Peru Holidays
Overview
Click images to enlarge
Peru holidays whisk you away to one of the most captivating countries in South America. With the mighty Andes as its backbone, it has an imposing landscape, a huge variety of flora and fauna, a rich heritage of 'pre-conquistador' cultures and some unrivalled trekking. Besides the impressive Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and mysterious Nazca lines, Peru is also home of the highest navigable lake, the deepest canyon in the world. Venture to this fascinating land and you will be rewarded with everlasting holiday memories.
Peru Highlights
-
Machu Picchu
-
Cuzco
-
Sacred Valley
-
Lake Titicaca
-
Colca Canyon
Inca heritage in Machu Picchu and Cuzco: Antique cultures, scenic contrasts and perhaps the greatest treasure of the Americas, the 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu. Hoards of people travel to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, every year, using it as a launch pad for this magnificent site nestled on a hilltop in the Andean foothills. However, Cusco itself has a lot to offer, with its colonial churches, monasteries and convents interspersed with the remains of Inca walls, arches and doorways. And Inca ruins can be seen anywhere in the Sacred Valley, ideal for a few days of rest before trekking at higher altitudes
Lake Titicaca: The mesmerising sceneries of Lake Titicaca are a true jewel. The highest navigable lake in the world and, to the naked eye, an ocean at 3700m, its clear waters host man made floating islands and its coast is lined by small hamlets of mud huts with indigenous women in bowler hats farming their land
Nazca Lines and Paracas: Head for the coast to the Paracas Nature Reserve and the Ballestas Islands, you will encounter an astonishing variety of marine and bird life, such as sea-lions, Humboldt penguins and many bird species. And, for mystery lovers, the puzzling Nazca lines, geometric and animal shapes of unknown origin etched into the desert and only visible from the sky, an undisputable must-see place.
Canyons and forests: The Andes run the full length of Peru, separating the arid coastal desert from the lush virgin rainforest. Dream destination for naturalists and wildlife watchers, the Amazon rainforest at Puerto Maldonado will overwhelm you with its sheer mass of giant trees and amazing wildlife. And even out of the jungle, you are spoilt for choice: the impressive Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, surrounded by volcanoes and original Inca terraces. A great place to spot condors up close, here you can find llamas, alpacas and vicuñas.
Colonial architecture: Major cities like Arequipa, Cuzco and Lima are full of gems of 16th century colonial architecture. Plaza de Armas, magnificent cathedrals and some of the best preserved signorial homes in the whole of South America will enchant you with their beautiful courtyards, elaborately carved stone facades and period furnishings.
Lima: Founded in 1535 and once the most important city in the Americas, this colonial city welcomes people from all over the world with its rich culture and friendly inhabitants. It is well worth spending some time in one of the numerous museums, heaving with priceless Inca and pre-Incan treasures, and admiring the historical centre with splendid samples of baroque churches and monasteries dating back to the Spanish colonisation era. The cosmopolitan districts of Miraflores and San Isidro are popular for their thriving nightlife and wide variety of restaurants. A great start to your discovery of fascinating Peru.
Peru Factfile
When to go
Temperature Range: 14°C - 27°C
Most popular: December - March and April - October
Best value: May - October and December - February
Best weather: January - March and July - September
Travel Information
Direct flights: British Airways
Indirect flights: TAM, Iberia, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, KLM and Air France
Visa information: None for British citizens
Health information: No specific vaccinations required
Time Difference: GMT -5 hours
Tailor make your own itinerary
At Hayes & Jarvis we know that every one of our customers is unique, which is why we offer the chance to tailor make a personal itinerary if you want something different to our ready made packages. Call our expert team today to get started.
- Call your Peru Expert 0844 583 5810*
- Agree your personal itinerary
- Pack your suitcase
- Enjoy your tailor made holiday
We know the world,
now let us show you the world
Call our travel experts today and we'll make your dream holiday come to life
0844 583 5810*
Find out more about our expertsWhen To Go
Best Value
To avoid the highest prices, stick to before and after the high season. Between November to March (especially January and February), the cooler temperatures and rains in the mountain regions won't be as welcoming as during the high season but there will be fewer crowds and you could get that same stunning scenery for a bargain price. And at least when you head back to the coast you will enjoy balmier weather! Please note: the Inca Trail is usually closed in February
Best Time to Go
Peru has two distinct climatic zones, each has a wet and dry season. The coastal area has its dry season from December to late March, when the skies are clear and the temperatures high. The seasons in the mountains and the jungle are reversed, with the dry season running from April to October (particularly popular July to September). In the mountains temperatures can drop to below freezing at night. Temperatures in the Amazon are fairly constant all the year round but during the wet season, November to April, the humidity increases.
Most Popular
Being such a diverse country, Peru is popular with visitors year round. If you're a beach lover visit between December and March, however the dry season for the jungle areas is from April to October. With Macchu Picchu being the most popular visitor destination in Peru April to October is the busier time.
Hottest
The hottest months are January and February along the Pacific coast (Lima, Nazca, Paracas), and July to September in the jungle and mountains (Cuzco, Arequipa and Puno) with temperatures in the high 20sºC or low 30sºC.
Climate
Peru's climate varies according to area. From November to around April, the Pacific Coast is sunny and warm, making it an ideal time for the beach and visits to Lima. On the other hand, May to October brings clouds, low temperatures but very little rain with Lima often surrounded by a thick fog. May to October is probably the best season to visit Puno and Cuzco as it's not too cold at night and warmish and sunny during the day, perfect for excursions to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Even though temperatures during February-March rarely drop below 15ºC at night, heavy rains are common (the Inca Trail is closed in February partly because of the weather).
Peru Travel Information
Flight information
There are a number of carriers offering flights to Peru from the UK.
Direct Carriers: There are no direct services from the UK to Peru.
Indirect Carriers: British Airways, TAM, Iberia, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, KLM and Air France offer indirect services to Peru.
Departure Taxes: An international departure tax of USD30 must be paid at Lima Airports (unless it is included in your flight ticket price).
Fastest Flight Time: 14hrs 40 mins (London Heathrow to Lima)
Visa information
British Citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Peru for tourist stays up to 90 days only but your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Peru. Please contact the Peruvian Embassy for up to date country and visa information on 0207 318 1300.
How to obtain a visa
If you need a travel visa for your upcoming trip, Hayes & Jarvis are pleased to offer our customers the expertise and experience of CIBT, the Global Visa and Passport Professionals. CIBT UK Ltd specializes in fast, dependable visa application services. Don't wait until the last minute, for an application form and discounted pricing. Call 0844 800 4650 or visit www.uk.cibt.com/hayesandjarvis
