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Peru Vacations

A woman enjoys her Peru Adventure Tour with our local guides

Embark on a journey filled with history, natural beauty, and heart-pumping adventure! Hike and bike among Inca history on our Peru adventure vacations.

Peru is a land begging to be explored. Experience ancient history and current culture as you explore Peru’s Land of the Inca by foot, bike, and boat. Ponder how this Incan civilization was built as you admire the ruins of a stone empire made entirely by hand. Peru adventure vacations will fill you with wonder.

Peru Vacation Packages

Central & South America

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

ActiveAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures

4.75

  • Duration 13 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

This South America bucket-list adventure features biking, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and cultural exploration. Discover Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu and the dynamic wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands.

Trip Start: Cusco Trip End: Quito

Central & South America

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure

ActiveAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures

4.90

  • Duration 10 days
  • Activity Level Level 4 
    • Activity Level 4

      Challenge Accepted

      I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.

    Read more about the Active Range

Feast your eyes on magnificent landscapes, ancient ruins, and dense jungles. Hike in the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu via the Lares Trail, cycle through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and wander the Amazon jungle.

Trip Start: Cusco Trip End: Cusco

Central & South America

Classic Machu Picchu Adventure

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

Starting in Cusco, you'll cycle into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, hike the Huchuy Qosqo Trail, visit Pisac market, and spend a full morning exploring the famous citadel of Machu Picchu, including a chance to hike to the Sun Gate.

Trip Start: Cusco Trip End: Cusco

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What our guests say about their Peru Vacation Packages

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Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - February 2024

Peru and The Sacred Valley

"I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by The Sacred Valley, the people (Incas) of the Andes and our Guide Salvador. Our guide brought the people and the land to life!

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"I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by… read more

"I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by The Sacred Valley, the people (Incas) of the Andes and our Guide Salvador. Our guide brought the people and the land to life! read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

D Dennis | February 2024

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - February 2024

Machu Picchu and Galápagos Islands

"There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip. Our Peru guide, Salvador, was outstanding, and so very kind. It was great to see Peru through his eyes! Our Galapagos guide Pablo was also very knowledgeable.

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"There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip.… read more

"There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip. Our Peru guide, Salvador, was outstanding, and so very kind. It was great to see Peru through his eyes! Our Galapagos guide Pablo was also very knowledgeable. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

D Donna | February 2024

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - January 2024

Peru/Ecuador

"We had an amazing time in Peru and Ecuador and the experience was enriched by our excellent guides, Salvador and Pepo. Both were very knowledgeable about the history, flora, and fauna of the area.

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"We had an amazing time in Peru and Ecuador and the experience was enriched by… read more

"We had an amazing time in Peru and Ecuador and the experience was enriched by our excellent guides, Salvador and Pepo. Both were very knowledgeable about the history, flora, and fauna of the area. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

S Shari | January 2024

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - December 2023

Amazing Macchu Picchu

"Great trip with Wilson as our guide. Well organized. Wilson also provided tips and helped arrange a plan for my free day in Cusco. Kept busy and saw amazing sites and wildlife. We were blessed with good weather too which is always a plus.

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"Great trip with Wilson as our guide. Well organized. Wilson also provided tips… read more

"Great trip with Wilson as our guide. Well organized. Wilson also provided tips and helped arrange a plan for my free day in Cusco. Kept busy and saw amazing sites and wildlife. We were blessed with good weather too which is always a plus. read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

M Melanie | December 2023

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - December 2023

Mr Sam Alwine

"My daughter & I had a fabulous trip (Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Adventure). It was a trip of a lifetime. Machu Pichuu was incredible. Our guide Wilson for the Peru portion we exceptional. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. At the end of the Peru portion of our trip, I told Wilson that "he is no longer our guide and that he is now our friend." The driver as well as all of the other people involved we very friendly and helpful as well. The guides on the Galagagos portion of our trip were very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating as well. Snorkeling at Kickers Rock in the Galapagos was amazing! It was almost like being on a dive...we saw beautiful angle fish, star fish, huge barnacles, sea turtles, white & black tipped reef sharks as well as hammerheads and sting rays. It was very interesting to spend a couple days on 3 different islands as each has its own highlights. The highlight of the Galapagos for my daughter was the giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island as well as the snorkeling at Kickers Rock. All of the…

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"My daughter & I had a fabulous trip (Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Adventure). … read more

"My daughter & I had a fabulous trip (Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Adventure). It was a trip of a lifetime. Machu Pichuu was incredible. Our guide Wilson for the Peru portion we exceptional. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. At the end of the Peru portion of our trip, I told Wilson that "he is no longer our guide and that he is now our friend." The driver as well as all of the other people involved we very friendly and helpful as well. The guides on the Galagagos portion of our trip were very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating as well. Snorkeling at Kickers Rock in the Galapagos was amazing! It was almost like being on a dive...we saw beautiful angle fish, star fish, huge barnacles, sea turtles, white & black tipped reef sharks as well as hammerheads and sting rays. It was very interesting to spend a couple days on 3 different islands as each has its own highlights. The highlight of the Galapagos for my daughter was the giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island as well as the snorkeling at Kickers Rock. All of the hotels we stayed in were very nice. The food was excellent as well. All in all, we can't say a bad thing about Active Adventures or our trip. We would be willing to go again (on this trip or another) knowing how awesome this trip was. Thank you Active Adventures and all or wonderful guides. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

S Samuel | December 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - November 2023

Machu Picchu and Amazon adventure - November 2023

"It was an amazing experience. From the organization of the trip leader guide to the experience of walking the Inca Trail and ending up with a majestic view of Machu Picchu at the end of the 4 day trek, the entire trip surpassed my expectations. The Amazon portion of the trip although extremely hot and humid was exciting. From the sunrises to the sunsets, with the wildlife and flora and fauna.. simply amazing. The restaurants chosen by our trip leader showcased the gastronomic excellence of Peru. Simply amazing

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"It was an amazing experience. From the organization of the trip leader guide to the… read more

"It was an amazing experience. From the organization of the trip leader guide to the experience of walking the Inca Trail and ending up with a majestic view of Machu Picchu at the end of the 4 day trek, the entire trip surpassed my expectations. The Amazon portion of the trip although extremely hot and humid was exciting. From the sunrises to the sunsets, with the wildlife and flora and fauna.. simply amazing. The restaurants chosen by our trip leader showcased the gastronomic excellence of Peru. Simply amazing read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

M Mary | November 2023

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - October 2023

Outstanding vacation!

"For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and Ecuador. The guides were truly outstanding, and the hotel accommodations were fantastic. We moved around a lot, and almost every hotel room had a fantastic view. We learned a lot about the history and culture, while also taking in beautiful sites and views. And learned so much about what makes The Galapagos Islands so unique and amazing. And about all the wildlife that inhabits these regions.

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"For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and… read more

"For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and Ecuador. The guides were truly outstanding, and the hotel accommodations were fantastic. We moved around a lot, and almost every hotel room had a fantastic view. We learned a lot about the history and culture, while also taking in beautiful sites and views. And learned so much about what makes The Galapagos Islands so unique and amazing. And about all the wildlife that inhabits these regions. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

A Allen | October 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - October 2023

Molly (South Carolina, USA)

"Experiencing the remote Lares Trail with local porters and the ineffably remarkable guide Zac is without question a must-do for anyone considering it!

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"Experiencing the remote Lares Trail with local porters and the ineffably remarkable guide Zac is… read more

"Experiencing the remote Lares Trail with local porters and the ineffably remarkable guide Zac is without question a must-do for anyone considering it! read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

M Molly | October 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - October 2023

Incredible Opportunity to Experience the Variety of Peru

"This trip includes amazing variety as it ranges from the more city like atmosphere in Cuzco, to the peace and beauty of the Sacred Valley, the challenges of hiking and camping to get over the 15000 ft peak to get to Olletetambo, the awesome scenes and history of Machu Picchu, and the wonderful wildlife of the Amazon Basin. All along way we thoroughly enjoyed the all the people we met and getting to better understand the lives of the local Peruvian folk. Zack was the perfect tour leader - fun, knowledgeable, and always looking out for our varied interests and needs - and seems to know everyone and all the best places to eat and visit. The tour guides - both Salvi & Joel - were incredibly helpful and added to the fun. We felt that the selection of the Lares Trail was definitely the best choice for us as it lived up to all our hopes in terms of beauty and solitude and the Peruvian mountains are truly awesome (and the mules and llamas (and horse!) were a godsend as well as a fun addition to the crew). The meals and snacks were incredible all along the…

read more

"This trip includes amazing variety as it ranges from the more city like atmosphere in… read more

"This trip includes amazing variety as it ranges from the more city like atmosphere in Cuzco, to the peace and beauty of the Sacred Valley, the challenges of hiking and camping to get over the 15000 ft peak to get to Olletetambo, the awesome scenes and history of Machu Picchu, and the wonderful wildlife of the Amazon Basin. All along way we thoroughly enjoyed the all the people we met and getting to better understand the lives of the local Peruvian folk. Zack was the perfect tour leader - fun, knowledgeable, and always looking out for our varied interests and needs - and seems to know everyone and all the best places to eat and visit. The tour guides - both Salvi & Joel - were incredibly helpful and added to the fun. We felt that the selection of the Lares Trail was definitely the best choice for us as it lived up to all our hopes in terms of beauty and solitude and the Peruvian mountains are truly awesome (and the mules and llamas (and horse!) were a godsend as well as a fun addition to the crew). The meals and snacks were incredible all along the way -- the first lunch after the hike in the Sacred Valley was a truly surprising highlight of the entire trip and set the tone for great things to come. The cooking team adjusted incredibly well to my personal last minute need to have "soft foods only" after fracturing my jaw shortly before we started the trip.
We had been planning and hoping to take this trip for years and it lived up to and exceeded all of our hopes and expectations! read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

D David | October 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - October 2023

Amazing trip - exceeding all the expectations

"This has been an adventure of a lifetime - from absolutely empty Lares trail (except for our group, local and llamas and alpacas) to stunning scenery. Could not have been better. As usual, Active selects fantastic guides: people with passion, skills and knowledge and lets them do the rest. What a treat!

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"This has been an adventure of a lifetime - from absolutely empty Lares trail (except… read more

"This has been an adventure of a lifetime - from absolutely empty Lares trail (except for our group, local and llamas and alpacas) to stunning scenery. Could not have been better. As usual, Active selects fantastic guides: people with passion, skills and knowledge and lets them do the rest. What a treat! read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

G Goranka | October 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - September 2023

Machu Picchu/Amazon

"An amazing experience I will never forget! The amazing views on the Inca trail were definitely earned, our guide Zac was the best, making the journey our own. Our travel companions started out as strangers became dear friends. The porters were a welcome sight at the end of each day's journey brought a smile to our faces with a high five for everyone. There were so many wonderful moments and personal feelings of accomplishment. I totally recommend this trip for anyone up for an Active Adventure!

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"An amazing experience I will never forget! The amazing views on the Inca trail… read more

"An amazing experience I will never forget! The amazing views on the Inca trail were definitely earned, our guide Zac was the best, making the journey our own. Our travel companions started out as strangers became dear friends. The porters were a welcome sight at the end of each day's journey brought a smile to our faces with a high five for everyone. There were so many wonderful moments and personal feelings of accomplishment. I totally recommend this trip for anyone up for an Active Adventure! read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

W William | September 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - September 2023

Machu Picchu

"The best trip ever! Our trip leader (Jessica) made each excursion fun as well as educational. Our trail guide (Zaci) gave us many tips to help us in hiking the trail successfully. The food was spectacular. The sights were beautiful. I can't begin to put into words how amazing the entire experience was.

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"The best trip ever! Our trip leader (Jessica) made each excursion fun as well as… read more

"The best trip ever! Our trip leader (Jessica) made each excursion fun as well as educational. Our trail guide (Zaci) gave us many tips to help us in hiking the trail successfully. The food was spectacular. The sights were beautiful. I can't begin to put into words how amazing the entire experience was. read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

K Kristy | September 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - September 2023

Amazing Macchu Picchu & Amazon Experience

"This trip was absolutely amazing. The Inca Trail was mind blowing. Zach was a wonderful guide on the Trail, full of warmth, knowledge and very funny.
Jessica was an excellent trip leader who made the trip so special for all of us. And the food especially on the trail was beyond extraordinary, as was the hard work of the local porters etc

read more

"This trip was absolutely amazing. The Inca Trail was mind blowing. Zach was a wonderful… read more

"This trip was absolutely amazing. The Inca Trail was mind blowing. Zach was a wonderful guide on the Trail, full of warmth, knowledge and very funny.
Jessica was an excellent trip leader who made the trip so special for all of us. And the food especially on the trail was beyond extraordinary, as was the hard work of the local porters etc read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

F Friederike | September 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - August 2023

Jeanine Brereton

"Our trip was more than we imagined. The Inca Trail hike was extremely challenging, but our guide and porters encouraged us to keep going and the end result (Machu Picchu) was life changing!! The trip to the Amazon was extremely well planned and we were amazed not only by the wildlife, but of the knowledge that our guide was able to share with us. All of this would not have been possible without our Active Adventure guide....Salvador! We would love to travel with him again!! He was kind, patient, efficient, organized, and knowledgeable! We appreciate all of our drivers, hotel staffers, etc......but most of all....Salvador!!

read more

"Our trip was more than we imagined. The Inca Trail hike was extremely challenging,… read more

"Our trip was more than we imagined. The Inca Trail hike was extremely challenging, but our guide and porters encouraged us to keep going and the end result (Machu Picchu) was life changing!! The trip to the Amazon was extremely well planned and we were amazed not only by the wildlife, but of the knowledge that our guide was able to share with us. All of this would not have been possible without our Active Adventure guide....Salvador! We would love to travel with him again!! He was kind, patient, efficient, organized, and knowledgeable! We appreciate all of our drivers, hotel staffers, etc......but most of all....Salvador!! read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

J Jeanine | August 2023

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - May 2023

Fantastic service from booking to end of the tour

"WE were well looked after on our tour, and also felt we were able to help the locals by being there, that was a great feeling..

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"WE were well looked after on our tour, and also felt we were able to… read more

"WE were well looked after on our tour, and also felt we were able to help the locals by being there, that was a great feeling.. read less

5 Stars (115 reviews)

J Jen | May 2023

Best time to visit for Peru tours

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Peru?

Basically there are two seasons in Peru; wet and dry. In addition the seasons are divided into three distinct regions. The coastal region; the highlands region and Rainforest region. The high season in Peru coincides with the driest months of the year; making May to October the best time to visit Peru if you're looking for pleasant hiking weather.

PERU BY THE SEASONS

There are two defined seasons in Peru. May to October is dry season with April to November being rainy season. In the highlands the four wettest months of the year are January to early April. Roads are nearly impassable because of the sheer volumes of mud. The climate in the three regions is very different during the same times of the year. For example in February in the mountains you can have rain and on the coast you can have nice summer days.

Seasons of the Coastal Region

In the north of the coastal region its warm all year round. Temperatures can average a high of 95 degrees in the summer months. In the central and southern areas of the coastal region there are two definite seasons, winter from April to October and summer from November to March.

Seasons of the Highlands Region

The highlands region again has two distinct seasons. Summer is dry from April to October. Winter is accompanied by sunshine and rains from November to March.

Seasons of the Rainforest Region

There are two types of rainforest in Peru. High rainforest (elevations greater than 2300 ft.) is temperate, subtropical with little variance of weather patterns in the course of the year and massive amounts of annual rainfall. In the lower rainforest (elevations under 2300 ft.) you will experience a summer season April to October (sunny and hot) and from November to March winter comes to the Amazon with its companion “seasonal downpours.”

Peru Tours

How to Prepare for a Peru Vacation

Combatting altitude challenges.

The altitude on a Machu Picchu trip is significant. Coca tea or mate de coca has long been used in South America for medicinal purposes. Coca tea helps with indigestion and altitude sickness. If you don’t like to drink the tea you can go to the market and purchase it in alternate forms of lozenges, gum, and taffy. You can also ask your physician before you go how they recommend you handle the altitude if you are sensitive to it.

Explore Lima

Lima is comprised of 143 “neighborhoods” most popular with international visitors are Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro.

Local Currency

The official currency of Peru is Soles. It is ok to make purchases using USD, please make sure that the bills are in good condition and not tattered or torn.

 

FAQs about visiting Peru

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the months of May and October. On either side of the main tourist season of June through August, you'll have quieter trails, yet the weather is ideal for trekking the Inca Trail with plenty of clear, beautiful days.

Will I need a porter on the Inca trail?

Our porters will carry up to 8kg (17 pounds) of your gear included in your trip fare. They will also carry your group gear, like your tents and food, and this is included in your total amount of your trip.

At the beginning of the Inca trail you'll pass through the official start gate where your tickets will be checked against your passports (your guide will take care of this for you) to allow you to access the trail. Going through a different gate, all the porters will weigh in with their luggage, which ensures that the agreed weights are adhered to.

What is the difference between the Inca and Lares Trail?

There are two hikes to choose from on our trip in Peru. There’s the Classic Inca Trail or the Lares Inca Trail, each with unique features and both absolutely incredible! The Classic Inca Trail is a four day hike, which finishes at Machu Picchu on the fourth morning. The last morning is a real highlight - you'll leave your camp at first light and hike for about an hour to the 'sun gate' (or 'inti punku' as it was called by the Incas) to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. It's absolutely spectacular and a fantastic way to wrap up the hike - the moment when you first get to see it can be quite overwhelming!

The other option is the Lares Inca Trail, an amazing Inca track which will provide you with an incredible cultural experience as you make your way to Machu Picchu - you'll pass through a number of native highland villages that have very little contact with the outside world, so it’s always a fantastic experience for everyone involved. You'll find far fewer people on this track than on the Classic Route and we quite often have it virtually to ourselves. There are no crowded campsites or queues of people heading up the path, and you can almost feel the presence of the Incas as you make your way along their mountain trails. If you’d like to discuss the options please get in touch.

"We had no idea that the Lares Trail wouldn't have many more people on it... We were completely thrilled that we had chosen this trail based on the information that we'd see more of the local way of life, etc. The amazing icing on the cake was that we were all by ourselves on that trail. That made our trip very, very special. The solitude might be worth mentioning in the literature. It would have helped me know for sure that this was the trail I wanted to take." Sandra Fields (Portales, New Mexico, United States)

How fit do I need to be to hike in Peru?

Typically, hikes on this trip range between three and six hours to complete, with longer hikes on the Inca trails. So get out there with a daypack on and train so you’ll be ready to join us! While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, ideally involving some up hills and down hills and carrying a pack! With a little preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more. 

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Is Peru safe to visit?

While Peru is a pretty safe place, we recommend taking the same precautions you would anywhere else - just to be on the safe side! Pickpockets occasionally operate in areas where visitors are found so we suggest you leave any valuables you don’t need with you in the hotel safe (e.g. passports and credit cards). A copy of your passport and any valuables you do need with you should be kept in a passport wallet under your clothes and a small amount of money in your pocket/purse. It’s also a good idea to take a taxi after dark rather than walking.

Do I need a visa for Peru?

It is your responsibility stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Please use the CIBT entry tracker on our website as a guideline or visit the relevant immigration webpage for more information regarding this.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Peru?

For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. We strongly recommend that you see a doctor, preferably one with experience in travel medicine, at least 8 weeks before your trip starts to discuss appropriate vaccinations.

Where do you fly into Peru?

Many international flights arrive in Lima early in the morning or in the late afternoon/evening, and depart in the late afternoon/evening. We recommend booking your domestic connections within Peru as part of your international fare. It’s more economical that way, and can make life a bit easier if your international flight is delayed. The major domestic carriers in Peru are Latam Peru (www.latam.com or Avianca (www. avianca.com).

Can you help me find international flights to Peru?

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

What's included on your Peru trips?

Accommodation
You'll stay in a variety of places depending on the destination and activities. In Peru you'll stay in nice hotels, tents while you're hiking (complete with porters to put them up for you, cook your meals and generally make sure it's the best camping experience ever!), jungle lodges and local homes on Amantani Island (a truly once in a lifetime experience).

Transport
Your transport will be a mixture of bus, plane, boat, bike and your very own two feet on our trips in Peru. All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals
All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except on your free days. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long hikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. On the hiking portion of our trips (such as on the Inca Trail) we work with an outstanding team of cooks who will amaze you with what they can produce on a campsite miles from the nearest town. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed.

Trip leaders
Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting. In the Galapagos Islands you will be accompanied by a specialist Nature Guide, qualified to provide you with plenty of information about the species that make their home on the islands.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

What kind of clothing should I be packing for my Peru trip?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

You will need proper hiking boots - trail shoes are not good enough. We'll be taking you to some awesome places where you'll be hiking over a variety of terrain, therefore your boots should have full ankle support and a stiff sole with a high profile tread. It's also important that whichever footwear you decide to bring that it's well broken-in and waterproofed before you come down. If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

Can I drink the water in Peru?

Peruvian tap water is not safe to drink, or brush your teeth in, so you’ll need to use filtered water instead, which we’ll provide, and treat ice and salads with caution. You can also use hand sanitiser, iodine or water purification tablets if you prefer.
Active Adventures is promoting ‘Travellers Against Plastic’ pledge, so to reduce single use plastic we encourage you to bring a durable water bottle to refill instead of purchasing bottled water.

What is the food like in Peru?

Peruvian cuisine is delicious but quite humble. Its base ingredients are usually potato, quinoa, chicken and seafood, or some kind of combination. If you’re vegetarian or vegan your options may be more limited. Vegetarians should ask for un plato vegetarian (a vegetarian dish). Vegan choices may be limited though we’ll do our best to help find things you may like.

What is the currency in Peru?

The currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currencies?

Your trip fare includes all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except any optional activities). Most people like to bring a little extra to cover a round of drinks at the pub, take home some souvenirs, book a tour and eat out on their free day, and tip our guides if they've had a great time. 

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Peru (Cusco and Lima), and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

Will the altitude affect me in Peru?

On some of our Peru trips we get to some higher altitudes (for instance, 15,420ft on the Lares Trail). Over the years we've found that if you take it easy on arrival in higher locations, you'll be just fine. Sure, we get straight into our activities at the start of our trips, so our itinerary takes altitude into account and there is plenty of leeway to relax during the first couple of days. When you're hiking in remote areas, oxygen is carried by your porters as a precaution. If you’re concerned, chat to your doctor about a prescription for Diamox (which can be taken as a preventative measure in the days before arrival) or consider alternative treatments like ginkgo or Oxishot.
If altitude is affecting you, be sure to let your trip leader and team of local guides know so that they can help take care of you.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Spanish is the main language of Peru, with Quechua being the main indigenous language. English is spoken in some hotels, airports and tourist areas but not everywhere, particularly not on Amantani Island where they speak largely Quechua. A little would be helpful, especially on arrival and for ordering food in restaurants, but it's certainly not required. Our trip leaders are all fluent Spanish speakers so if you don't have time to learn a little Spanish before arrival you don't have to worry... they will take care of everything.

What time zone is Peru in?

Peru is in the Peru Standard Time. It is -5 hours behind of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

What type of plugs and voltage do you use in Peru?

Electricity is available in most places in Peru except on the Inca Trail, in the jungle lodges and on Amantani Island. Peru operates on a 220V AC system with the Plug Type A.

Will I have access to internet/WiFi in Peru?

WiFi is available almost everywhere in cities and easy enough to find in most towns/villages so you can rely on having regular access during your trip. If you have data roaming switched on, then you'll be able to use the internet on your smartphone, but beware of the fees! WiFi is available at some of the accommodations that you'll be staying at, usually for a small cost so check this out at each location when you arrive, though it may be sporadic. There's no WiFi along with Inca or Lares Trails, and cellphone coverage will be minimal.

What is the weather like in Peru?

Peru can be divided into two main seasons. These seasons have different effects in the different areas of Peru – the mountainous Andes, the Amazon and the Coast. Mountains: June to August is the drier, cooler season. Higher altitudes mean average temperatures are very cool, especially at night. December to March is the warmer, wetter season, so quality rain gear is essential, however rain can happen in any season. Amazon: It rains for most months of the year here, with the driest months being June to September. November to March is the wettest period, though only for a few hours at a time. Cold fronts can occur at any time of year, and it can drop down to 5-9°C (43-50°F) so always be prepared for wet weather.

What books could I read to learn more about Peru, the Incas and archaeology?

We recommend researching as much as possible before you go so that you can have the best possible experience. Reading any Peruvian travel guide will give you a good insight into the history, culture and people of the place you are about to visit. There is plenty to read online too. If you would like to study more in depth then we recommend the following:

  • Lost City of the Incas, Hiram Bingham - A first-rate tale of adventure by the man who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. This classic account is a gripping story of exploration, archaeology and natural history -- and still an outstanding overview of the site itself. With original expedition photographs. Originally published in 1952, the book is still an excellent account, not only of the expedition but also of the site itself.
  • Conquest of the Incas, John Hemming - This classic masterful prize-winning history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion brings together wide-ranging scholarly material in the interests of telling a good story.
  • History of the Inca Realm, Maria Rostworowski De Diez Canseco - This scholarly history boasts the most thorough treatment of the pre-Hispanic Incas available in English.
  • The Last Days of the Incas, Kim MacQuarrie - MacQuarrie tackles the personality, aspirations and greed of Francisco Pizarro in this vivid account of the conquest of a continent.
  • Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca, Rebecca Stone-Miller - This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures.
  • Fortifications of the Incas, H. W. Kaufmann, J.E. Kaufmann, Adam Hook - With color photographs and reconstructions, site diagrams and 17th-century engravings, this slim guide introduces building techniques and major Inca sites from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba.
  • Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas, Richard L. Burger, Lucy C. Salazar - Burger and Salazar, both archaeologists at Yale, vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With illustrations of 120 gold, silver, ceramic, bone and textile artifacts, Hiram Bingham's original report of the "Discovery of Machu Picchu," published in Harper's Monthly, dozens of archival photographs, and excellent chapters on recent archaeological investigations and insights into life at Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui's royal estate.
  • The Incas and their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru, Michael Moseley - An outstanding illustrated survey of the archaeology of the Inca, Moche and Nasca civilizations. With hundreds of color illustrations and line drawings, it's an in-depth look at the ancient cultures and history of Peru. A great general introduction.

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