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Top 12 Peru Tours 2024-25
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Things to Do in Peru
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Places to Visit in Peru
If you only have time to visit one country in South America, taking a travel package to Peru should be at the top of your list. Peru fascinates even the youngest travelers. There are plenty of fantastic places to visit in Peru, as every region is full of diverse cultures, exquisite cuisine, impressive Incan and pre-Colombian ruins, complex history, and an absolute abundance of wildlife.
Consider traveling from the highlands of Arequipa to the Colca canyon – the world’s deepest – to spot the Andean Condor, or fly just 30 minutes from Cuzco down to the Amazon Rainforest, where you can explore dense jungles on tributaries of the Amazon River. Lima, the capital of Peru, is a great starting point for any trip to South America, with a vast history as Spain’s outpost of its Western empire, with plenty of international flights arriving and departing daily.
Machu Picchu
It’s no surprise that Machu Picchu is one of the most popular destinations on our Peruvian vacations. The ancient stone-city in the sky receives over half a million visitors a year, and for good reason. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Lost City of Machu Picchu ranks among Peru’s most impressive and awe-inspiring destinations, and is the heart of Peru tourism.
On any of our customized Peru tours, you really should include a visit to Machu Picchu! Our popular Machu Picchu tours feature three options to travel to the ancient city – by train from Cusco, by hiking the spectacular 4-day Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley camping along the way, or by trekking just the final day of the Inca Trail – arriving at Machu Picchu on foot, but without the camping.
Lima
A tour to Peru from the US and elsewhere will often begin in Lima, the “city of kings”. This city is a dream for surfers, foodies, historians, and cultural enthusiasts. Surfing competitions are held in Lima, as the city’s sweet spot on the Pacific Ocean enjoys ideal waves and watersport conditions. For foodies, Lima has emerged as one of the most sought after culinary capitals with Michelin starred restaurants such as Central Restaurante and Astrid y Gastón. History buffs will be fascinated by the centuries of ancient Pre-Colombian cultures and nearly 500 years of Spanish political influence and rule, as Lima became the western outpost of the Spanish empire and the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and site of a Real Audiencia in 1543. For those looking for a cultural experience, enjoy a historical tour of the many churches, museums, and colonial buildings here.
Ballestas Islands & The Nazca Lines
South of Lima, the Ballestas Islands, known as the “poor man’s Galapagos”, consist of arches and caves which serve as shelters to over 1500 species of marine birds and thousands of sea lions. The Nazca Lines, a series of inexplicable, ancient geoglyphs created between 400 and 650AD, with peculiar motifs created by removing the red pebbles and exposing a whiter ground beneath, continue to baffle scientists. The figures are best seen from a plane as an aerial view can show the size of these geoglyphs. Some are several hundred feet long, such as the hummingbird, monkey, condor and even an “astronaut”.
Colca Canyon & Arequipa
On any of our Peru travel packages, add a visit to Arequipa, the city at the foot of El Misti Volcano in the southern deserts of Peru. Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with beautiful colonial architecture, a cathedral, and the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Here you will find old world charm with colorful buildings and Spanish-style plazas. A three-hour drive away is the Colca Canyon where the giant Andean condors soar just a few meters above your head.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is in Peru’s Andean highlands and is an integral part of Peru’s agricultural history. It is here where the Inca Empire was formed, along with Cusco and Machu Picchu. This beautiful land spans roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) and acts as fertile farmland for all kinds of crops. Follow the Urubamba River to the charming market town of Pisac and massive Incan terraces of Ollantaytambo while exploring the Sacred Valley.
The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest
It’s a fantastic idea to add the Peruvian Amazon to any of our Peru tour packages. The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest is home to some of the most varied wildlife in the world. While in the jungle or one of our recommended Peru cruises, you’ll stay in a fantastic rainforest lodge and have the chance to embark on nighttime safaris where you’ll discover the wondrous, thumping nightlife of the Amazon Rainforest. Consider lodging at the Posada Amazonas Peru Amazon lodge, perfect for honeymooners, families, and avid bird watchers. Or maybe you’d prefer the Reserva Amazonica, close to the Madre de Dios River, surrounded by rare flora and fauna. A trip to Peru’s Amazon will surely introduce you to some of the best wildlife the Amazon rainforest has to offer.
Kuelap
Peru vacation packages often include Machu Picchu, but what about Kuelap? Older than Machu Picchu and far less visited, Kuelap was built by the Chachapoyas, known as the Cloud Warriors, in the 6th century AD. Kuelap is a fortress with massive stone walls on a ridge high above the Utcubamba valley. Within the fortress, remains of roundhouses decorated with carvings of animals in the walls can be seen. The ruins are 3,000 meters above sea level and have commanding views over the surrounding mountains. The Spanish coerced the Chachapoyas to conquer the rival Incas, before dominating their culture themselves.
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Popular Peru Tours
Our of our most comprehensive trips to Peru is The Essence of Peru. This popular 15-day journey begins in Lima, the City of the Kings, and explores the heart of Peru, visiting the mysterious Nazca Lines, the beautiful bay of Paracas, the mythical Lake Titicaca, and of course, the city in the sky, Machu Picchu.
For a multi-country experience, consider a Peru and Bolivia tour for a deep exploration of Incan culture and ancient ruins through Lima, Cusco, La Paz, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. And our Peru and Chile tours are also quite popular as guests explore Easter Island and Machu Picchu – two of the most amazing and mysterious places on earth. Vacations to Peru are always a good idea.
Custom Peru Vacation Packages
As a leader in custom Peru vacations, all SouthAmerica.travel tours are completely customizable and tailored to your individual travel style including hotels, transportation, excursions, and schedule. Whether you customize one of our tours to Peru or create your own custom Peru tour – your dream vacation is just three easy steps away!
5 Best Peru Tours for 2024
Tour Name | Price | Duration | Description |
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The Essence of Peru | from $3179 | 15 Days | Historic Lima, the Ballestas Isles (the 'Galapagos of Peru'), Nazca Lines, the white city of Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, mystic Cuzco, the Sacred Valley... |
The Peru and Bolivia Train Tour | from $4686 | 18 Days | See all the highlights of Peru and Bolivia on the Peru Bolivia Train Tour! Enjoy guided city tours in Lima, Cuzco and La Paz. Explore historic UNESCO... |
Travels of the Incas - Machu Picchu to La Paz | from $2486 | 10 Days | Travel to Machu Picchu and La Paz on this Peru and Bolivia tour and walk in the footsteps of the Incas. You'll visit Lima, Cuzco, and the Sacred... |
Peru Chocolate Tour | from $350 | 2 Days | The ChocoMuseo in Peru was designed to share expert knowledge on the production of cacao with interested international and domestic travelers through... |
Machu Picchu & the Amazon Jungle Tour | from $1595 | 8 Days | Discover two of Peru's best wonders on this Machu Picchu and Amazon jungle tour. First, visit Lima, the burgeoning capital of Peru, and then follow... |
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Peruvian Travel Packages FAQ’s
Thinking about a Peru trip? Here’s a list of frequently asked questions we often hear from our guests. Visit our Peru Vacation Planning page for in-depth travel tips on tour in Peru.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
Is Peru safe?
How much does it cost to go to Machu Picchu?
Consider a Peru tours package like this: At least one night in Lima, one night in the Sacred Valley, as well as perhaps one in Aguas Calientes, and ideally at least two in Cuzco, are necessary to make the journey. Additionally, calculate for your international flights (ex: from Miami to Lima is about $ 500 return). Then add in domestic flights (return trip Lima-Cuzco), which can be relatively inexpensive ($ 100 on up). When you’re traveling to a place of high altitude, you’re going to want to splurge on some comfort for your accommodations. Food can be inexpensive however consider the aspect of hygiene – you may want to avoid the cheapest restaurant option! Overall, plan on spending $ 2200 for a minimally comfortable trip. Then we recommend taking advantage of many of the other historical sites in Peru and surrounding countries since you are already there!
How can I prepare for altitude sickness?
Is Peru a developing country?
What can I eat in Peru?
Contact your Peru Travel Expert
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Planning Peruvian Vacations
Thinking about planning a trip to Peru? We have all the resources for you. Take a look at the best time to visit, flights to Peru, visa requirements, and more! Every customized Peruvian travel package is different, so our advice will vary according to your interests and requirements, talk to us for tailored advice.
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Best Time to Visit Peru
The driest months in the Peruvian Andes are usually considered the best time to travel. This period runs from around May to October, with July and August being the very driest, though also the busiest.
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Peru Visa Requirements
Many nationalities do not require a visa to enter Peru for tourism. Holders of passports issued by the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and EU countries and many others do not require a visa.
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Peru Flights
Peru’s capital, Lima (LIM) is well connected with the major US hubs, airlines such as American, Delta and United all fly to Peru. Air Canada flies from Toronto. From Europe, fly with KLM, Air France, Iberia and others.
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Peru Weather
By day, the sun is strong. Nights are cool in the Andes, including in Cusco and at Lake Titicaca. In the rainforest, the weather is hot and humid year round. The coastline, is desert and as such is mostly dry.
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Peru Languages
Spanish is the main language of Peru. Quechua and Aymara are spoken in the Andes in additional to Spanish. Tourism is important to Peru and as such, English is widely spoken at hotels and by guides.
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Peru Food & Drink
Peru is famous for its food. There are world renowned restaurants in Lima. Peruvian cuisine is a fusion with indigenous, European and Asian influences. Great ceviche on the coast, hearty mountain food in the Andes.
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Safety in Peru
Normal precautions to avoid pick pockets and avoiding walking around with valuables are the main safety precautions recommended in Peru. Take care crossing the road, one of biggest dangers can come from poor driving!
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Staying Healthy in Peru
Drink bottled water and take care with food from markets. Take things slowly at high altitude, especially at first. Covid-19 precautions are taken seriously in Peru with mask wearing required in many places.
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Internet & Calling in Peru
Internet is widely available in Peru, including WiFi at most hotels, though the strength of the signal can be variable. Mobile phone coverage is good except in remote areas, check costs with your network provider.
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Peru Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is important. Be sure your policy includes good medical cover to give you treatment in Peru’s good quality private hospitals. Additionally, trip interruption insurance is a wise idea when traveling to Peru.
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Peru Packing List
Layered clothing is important in the Andes, cool clothes by day, warm for the evenings. Good sun protection is essential. Take electrical adaptors. Pack insect repellent if you’re visiting the Peruvian Amazon.
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Money in Peru
The currency in Peru is the sol (Sun). We recommend taking a small amount of cash in US dollars and then using ATMs to take out cash while in Peru. Dollars are accepted in some places but it is best to pay in soles.