On a tour to Peru, you’ll be immersed in one of South America’s most fascinating stories.
Here, the mystique of the Inca Empire, Spanish colonial history, and some of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes come together.
It’s hard not to be captivated by Peru’s natural beauty and rich history.
Here, the ruins of the Inca Empire stand alongside Spanish colonial architecture, and the breathtaking landscapes span from the lush Amazon rainforest and majestic Andes Mountains to vast lakes and arid desert sands.
“Peru is a country of incredible diversity, which I find absolutely fascinating. You can experience the vibrant capital, Lima, built right in the middle of the desert; the fascinating Inca capital, Cusco, nestled high in the Andes and brimming with history; and the tropical Amazon jungle, home to rich wildlife and exotic plants. I think it’s a destination that truly has something for every traveller — from history lovers to nature enthusiasts.”
– Nadia, travel expert and Product Manager for Peru
On our tours in Peru, you can look forward to experiencing some of the country’s greatest attractions, most stunning natural scenery, and its vibrant cultural cities.
All our tours are package tours, where the price includes flights from the UK, carefully selected accommodation, transport, scheduled excursions, and the opportunity to personalise your itinerary with optional tours.
Below, you can read more about some of the highlights you can experience on a tour in Peru.
Lima is Peru’s largest city and its capital.
The city offers a truly multicultural society in every sense of the word, blending influences from all the major European countries, Asia, and Africa into one fascinating mix.
In the city’s historic centre, which is on the UNESCO world heritage list, the beautiful colonial buildings such as the Presidential Palace and the magnificent cathedral tell the story of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. In the modern district of Miraflores, you can unwind in the area’s picturesque parks, relax on the beach, or enjoy a coffee in one of its charming cafés.
The multicultural aspect is also reflected in Peruvian cuisine, which is renowned across the world. Sample some of Peru’s traditional dishes such as fried guinea pig or ceviche, where raw fish is prepared in citrus juice.
Some 80 km from Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, lies the archaeological site of Machu Picchu – Peru’s most famous attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
This breathtaking mountain citadel, majestically perched on a steep ridge surrounded by lush green peaks, was built in the 15th century. Although its original purpose remains a mystery, Machu Picchu holds deep cultural significance today and is regarded as a sacred site.
For those who want to experience Peru’s ancient Inca heritage up close, you can combine your tour of Peru with the world-famous Inca Trail. Trek along the historic Inca path through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes Mountains, passing ancient ruins and small mountain communities, and gain extraordinary insights into the legendary history of the Inca civilisation.
Along the way, you’ll encounter changing landscapes of green valleys and the lush stillness of cloud forests, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks. And finally, you’ll reach the magnificent Machu Picchu.
Please note that spaces on the Inca Trail are limited, so be sure to book well in advance.
If you prefer a less-travelled route to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay trek is an excellent alternative. This four-day trek isn’t as well-known as the Inca Trail, but the scenery is every bit as breathtaking, with beautiful mountain views, lagoons, forests, and much more. In addition, we also offer a tour with a 2-day Inca Trail as well as an optional 1-day Inca Trail hike, giving you a taste of the Inca Trail experience.
Lake Titicaca, one of Peru’s greatest attractions and natural wonders, is an absolute must-see on your tour.
The lake sits high in the Andes on the border between Peru and Bolivia, shared by both countries. At an impressive altitude of 3,856 metres, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake.
The shores and islands of the lake are home to small indigenous communities that live off hunting and fishing. Here, you can gain insight into the unique lifestyles and cultures of the local people, including the Uros, who live on floating reed islands in Puno Bay.
From the top of Taquile Island, you also have the chance to take in the stunning panoramic views across the vast lake.
Arequipa lies at almost 2,400 metres above sea level and is surrounded by three snow-capped volcanoes that give the city its idyllic setting and distinctive atmosphere.
The city is built almost entirely from white volcanic stone, earning Arequipa the nickname “The White City”. Here, you can visit the cathedral and admire the beautifully preserved colonial-era buildings.
The greatest attraction in Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Convent, founded in 1580. Wandering through the convent is a mesmerising experience – today, a small religious community still lives within its walls.
Whether you’re drawn to the historical remnants of the Inca Empire, traces of Spanish colonial heritage, or Peru’s breathtaking natural beauty, there are countless other highlights waiting to be discovered.
For example:
Combine Peru with a tour to Ecuador for a unique opportunity to experience two incredible South American countries.
In Ecuador, you can look forward to discovering the fascinating capital, Quito – one of the highest capitals in the world.
On a city tour of the capital, you can admire the beautifully preserved historic buildings and cathedrals; for example, the 115-metre-tall Basílica del Voto Nacional. A must-see in Quito is also La Mitad del Mundo – the Equator Line – where you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern.
You simply can’t visit Ecuador without also exploring the Galápagos Islands – a magical encounter you’ll never forget.
The Galápagos Islands, located 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, are especially famous for their extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Here, you can venture close to raw volcanic terrain, lush highlands, and pristine sandy beaches. Awaiting you is the remarkable endemic wildlife, including the Galápagos tortoise, marine iguanas, and many more.
As your travel dreams begin to take shape, a few questions may start to pop up too. When is the best time to travel? And do you need a visa?
That’s why we’ve gathered below some of the most frequently asked questions about travelling to Peru.
Yes, you’ll most likely need to be vaccinated before travelling to Peru.
We recommend that you contact a specialist doctor, your GP, or an authorised vaccination clinic for advice on which vaccinations you may need.
The best time to travel to Peru is between April and October.
This period marks the dry season across Peru’s regions – from the mountains and highlands to Lima and the country’s western coastline.
Peru can be visited all year round, and in our opinion, each season has its own advantages. The best time to go really depends on what you hope to get out of your tour.
Read more about the best time to travel to Peru.
No, as a UK citizen, you can travel to Peru visa-free for up to 90 days.
You must simply have a valid British passport. Please note that it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. However, if your journey passes through the USA or Canada, you must pay particular attention to their entry regulations.
For detailed information about passports and visas, we recommend visiting our Practical information page about Peru.
Yes, there is a risk of altitude sickness in Peru.
We are aware of this risk and have designed our tours in Peru so that you gradually acclimatise to the altitude and thinner air. That said, there is still a possibility of experiencing symptoms. If you do, there are a few pieces of advice to follow – for example, drink plenty of water, eat lightly, and avoid consuming alcohol.
Read more about altitude sickness in South America.
Yes, it’s safe to travel to Peru with TourCompass. We always follow the travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and work closely with experienced local partners who know the destination inside out.
As with all destinations, we recommend exercising normal caution, keeping an eye on your valuables, and following local advice and guidance throughout your tour.
When you travel to Peru with TourCompass, your tour and all transport between the main highlights are planned in advance. Upon arrival in Peru, you’ll be met by one of our local partners at the airport, who will drive you to your hotel.
Much of the transport during the tour takes place by shuttle bus, coach, or train.
We make sure you have all the support you need along the way so that you can simply relax and enjoy your journey to the next highlight on your itinerary.
When you choose TourCompass for your tour to Peru, you’re choosing a tour operator with many years of experience in crafting thoughtfully designed tours across the country – based on our own adventures in the Andes Mountains, the Amazon, and along the Pacific coast.
Peru is a destination that demands careful planning, particularly when it comes to securing access to Machu Picchu and adjusting to high altitudes. Over the years, we’ve developed a deep understanding of these challenges, and we use that expertise to plan every single tour, ensuring you get the very best out of your time in the country. We personally visit Peru to guarantee the quality of our tours (and yes, we’ve sweated in the Amazon, followed in the footsteps of the Incas, and even dared to try cuy – the roasted guinea pig, a true Peruvian classic).
We have a close, long-standing partnership with a local specialist in Peru and South America who offers the local insight and connections that make all the difference when putting together your itinerary.
Do you have questions about what a tour to Peru involves? Whether it’s about altitude sickness, the Inca Trail, or experiences in the Amazon, our travel specialists are ready to assist. Having travelled in Peru themselves, they can answer the questions that truly matter when you’re planning your tour.
Are you captivated by Peru’s dramatic landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural heritage?
Our travel specialists are on hand to help you find the tour of Peru that best matches your wishes.
Exploring the world with TourCompass is travelling with confidence – we’re with you all the way!
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
You can check out the itinerary and dream yourself away in photos and videos of all our tours. You can read more about accommodation, combination options and all the practicalities – and see prices and departure dates for the next 18 months.
You are always welcome to call or write to us. We are here to answer all your questions, listen to your wishes and provide you with honest and competent advice based on our extensive travel experiences with Africa, Asia and Latin America.
You will receive a detailed quote for the tour, which you can save, print out or share with your travelling companions. If you decide to go ahead and book the tour, you can do this easily via the quote itself.
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
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