Peru Holidays
Peru takes you on a journey to bygone ages. A past etched into ruins perched on mountainsides, present in the cobbles of narrow city streets, and played out in elaborate religious festivals to this day. Located in western South America, and home to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks - Machu Picchu - an intricately woven tapestry of culture and colour awaits you on your holiday to Peru.
Where ancient history and archaeological intrigue are concerned, there’s more than the sprawling Incan citadel of Machu Picchu to peruse during your Peru trip. Soar over the mysterious Nazca Lines - giant inscriptions carved centuries ago into the arid Peruvian desert. Glide across the sapphire waters of the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, gaining a fascinating insight into the lives of the Uros people who have inhabited the floating islands for centuries. Hike through remote Andean villages in the Sacred Valley, roaming colourful local markets and appreciating the enduring traditions and garments of the locals.
Peru travel: a spellbinding journey to ancient times
The settings for Peru travel are glorious, from the Andes to the Amazon. Lush mountain valleys steeped in history; the frothy surf breaks of the Pacific stretching along Peru’s coastline; the golden hues of towering sand dunes - a nature playground for any traveller bent on adventure.
Tread the Inca trail up to Machu Picchu, where you’ll zip-line across mountain valleys and climb 3,000 stone stairs. White water raft down rushing Andes rivers; bike along spiral mountain roads; horse ride through red-rock canyons; whizz down sand dunes.
Then there are Peru’s cities. Cobbled streets and gourmet dining in historic Cuzco. Thermal hot springs, canyon adventures and stunning architecture in Arequipa. Spectacular cathedrals and fascinating museums in Lima.
Even better? Beautiful hotels and gorgeous restaurants everywhere you roam, and local culinary delights that range from fiery Ceviche to roasted guinea pig. To begin planning your Peru holiday, get in touch today.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Whether you fancy boarding a train for a leisurely and scenic ride up to the ruins, or want to take on the challenge of a hike along the Inca trail, we’ve got a Peru tour for you. Get in touch so we can start crafting you an epic adventure.
Cuzco & Machu Picchu with Belmond
Guide Price £2,779 pp
Once only accessible on foot, Machu Picchu can now be reached by rail on board the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham Train. Relax in style as your train winds leisurely through the changing landscapes and spectacular vistas of the beautiful Andes...
Luxury holidays
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Guide Price £1,619 pp
The most popular hike in South America, thousands of people every year take the challenge to walk this ancient trail set by the Incas. Trek during the day and enjoy evenings around the fire in the campsites along the way...
Adventure holidays
Our favourite hotels
From Lima to Cuzco, there are an array of beautiful, boutique hotels awaiting your holiday to Peru. Here are a selection - call us to discover more.
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We know you’re looking for a life-changing holiday, and you’ll get that in Peru, a land of bucolic landscapes and pre-Columbian history. So visit Cuzco, the cradle of the Incan Empire and of course, the iconic Machu Picchu. Don’t overlook Lima either, a compelling capital city on the Pacific coast home to archaeological relics from the Moche civilisation. Stroll around the boho Barrancos neighbourhood and try the ceviche with a tangy pisco sour – you won’t regret it.
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![Machu Picchu]( "Machu Picchu")
Ancient Ruins of Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. This famous UNESCO site dates back to 1450 and is nestled on a cloud topped hill which towers at 2,350 metres high in the Andes. Tour the ruins of former temples and palaces and take in the magnificent views of this World Wonder from the guard tower. For the full experience, hike the 26 mile long Inca Trail to the site.
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![Lake Titicaca]( "Lake Titicaca")
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca straddles Peru and Bolivia and is the world’s highest navigable lake, which is set 3,810 metres above sea level. Stay in Puno, a town filled with Aymara, Andean and Quechuan Indian culture and an ideal base for boat trips. Sail Lake Titicaca and visit unique floating reed islands that are home to the Uros people before exploring beautiful Taquille Island.
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![Nazca Lines]( "Nazca Lines")
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are Peru’s most mysterious UNESCO site - a set of huge desert geoglyphs that stretch over 50 miles. Although no one knows what the inscriptions mean, it’s thought that they were created between 400 and 650 AD by the Nazca people and may have religious importance. Get an aerial view of these remarkable carvings on a helicopter flight.
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Barbara
Destination Specialist
“Everyone knows that Peru is famous for Machu Picchu, but that’s not the only place you should visit during your holiday. Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon on the planet, is another place worth discovering. As is Lake Titicaca - more than 4,000 metres above sea level and home to the famous floating islands - a beautiful place to explore indigenous Peruvian culture.”
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Robert
Destination Specialist
“While you’re in Peru, visit the local markets. This is a great tip for not only saving money whilst travelling, but also for experiencing authentic culture and feeling the pulse of whichever city or town you’re in. Particularly in smaller towns, you’re likely to find some really unique items and artisan products at the markets. This is the perfect way to get to know the real Peru.”
Events & Festivals in Peru
Peru’s festivals are not as well known as those of Brazil or Colombia but nonetheless hold their own beauty and intrigue. Local festivals are the perfect time to get to know a country’s culture and traditions, particularly in Peru with its long and fascinating history.
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La Candelaria, Puno
One of Peru’s most colourful festivals, around 140,000 dancers and musicians take to the streets during February in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The festival celebrates Puno’s patron saint, the Virgin of Candlemas, in a vibrant cultural celebration of dances and rituals.
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Inti Raymi, Cuzco
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) takes place annually on 24 July, in honour of the revered Incan Sun God, Inti. Celebrated since 1412, the festival draws thousands of locals and international travellers to Cuzco. The celebration sees dancing, singing, lavish feasts and elaborate cultural re-enactments at the Incan archaeological site Sacsayhuaman.
Local Cuisine in Peru
Peru boasts some of South America’s finest cuisine, and there are world-class restaurants to be found all over the country. Whether you’re toasting Pisco Sours in a rooftop bar or sampling Guinea Pig at a local restaurant, make sure you try some authentic Peruvian dishes during your trip.
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Ceviche
Ceviche is Peru’s favourite dish; it even has its own National Holiday on 28 June. The dish consists of fish or seafood marinated in lime and spiced with Peruvian chilli peppers. It is often accompanied by Camote (sweet potatoes) and Choclo (corn).
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Guinea Pig
A Peruvian speciality, and likely a culinary experience you won’t find anywhere else, Cuy (guinea pig) has been a staple in the Peruvian diet for thousands of years. It’s often cooked whole, doused in salt and garlic, and roasted over a spit.
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Pisco Sour
Peru’s best known cocktail, the Pisco Sour uses Peruvian pisco (a clear grape brandy) as the base alcohol, with additions of lime juice, syrup, ice, egg white and Angostura bitters.
Our Peru destinations
Types of Peru holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights to Peru take approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes. There are currently seasonal direct flight options from London Gatwick to Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima with British Airways two-three times a week. Alternatively, LATAM Airlines, Air Europa, Air France and Iberia offer various indirect options.
Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains, around 50 miles northwest of Cuzco in Peru, South America. It sits approximately 2,430 metres above sea level in the Urubamba River valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The Inca Trail Hike is 26 miles long and is one of the most famous, and scenic hiking trails on Earth. Hikers typically start the trail 50 miles along the railway between Cuzco and Aguas Calientes and finish at the famous Machu Picchu.
