Peru is an indomitable country of deserts engraved with ancient geoglyphs, jungles rich with wildlife, and soaring peaks concealing secret civilizations. It is full of mystery and has a culture that dates back millennia. This guide will take you through all you need to know about Peru vacations and their packages.
Peru vacations give a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover historic ruins like Machu Picchu and vivid cultures like the Incas. Peru provides a variety of tourism seasons and climates. There are a few things that tourists need to be aware of. While US citizens can go to Peru without a visa, they must have a current passport. The Peruvian Sol is the country’s national currency, and cities have well-developed taxi and ride-sharing industries.
Peru Vacations
Peru is a stunning nation in South America with a variety of tourist attractions for vacations. Activities like exploring historic sites, hiking in the Andes, and experiencing the colorful local culture provide a varied and lovely vacation experience.
When arranging a trip to Peru, keep the following in mind:
#1. Visa prerequisites
To enter Peru for tourism, US nationals do not require a visa. Without a visa, you are permitted to go on vacation in Peru and stay in the country for up to 90 days.
#2. Requirements for Entry
You must have a passport that is currently valid for at least six more months to go on vacation in Peru. Before departing, be careful to verify the expiration date on your passport.
#3. Currency
The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the country’s official currency. It is advised to carry some local cash, particularly for smaller businesses that might not accept credit cards. In major cities, banks and exchange offices offer currency exchange services.
#4. Safety
Most of the time, travelers going to Peru on vacations can feel safe, but it’s still a good idea to use caution. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in congested areas and well-known tourist areas. Use approved taxis or book your transportation from a reputable source.
#5. Altitude Sickness
Cusco and Machu Picchu are two locations in Peru that are located at high altitudes for vacations. Altitude sickness should be taken into account because every individual has a unique experience with it. The ideal strategy is to progressively adapt before ascending to greater heights.
#6. Weather and Best Time to Visit
Peru’s location results in a variety of climates. Depending on the area you intend to explore, there are different optimal times to travel. The best time to visit well-known locations like Cusco and Machu Picchu is thought to be during the dry season, which lasts from May to September. The Amazon Rainforest has year-round high humidity and rain due to its tropical environment.
#7. Language
Spanish is the official language of Peru. Even though English is spoken at some hotels and tourist areas, it’s helpful to learn some fundamental Spanish words and phrases or have a dictionary or translation app.
#8. Local Customs and Etiquette
Peruvians have a reputation for being hospitable people. It is usual to shake hands at greetings and to refer to people by their official titles. Respect for regional traditions and customs is appreciated, as is modest dress in places of worship.
#9. Transportation
Peru has a sophisticated transportation system. Trains, buses, and domestic planes are frequently utilized for domestic transport. There are taxis and ride-sharing services available in places like Lima and Cusco. It’s crucial to use authorized transportation options and to bargain for lower prices in advance.
#10. Water and Food Safety
Although Peruvian cuisine is diverse and delicious, it’s important to follow specific safety precautions to avoid foodborne illnesses. Drink bottled water or water that has been filtered instead of raw or uncooked food from street sellers or shady restaurants.
Attractions For Peru Vacations
Traveling through a country with a vast array of cultures and a storied past is an enthralling experience. Visitors will be amazed and mesmerized by the abundance of things this South American jewel has to offer. Peru is home to a variety of attractions. Regardless of your interests in history, culture, the environment, or adventure, it offers a variety of experiences that will make your vacation special.
Must-visit attractions include:
#1. Machu Picchu
The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, a well-known tourist destination in Peru, offers breathtaking vistas of the Andes. Visitors can ride a picturesque train or hike the Inca Trail in addition to exploring its well-preserved ruins. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
#2. Sacred Valley
In the vicinity of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley, are attractive communities, landscapes, and Inca ruins. In addition to local markets and outdoor activities, tourists can visit the ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It acts as a point of entry to Machu Picchu.
#3. Lake Titicaca
The world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, is renowned for both its scenic beauty and historical significance. You may discover the Uros Islands, man-made reed islands, Taquile and Amantani Islands, as well as the surrounding natural beauty.
#4. Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a collection of prehistoric geoglyphs in southern Peru that feature elaborate patterns, animals, and geometric shapes. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists might take a sightseeing flight to fully appreciate these mysterious masterpieces.
#5. Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is a deep canyon in southern Peru that is famous for its magnificent natural beauty, chances for animal observation, and proximity to the Andean condor’s flight path. People who prefer the outdoors frequently visit this place.
#6. Lima
The capital of Peru, Lima, is a bustling metropolis with a fascinating history, cutting-edge conveniences, and a thriving culinary scene. Its fusion of antique buildings and contemporary artwork produces a lively ambiance that highlights Peru’s wide range of goods.
#7. Cusco
Cusco, the historical capital of Peru and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a lovely city with a colorful past as the seat of the Inca Empire. It has bustling streets, a colonial architecture that has not been altered, and important Inca sites like Sacsayhuaman and Qorikancha.
#8. Amazon Rainforest
A substantial chunk of the Amazon Rainforest can be found in Peru, giving tourists the chance to experience one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes. Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are just a couple of the Peruvian cities that offer access to the Amazon.
#9. Huascaran National Park
The Huascaran National Park in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its snow-capped summits, glacial lakes, and variety of habitats. One of the finest climbing and mountaineering possibilities it offers is the Santa Cruz Trek.
#10. Arequipa
The colonial buildings in Arequipa, known as the “White City” in Peru, are composed of white volcanic stone. The Santa Catalina Monastery is located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also serves as the departure point for excursions to Colca Canyon.
Peru Vacation Packages
Vacation packages for Peru include a combination of tours, lodging, and frequently additional services like transportation and meals for tourists visiting the country. These packages are your pass to a trip that has been painstakingly planned in one of South America’s most alluring locations. A Peru vacation package’s price varies according to the travel agency, the itinerary, and the duration of the trip. The majority of travel agencies provide packages with durations of 4 days to 2 weeks and start at $1,000 to $3,000 per person.
There are many different types of vacation experiences available in the diverse and lovely nation of Peru. Every traveler may find something to enjoy in Peru, whether they want to hike through the Andes, explore historic ruins, or get a taste of the vibrant local culture.
Numerous vacation packages are offered for Peru, with options for various interests, price ranges, and lengths of stay. Popular choices comprise:
#1. Nazca Lines and Ballestas Islands
This package concentrates on the Ballestas Islands, which are famous for their fauna, and the Nazca Lines, a collection of historic geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert. It frequently includes a boat journey to witness the varied marine life on the Ballestas Islands, a flight above the Nazca Lines for an aerial view, and a stop at the Chauchilla Cemetery.
#2. Peru and Bolivia Combo Tour
On this tour, you’ll see Peru’s top attractions as well as Bolivia, its neighbor. The Uyuni Salt Flats, La Paz, and other amazing locations are accessible from both countries.
#3. Adventurous and Active Tour
Hiking, bicycling, and rafting are all included in adventure tours in Peru, which frequently stop at Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca to show off the country’s breathtaking scenery.
#4. Family Vacation
Peru is an excellent place to have a family vacation. There are family-friendly trips available that feature instructive activities, excursions to animal sanctuaries, and chances to mingle with locals.
#5. Tailor-Made Tours
Numerous tour operators provide customized itineraries, letting you create your trip depending on your choices and interests. This gives you the freedom to select the locations and activities that most interest you.
#6. Machu Picchu Express
With transportation from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, a guided tour, and a transfer back to Cusco, the Machu Picchu Express package offers a limited-time visit to the famous site.
#7. Peru Magic
With stops in Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, the Peru Magic package offers a thorough tour of Peru’s top attractions, showing its rich history, culture, and energetic city life.
#8. Amazon Rainforest Adventure
Some tours concentrate on learning about this distinctive ecosystem for people looking for an immersive experience in the Amazon rainforest. These packages frequently include eco-lodge lodging, escorted jungle excursions, chances to see wildlife and lessons about indigenous traditions.
#9. Lake Titicaca Discovery
The highest navigable lake in the world may be explored with packages that are centered on Lake Titicaca. These packages frequently include trips to Taquile Island and the Uros Floating Islands, where you may engage with locals and learn about their way of life.
#10. Inca Trail Trek
Adventurers and hikers frequently book the Inca Trail Trek as part of their vacation packages. It offers a multi-day trip to Machu Picchu that follows the Incas’ historic route. This package often includes lodging near the Inca Trail, guided tours, porters to transport equipment, and Inca Trail permits.
Top Peru Vacations Travel Agencies
Peru vacation packages and trips are available from a variety of travel agencies, including
#1. Peru For Less
Peru For Less provides customizable tours and vacation packages to the best places in Peru. Depending on where they want to go, tourists can stay for a week to 10 days. A week or more is needed to visit well-known Andean sites, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Vacation packages include safe transfers and scheduled pickup sites for the coast, mountains, and rainforest.
#2. Goway Travel
The Wonders of Peru, Incan Explorer: Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lima, Amazon Jungle Lodge, Machu Picchu, and other tours and holiday packages are available through Goway Travel.
#3. Expedia
Expedia provides all-inclusive vacation packages to Peru starting at $520, which include accommodations, transportation, and more. Top tourist locations in Peru include Lake Titicaca, Iquitos, Lima, and Machu Picchu.
#4. Tripmasters
With adaptable excursions and itineraries, Tripmasters offers multi-city vacations to Peru that may be customized. They provide adjustable holiday packages so you can choose your number of nights in each city, preferred accommodation, and activities. They advise 7–10 days, depending on what you want to see and do.
#5. South American Travel
Travel packages to Peru from South America Travel includes the natural splendor of the Peruvian Amazon as well as historical powerhouses like Lima, Cusco, Chan-Chan, Arequipa, and Lake Titicaca.
#6. TourRadar
A well-known website called TourRadar links tourists with numerous tour companies and travel brokers. They provide a large selection of Peru vacation packages from various tour companies.
#7. Machu Travel Peru
Luxury tours and vacation packages to Peru are their areas of expertise at Machu Travel Peru. To meet your tastes and travel requirements, they provide completely customized itineraries. Their knowledgeable staff can assist you in creating a customized itinerary to make sure you have a memorable and pleasurable trip to Peru.
#8. Latin Discoveries
Travel companies in Peru, such as Latin Discoveries, provide a range of tour packages, including action-packed adventures, family-friendly vacations, romantic honeymoons, trekking, and self-guided excursions.
#9. Exoticca Vacations
Exoticca Travel provides all-inclusive Peru holiday packages that include transportation, lodging, tours, and flights. Their travel specialists plan their vacations, which may either be fully or partially supervised.
#10. G Adventures
Peru is one of the many places that G Adventures, a well-known adventure travel business, conducts tours to. They provide small-group trips with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and responsible travel.
Is a Vacation in Peru Expensive?
Costs in Peru can be between $25 and $70 per person per day, making it a travel destination that is within everyone’s budget. The entire cost will vary depending on the type of travel chosen, the activities selected, and the accommodations selected. Hostel accommodations, eating at neighborhood eateries, and selecting affordable activities are all examples of frugal travel choices. However, charges could go up if you select more expensive activities or luxurious accommodations. Before flying to Peru, it’s crucial to do your homework and make an appropriate budget plan.
What Month Is the Best Time to Go to Peru?
The dry season, which lasts from May to September, is the ideal time to explore Peru. The weather during this time is ideal for seeing well-known destinations like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, with bright days, clear skies, and little rain. Adventures in the Amazon and Andes are also suitable now.
Is It Safe to Travel to Peru Right Now?
The governments of the US, Canada, and Australia caution visitors to Peru due to the country’s high crime rate, potential for civil turmoil, and risk of kidnapping. Particularly dangerous areas include the region around Puno, the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), and the Colombia-Peruvian border area. Petty crime is widespread, and motorists disregard traffic regulations and behave aggressively. Ayahuasca and Kambo ceremonies have been connected to rape, robbery, theft, grave health issues, and even fatalities. Travel to the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) requires prior approval for U.S. federal employees.
How Much is the Average Vacation to Peru?
Vacations to Peru can be expensive or inexpensive, depending on your preferred mode of travel, accommodations, food, and activities. For one person, lodging costs about S/.94 per day, whereas transportation prices change depending on the mode and distance. Each day, food costs about $18. Activities and admission prices can change depending on the experiences and attractions. Budget-to-luxury travel costs might range from $25 to more than $100 each day.
How Much Money Do I Need to Take to Peru?
Depending on your travel preferences, the length of your stay, and the activities you intend to participate in, you may need a different amount of money for a trip to Peru. The average cost of a night’s lodging ranges from $10 to $270 and includes everything from luxurious hotels to inexpensive hostels. Each day, it costs about $18 for food and another $36 for activities. Depending on your route and mode of transportation, transportation costs can vary. Travelers on a tight budget should set aside $35 a day or $245 for a week, while those on a moderate budget should set aside between $35 and $100 per day.
What is the Currency in Peru?
The Nuevo Sol is Peru’s official currency. It is divided into 100 cents, or centimos, as they are known in Spanish. The coinage is available in 10, 20, and 50 centimos, as well as 1 and 2 soles, while the banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 soles. In Peru, US dollars are frequently accepted. One US dollar is roughly comparable to 3.64 Peruvian Soles, while the exchange rate between the two currencies varies according to the market.
What Language Do they Speak in Peru?
Over 80% of Peruvians speak Spanish as their first language, making it the country’s official language. The nation is bilingual, while some areas speak indigenous languages like Quechua and Aymara. Additionally common is Amazonic Spanish, a fusion of indigenous and Spanish. Major cities also have populations that speak English and other European languages.
Conclusion
The Inca ruins at Machu Picchu are one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations, but Peru’s warm, proud people—many of whom can trace their ancestry back to the Incas—are where the country’s true charm lies. You might not anticipate the culinary extravaganza in Lima or the excursions in Cusco’s historic capital. Our Peru trips will make you feel like a modern-day Indiana Jones, whether you’re exploring the cobblestone alleyways of Arequipa, bobbling on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, or unearthing mummies in Nazca. Just remember to bring your fedora.
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