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Peru

of Incas & conquistadors

Peru tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Peru’s majestic Andean peaks are the mantelpiece to ancient empires while colonial gems characterise historic cities and the overwhelming beauty and biodiversity of the Amazon never ceases to amaze.

Peru's history, brought to life

Work your way back from Lima where a colonial tapestry treads between European architecture both colourful and palatial to be combined with South American enthusiasm and flavours. Then, there are the lost civilisations of Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, the seat of the once almighty Incan Empire and fully detailed overleaf. However, step back even further to near prehistory where you’ll find golden pre-Incan pyramids, Colca’s mysterious tribes, deserted mud-brick cities and the Nazca Lines. Dating back to the 6th century bc, these great desert scratches have long itched the curiosity of historians.


Peru's spectacular natural world

Then there’s Peru’s natural world. And, while you can read up on the world’s largest rainforest – the Amazon – in its own chapter, Lake Titicata has its own superlative. It’s the largest lake in South America and the fabled birthplace of the Incas’ sun god creator. Fittingly, it’s nothing short of deific, complete with piercing blue skies and islands created entirely from floating reeds. But the laudation doesn’t end there. Colca – a valley in the western Andes – features the world’s deepest canyon and highest chain of active volcanoes, enlivened by age-old Peruvian communities and one of the largest flying birds – the condor. Its colonial gateway, Arequipa, has a beauty all of its own. Termed the White City, its UNESCO-listed centre is crafted from sillar rock sourced from its volcanic backdrop.


 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
12½ hours

Time zone
GMT -5

Currency
New sol (S) = 100 céntimos

Language
Spanish and Quechua

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

See Peru travel guide

Top itineraries in Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru

Essential Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

8-day tailor-made holiday from £3,610 pp incl. flights

Short but perfectly formed, this superb-value holiday might last for just over a week, but it still manages to encapsulate the very best of Peru’s ancient wonders, colonial heritage and spectacular Andean landscapes.

Belmond Andean Explorer

Highlights of Peru by Rail

10-day tailor-made rail & stay journey from £6,165 pp incl. flights

Travel in style across the Peruvian Andes, linking Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lake Titicaca by rail, including an unforgettable journey, and overnight stay, on the Belmond Andean Explorer.

Huillos, Sacred Valley, Peru

The Best of Peru: Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca

14-day tailor-made holiday from £5,020 pp incl. flights

Explore the very best of Peru, from Lima to Arequipa, the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca. Then, head to the Andes to explore the ancient sites of Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Belmond Andean Explorer

Luxury Peru by Rail with Belmond

13-day tailor-made rail journey from £8,630 pp incl. flights

With luxurious accommodation, exclusive tours and a trip aboard the continent’s most luxurious train, this itinerary showcases the very best of Peru, from its Incan treasures to its spectacular natural world.

See all itinerary ideas

What our clients say about our Peru holidays

  • Informative and efficient service. The handling agent in Peru and their team of experts / co-ordinators were excellent, everything ran smoothly.

    Pauline P

  • Heather Harris was extremely polite and personable.

    Michael M

Top places to stay in Peru

Belmond Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu

Contemporary lodge

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge holds the unique and highly privileged honour of being the only hotel located adjacent to the iconic ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.

Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley

Hotel Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley

Traditional lodge

Hotel Sol y Luna is a luxury lodge and spa, surrounded by Peru's beautiful Sacred Valley, offering world-class food created by Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the renowned Machu Picchu.

Colca Lodge, Colca

Colca Lodge, Colca

Contemporary lodge

The natural beauty of the Colca Valley is complemented by the rustic luxury of this garden-ringed retreat.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco

Historic hotel

The stunning Belmond Palacio Nazarenas enjoys a superb location, tucked away in a peaceful plaza behind Cusco's historic main square. This former palace and convent has been lovingly restored and is now one of the city's most exclusive hotels.

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Where to go in Peru

Machu Picchu

Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Cusco is a colonial gem at the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore its myriad wonders with our collection of bespoke holidays, topping it all off with a visit to that iconic world wonder – Machu Picchu.

Poison Dart Frog, Amazon, Peru

The Amazon, Peru

Much is predicated on the world’s largest – and second longest – river. Superlatives aside, it’s the author of continent-spanning jungles, myriad wildlife, secretive tribes and even one fifth of the very oxygen we breathe.

Lake Titicaca, Peru

Puno & Lake Titicaca

Vast and spectacular, Lake Titicaca straddles the southern border of Peru and landlocked Bolivia – a region of rolling highlands and barren altiplano framed by the soaring peaks of the Andes.

Colca Canyon, Peru

Arequipa & Colca Canyon

The canyon country surrounding the colonial city of Arequipa – with its Spanish churches, stately mansions and volcanic sillar-white stonework – is one of high altitude deserts, volcanoes, and terraced valleys.

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When to go to Peru

Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
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Max temp Min temp Rainfall

Peru's climate varies across the country according to altitude, season and a variety of other factors. The coastal climate is affected by the cold Humboldt Current; cool sea air coming into contact with the hot desert sands condenses into rain during the winter months, from May to November, forming a thick sea fog that settles over the southern part of the coast and the cities here. However, it hardly ever rains. During the summer, the coast is hot and dry, especially in the north. Inland, the dry season is from April to October. Temperatures are steady and consistently warm during the day but chilly at night and can drop below freezing. In …

See regional weather

Peru articles

  • Rachel Mostyn's trip to Peru

    Peru: An expert's guide

    Wexas Travel's Rachel Mostyn has recently returned from a journey through Peru. Here, on this comprehensive guide, she takes us through some of her highlights.

  • Dining Pillar, Rovos Rail

    The Luxury Rail Journeys of the Southern Hemisphere

    From Peru's Andean peaks to the barren beauty of the Australian Outback, expect spectacular scenery to be paired with the finest in onboard luxury.

  • Rocky Mountaineer

    The world’s best journeys by rail

    Travel in style with the ultimate collection of train journeys, chosen by our rail experts reporting back from the tracks. There’s everything from such old favourites as the Orient Express to new classics as Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer.

  • Explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine

    Luxury lodges in South America: the ultimate guide to explora

    explora properties offer some of the most luxurious accommodation in South America's most spectacular settings. Expect open bars, full-board fine dining and included excursions that range from archaeological hikes in Peru to bike rides in Patagonia.

See all articles

Meet our Peru experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0691

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0691 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected