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Peru Tours, Trips & Hikes

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Peru
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Llamas in Machu Picchu
Lima
Christian Vinces
Lima's San Martin square lit up in the evening
Cusco
Allison De Jong
Visit the Plaza de Armas in Cusco on your Peru tour
Sacred Valley
Erin Correia
Moray aggricultural terraces in Sacred Valley
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Travel to Peru and experience ancient ruins, ancient traditions, and ancient jungle! Plan your Peru tour to trek the Inca Trail, wander the charming Cusco markets, and explore the steamy Amazon rainforest. If Machu Picchu tours sound too arduous on foot, no problem! Machu Picchu travel can also be done by train. These Peru tours present the dramatic visage of the Inca ruins and the friendly faces of the peruvian people. You'll be confronted with exotic flora and fauna in the verdant cloudforest, snowcapped mountains that tower like the ancients of old over the Sacred Valley, and history-filled streets in Lima. Other activities offered include visits to local markets and villages, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and homestays. Let our Peru travel specialists help you start planning your unforgettable adventure today.

10 Best Peru & Machu Picchu Tours for 2024-2025

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10 Best Luxury Tours of Peru for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Machu Picchu by Train$16717Mar 19, 2024On this 7-day excursion through the Sacred Valley starting in Lima, you'll visit impressive Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán near Cusco, then Pisac, …
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Short Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu$22447Mar 19, 2024This 7-day trip culminates in a one day hike on the Inca Trail arriving to Machu Picchu with a full day and a half to explore the ruins. Explore the …
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Classic Inca Trail$300910Mar 19, 2024Follow in the footsteps of the Inca on this classic 10-day Inca Trail Trek. Acclimatize for three days as you explore Inca ruins and bargain at busy …
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Incas and Rainforest$242410Mar 19, 2024Journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and explore the Peruvian Amazon in this 10 day tour. Spend 3 nights in the Amazon, observing the …
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Manco Multisport$401712Mar 19, 2024This active 12-day tour through Peru blends exhilarating multi-sport adventures like whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, trekking, and mountain …
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Islands and Incas$694115Mar 19, 2024Combine 8 days in the Galapagos with a trip to Peru and Machu Picchu. Explore Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, and spend two days discovering Machu …
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Machu Picchu by Train with Luxury Hotels$30247Mar 19, 2024Our mainstay Machu Picchu trip with luxury accommodations. We visit the most important Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo, …
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Highlights of Peru & Bolivia$333914Mar 19, 2024In two weeks, travel through both Peru and Bolivia. Begin in Peru, visiting markets and ruin sites as you travel through the Sacred Valley to the …
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Discover Peru$19879Mar 19, 2024This 9-day expedition tour features an all inclusive Peru vacation package that starts in Lima departing towards Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley …
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Amazon Journey via Ucayali River -High Water Season$18574Mar 27, 2024La Perla hosts this 4-day Amazon cruise from Iquitos. Explore the Amazon, Ucayali, and Pacaya Rivers on their way deep into the Pacaya Samiria …
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Peru Travel Guide

Is it safe to travel to Peru?

As of February 15, 2023, Machu Picchu is open for visitors.

There are no travel restrictions for Peru. However, make sure to review all travel requirements. See Peru's official travel site for updates. You may also visit the USUKIndiaCanada, and Australia governments' websites for current travel advisories to Peru from residents of those countries. 

Contact one of our Peru trip planners for up-to-date advice on traveling to Peru.
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Peru & Machu Picchu

For most traveling to Peru, visiting Machu Picchu is a given, and it's a matter of how to visit and where else to include in your tour of Peru.

The two different options for arriving at Machu Picchu are 1) hiking the Inca Trail over 4 days or more, or 2) taking a panoramic train from Cusco, through the Sacred Valley and either visit Machu Picchu the same day or stay in Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) that allows you to arrive early before the crowds or even visit Machu Picchu twice, depending on the itinerary. 

We highly recommended that your tour itinerary include the lesser-known villages and Inca fortresses of Ollantaytambo and Pisac in the Sacred Valley and extra time in the navel of the Inca universe, Cusco.

Combine Machu Pichu with other South American classics like Peru's Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, or even combine a trip to Peru with the Galapagos Islands
When is the Best Time to Travel to Machu Picchu & Peru?

The best months to go to Machu Picchu are May and September when the weather is dry and sunny and you avoid the summer crowds from the Northern Hemisphere.

The rainy season in the Machu Picchu region begins in November and goes through March. January is the rainiest month, and the Inca Trail to is closed during the month of February for repairs.

Read all about the best times to visit Machu Picchu & Peru.
 
Tour Ideas
  • Machu Picchu (obviously!). Insider advice, stay the night in the village to have the ruins to yourself before the crowds arrive late-morning.
  • Inca Trail - the classic hike takes 4 days, but there are versions from 1-6 days.
  • Sacred Valley - When the Inca nobles or Cusco wanted to escape to city, this was the spot. Most visit on rushed day trips, so be sure to stay the night in one of the charming villages.
  • Manu Biospher - in our opinion, the wildest place in Peru's Amazon. See the largest macaw lick and maybe even giant river otters!
  • Lima - this was once headquarters for Spain's sprawling colonial empire. Now it's headquarters for a world renknown culinary scene. The city teams with history and mouthwatering food.
Transportation in Peru

Most travelers arrive to Peru via the capital Lima, and the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) and spend a night or more in Lima

Many will fly to Cusco the next day on the most direct route to Machu Picchu. Most flights from Lima to Cusco leave in the morning to arrive before afternoon winds rise at the Cusco Airport (CUZ) at 10,860 feet altitude.

Trains to Machu Picchu leave from outside of Cusco (Pornoy Station) passing through the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo before arriving to Aguas Calientes, A.K.A, Machu Picchu Pueblo

There is also a train from Cusco to Puno, on Lake Titicaca, and flights to Puerto Maldonado & Iquitos in the Amazon and to Arequipa, gateway to the Colca Canyon. 

 
Cusco, the Center of Inca Civilization

The buzzing city of Cusco combines modern comforts with traditional Peruvian charm in a delightful colonial city built on the fusion of Spanish and Inca influences.

With a small international airport, this city happens to be the starting point for most Machu Picchu excursions and itineraries. Easy access to the head of the Inca Trail puts you right in the heart of the Sacred Valley

In Cusco itself, you'll find small cafes, corner diners, great restaurants, and comfortable hotels, all adapted into the Inca-built walls that have endured the test of time.

It's also just a short drive or train ride from the neighboring towns of:
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley was once the heart of the Inca Empire, tucked in the cradle of the Andes. Even today, the vibrant marketplaces, well preserved ruins, and rituals and customs that have endured centuries breathe that age-old Inca spirit in this sacred area. 

Ollantaytambo - This town on the Urubamba River was the last Inca sanctuary in their fight against the Spanish and is now home to interesting ruins and a population that has largely indigenous heritage and therefore preserves old Inca customs & traditions even today!

The Inca Trail - A trek on the legendary Inca Trail is a challenging but rewarding way to experience the Peruvian Andes before ultimately arriving to...
  • Machu Picchu! Considered one of the wonders of the world, this mountaintop fortress above the town of Aguas Calientes is home to the best preserved Inca ruins of the whole empire, with self-guided and expert-guided tours available.
Inca Trail Treks and Alternatives

Arguably the best way to experience the Sacred Valley - the heart of the ancient Inca Empire - is to do a hike on the legendary Inca Trail. This path cuts through the valleys surrounded by the peaks of some of the most sacred areas for the Inca. Your experience culminates with a day of exploration at the renowned fortress ruins of Machu Picchu, including a guided tour that will highlight all of the major buildings and temples that once constituted this promontory. 

Several Inca Trail and Inca Trail alternatives include:
  • The Classic Inca Trail trip includes acclimatization to the altitude. Also, try the luxury version of the Classic Inca Trail.
  • Salkantay- The signature Inca Trail excursion that takes you along the peak of Salcantay to a stunning panoramic view of the Andes before pushing on towards Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu. 
  • Choquequirao: A hike to the "sister city" of Machu Picchu and the Inca "cradle of gold". Accessible only by foot, the community there still preserves Inca customs & traditions.
  • Cachiccata: A great alternative trail to the Inca Trail that is less crowded, but just as breathtaking.

Peru Trip Highlights

  • Machu PicchuWant some insider advice? Stay the night in Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) and rise early to have the ruins to yourself before the crowds arrive late-morning. 
  • Inca Trail- the classic hike takes 4 days, but there are versions from 1-6 days, as well. Along the way, you will trek through the majestic land that was once home to the Inca empire and get to know Peru in a truly privileged way.
  • Sacred Valley- When the Inca nobles of Cusco wanted to escape from the busy city life, this was the spot.  Most visit on rushed day trips, so be sure to stay the night in one of the charming villages so that you can get the most out of this experience.
  • Puerto Maldonado and Manu Biosphere- In the southeast of Peru contain some the wildest places in Peru's Amazon. See the largest macaw lick and maybe even giant river otters, among other fascinating biodiversity in this lush corner of the rainforest.
  • Lima- What was once headquarters for Spain's sprawling colonial empire is now headquarters for a world-renowned culinary scene. Peru's bustling capital city teams with rich history and mouthwatering food.
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Peru Travel FAQ & Tips

Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Generally speaking, no. The following countries do not require a Peru Tourist Visa to enter: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Switzerland, South Africa, New Zealand, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Australia. If your home country is not on this list, you should check with the Peruvian Embassy in your country for more detailed travel requirements.

Is tipping customary in Peru?
While tipping is not required, it is a good way to show appreciation for excellent service. You can budget $2-$10/day for your guide and $1-3/ day for your driver.

What is the internet access like in Peru?
High speed internet access is available in most hotels and cyber cafes in the major cities. In the rural areas, you are less likely to find an internet café and some boutique hotels do not have internet access either, although most do. Feel free to ask us before booking if Internet access is a priority for you.

Can I use my cell phone while in Peru?
It may be possible to use your cell phone from home while traveling in Peru. First, you must have a GSM phone that has a chip (tri or quad band that uses either the 850 or 1900 MHz band). Check your phone's compatibility here. You then need a plan that allows international roaming or the phone must be unlocked to be able to use a local purchased GSM chip from Claro, Entel or Movistar. Roaming can be extremely expensive, so check with your operator before traveling to confirm your best option.

Do I need power adapters?
Peru has 220 volt, 60 cycle electricity, so devices that are 110 volt may require a converter (check the input voltage on each device). Plugs are usually 2-pronged flat type like in the United States, however there are places that use the 2-rounded prongs as well, in which case a round two-pronged converter would be necessary. Don't forget a 2-prong to 3-prong adaptor if you have 3-prong devices.

What are the toilets like in Peru?
In the bigger cities and the hotels we feature, the toilets are flushable. However, in some of the more remote areas, especially on treks through the Andes, you’ll likely encounter squat toilets as well. You should always have toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you just in case.

What will it cost for a….? (In USD)
Short bus ride: 25 cents.
1 hour of Internet in a cyber café: 75 cents.
Bottle of beer: $1.
Street food/ snack: $1.50
Lunch in a diner per person: $5.00
Dinner in a decent restaurant per person: $8-$12.

Can I drink the water in Peru?
You should not drink the tap water in Peru, however we make sure that there is always safe bottled water available for you. You can use the tap water to shower, wash your hands, and wash dishes with a strong antibacterial soap as long as you let them dry completely before using. We do recommend against brushing your teeth with the tap water.

How will I pay in Peru? Do I need to exchange my money?
Credit cards are generally accepted in restaurants and hotels in main cities like Cusco and Lima. Many travelers prefer to simply take their credit cards along and withdraw money from the ATMs as needed. However, in the Amazon and Andes and other rural areas, you are not likely to find an ATM or stores that accept USD, so you’ll need to make sure to exchange some of your money before departing the city. Most small stalls where you can buy food and souvenirs only accept cash.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before heading to Peru?
You definitely should! We highly recommend buying travel insurance before heading out on your vacation, and we work with TravelGuard Insurance company to provide you with the best deals. They offer fair prices for comprehensive insurance packages. Our Once You’re Booked page has more info.
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