the Pacific Ocean. Continue to the pre-Inca pyramid of Huaca Pucllana before arriving in San Isidro, an elegant suburb with an olive grove and golf course.
Pause for a snack at the Tanta Restaurant, owned by Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio and sample a traditional Peruvian dish. Afterwards, public transportation takes you to the outskirts of central Lima where you continue on foot through the colonial district to the Plaza de Armas. Lima’s grandiose historic main square is home to the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace and the City Hall.
Return to the airport for the one hour flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you continue by road to the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once the bread-basket of the empire, it was heavily populated in imperial times and scores of archaeological sites remain, where well-preserved ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created. Overnight in Urubamba in the heart of the valley for 3 nights, beneath the dome of a vast, clear Andean sky.
Deep within the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire, the secluded Casitas del Arco Iris is on the fringes of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. It is a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful gardens where abundant flowers attract a wide variety of butterflies and bird life.
Consisting of a handful of spacious, homely bungalows scattered throughout the grounds, the accommodation is top-notch. Décor calls to mind a delightful country cottage and natural materials dominate. Further cosiness is added by the fireplaces in every bungalow.
The hotel’s restaurant serves gourmet Peruvian and international specialities prepared with organic ingredients grown on site. By day, there is much to explore in the peaceful environs of the Sacred Valley where trips to a wealth of archaeological sites and lesser-known beauty spots can be arranged by the friendly and helpful staff, while by night the warmth of the fire and the beauty of star-flecked night skies make the hotel an ideal place to unwind.
Central to the Casitas’ existence is the charitable foundation set up by the Dutch owner, who invests all proceeds in education, healthcare and training for deprived children and young people in the local area.
The day is spent walking in spectacular Andean scenery, gaining an insight into life in a traditional weaving community, and visiting the small but well preserved Inca ruins of Pumamarca. It’s an early drive to the Andean community of Huilloc, where you visit homes in which you can observe different traditional processes and techniques used in textile weaving. The culture and way of life here has changed little since Inca times.
Afterwards, hike along the Patacancha River towards the village of Pallata to arrive at Pumamarca. Later, hike back to the village of Ollantaytambo along the top of the Inca terraces of Chichobamaba and Canchispujio. There is about 6 hours hiking in total today.
Deep within the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire, the secluded Casitas del Arco Iris is on the fringes of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. It is a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful gardens where abundant flowers attract a wide variety of butterflies and bird life.
Consisting of a handful of spacious, homely bungalows scattered throughout the grounds, the accommodation is top-notch. Décor calls to mind a delightful country cottage and natural materials dominate. Further cosiness is added by the fireplaces in every bungalow.
The hotel’s restaurant serves gourmet Peruvian and international specialities prepared with organic ingredients grown on site. By day, there is much to explore in the peaceful environs of the Sacred Valley where trips to a wealth of archaeological sites and lesser-known beauty spots can be arranged by the friendly and helpful staff, while by night the warmth of the fire and the beauty of star-flecked night skies make the hotel an ideal place to unwind.
Central to the Casitas’ existence is the charitable foundation set up by the Dutch owner, who invests all proceeds in education, healthcare and training for deprived children and young people in the local area.
Head off on a mountain-biking adventure in the beautiful, sun-drenched Sacred Valley – the Incas’ ancestral homeland and breadbasket, dotted with the ruins of their massive temples and fortresses.
First, transfer to the colonial town of Pisac, overlooked by the magnificent ruined Inca city of the same name, where you will have the chance to wander among the many artisan stalls at your leisure. If you look carefully you may also see some of the older countryside-dwellers, who have come down from remote hill villages to barter potatoes, carrots and onions in exchange for tropical fruits brought up from the jungle.
You will then head to Taray and unload the bikes. Cycle out of the plaza and follow a beautiful dirt road running alongside the river Urubamba. Travelling slowly is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of this traditional farming area of the mountain-rimmed Sacred Valley. You ride at an altitude of around 2,800m, slightly lower than Cusco. Vibrant fields of corn, kiwicha and quinoa line your route. Along the way you will stop for a picnic lunch
Deep within the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire, the secluded Casitas del Arco Iris is on the fringes of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. It is a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful gardens where abundant flowers attract a wide variety of butterflies and bird life.
Consisting of a handful of spacious, homely bungalows scattered throughout the grounds, the accommodation is top-notch. Décor calls to mind a delightful country cottage and natural materials dominate. Further cosiness is added by the fireplaces in every bungalow.
The hotel’s restaurant serves gourmet Peruvian and international specialities prepared with organic ingredients grown on site. By day, there is much to explore in the peaceful environs of the Sacred Valley where trips to a wealth of archaeological sites and lesser-known beauty spots can be arranged by the friendly and helpful staff, while by night the warmth of the fire and the beauty of star-flecked night skies make the hotel an ideal place to unwind.
Central to the Casitas’ existence is the charitable foundation set up by the Dutch owner, who invests all proceeds in education, healthcare and training for deprived children and young people in the local area.
Today you will set off on the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is part of a wider network of trails built by the Incas which spanned over 6,000km along the spine of the Andes. The scenery along the way is breathtaking: verdant cloud forest and Alpine tundra, Inca ruins and sublime snow-capped mountain vistas. There are a few steep climbs to negotiate before the descent towards your destination, the Gate of the Sun…and the ultimate reward, Machu Picchu.
You set off from Urubamba by road, following the River Urubamba as it enters the ever-narrowing gorge which leads down from the highlands to the Amazon basin. The road goes as far as km82, the start of the trail.
The first day follows the undulating path on the left bank of the Urubamba river for a couple of hours until you reach the first archaeological ruins at Llactapata (2,300m). From here you turn away from the vast Urubamba canyon and begin to climb gently up the narrow Cusichaca valley towards the small farming community of Huayllabamba (3,100m). Arrive at the first camp site.
After Huayllabamba comes the hardest part of the trek as the trail begins to climb steeply uphill through beautiful forests, before emerging onto open meadows at Llulluchapampa. From here it is a further 2-3 hours strenuous climb towards the Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s) pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,200m, with spectacular views before the trail descends into the Pacamayo Valley. Camp.
The following day climbing up original Inca steps, you pass the ruins of Runkuracay and a couple of small lagoons on the way to the second pass at 3,850m where, clouds permitting, snow-capped mountains heave into sight. The trail then snakes down towards the ruins of Sayacmarca, from where there are sweeping vistas of distant valleys and hills. Continuing along the paved Inca road you pass through a tunnel before reaching the third pass and, soon after, the ruins of Phuyupatamarca. From a nearby hilltop there are often incredible views of the snow-capped Mount Salkantay, the most beautiful mountain in the region. This is followed by a steep, knee-crunching one kilometre descent to Wiñay Wayna. This exquisite Inca site, containing a series of fine ceremonial fountains and elegantly curved terracing, overlooks the Urubamba river. Camp.
From here, it’s just a 2 hour, relatively flat walk through wonderful cloud forest to the Intipunku or Sun Gate, from where you have your first view of the celebrated Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
The majestic ruined city was discovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, by which time it was completely buried beneath jungle vegetation. It is perhaps the ruins’ location, on a ridge spur amid forested peaks and above a roaring river canyon, that most ignites the imagination.
You will have a guided tour of the ruins along one of the set trails, before heading back down to spend the night in Machu Picchu village.
Owned by the reputable Casa Andina group, this contemporary hotel prides itself on its prime location opposite the railway station at the centre of Machu Picchu village. Guests arriving by train have the treat of being delivered quite literally to the door.
While the building’s five-storey grey panelled exterior is a little drab, the inside is fresh, clean and modern with bright furniture, marble floors, brilliant white walls and attractive artworks.
More than 50 guestrooms are simple, functional and modern in design. White walls and bedding are interrupted only by a slim brightly coloured throw hung across the end of the bed, a contemporary homage to the colourful traditional weavings of the area. Superior rooms and suites have the added benefit of views over the Vilcanota River. The hotel’s riverside restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows which optimise the view.
Train times permitting, there’s the opportunity for an optional return to the site of Machu Picchu. Getting up early and taking the first buses up to the ruins is well worth it… The site is virtually empty and the early morning mists swirl around the surrounding mountain tops.
In the afternoon, return by train as far as Ollantaytambo or Poroy, before continuing the journey to Cusco, and your hotel, by road. The Expedition Train service offers you the chance to appreciate the scale of the ever-changing scenery, with portrait windows alongside your seat (seats are configured in pairs facing each other over a table). Your comfort is enhanced with air-conditioning and heating, and Andean music is played as a backdrop to the passing scenery.
The name Cusco derives from the Quechua word for navel, indicating its location at the centre of the Inca Empire, which reached its zenith at the same time as England was fighting the War of the Roses. It is said that the city was originally built in the shape of a puma and its position atop the precipitous foothills of the Andes is without doubt a commanding one. Capital of the Inca Empire and latterly a strong hold to the Spanish conquistadors, Cusco is not so much a blend of architectures as a defiant mix.
Today its many impressive original Inca walls display extraordinary craftsmanship, while the bustling squares are dotted with ornate baroque colonial churches. It’s a vivacious city, where shoeshine boys and postcard sellers jostle for your attention in cobbled streets lined with handicraft shops and cafés. In the evening, the town centre fills with people flocking to the many restaurants, bars and cafés.
Cusco is choc a bloc with accommodation, but we think this little hotel not far from the centre is one of the best for its standard and price.
Just a few short blocks uphill from the Plaza de Armas, in arty San Blas, the amiable little Hotel Rumi Punka offers guests a cosy place to stay in a colonial-style environment. In common with most buildings of the era it has rooms facing central courtyards, but with the additional bonus of a peaceful garden at the back. Bits of original Inca wall and a genuine Inca doorway add to the historical flavour, and traditional Peruvian motifs appear throughout the décor.
Guestrooms have polished wooden floors and spacious, contemporary bathrooms. The hotel also offers free internet access, safety deposit box, laundry facilities, a lounge with fireplace and a breakfast room where an excellent spread is served. Unusually for this grade of hotel there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and gym, though there is an extra charge to use these facilities.
Today you’ll have a guided walking tour of the city, the centre of which is compact and easy to get around on foot. Beyond the city, its squares, museums, churches and markets, you’ll visit some impressive ruins on the outskirts: Tambomachay, Puca-Pucara and the monumental Sacsayhuamán, with its foreboding cyclopean fortress. While the edges of Cusco are dominated by Inca dwellings, temples and fortresses, the historic heart (with the Plaza de Armas flanked by the cathedral and the church of La Compañia) reveal the indelible mark of the Spanish conquistadors.
Cusco is choc a bloc with accommodation, but we think this little hotel not far from the centre is one of the best for its standard and price.
Just a few short blocks uphill from the Plaza de Armas, in arty San Blas, the amiable little Hotel Rumi Punka offers guests a cosy place to stay in a colonial-style environment. In common with most buildings of the era it has rooms facing central courtyards, but with the additional bonus of a peaceful garden at the back. Bits of original Inca wall and a genuine Inca doorway add to the historical flavour, and traditional Peruvian motifs appear throughout the décor.
Guestrooms have polished wooden floors and spacious, contemporary bathrooms. The hotel also offers free internet access, safety deposit box, laundry facilities, a lounge with fireplace and a breakfast room where an excellent spread is served. Unusually for this grade of hotel there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and gym, though there is an extra charge to use these facilities.
Set off from Cusco on a spectacular drive to the 3,000m deep Apurimac Canyon, hopefully glimpsing on route the snow-capped Vilcanota mountain range before descending into the canyon to the banks of the river which is one of the top 10 rafting rivers in the world.
Inflate the specialised rafts, load up with provisions and, following a comprehensive safety talk and instruction in the sport of white water rafting, head off into the canyon. The foaming rapids (ranging from classes 2-4) are wild and energetic, and your enjoyment of the thrills and spills of the descent is enhanced by views of towering mountains. The topography of the rafting route varies: you may be negotiating boulders, while elsewhere you float dreamily down a tranquil stretch of river. No experience is required.
Two day rafting trips are also available.
Cusco is choc a bloc with accommodation, but we think this little hotel not far from the centre is one of the best for its standard and price.
Just a few short blocks uphill from the Plaza de Armas, in arty San Blas, the amiable little Hotel Rumi Punka offers guests a cosy place to stay in a colonial-style environment. In common with most buildings of the era it has rooms facing central courtyards, but with the additional bonus of a peaceful garden at the back. Bits of original Inca wall and a genuine Inca doorway add to the historical flavour, and traditional Peruvian motifs appear throughout the décor.
Guestrooms have polished wooden floors and spacious, contemporary bathrooms. The hotel also offers free internet access, safety deposit box, laundry facilities, a lounge with fireplace and a breakfast room where an excellent spread is served. Unusually for this grade of hotel there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and gym, though there is an extra charge to use these facilities.
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey home or to start the next leg of your journey.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Peru - Lima
Peru’s capital doesn’t get the credit it deserves. In Lima, colonial grandeur, world-class gastronomy and Pacific Ocean views combine to make it one of South America’s most exciting cities. Known as the City of Kings, Lima blends rich colonial heritage with contemporary culture, outstanding museums and some of the best food on the continent.
Peru - 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.
Peru - Sacred Valley of the Incas
We think of the Sacred Valley as the heartland of the Inca Empire – fertile valleys, snow-capped mountains and ancient stone fortresses make it one of Peru’s most captivating landscapes. Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, it’s home to colourful markets, traditional villages, remarkable archaeological sites and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
Peru - Machu Picchu
Few archaeological sites in the world compare to Machu Picchu, where ancient Inca stonework clings to a mountain ridge high above a jungle-clad valley. Nestled among cloud-wreathed Andean peaks at 2,430m, this corner of Machu Picchu Peru combines spectacular scenery, remarkable architecture and fascinating history to create one of South America’s most unforgettable travel experiences.
This is an adventurous, active holiday which uses the flexibility of walking, biking and river rafting to give you a different perspective of the Cusco area of southern Peru. Hike the famous Classic Inca Trail to the ruined Inca city of Machu Picchu, cycle in the Sacred Valley and raft down the upper reaches of the River Apurimac, a tributary of the Amazon, in glorious, remote canyon landscapes.
You will get under the skin of Peru at ground level: instead of whizzing around in a coach you’ll be exploring under your own steam. Discovering essential cities on foot, you can pop down narrow alleys and weave your way through produce-crammed markets. You will amble through the countryside along farm tracks and narrow broom-lined paths, cycle along quiet country lanes, and hike one of the Andes’ most staggeringly beautiful mountain trails. Add to this the experience of rafting the rocky gorges of the Andes as they clamber down to the jungles of the Peruvian Amazon, you’ll arrive home fit, and exhilarated.
Chris Rendell-Dunn
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
1 flight (approx 1hr); 2 scenic road journeys (2hrs); 1 rail journey (3.5-4hrs).
- Accommodation
On this tour we use good value budget hotels. They are generally small, friendly establishments, colonial or modern in style with well-equipped rooms, private bathroom and heating. You spend 3 nights under canvas.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, full board days 5-7, lunch on days 10 and 11.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: Lima 1; Sacred Valley 3; Inca Trail camping 3; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 3.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Peru is the sol.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are gradually falling out of use (American Express are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$35 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income. Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax and taxes on internal flights are usually included in the ticket.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able-bodied, fit visitors, including families with reasonably strong older children (minimum 16 years, however for younger children, the itinerary can be adjusted with an easier rafting tour). Experience of outdoor activities is an advantage.
The Inca Trail hiking is moderately challenging, especially on the second day which has a steep climb at high altitude, reaching over 4,200m. You should be able to walk over undulating rocky terrain for several hours.
The rafting involves negotiating some rapids which are considered challenging, up to class 4: you will need decent physical strength to operate the paddles. No previous rafting experience is necessary as full operation and safety instructions are given so even novice crews will be sufficiently trained.
- Climate
This tour does not operate during the wetter Andean months, November to April. The dry season is in June, July and August when the sun is strong during the day, but at night the temperature drops dramatically (from freezing point to 10°C). May, September and October are less predictable, with both rainy and sunny spells.
Lima is covered in a dull grey mist for much of the year. It almost never rains in Lima, and temperatures are moderate.
In Cusco and the Apurimac region, whilst June to September can be very cold at night, days are usually extremely clear with sun. The Apurimac canyon (3,000m deep) region is arid.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
For day-to-day wear you should go prepared to encounter all seasons. Both warm clothing and a sun hat are essential at altitude; a light fleece jacket and a Gore-Tex outer shell makes a good combination. Trousers, skirt or shorts made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials work well. If you plan to eat in smart restaurants, although clothing is not formal (no need for jacket and tie), something quite smart would be appropriate.
Strong, comfortable footwear is essential.
For the camping on the Inca Trail (and rafting expedition) you will need a minimum 3 season sleeping bag. Bring your own or hire one locally (we can order one in advance for you. You may wish to bring your own sleeping bag liner).
For the Inca Trail you should bring a back pack to carry the personal effects you will need on the Inca Trail. Bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect you from cold (and possibly wet) weather. We recommend you layer with synthetic clothing as synthetic fabrics are the most effective barriers against the cold. We discourage the use of cotton garments in cold or wet mountain conditions. The innermost layer should be long underwear. The middle layer can be a synthetic turtleneck or woollen shirt, and shorts or trousers. The outermost layer should be a synthetic or down jacket, and/or a good quality Gore-Tex wind/rain parka and over-trousers. You will also need a bag in which to store the gear you aren’t taking on the trek. You should limit your luggage for the trek to 10kgs per person, with the remainder left in Cusco.
For further details about what to bring on the Trail see our Briefing Dossier.For the rafting expedition the following are provided: state of the art self-bailing rafts, Hi-flotation life-jackets, helmets, spray jackets, dry bags for personal gear, wetsuits, wet-suit boots and special containers for cameras. Camping and cooking equipment including Therma-rest mats and 2 man tents.
You should bring:– Sleeping bag / Sheet (0ºC) – Small Towel
– Long-sleeve Thermal top for under wetsuit – Old trainers / socks
– Insect repellent (High DEET) – After-bite cream
– Sunglasses with attaching string – Peaked cap
– Water bottle (with attaching string) – Book, pen, paper
– Swim suit – Head torch
– Suntan lotion factor 15+ / after sun – Lip balm
– Camera, spare battery and memory card – Sleeping clothes
– Personal toiletries – Spare contact lenses /glassesFor cycling you may wish to bring padded shorts, and be sure to have a pair of trainers or other footwear appropriate for the pedals. You’ll have a choice of TREK bikes in three different sizes, with front and seat suspension, and protective helmets are provided.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Water To Go
Please enquire if you are travelling alone and would like to join a group: shared departures are available on selected dates between May and September.
- Travelling Alone
Your stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley is at high altitude (2,800-3,500m). A small minority of visitors may suffer temporarily from altitude sickness. Symptoms vary; most common are mild headaches, slight nausea and breathlessness. If you don’t recover in a day or two speak to our representatives; in very rare instances it is necessary to descend to lower altitudes. Most people are unaffected and if you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink alcohol) in the first couple of days after arrival, you will
minimise your chances of suffering any symptoms.
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Holders of a full British passport don’t need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel. If you’re travelling via the US, you’ll also need an ESTA. For the latest entry requirements, check the FCDO travel pages or contact us.
- How do I get to Peru from the UK?
There are no direct flights from the UK to Peru. Most routes connect through a European or US hub – common connections include Madrid, Amsterdam and Miami. Flights land at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, around 45 minutes from the city centre.
Flight time is typically 12 to 15 hours depending on routing. We’re happy to quote international flights separately based on your dates and preferences.
- How do I get around Peru?
Distances are large, so domestic flights are the most practical way to move between regions. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
From Cusco, we arrange private transfers to the Sacred Valley and train connections to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. Cusco to Puno, for Lake Titicaca, is around six to seven hours by road across the high Altiplano, or you can take the scenic PeruRail Titicaca train.
Reaching the Amazon means a short flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado or from Lima to Iquitos.
- What currency is used in Peru?
Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, but you’ll get a better deal paying in sol. Carry cash for markets, smaller restaurants and remote areas. Peru is five hours behind GMT.
- How long should I spend in Peru?
Two weeks is ideal for a full tour covering Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and either Colca Canyon or the Amazon. Ten days comfortably cover the main highlights.
With three weeks, you can add the Amazon, the Nazca Lines, or a crossing into Bolivia. Peru also combines well with Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, or with Argentina and Patagonia as part of a wider trip.
- What’s the best time of year to visit Peru?
The dry season from May to October is best for the Andes, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca – warm days, cold nights and clear skies. The Inca Trail closes in February.
Lima’s coast is warmest from December to April, and the Amazon can be visited year-round, with different advantages in each season. We can advise on the best timing for your itinerary.
- What countries combine well with Peru?
Peru pairs naturally with Bolivia – many of our holidays cross from Lake Titicaca into La Paz and the Uyuni salt flats. Ecuador is a short flight from Lima, and a Peru–Ecuador–Galápagos Islands itinerary is one of our most popular.
For a broader South America trip, you can add Argentina and Buenos Aires, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, Chile or Colombia. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country tour around you.
- What vaccinations do I need for Peru?
Please check current health recommendations for Peru before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you’re visiting the Amazon, and you may need a certificate if travelling on to certain other countries.
Altitude sickness is a consideration in Cusco (3,400m) and at Lake Titicaca (3,812m) – we build acclimatisation time into all our itineraries. For up-to-date advice, check the FCDO travel pages or contact us.
- Is Peru safe to visit?
The main tourist areas – Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon lodges – are well visited and generally safe.
As anywhere, take sensible precautions, particularly in Lima and Cusco. We plan every itinerary carefully using trusted local partners and established routes. Check the FCDO travel pages for current government advice, and our Travel Experts will flag anything relevant to your trip.
- What is the food like in Peru?
The food is one of the highlights of any trip. Lima ranks among South America’s best places to eat – ceviche made with fresh fish cured in lime juice, lomo saltado (a stir-fried beef dish with Chinese-Peruvian roots), and ají de gallina (shredded chicken in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce).
Try a pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, in a rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific. In the Andes, the traditional dishes include hearty soups, roasted guinea pig (cuy), and quinoa; in the Amazon, freshwater fish and tropical fruit. Wherever you go, our local restaurants of choice are ones we’ll happily point you to.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
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.
Explore Lima on foot to uncover pre-Inca temples, colonial plazas and sweeping Pacific views.
Take a guided stroll through the historic Inca capital with its extraordinary mix of ancient stonework and colonial architecture.
Take on the tempestuous Apurimac on a full day white-water rafting adventure, exploring side canyons and lunching on a deserted beach.
Get out and about around Cusco to discover its most important Inca temples on foot.
Explore the world-famous Lost City of the Incas: the undisputed jewel in Peru’s crown.
Loop around the highland rim of the Sacred Valley on a mountain bike, stopping to admire the Inca terraces at Moray, the salt pans of Maras and the village of Chinchero.
Accommodation
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Delightfully secluded and homely hotel surrounded by flower-filled gardens in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley. All proceeds go to a charitable foundation for deprived youngsters.
This Peruvian-owned mid-range hotel in Machu Picchu village is a convenient base for visits to the ruins.
Welcoming modern hotel in a quiet yet central location, offering a good range of services and facilities.
Papagaio
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