7 Reasons to Travel to Peru with Llama Travel
At Llama Travel, our group size on average is 11 people, with a maximum of 18, making it easier to get around and enjoy every experience without feeling rushed. Smaller groups make a real difference, as you’ll have more opportunities to interact with your guide, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of Peru’s culture, history and traditions. Whether you're exploring the lively streets of Cusco, discovering the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, wandering through the Sacred Valley or navigating busy markets in Lima, there’s less waiting around, more flexibility and a smoother overall experience.
Everyone has different priorities for their holiday to Peru, and at Llama Travel, we let you mix and match extensions, excursions and accommodation to create the holiday you want. Visit Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, and Lima, the modern capital on the Pacific coast. Visit Machu Picchu your way, and then choose what else to see. We have extensions to the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa & the Colca Canyon, Paracas & the Nazca Lines, Chiclayo & Trujillo, and the beaches of northern Peru.
You can also extend your trip to other South American countries, combining Peru with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Galapagos & Ecuador, and Bolivia.
There are many ways you can visit Machu Picchu. At Llama Travel, we make sure your visit to Machu Picchu is exactly what you want, which makes all the difference to your Machu Picchu experience. Because of its popularity, entrance tickets are limited and can sell out quickly, and the logistics can be complicated, so we take care of all the hassle so you don’t need to worry this.
Our Machu Picchu excursion by train uses the comfortable Vistadome train, which offers excellent views of the snowy Andean peaks as the train descends the beautiful Urubamba Valley. On arrival, you have a buffet lunch before enjoying an excellent guided tour of the site.
Spend the night at Machu Picchu and return the next day for another chance to explore the ruins, or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for something a bit more adventurous.
Take the Hiram Bingham luxury train for an opulent experience, with an incredible onboard experience of gourmet food, an open bar with some of Peru’s finest Pisco sours, and an open-air observation car. Then tour Machu Picchu to make this the perfect day.
If you want a real adventure, choose the four-day Inca Trail. The trail follows original Inca paths through cloud forest, mountain passes and lesser-visited ruins. On the final morning, you arrive at the Sun Gate at first light for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, a memorable way to end the journey. You can also hike the five-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu for something even more adventurous.
If you like the idea of arriving on foot without committing to a long trek, our Short Inca Trail excursion is perfect. This one-day, nine-mile hike climbs from the Urubamba River Valley to the Inca site of Winay Wayna, before reaching the Sun Gate in the late afternoon for your first view of Machu Picchu. You then have a night’s accommodation in a comfortable hotel before exploring the ruins the next day.
The must-sees in Peru are incredible highlights. From exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to spotting wildlife in the Amazon. But often, it’s the experiences that go beyond the usual that really stay in the memory. At Llama Travel, we offer unique excursions that give you a deeper insight into Peruvian culture, food and landscapes.
a) Two Nights in the Sacred Valley
Staying in the heart of the Sacred Valley, you explore the salt terraces of Maras and the Inca crop circles of Moray before visiting the traditional Andean community of Misminay. Here, locals prepare lunch for you and demonstrate farming techniques passed down from the Incas. Depending on the time of year, you can even help with their crops.
b) Peru on a Plate
Lima is one of the world’s culinary capitals, and is home to the world’s best restaurant. Our Peru on a Plate excursion starts at a local food market to see colourful produce from the Andes, Amazon and coast. Afterwards, take a cooking class to learn how to traditional Peruvian dishes, with everything you need to recreate the recipes back home.
c) Kayaking on Lake Titicaca
Most visitors explore the world’s highest lake by boat, but our kayaking excursion lets you paddle through the reeds in the early morning light, accompanied by your guide and the sounds of nature. After meeting your group at the floating Uros Islands, continue together by speedboat across the lake to Taquile Island, combining adventure with scenic views.
For those who love scenic train rides, Peru offers two of the most memorable rail journeys in the world. The train journey to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys, following a tributary of the Amazon River to Machu Picchu, not accessible by road. The train ride to Lake Titicaca is equally beautiful, crossing the high altiplano, before arriving at South America’s largest lake.
Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu
There is no more special way to reach Machu Picchu than in the comfort of the Hiran Bingham train. Named after the explorer who rediscovered the site in 1911, the train has 1920s-style carriages with wood-panelled interiors, brass décor, gourmet dining and an open bar. Enjoy traditional music and dancing as you travel through the Andean highlands. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you avoid the queues by taking the private Belmond shuttle for a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Drinks and canapés are served before your return journey, which includes cocktails, live music and a four-course dinner with wine, the perfect way to end your day.
Train from Cusco to Lake Titicaca
The journey to Lake Titicaca is special in itself, and travelling by the Titicaca train makes it even more memorable. Sit back in your first-class carriage and watch the scenery shift from rugged mountain ranges to winding rivers and vast plains through the glass-walled observation car. A three-course meal is served on board as you enjoy the views, creating a relaxing and scenic way to reach the lake before exploring its famous islands by boat.
When most people think of Peru, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and other destinations in southern Peru come to mind. Whilst these are incredible, the north of the country is just as amazing, and far less visited. A visit here offers an entirely different side of Peru’s history and is home to some of the richest archaeological treasures in the Americas. A trip to Trujillo and Chiclayo is a must for anyone interested in ancient cultures.
The area was once home to the Moche and Chimu cultures, two of the most important in Peru’s history. Explore the Huaca de la Luna, an impressive Moche temple still decorated with bright friezes that have survived for nearly 2,000 years. The Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum is home to the incredible treasures of the Lord of Sipan tomb, one of the great archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century.
Peru was the very first destination Llama Travel offered, and 23 years later, we can honestly say we know it better than anyone. From the Amazon to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley to the Pacific coast, we’ve spent years perfecting our itineraries to cover the very best of Peru.
Our travel experts have experienced Peru first-hand, so when you speak to us, you’re getting advice from people who’ve actually been there. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll help you create a holiday that’s planned perfectly for you, and filled with memories to last a lifetime.
About Peru
Peru stretches south from the Equator for 1,300 miles, bordering Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south, with much of the country’s west looking out over the South Pacific Ocean. The Andes run the full length of the country, rising to almost 7,000 metres, and separate the arid coastal strip from the lush Amazon Rainforest. Over 80% of the world’s different ecosystems are represented in Peru, more than in any other country.
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Peru Gallery
FAQs
Before You Go
A: British passport holders do not currently require a visa to visit Peru for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your return date.
Immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation details on arrival, so it is worth keeping copies of your itinerary and booking confirmations handy.
As entry requirements can change, we recommend checking the latest Foreign Office advice before travel.
A: We recommend speaking to your GP or travel clinic before travelling for the latest health advice and vaccination recommendations.
Yellow fever precautions are usually recommended if visiting the Peruvian jungle. TravelHealthPro provides useful and up-to-date travel health advice for Peru.
A: Peru has a very varied climate, so packing layers is essential. In Cusco and the Andes, days are often sunny and mild, whilst temperatures can drop sharply at night. The jungle is hot and humid year-round, whilst Lima and the coast can feel cooler, particularly between May and September.
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle and warm layers for high altitude areas. Lip balm can also be useful in the Andes.
A: Peru uses 220V electricity and flat two-pin plug sockets, so you will need a travel adapter.
Practical Information
A: Peru is located on the west coast of South America, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile, with a long Pacific coastline.
A: Lima is the capital of Peru and the country’s largest city.
A: Peru has a population of around 34 million people.
A: Peru GMT -5.
A: Flight times vary depending on the airline and route, although journeys are typically around 14–17 hours, including connections.
A: Spanish is the main language spoken in Peru, although Quechua and Aymara are also widely spoken in the Andes.
English is spoken in many hotels and tourist areas, and all guides used on Llama Travel holidays speak English.
A: The currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol.
A: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and cash machines are available throughout most of the country. In more remote areas, such as the jungle or Colca Canyon, carrying some cash is advisable.
A: In the Andes, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca, the dry season runs from April to October. During this time, days are usually sunny and mild, although nights can be very cold due to the altitude. March and November are more changeable months, whilst the heaviest rainfall is usually between December and February.
On the coast, including Lima and Paracas, temperatures are warm throughout the year. From April to November, skies are often overcast, although rain is rare. December to March is generally sunnier and warmer.
In the Amazon rainforest, including Puerto Maldonado, the climate is hot and humid year-round. There is usually less rain between May and September, making this one of the best periods for wildlife viewing.
A: Yes. Peru is often considered one of the best introductions to South America thanks to its mix of history, scenery, wildlife and good tourism infrastructure.
A: If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail, we strongly recommend booking well in advance. The Peruvian government strictly limits the number of permits available each day to help prevent overcrowding on the trail. Only 500 permits are issued per day, and this total includes guides, porters, cooks and support staff, leaving around 200 permits available for trekkers themselves.
Permits are released each October for the following year, and some dates can sell out within days. The most popular months are typically April (especially around Easter), May, June, July, August and September.
A: Yes. Machu Picchu tickets should always be booked in advance, particularly during the busiest months, as visitor numbers and entrance times are strictly controlled.
The ticketing system for Machu Picchu can be quite complicated, with different circuits, timed entrances and shuttle bus regulations in place. However, when travelling with Llama Travel, all of this is arranged for you, including your Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train travel and shuttle buses.
Many travellers also choose to return to Machu Picchu for a second day, allowing more time to explore the ruins and surrounding scenery at a relaxed pace. Where possible, Llama Travel will try to secure the earliest available entrance time for second-day visits, although these often sell out quickly.
Health and Safety
A: Most visitors to Peru have a completely trouble-free holiday. As with anywhere in the world, sensible precautions should still be taken, particularly in larger cities and busy tourist areas.
We recommend avoiding displaying valuables openly and using hotel safes where available.
A: Much of Peru, including Cusco, Lake Titicaca and the Inca Trail, is at high altitude. Most people experience some shortness of breath when they first arrive, but serious problems are uncommon.
We recommend taking things slowly during your first couple of days at altitude, drinking plenty of water and avoiding heavy meals or alcohol initially. Coca tea is widely available and is often used locally to help with altitude symptoms.
A: Yes. You should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, cancellation and emergency repatriation.
If you are trekking the Inca Trail or taking part in adventure activities, please ensure your policy covers these activities and high-altitude trekking.
Connectivity & Communication
A: Most UK mobiles will work in Peru, although we recommend checking with your provider before travel if you are unsure. eSIMs, such as Airalo or Holafly, are becoming an increasingly popular and often cost-effective way to access mobile data abroad. Local SIM cards are also widely available in Peru.
To call the UK from Peru, dial +44 followed by the UK number, leaving out the first ‘0’. To call Peru from the UK, dial +51 followed by the Peruvian number.
A: Most hotels, cafés and restaurants in Peru offer Wi-Fi, particularly in Lima, Cusco and other tourist areas. Connections can be slower in more remote regions, including parts of the Amazon rainforest.
Getting Around
A: Most journeys on Llama Travel holidays are by private transfer, domestic flight or train.
In cities, taxis are inexpensive and widely available, although they are generally unmetered, so prices should normally be agreed before starting the journey. We recommend arranging taxis through your hotel, where possible.
A: Most travellers reach Machu Picchu by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes, followed by a short shuttle bus ride up to the ruins. For a more active experience, it is also possible to arrive on foot via the Inca Trail or Short Inca Trail.
Food & Drink
A: Peru has one of the most exciting food scenes in Latin America and Lima is widely regarded as one of the world’s great culinary cities.
Peruvian cuisine combines indigenous, Spanish, African and Asian influences. Seafood, potatoes, quinoa, maize and fresh vegetables all feature heavily.
Popular dishes include ceviche, fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice with chilli and onion; lomo saltado, a stir-fried beef dish with onions, tomatoes and chips; and causa, a layered potato dish often filled with chicken, tuna or avocado.
A: Lima is the culinary capital of Peru and home to some of South America’s best restaurants. The districts of Miraflores and Barranco are particularly known for their food scene, with everything from traditional cevicherias to world-class fine dining.
Cusco also has an excellent restaurant scene, with many restaurants serving modern Peruvian cuisine alongside traditional Andean dishes.
A: We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water throughout Peru.
A: Peru’s national drink is the pisco sour, a cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, egg white and bitters. It is served throughout the country and is one of Peru’s best-known specialities.
Peru is also known for its excellent coffee, particularly from the highland and jungle regions, whilst fresh fruit juices are widely available thanks to the country’s huge variety of tropical fruits.
What to See
A: Peru has an extraordinary variety of highlights, ranging from ancient Inca ruins and colonial cities to rainforest, mountains and desert landscapes. Exactly what you see will depend on the regions and extensions included in your holiday.
Many travellers focus on Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, whilst popular extensions include Lake Titicaca, the Amazon rainforest, Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Paracas and the Nazca Lines. Beach stays in Mancora, and trekking options such as the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trail are also available.
A: Yes. Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s highlights, and a visit can be included on our Peru holidays. Built by the Incas high in the Andes, it is one of the world’s great archaeological sites and remains remarkably well preserved. Surrounded by steep green mountains and cloud forest, the setting is every bit as impressive as the ruins themselves. The way you reach Machu Picchu can vary depending on your holiday, with some travellers arriving by scenic train through the Sacred Valley, whilst others choose to hike part of the Inca Trail for a more active experience.
A: Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and remains one of Peru’s most fascinating cities. Today, it combines colonial churches and plazas with impressive Inca stonework and ruins. The city has a lively atmosphere, excellent restaurants and easy access to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
A: The Sacred Valley is a beautiful region of the Andes between Cusco and Machu Picchu, once at the heart of the Inca Empire. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, the valley is known for its Inca ruins, colourful markets, traditional villages and fertile farmland.
A stay in the Sacred Valley is a great way to acclimatise to the altitude and enjoy a slower pace before visiting Machu Picchu. Highlights include the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, the market town of Pisac, and the fascinating salt pans of Maras and agricultural terraces of Moray.
A: Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and sits on the border between Peru and Bolivia. The lake is known for its beautiful scenery, traditional communities and the famous floating reed islands of the Uros people.
A: The Inca Trail is challenging due to the altitude and steep mountain passes, although most people with a reasonable level of fitness can complete it. The scenery along the route is spectacular, with cloud forest, mountain passes and impressive Inca ruins before arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
A: Yes. Peru is home to a large section of the Amazon rainforest, and many choose to add a jungle extension to their holiday. Puerto Maldonado is one of the main gateways into the Peruvian Amazon, offering excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, including monkeys, caiman, macaws and giant river otters.
A: Peru has incredibly diverse wildlife thanks to its varied geography. Depending on where you travel, you may spot llamas, alpacas, condors, monkeys, caiman, macaws, sea lions and penguins.
A: We recommend allowing at least 12–16 days to experience Peru comfortably, combining Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace. Many Llama Travel holidays also include extensions to the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca or the Colca Canyon for a longer trip.
A: Yes. Peru combines particularly well with Bolivia, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.