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Adventure & Luxury Travel to Peru

Bienvenido (welcome) to Peru! We invite you to embark on a journey to the Land of the Incas; home of the world-famous ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site) of Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Lima.

Our personalized itinerary weaves in active adventures and high-end luxury experiences with well-deserved pampering at award winning lodges. Explore the beautiful Andean mountains, the lush Amazon rainforests and the arid plains bordering thePacific Ocean. Gain deeper insight on this magnificent country by venturing through rare historical sites, hiking stunning mountains and soaking in the 360 degrees of the enchanting cloud filled forests. Most importantly travel at your own pace, with expert naturalists and archeologists.

Best time to travel to Peru:

Peru is really an all-year round destination. The best time to visit is between April and November. The Inca Trail closes every Feb during the rainy months and for maintenance.

Peru’s climate has two main seasons- wet and dry- though it varies depending on the geographical region. Your travel should be based on the climatic conditions in these regions; the Amazon Jungle, the Arid Coastal Desert and the Andean Mountains and Highlands.

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Experience an intimate Andean village

Popular with those heading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest.

Exploring the Sacred City of Machu Picchu

Walking the ancient footprints of the Incas and exploring the Sacred City of Machu Picchu gained popularity after being voted as one of the ‘New 7 wonders of the World’ in 2007.  

The most frequently searched topic on traveling to Peru is whether to climb up Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain. 

While trekking is one of the best ways to experience Machu Picchu, we like to remind travelers that you don’t have to experience these archaeological sites on a trek. You can go on one of the most amazing train rides from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The train rides through the breathtaking Andes and takes you closer to the grand entrance of the Machu Picchu ruins.

Trekking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

Both treks offer incredible scenic sites and sweeping views but vary in hike intensity and journey time

Huayna Picchu mountain is recommended for the confident hiker with its sheer drops and two hours of hike time. 

Machu Picchu mountain requires three-four hours to ascend the hike and takes you away from the larger crowds to enjoy the scenic beauty.

Whichever way you choose to explore Machu Picchu, you are in good hands with our private guides who plan the trek with picnics along the trails.

Discover the Andean culture at Cusco the former Inca capital, still perceived as the cultural capital of Peru. The Quechua and the Aymara are the two main native cultures of Peru, both of whom speak their native languages. With a mix of ancient Andean culture and Spanish colonialism Cuso is a city with beautiful churches, grand plazas and local markets.

The Sacred Valley is historically an important part of Peru. The valley was one of the bases of Inca civilization and is home to many indigenous people living the same way they have been for centuries. Visiting the local communities in Sacred Valley gives you a peek into the time-honored traditions of the Inca civilization that is well preserved, despite the globalization.

Peru is a perfect adventure destination for families, couples and small-groups whether you choose to go hiking or go for a unique luxury break.

For more information on our curated itineraries to Peru, email us at info@xplor.earth or call our travel advisor at 732 266 0224

Month-by-month guide to traveling in Peru

Nestled in Peru lies the majestic Peruvian Andes, boasting breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It experiences two distinct seasons that shape the terrain and its inhabitants.
April to November is the dry season, ideal for trekking expeditions
Mid-December to March is the wet season, a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture.
June to September is the best time to explore the Andes, with occasional rain and moderate temperatures.
As the peak season to trek the Inca Trail, June, July, and August are popular months to visit, so book 6 to 12 months in advance.
A stretch of land that boasts a unique climate, diverse landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage.
May to September, the coastal city of Lima is engulfed in a thick shroud of mist called La Garua, a blanket of low-hanging clouds that come with low temperatures and drizzle.
November to March are the much-awaited summer months, where the coast basks in the warmth of the sun, and the ocean's inviting temperature beckons swimmers to its refreshing embrace.
While Lima is hot and humid, the rest of the coast enjoys a pleasant and sunny climate, perfect for indulging in an array of water sports or simply basking in the warmth of the sun.
The Peruvian Amazon forests are hot and humid throughout the year. (Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos)
The Peruvian Amazon also experiences two distinct types of climates, the dry and the rainy seasons.
May to September is its driest period and considered the best time to visit the Amazon, when the forest sees less rainfall. The dry lands draw wildlife to the riverbanks. On the same note, the rainy season has its highlights too.
October to April it rains a lot of the time. Nights can get cool. During the dry season, temperatures can soar to 32C or higher. time. Nights can get cool. During the dry season, temperatures can soar to 32C or higher.

6 Days Itinerary to Experience the Wonders of Peru

When you journey with Xplorearth, you will uncover the best of this wonderland – PERU. An itinerary specially designed for you will take you on an extraordinary journey. Luxury accommodation in spectacular Peruvian surroundings, top-notch guides who will manage every logistics, and reservations at Michelin-rated restaurants are for a gastronomical experience all come together for an unforgettable travel experience.

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Day One/Two: Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Walk the fascinating archaeological site comprising a series of concentric agricultural terraces, explore the Inca town, visit Peruvian villages full of color and tradition, and attend local Peruvian cultural celebrations.

Day Three: Take the train to Aguas Caliente – Enjoy glimpses of new excavations at the archaeological site of Machu Picchu and a preview of the citadel. Return to your hotel for dinner and rest up for the big day.

Day Four: Explore Machu Picchu – Trek up to Huayna Picchu peak, visit a quaint hillside village, and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day Five: Explore The “City of Kings” – Cusco – Early morning hike before you head to Ollanta, a spectacular hike following the course of the Urubamba River, a mid-day train ride to Ollanta, and spend the rest of the day exploring the Cusco region.

Day Six: Visit Lima, Peru’s Capital – Enjoy a walking tour of the historic downtown, museums, palaces, marketplace, and a Lima culinary tour and cooking class (with a chef guide).

Day Seven: Viva la Peru! Start your journey back home!

While this itinerary will ignite your imagination to travel to Peru, remember that we at xplorearth customize your itinerary to fit your travel needs. Whether you want to go on a trek, a river cruise or a culinary experience connect with our travel advisor to guide you. Adventures Await!

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Peruvian people, food and culture

The people of Peru are warm and welcoming. Spanish and Catholicism have historically provided Peruvians with a strong sense of national belonging supported by shared values, language, religion, food and music. While the cities have a modern European outlook, the Inka legacy is prevalent in rural parts of Peru. Here, the food, traditions, swirling skirts and panpipes transport you to the indigenous culture dating back to the Inka times both historically and culturally. Besides being known for its archaeological wonders, Peru is celebrated as South America's leading culinary destination. Ceviche is Peru’s national dish that has become popular throughout Latin America and beyond. Cuy (guinea pigs) is the traditional Peruvian dish for the brave palettes. The cute guinea pigs that you will see on posters across Peruvian restaurants can be savored grilled or roasted. While the list of Peruvian specialties is long we must flag Peru's national drink - Pisco Sour! The Inca legacy is prevalent in certain rural parts of Peru where you can witness events celebrated since the Inca times.

Local-Inkas-Cusco-Market
Language Spoken

Languages spoken:

Apart from Spanish, Peru has 2 official languages, and several dialects. Quechua and Aymara are still heavily spoken and have official usage.

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Fun Fact

The "dancing stones"of Machu Picchu are known to bounce during an earthquake and then fall back into their rightful place. Machu Picchu is built on 2 fault lines. However, the ingenuity of civil engineering and construction techniques of the Incas has protected Peru's ancient Inca structures from the impacts of an earthquake.

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One reason you should go here

Discover the famous Inca Trails and explore the stunning UNESCO ruins of Machu Picchu.

Machu-picchu-citadel

FAQs on traveling to Peru

U.S. citizens and citizens of most Western European countries do not need to obtain a visa when traveling to Peru. They can stay in Peru for up to 183 days.

Peru is a diverse country with a rich history, spectacular archaeological sites, a distinct culture, and local artisans that draw visitors from all over the world. The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, the Nazca Lines, and the ancient city of Cusco, each located in a uniquely spectacular setting, bring one into contact with raw nature. 

Trekking, surfing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed in Peru. Peru’s vibrant culinary scene, luxury retreats, riverboat cruises, and expeditions with naturalists are highly sought-after travel experiences.

That surely is a tough one to answer, as Peru is home to numerous historical and cultural attractions. However, many would agree that the iconic Machu Picchu ruins are its crowning glory. This historic Incan citadel in the Andes Mountains is captivating due to its setting and remarkable craftsmanship. Machu Picchu was named one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season from April to October when the weather is at its finest. 

From June to August, temperatures reach a pleasant 63 to 66°F (17°C -19°C), making it the perfect time for trekking. However, if you plan on taking the Inca Trail, you’ll need to book your permit well in advance as they often sell out months before. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience and make sure you plan ahead!

It depends on the path you take. Permits are needed for Inca Trail and Inca Trail Express hikes to Machu Picchu. Permits are limited to 500 trekkers per day, this includes the support staff such as guides, porters, etc. 

When you plan your Machu Picchu trek with Xplorearth, we will assist you in getting the permits, depending on availability. Permits are issued on a first-come, first served basis, and booking in advance is strongly advised. Note that the busy Inca Trail trekking season starts in May and ends in August, so permits for those months run out fast.

Trekkers on the Inca Trail must have a qualified guide. That means you can only hike the Inca Trail with a licensed operator. Also note that permits for the Inca Trail are non-refundable, changeable, or transferable. 

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Quarry and Choquequirao routes don’t need permits. These paths may not be as famous, but the landscape is stunning. You’ll also avoid crowds and explore Sacred Valley’s lesser-known Inca ruins.

It takes around 3 to 4 days to hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, there are also other trek routes that are 5 to 6 days. There are several trek route options from three to thirteen days, depending on what works best for you. 

A faster option is to take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (3.5 hours), from where a shuttle bus will take you to Machu Picchu.

  • The Salcantay Route. 

  • The Lares Route

  • The One-Day Inca Trail  

  • Vilcabamba Traverse Route  

  • The Lodge Trek  

  • The Chaski (or Cachicata) Trail

To explore the wonder of Peru, begin your journey on a 1.5-hour flight from Lima to Cusco, the gateway to the Andes Mountains. From Cusco, travelers can take a 3.15-hour scenic train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu. From there, a 20-minute bus ride will take you up to the citadel. In total, the journey from Lima to Machu Picchu takes around 5 hours, with a combination of plane, train, and bus. We recommend that you spend a night or two in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before continuing on to Machu Picchu.

 

The flight from Lima to Cusco takes 1.5 hours. Some adventure seekers take the scenic bus route, which takes 22 hours and goes through winding mountainous roads. Traveling to Peru is now much easier than before; you can easily find flights to Peru from Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C.

The amazing bucket list destinations in Peru are Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lima. You will need at least 5-7 days to visit these. Each of these Peruvian destinations offers a deeper, immersive experience, for which you will require additional days. For example, if you want to experience Lima’s gastronomic food scene, you could accomplish that in 3-4 days. If trekking Machu Picchu is part of your itinerary, then you should factor in at least 10 days. A longer, more impressive stay of 10-14 days will give you a better feel for the country and the people of Peru.