Tour Peru: The Ultimate Guide

During a tour through Peru you come face to face with the mighty Inca culture and impressive nature. Visit for example the ancient Machu Picchu. Or climb to the top of one of the many mountains and enjoy breathtaking views. Of course during your trip you will meet the locals and enjoy the delicious cuisine. A Peruvian holiday is one you will never forget.

1. Characteristics Peru

In order to travel well prepared, you will find all the information you need in this article. From the vaccinations that are recommended and the best time to travel to the places of interest that you should not miss out on.

2. Prepared for roundtrip in Peru

Get prepared for travel and arrange some things in advance.

2.1. Passport and visa

You need a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Peru. And when you enter the country, you must have an entry stamp in your passport. This is mandatory and must be placed in your passport at an official border control. You cannot return to the border for your entry stamp or apply for it at the Immigration Department in Lima. Make sure that you receive this stamp when you enter the country.

2.2 Vaccinations

If you are going on a tour of Peru, vaccinations against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio), Yellow Fever and Hepatitis A are recommended. Personalized vaccinations are also recommended. This depends on your personal situation. You can go through all this during a consultation at a local vaccination agency. Based on your history and your itinerary, a consultant can give you personal advice on the vaccinations. It is advisable to make an appointment at least 4 to 6 weeks before travelling. Since the most common vaccinations are in stock, they can usually be set right.

The costs for the vaccination vary per agency and you can best check with your local agency. To give you an idea, you pay an average of €24 for the consultation. This includes the vaccination booklet if you do not already have one. A vaccination for DTP costs on average €25, a Yellow Fever vaccination is around €48 and for a vaccination against Hepatitis A you will lose around €55. Don't forget to check your insurance policy, because some (additional) insurances reimburse the costs for travel vaccinations.

3. Travel advice Peru

Before you travel it is advisable to read the travel advice for Peru issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are security risks. For example, there is occasional social unrest in the country. This can lead to demonstrations or roadblocks. Therefore, avoid demonstrations. If you accidentally end up in a blockade, don't try to pass by or continue here. Follow the local news, stay alert and always follow the instructions of the authorities.

• We would like to share some tips for a safe journey.
• There are neighborhoods in Lima that are known to be unsafe. Avoid these areas.
• Don't travel alone as a woman, not even in the company of a guide.
• Search accommodations in good, well known neighborhoods.
• Don't travel after sunset because of crime. Not even by bus, because that's when the chance of an accident is greatest.
• Don't go to poor neighborhoods and avoid remote areas.
• Don't take food and drink from strangers. And always keep an eye on your drink to avoid anyone putting anything in it. This also applies to herbal brews offered to you by strangers.
• If you want to book a (spiritual) trip, do so at a reliable travel organization. This to prevent you from being drugged to rob you or use (sexual) violence against you.
• Don't take unsolicited pictures of people, official buildings and planes. This is not appreciated and may lead to interrogation.

4. Best travel time round trip Peru

Well, you can travel to Peru all year round. But if you're really looking for the best travel time, you can make a tour through Peru in the dry season between May and October. The climate is at its best in most areas. In the Andes mountains you can enjoy temperatures of 20-25 degrees during the day, in the jungle the temperature can reach 35 degrees. At night it can cool down and be cold all over the country. On the coast there is actually little precipitation throughout the year.

During the rainy season in the mountains and the Amazon between December and April, floods and earthquakes can occur. Some roads and train connections can then be closed. For example to Machu Picchu and Cusco. It is advisable to follow the reports in the local media for the latest state of affairs. The period in which it rains hard and a lot is also called ´El Niño´. In this period the warm water at the equator spreads along the coast and over a large part of the Pacific Ocean.

5. Transport on and to Peru

If you go to Peru, you will probably fly from Schiphol (Amsterdam) to Lima. A direct flight takes about 12 ½ hours. In the country itself you will notice that the cities and sights are sometimes far apart from each other. There are two ways to get from A to B: by domestic flight or by bus. There are very limited possibilities to travel by train in Peru.

If you want to get from one place to another quickly, you can book a domestic flight. However, a number of serious accidents have happened during flights over the Nazca lines. So only use a locally well known airline. And only choose 2 or more engine powered planes that have both a pilot and a co-pilot to fly the plane. But for comparison: on the route Lima - Cusco the plane will only take you an hour, while the bus will take 24 hours and will take you over narrow mountain roads.

Another popular means of transport is the bus. The safest society is also the most expensive, namely Cruz del Sur. This bus company has received many gold stars for its quality. If you choose another company, check whether there are two drivers. And it is advisable to avoid travelling at night, because that is when most accidents happen. Always keep a close eye on your belongings and don't put them in the luggage carrier above your head, for example.

For short trips you can also take a taxi. Make use of official taxis that you can order via a taxi company or via your accommodation. These are a bit more expensive than unregulated private taxis, but also more reliable. Do not take a taxi that approaches you directly. And keep your belongings out of sight, for example under the seat. By the way, agree on a price in advance, as the taxis do not have meters. Try to find out in advance what the usual fare is for the route you want to take and you can certainly haggle.

It is not recommended to rent your own car or motorcycle in Peru, unless you are familiar with the local traffic rules. In Peru the traffic is chaotic and the behaviour of road users is different from what you might be used to. Stop signs and traffic lights are often ignored. Therefore, there are relatively many traffic accidents here. Also keep in mind that drivers take little account of pedestrians.

6. Sightseeing tour Peru

From the capital Lima to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. Peru has a rich culture and all that in beautiful surroundings. To make sure you don't miss anything, we would like to list the highlights of a Peruvian tour.

6.1. Marasha Natural Reserve

In northeastern Peru you will find the Marasha Natural Reserve. This Amazon rainforest offers a diversity of wildlife as you walk among huge trees. Animals such as parrots and capybara's you will encounter in abundance during your trip. You can also go fishing for piranha's, spot alligators or take a kayak trip. Take a day trip or stay in a lodge at the lake while listening to the sounds of the jungle.

6.2. Catarata de Gocta

In the Amazon region of Peru lies the Gocta waterfall. This waterfall was only discovered by outsiders at the beginning of the 21st century, after the local population had known of its existence for centuries. You can see the waterfall from miles away. You can go to the misty base of the waterfall on foot or on horseback. During the trip you will enjoy the rainforest and the steep mountains. Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can take a refreshing dip in the ice-cold water.

6.3. Kuelap Fortress

You might not expect it, but Kuelap, in northern Peru, is considered the largest stone ruin site. The fort of Kuelap consists of massive stone outer walls with hundreds of buildings. According to archaeologists this structure was built about 500 AD and inhabited until the middle of 1500. There were living quarters for thousands of inhabitants. It was probably built as a defence against enemy peoples. In the vicinity of the ruins you can find stone tombs in the shape of people in which the mummified remains of the kings would have been housed.

This place is built on a ridge overlooking the Utcubamba Valley. You can access Kuelap via the town of El Tingo. There is a horse path of about 37 kilometres to Marca Pampa, a small flat highland near this place. There is also a cable car route that takes you up to 2 kilometres from the fortress. From there you can walk or take a horse.

6.4. Huascarán National Park

In the northern central part of Peru lies the Huascarán National Park. This park offers the greatest biological and cultural diversity in the country. You will find unspoilt nature with snow-capped mountains. The national park is home to an extensive and varied flora and fauna. Among others, pumas, llamas, deer and jaguars live here. Huascarán National Park is the perfect place for mountain biking and adventurous walks. You will find various climbing destinations and trekking circuits set out here.

6.5. Laguna 69

In the Huascarán National Park you will find Laguna 69. This is one of the 400 lakes in the park. When a list was made of all the lakes, those who did not yet have a traditional name were given a number. Hence Laguna 69, which is listed as number 69. Because of the special composition of minerals that gives the water a striking blue color, this is the most famous lake of the park. The relatively easy trip to the lake for hikers and mountaineers also contributes to its popularity.

6.6. Museo Larco

Housed in an 18th century mansion in Lima you will find the Museo Larco. This museum houses a fascinating collection of around 45,000 objects that constitute a collection of pre-Columbian art. Here you can learn more about the 5,000 years of fascinating history of ancient Peru. The museum is also known for a gallery of pre-Columbian erotic pottery.

6.7. Miraflores

Miraflores is a district of Lima and is considered one of the cleanest, most modern and safest districts of this city. Many tourists who visit Lima during a tour of Peru, stay in this district. Here you will find a wide range of restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine, nightlife with theatres, cinemas and bars. At the heart of the district you'll find a pyramid from the Pre-Inca era. This temple is almost entirely made out of handmade clay bricks.

6.8. Circuito Mágico Del Agua

If you are in Lima, you should definitely visit the Circuito Mágico Del Agua. This water park is located in the Parque de la Reseva. You will find more than 10 water fountains combining music, water, sound and laser lights to offer a unique and spectacular show.

6.9. Machu Picchu

For many travellers a visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu is on the wish list. This old Inca town is located at an altitude of 4200 meters, hidden on a high mountain top. It is recommended to stay a few days in Cusco so you can get used to the altitude and the oxygen level, so you can fully enjoy your visit. The city was abandoned in the 16th century and was rediscovered in 1866.

You can see the Inca civilization back in the ruins at this magical place. One of the most famous points is Mount Wayna Picchu. You can climb this mountain with its summit at 2700 meters and then enjoy a spectacular view over Machu Picchu and its surroundings. You have to count on about an hour's climb to reach the top. Machu Picchu can for example be visited from Cusco. You can walk the classic Inca Trail. You can also travel by train to Aguas Calientes. This village is located a few kilometers from the ruins. And from here you can take a bus that will take you to the holy city. You can buy a ticket in advance through the official website.

6.10. Inca Trail

When you're ready for a challenge you can walk the Inca Trail. This is a path of about 45 kilometers long with Machu Picchu as final destination. During the trek you will encounter a varied landscape with ruins of Inca buildings everywhere. A large part of the trail runs against steep mountains. However, the view over Machu Picchu makes it worth the exhaustion and cold.

Please keep in mind that you need to take out about 4 to 5 days for this and need a good basic condition. You also need to book the Inca trail on time, at least 6 months in advance, given its popularity. And the fact that the number of walkers is limited by the government. With the number of people admitted you also have to count for example the porters and guides. Furthermore, the path is closed for cleaning during the month of February.

6.11. Intipunku

Another archaeological site in the Cusco region is Intipunku, also called the Sun Gate. Intipunku was the fortress of Machu Picchu and the main entrance to the holy city. It is one of the most important archaeological constructions of this place and it is dedicated to Inti, the sun god. It is believed that this place was a gateway to control who entered and left the holy city.

You visit Intipunku by default when you're walking the Inca Trail. It's the last stop before you reach Machu Picchu and from here you'll get the first view of this holy city. Here you can see the sun rise over the mountains. From here you will walk to Machu Picchu in about two hours on average. From Machu Picchu you can also walk to Intipunku. Follow the wooden signs to Intipunku. Keep in mind that you need to be in good shape, because you are walking at high altitude.

6.12. Huayna Picchu

6.13. Wiñay Wayna

Long the Inca Trail you will find Wiñay Wayna. This Inca site is built on a steep mountain with views over the Urubamba river. The ruins consist of clusters of houses connected by a long steep staircase and fountain structures, also called baths. Also the, what were probably agricultural terraces, are still visible here. These are located a little to the north of the house-stepped complex.

6.14. Humantay Lake

A glacial lake with clear blue water at an altitude of 4200 meters; that is the Humantay Lake. From Cusco you drive to this lake in about 3 hours. You have to make a trekking of about 1.5 hours. You have to bridge an altitude difference of 400 meters, along a fairly steep path. The view you get, makes this definitely worth it. Not only the lake itself is spectacular, it is surrounded by peaks that often contain a layer of snow and glaciers. You can arrange your own transport to get to the lake or join an organized tour.

6.15. Sacred Valley of the Incas

A little over an hour north of Cusco is the Heilige Valley of the Incas. This is a valley in which you will come across numerous archaeological remains from the Inca Empire. You will also find several ancient Inca cities here. Because of the specific geographical location and the climatic advantages, this valley was seen as an important centre by the Incas. For example, you can follow the Urubamba river for about 100 kilometres to see the various Inca ruins in the valley.

6.16. Ollantaytambo

6.17. Centro Histórico De Cusco

Walk through the historic center of Cusco and see the Inca civilization in everything. Cusco is a fusion of Andean and Spanish culture and is situated amidst a beautiful landscape. Here you can enjoy the ancestral traditions that have been preserved. Cusco was in fact the capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most important civilizations of the American continent. Did you know that part of the city has been inhabited continuously since 1400?

You can discover the historic center on foot. There are several marked routes in the main streets that you can follow. You walk between colonial buildings and walls of old palaces and temples of the Inca Empire. The fusion of architectural styles makes the capital of the Inca Empire a unique place on earth.

6.18. Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuamán is an archaeological complex showing the technical wonders built by the Incas. The three-part walls of this former fortress are made with huge blocks and put together so tightly that it almost resembles a game of Tetris. It is believed that the stones came from the nearby quarries and were moved to the hill by more than 20,000 people over 20 kilometres. The remains shown are probably part of a much larger fortress complex. You can reach Sacsayhuamán by car in about 10 minutes from Cusco. If you go on foot you should expect a trip of less than an hour. You can make a ´City tour´ from the city, with this archaeological site on the route.

6.19. Monasterio de Santa Catalina

In the south of Peru lies the Monastery of Santa Catalina (Monasterio de Santa Catalina). This is one of the most fascinating religious buildings in Peru. It occupies an entire block and is guarded by imposing high walls. It is best to take a guide who will tell you all about Santa Catalina. Of course you can also walk around by yourself, only then you might get lost in this place that seems to be a licorice in a liquorice.

7. Book a round trip to Peru: compare providers and accommodations

Read more Travel guides...