The Land of the Incas

Walk through centuries of history in Cusco, explore Inca fortresses perched in the Andes, and ride the famous Vistadome or Hiram Bingham trains to Machu Picchu. The stories, craftsmanship, and engineering of the Inca civilisation are some of the most impressive in the world.

Immersive Culture & Remarkable Food

Peru is one of South America’s culinary powerhouses. From Lima’s Michelin-recognised restaurants to rustic Andean cooking in the Sacred Valley, food is a highlight of any trip. Meet local communities, learn traditional weaving techniques, or join a hands-on market-to-table cooking experience.

The Andes, Amazon & Beyond

Peru’s landscapes are staggering in their diversity: cloud forests, high-altitude lakes, subtropical valleys, and the mighty Amazon Basin. Choose from gentle day walks, high-Andean treks, wildlife safaris, luxury river cruises, or scenic self-contained tours.

Incredible Wildlife

Spot condors soaring above Colca Canyon, pink dolphins in the Amazon, llamas grazing near ancient ruins, and a rainbow of tropical birds. Peru is a dream for wildlife lovers.

Lima

A vibrant capital overlooking the Pacific. Explore colonial plazas, world-class museums, and one of the best dining scenes on the continent.

Cusco

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a highlight in itself — full of cobbled streets, colourful markets, and ornate architecture.

Sacred Valley

A picturesque Andean region dotted with villages, terraces, Inca sites, and craft markets. Ideal for soft adventure, culture, and boutique stays.

Machu Picchu

The iconic citadel remains a bucket-list favourite. Choose from classic rail journeys or guided hikes to reach this extraordinary site.

Lake Titicaca

Explore the world’s highest navigable lake, visiting floating reed islands and experiencing Andean village life.

Amazon Rainforest

Stay in a luxury jungle lodge or embark on an Amazon river cruise for wildlife viewing, night walks and canopy excursions.

Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Discover Peru’s “White City” and witness condors flying above one of the world’s deepest canyons.

Peru is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on where you’re travelling:

• May to October (Dry Season): Ideal for the Andes, trekking, and Machu Picchu. Clear skies and cooler nights.

• November to April (Green Season): Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and excellent value. Light showers are common in the highlands.

• Amazon: Warm and humid all year; wildlife viewing is consistent

UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism, and you are typically granted permission to stay for up to 90 days on arrival. Immigration requirements can change occasionally, but the process is usually simple and efficient. Upon landing, you will simply present your passport, which must be valid for the duration of your stay. Travellers often find entry straightforward, with no need for advance paperwork, interviews, or embassy visits. It is always recommended to check the latest FCDO guidance before departure, but for most visitors, the visa aspect of a Peru holiday is wonderfully easy.

Although no mandatory vaccinations are required for entry, many travellers choose to receive recommended vaccinations such as hepatitis A or typhoid for peace of mind, especially if visiting rural areas or the Amazon rainforest. Yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry from the UK, but strongly advised for anyone heading into jungle regions such as Puerto Maldonado, Manu, or Iquitos. The altitude in the Andes can affect even the fittest travellers, and most visitors begin to feel the thinner air when arriving in cities such as Cusco. Acclimatisation is essential, which is why our itineraries are planned to ease you into higher altitudes gradually. Keeping hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity on the first day, and listening to your body are the best approaches. For the majority of holidaymakers, altitude becomes manageable within 24 to 48 hours.

The dry season from May to October is widely considered the most favourable period for UK travellers. This is when the skies above the Andes are clearest, the walking trails are at their best, and Machu Picchu tends to offer bright, crisp mornings ideal for photography. The green season from November to April brings occasional rain, especially in the highlands, and while the cloud cover can be more pronounced, the landscapes are beautifully lush, the crowds are thinner, and the prices can be more appealing. The Peruvian Amazon remains warm and humid all year, with wildlife activity strong in every month. Overall, Peru is a destination that can be enjoyed at any time of year, and the best season depends on the type of experience you want.

For UK travellers, a well-paced itinerary usually requires at least ten days, although many visitors find that twelve to sixteen days offers the ideal balance between cultural exploration, scenic landscapes, and time for relaxation. Because Peru is such a large country with varied regions — from coast and desert to mountains and rainforest — it is wise to allow enough time to experience a variety of environments without feeling rushed. A typical trip might include Lima, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, while longer journeys can incorporate the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or Colca Canyon.

There are currently, 2025,  no direct flights from the UK to Peru, so travellers usually connect through major European hubs such as Amsterdam, Paris, or Madrid, or through the United States when suitable. Total journey times tend to fall between fourteen and seventeen hours depending on the connection. Although it may seem long, most travellers find it manageable, and the excitement of arriving in a completely different cultural world helps the final stretch fly by. We arrange your flights in harmony with your itinerary so layovers are smooth and convenient.

Peru is generally safe for visitors, and millions of international travellers explore the country every year without issues. Like any destination, especially in busy tourist areas, it is wise to remain aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Cities such as Lima and Cusco have well-established tourist zones, reliable private transfers, and experienced guides who help ensure your trip runs smoothly. Our itineraries are designed with safety in mind, using trusted hotels, reputable transport providers, and hand-selected guides who know exactly how to navigate their destinations. UK travellers often comment that they feel very welcome and well-supported throughout their holiday.

Peru uses the Peruvian sol, and many travellers combine cash withdrawals with card payments throughout their trip. ATMs are widely available in cities such as Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, and credit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Smaller local markets, craft stalls, and remote villages may prefer cash, so it is useful to carry a few small denominations. Although some establishments accept US dollars, especially in high-end properties, it is always helpful to have local currency on hand for day-to-day purchases.

Peruvian food is widely celebrated as some of the best in the world, and it caters extremely well to vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary preferences. Lima, in particular, has a vibrant gastronomic scene featuring award-winning restaurants and innovative chefs. Throughout the country, you will find dishes based on fresh produce, seafood, quinoa, potatoes, corn, and aromatic herbs. Those who enjoy trying local specialities will encounter everything from ceviche and lomo saltado to hearty Andean soups. For travellers with dietary restrictions, hotels and restaurants are generally very accommodating, and we inform all partners in advance to ensure your needs are met.

Reaching Machu Picchu can be as relaxed or adventurous as you choose. Many visitors travel by train from the Sacred Valley or from Cusco, enjoying panoramic windows and scenic mountain views before transferring by bus to the site entrance. Others choose to hike the Inca Trail or alternative routes such as the Salkantay or Lares, each offering different levels of challenge and scenery. Although Machu Picchu sits at a lower altitude than Cusco, it still requires a reasonable level of walking once inside, with uneven steps and narrow paths. That said, travellers of all ages successfully explore the citadel every year, and our guides set the pace to suit your comfort.

Peru is an excellent destination for families, and children often find the history, wildlife, and cultural immersion endlessly engaging. The combination of colourful markets, friendly communities, llamas and alpacas, easy scenic walks, and memorable activities such as chocolate workshops makes Peru especially appealing for multi-generational trips. We carefully tailor family itineraries to avoid excessive altitude changes in one day, and we choose hotels and experiences that are well-suited to younger travellers. Many families comment that their Peru holiday becomes one of their most rewarding shared journeys.

Packing for Peru requires preparing for a variety of climates. The highlands can be cool in the evenings, even during the dry season, so comfortable layers, a warm jumper, and a light waterproof jacket are always useful. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant, so breathable clothing, sunglasses, and sun protection are essential. If visiting the Amazon, long sleeves and lightweight trousers help protect against insects, especially on night walks. Comfortable footwear is important throughout the country, as even city sightseeing involves cobbled streets and uneven stonework. Most visitors find that smart-casual attire is entirely sufficient for evenings in hotels and restaurants.

Many travellers combine Peru with Bolivia, Chile, or Ecuador, and these journeys are entirely seamless when organised correctly. A popular combination involves Peru and Bolivia, especially for those wishing to experience Lake Titicaca from both sides or explore the Uyuni Salt Flats. Travellers with more time often extend into Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, or the Galápagos Islands. Multi-country itineraries require careful planning around flights, altitude, and pacing, all of which we handle as part of your holiday design.

Peru offers excellent value for UK travellers, with a range of pricing depending on the season, accommodation style, and chosen experiences. A well-designed premium itinerary using quality 4-star hotels and private touring typically represents very good value compared to equivalent trips in other long-haul destinations. Those seeking luxury properties, upgraded train services, or Amazon cruises will find higher price brackets, while travellers combining Peru with additional countries can expect costs to adjust accordingly. We tailor every holiday to your preferred level of comfort so you only pay for what truly enhances your experience.