How to Book a Peru Tour
Peru has bountiful nature, complex rituals, and urban innovation. Adventure, history, culture, and natural charm stem from traditional cuisine, giant sand dunes, fantastic wave breaks, and glistening treasures. Deciding what you want to see can be daunting, but Zicasso is here to assist you uncover a combination of destinations and experiences that are perfect for your Peru trip.
There are three ways to plan and book a trip:
1. Get a customized tour planned and booked by a travel professional. Travel independently on your own schedule.
2. Book a group tour. Join an escorted group tour with a fixed departure date.
3. Plan and book a trip yourself.
Zicasso offers the best solution for a customized tour by matching you with top travel specialists who plan and book the trip for you. Our travel agency division, Marageti, specializes in helping you book an escorted group tour. There is no extra cost to you for either service.
Custom Tours
A customized tour is one that is planned by a travel specialist according to your specific interests, preferences, and schedule. Whether you desire a family-friendly adventure or a romantic getaway, each of the accommodations, activities, and destinations is tailored to your preferences. The knowledge and experience of your travel specialist make a big difference. Zicasso has spent thousands of hours vetting the best travel partners. We act as a referral service, matching you with specialists that best meet your goals and priorities.
Escorted Group Tours
A group tour offers the advantage of convenience at a great value. The schedule is fixed, the itinerary is pre-planned, and a dedicated tour director travels with the group throughout the trip. A group tour can be 30 - 50% less expensive than an equivalent customized tour. Out of the many hundreds of group tours, how do you select the right one for you? Our travel agency division, Marageti, has sales agents who specialize in helping travelers weigh the pros and cons of each group tour. We give you personalized recommendations to find the best tour for you.
Goals and Priorities
What are your goals and priorities for the trip? These should drive your decision for either a customized tour or a fixed departure group tour. We are here to help you make the right decisions to make your dream trip a reality.
Must-See Destinations in Peru
Zicasso has worked with our Peru travel specialists to consider the best recommendations for destinations and trip length. A custom Zicasso tour will organize your time around your travel goals.
Most travelers from the United States spend approximately seven days on a Peru trip. Our travel specialists recommend seven days as the absolute minimum to visit Peru. If you keep a fast pace during your tour, one week will allow you enough time to visit the main highlights of Peru, such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. The following agendas are examples of ways you can explore Peru based on the length of your trip.
7 to 9 Day Trips
If you have between seven to nine days to travel in Peru, we suggest you visit Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. Your Zicasso travel specialists can best organize your trip to ensure that your travel time and goals align.
7 Days
Day 1: Lima
Days 2-4: Cusco
Days 5-6: Sacred Valley
Day 7: Machu Picchu
8 Days
Day 1: Lima
Days 2-5: Cusco
Days 6-7: Sacred Valley
Day 8: Machu Picchu
9 Days
Day 1: Lima
Days 2-4: Rainforest
Days: 5-6 Cusco
Days 7-8: Sacred Valley
Day 9: Machu Picchu
If you have more time (10-16 Days), we recommend:
If you can spend around two weeks in Peru, we suggest you take your time to enjoy more of the culture and natural history. In approximately 14 days, you can divide your trip between the original destinations with sites like Puno, Nazca, Paracas, and the rainforest. All Zicasso tours are customized to your preferences, but here is how we recommend spending your time.
10 Days
Day 1: Lima
Days 2-4: Cusco
Days 5-6: Sacred Valley
Days 7-8: Machu Picchu
Days 9-10: Puno (Lake Titicaca)
12 Days
Day 1: Lima
Days 2-4: Amazon Rainforest
Days 5-7: Cusco
Days 8-9: Sacred Valley
Day 10: Machu Picchu
Days 11-12: Puno (Lake Titicaca)
14 Days
Day 1: Lima
Days 2-4: Amazon Rainforest
Days 5-6: Nazca
Days 7-9: Cusco
Days 10-11 Sacred Valley
Day 12: Machu Picchu
Days 13-14: Puno (Lake Titicaca)
15 Days
Day 1: Lima
Days 2-4: Amazon Rainforest
Days 5-6: Nazca
Days 7-9: Cusco
Days 10-11 Sacred Valley
Days 12-13: Machu Picchu
Days 14-15: Puno (Lake Titicaca)
16 days
Day 1: Lima
Days 2-4: Amazon Rainforest
Days 5-6: Nazca
Days 7-8: Paracas
Days 9-11: Cusco
Days 12-13 Sacred Valley
Day 14: Machu Picchu
Days 15-16: Puno (Lake Titicaca)
How many days is enough to see Peru?
Between 10 to 14 days is the sweet spot for seeing Peru. Approximately two weeks will give you enough time to explore the highlights, such as Machu Picchu and Cusco, while also having more time to discover lesser-visited areas, such as Puno to see Lake Titicaca or Nazca to view the Nazca Lines. Two weeks will also offer you plenty of time to have an authentic and luxurious experience in the Amazon Rainforest.
Essential Experiences for the Best Peru Vacation
During your Peru tour, you can wander these forgotten corners of the Inca empire or witness the hidden lines that decorate the desert landscape. You can also find pristine rainforest, fantastic beaches, marvelous sand dunes, and the largest high-altitude lake in the world.
Best Way to Experience Cusco
Cusco embodies the heritage and history of the Andes. As the undisputed archeological capital of the Western Hemisphere, the city acts as the gateway to Machu Picchu and a relic of South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Ornate cathedrals, narrow cobblestone streets, and boutique shops represent the quintessential charms of Cusco. You can enjoy the following essential experiences in Cusco during your Peru trip.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours in Cusco (2-3 days depending on pace)
Historical
- Discover the historical grandeur of Cusco at celebrated sites like Koricancha, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuaman.
Cultural
- Wander the narrow streets that climb the hills to find boutique shops. The shops showcase handmade alpaca sweaters and galleries that feature local artists.
Heritage
- Learn about Andean heritage at the Textile Museum for better insight into the history and importance of textile-making in the region.
Best Way to Experience Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a breathtaking spectacle. The engineering ingenuity reaches over 984 feet above the Urubamba River and features impressive ruins among a backdrop of steep, lush mountains that are often shrouded in clouds. The following are possible essential experiences in Machu Picchu that you can have.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours at Machu Picchu (1-2 days depending on pace)
Active Exploration
- Discover the steep ascents, dramatic views, and feeling of accomplishment that is gained from the Inca Trail during a one-day excursion.
- Experience the undulating paths, epic vistas, and ruins that are scattered across the Sacred Valley during a challenging four-day trek.
Panoramic Views
- Bask in the captivating panoramic view from above Machu Picchu when trekking to the summit of neighboring Huayna Picchu.
Best Way to Experience South Amazon
The Amazon represents a different world than the Peru many expect. Instead of Andean peaks and Inca ruins, the rainforest possesses unique wildlife that hides beneath the canopy, such as monkeys, parrots, capybaras, and piranhas. The following is an essential experience that you can have when visiting the Amazon in Peru.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours in the Amazon (2-3 days depending on pace)
Bountiful Nature
- Witness the exceptional nature of the Amazon Rainforest in an authentic area that is known for its pristine ecosystem.
- Experience the Amazon River with a boat ride in view of small villages, fishing communities, and vibrant wildlife.
- Bask in the adventure of trekking through the Amazon Rainforest with an experienced naturalist guide in search of wildlife and infamous insects.
Special Interests & Activities in Peru
Traveling with Zicasso provides you with exclusive access to many activities, excursions, and tours for a distinctive experience. The following information offers insight into our recommended experiences and can be tailored to focus on your unique interests.
Best Food & Wine Destinations
The history of Spanish colonialism and customs of ancient cultures make Peru a fantastic destination for food and wine enthusiasts. The cuisine reflects the distinctive regions around the country based on the season, whether enjoying fresh seafood along the Pacific coast, traditional spices on the Andean plateau, the simple flavors of the desert, or the ever-evolving gastronomy of Lima. 4,000 varieties of potatoes, famous rotisserie chicken, celebrated ceviche, and a blend of different religions and ethnicities influence the variety of food. The alpine ridges and coastal plains provide great terrain for Peru’s five wine regions.
Ica
Ica is the heart of Peru’s wine region. Winemaking in the region dates back to the mid-16th century with the arrival of the Spanish. The dry and warm climate lends itself to grapes with high sugar content, such as Petit Verdot and Tannat, while also being perfect for producing the Peruvian spirit, pisco. The nearby oasis helps support the vineyards that grow at the edge of the driest desert in the world.
Zicasso’s Exclusive Access to Peru Best Wine
Zicasso travel specialists can organize private tours and design exclusive experiences for food and wine enthusiasts in Peru. You can sample the flavors of wines from a family-owned vineyard or enjoy a picnic on giant sand dunes for a unique drinking experience. You can also learn more about the heritage and production of South America’s only grape, mestiza, when sampling wine with a local sommelier.
Art & History
Peruvian culture celebrates its history and rich heritage through art. Museums, churches, and ruins represent the preserved cultures, which are spread from Nazca to Cusco and highlight contemporary and antique crafts. Peruvian art has two stages, which can be found in the intricate designs of native handicrafts and the neo-Baroque influence of the Spanish. The result is a marvelous blend of European and native styles that create a unique artistic sensibility. From Andean textiles to ceramics and Spanish paintings to Incan ceramics, Peru proudly showcases its diverse artistic aesthetic that was shaped by its cultural heritage.
Must-See Art Museums & Attractions:
- Witness pre-Columbian Peru inside an 18th-century vice-royal building. The galleries reveal art and artifiacts that span millennia, including jewelry and erotic pottery.
- Experience the native wonders on display in the Museo Inka, where metal and gold-work, jewelry, pottery, and textiles depict images of the civilization.
History
History in Peru feels both ancient and epic. A contemporary and cosmopolitan atmosphere fills the neighborhoods of Lima, and tradition perseveres in the Andes. With nearly 10,000 years of history that took place before the Inca empire and Spanish colonization, the sites of the Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu act as living museums. The Nazca lines highlight the mysteries of the past, while the natural landscape and preserved ecosystem of the Amazon and Palomino Islands capture the beauty of the untouched. On a customized Zicasso trip, we can design tours that are tailored to your interests with specialized guides, such as a biologist in the Rainforest or an archeologist with a PhD at Machu Picchu. We can also organize history-focused small-group tours with a certified guide.
Active Tours
Active tours in Peru immerse you in the scenery for a different perspective of the country. Active tours reveal the beauty of the coastline, the drama of the mountains, and the breathtaking landscape, which can be seen from isolated vistas. We recommend the following active experiences during your visit to Peru.
Hiking
- Machu Picchu - No matter your experience, you can trek to the Lost City of the Incas during a guided day trip or a multi-day trip for a thrilling way to discover the mighty ruins.
Mountain Biking
- Andes Mountains - The steep and rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains offers trails for seasoned mountain bikers for more time immersed in the scenery instead of in the car.
Surfing
- Puerto Malabrigo - The fishing village in northwest Peru hosts the longest left-hand wave in the world. A millennia of wind and waves have carved the seaside into barren cliffs.
Private Excursions and Special Access
Zicasso’s travel specialist partners can provide you with insider access to special excursions and unique activities. Each tour is customized to your interests and often becomes the trip of a lifetime. The following list offers some recommendations, but the possibilities are endless:
- Bask in the comforts of a luxury Amazon cruise in view of untouched wilderness.
- Marvel at the view over the Sacred Valley from the Skylodge, which is a hotel positioned on a cliff-face 1,200 feet above the valley floor.
How much is a tour of Peru?
The starting price of a custom-tailored Peru trip is approximately $220 per person, per day. For an escorted group tour, the starting price can be approximately $150 per person, per day.
The cost of a Peru vacation is dependent on several factors, such as the:
- Length of your trip
- Season (month) of travel
- Class of hotel
- Number of locations/cities you visit
- Number of guided day tours and activities (e.g., cooking class, wine tasting, etc.)
- How much you spend on meals, shopping, etc.
A vacation such as this is often your biggest purchase of the year. It will also likely be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime. To get the most out of your trip, we highly recommend using an expert travel specialist to plan a customized tour that is tailored to your specific interests and budget. You can also join an escorted group tour so that most travel arrangements are pre-planned for you. This way, you can travel hassle-free and relax while a professional tour director takes care of all logistics and any issues that might arise.
The cost of a tailor-made Peru tour typically starts at $2,640 per person for a 12-day trip, i.e., at $220 per person, per day during the low or mid-season.
This includes:
- 3-star hotels (shared twin room)
- Some guided day tours and activities
- Transportation, such as airport transfers and domestic flights
A 5-star, tailor-made Peru tour, where most services are upgraded and extra unique experiences are included, typically starts at $8,400 per person for a 12-day trip, or $700 per person, per day.
Everyone’s priorities, interests, and preferences are different. Submit a trip request on Zicasso, and we will personally match you with an expert trip planner who will help you customize your dream trip or help you to select the right group tour while also taking your budget into consideration.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is between April to May and again from August to October. These months host a combination of smaller crowds and better weather.
November can also be a good month to visit Peru. The weather is cooler, but the major rains have not started yet around the Andes. January to mid-March is very rainy, and February sees the most amount of rain throughout the year. Unlike the Andes and the Amazon, the coast has four seasons, and the best time to visit depends on your interests, such as December to March offering the best opportunities for sunny days and beach activities.
June has the best weather across Peru, but it is also the busiest month of the year to visit, resulting in higher crowds and an increase in prices.
The climate in Peru will vary dramatically between destinations. The weather in Lima and along the coast will differ than the Adnean plains and plateau. The high-altitude greatly affects the highs and lows throughout the year. These temperatures and rain forecasts also differ from those of the Amazon Rainforest. The summer in the Andes and the Amazon will see extensive rainfall, while spring, autumn, and winter offer less rainfall but dramatic weather changes in the Andes.
How far in advance should I plan a trip to Peru?
When planning your Peru trip, you should book between six months to one year in advance. This time frame depends on your interests and goals when in Peru but accounts for popular experiences in the high-season, such as the Inca Trail in June or staying at Skylodge. If you travel outside of the high season, you can book your Peru trip between three to six months in advance and still have enough time to reserve distinctive tours, such as Huayna Picchu and the Sanctuary Lodge.
Modes of Transportation in Peru
The best way to see Peru in 10 days is by flying. Driving is easy in Peru and can take you to the major destinations around the country, but can also take too much time when you have a limited number of days for your trip. For instance, the drive between Lima and Cusco takes an average of 19 hours to travel nearly 685 miles. Flights provide you with ease and swift travels to make the most of your time in Peru.
Trains
Trains do exist in Peru and offer services mainly between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, which is the town connected to Machu Picchu. While trains do run between Cusco and Puno as well as between Cusco and Arequipa, the trains do not run often and do not offer luxury options. A luxury train option does exist between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, which includes three meals, a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside, and an open bar.
Your Zicasso travel partner ensures that your logistics are as smooth and easy as possible. By including private airport transfers and domestic flights between destinations, you will have a stress-free Peru tour.
What to Consider When Traveling Through Peru
When traveling on a Peru tour, safety, logistics, and accessibility for all travelers are important considerations. The following information focuses on important travel considerations to help you plan a stress-free Peru trip.
Is Peru Safe for Travel?
Peru is very safe for travelers. While in major cities or in a highly populated area, you should keep track of your belongings. Overall, your safety is never jeopardized in Peru, particularly when in the hands of a travel specialist. Certain neighborhoods in Lima have rough reputations, but are easily avoided, and we recommend using official taxis if traveling through the city.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness in cities like Cusco or Puno can affect your Peru trip. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness can keep you from exploring the cities, discovering ruins, and enjoying your time in Peru, but can also be eliminated by good planning. Altitude sickness does not affect everyone, but you can avoid the possibility with the following tips:
- Give yourself time to relax after arrival.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs, including sleeping tablets and tranquilisers.
- Drink a lot of water to keep hydrated.
- Drink coca tea, which is safe, comforting, and an easy way to mitigate the possibilities of altitude sickness.
Your travel specialist can organize an itinerary that takes you to destinations by increasing the altitude slowly, which can also lower the chances of altitude sickness.
Travel Insurance
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
For Families
Peru is a great destination for families with children of all ages. Cities like Cusco have a fantastic heritage the family can engage with, including tangible experiences with chocolate and scaling the remains of Sacsayhuaman Fortress. The ruins and trails in the Andes provide great active stimulation, while the Amazon offers a great place to explore and learn about different cultures. Family-friendly guides in Peru will also help bring history and heritage to life for both children and adults across the country.
For Seniors
Seniors visiting Peru should always take into account any mobility challenges. Cobblestone streets in Cusco and extensive hills across the Andes can create obstacles for those with limited mobility. Altitude sickness is also a consideration for many seniors visiting Peru. A travel specialist can organize appropriate options in terms of accommodations and accessibility throughout your Peru trip by taking care of all travel logistics.
For Couples
A travel specialist can organize your best options for a Peru trip that balance active exploration and romance. Whether looking for breathtaking seclusion or an exhilarating trek, private wine tasting or a memorable cooking class, you will create everlasting memories with a focus on intimacy.
For Travelers with Disabilities
Your Peru travel specialist can help any guests with mobility challenges by focusing on alternative arrangements. Peru can be difficult due to its elevation changes, historic streets, and antique architecture designed for historic purposes. Our experts’ attention to important details will ensure that you can enjoy Peru’s natural beauty and luxury accommodations with ease.
Best Airports to Fly In & Out of Peru
The best airport to fly in and out of when visiting Peru is Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). All flights from North America will stop in Lima, even if you continue to another airport. A limited number of flights from New York will stop in Bogota before arriving at Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ).
For most travelers, the most convenient airport is Lima (LIM). The busiest airports in Peru consist of:
- Lima (LIM)
- Cusco (CUS)
- Arequipa (AQP)
Find the Best Flight
When flying in and out of Peru, your best option is to arrive and depart in Lima. A limited number of flights arrive directly to Cusco from outside of Peru, and they usually cost more than flights that land in Lima. Internal flights are easy and cheap, making it far easier to fly in and out of Lima with domestic transfers than trying to fly directly to other destinations, such as Cusco, Puno, Iquitos, or Arequipa.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are easy, cheap, and provide a fast way to travel between distant cities. The major cities across Peru use modern jets, but smaller towns are often served by propeller planes. The majority of airlines in Peru fly out of Lima to large cities, provincial cities, and smaller towns with regional airports. When traveling during peak season, it’s important to book flights far in advance to ensure your seat, especially if traveling to less-popular destinations.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Recommendations for the Return Traveler
When returning for another Peru trip, you can travel to the depths of the Andes, along the coast, or into the countryside beyond the essential destinations of Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. You can find overlooked towns or captivating scenery that are often overlooked but equally worth your attention. The following list offers our suggestions on where you should visit when returning to Peru.
Paracas
The unique image of crashing waves and active marine life contrasts the arid landscape of remote beaches in the Paracas National Reserve. Sea lion colonies, flocks of Chilean flamingos, playful dolphins, terns, boobies, and Humboldt penguins reflect the natural splendor of the pristine region along the Pacific coast.
Tambopata National Reserve
The Amazon Rainforest in southern Peru sweeps across more than 27.4 million acres of protected reserve near the town of Puerto Maldonado. Continual forests provide visitors with access to tropical birds, a variety of monkey species, colorful tropical flowers, and flocks of lively parrots, such as scarlet and blue and gold macaws.
Related Peru Tours by Zicasso
Here is our list of other Peru Tours we offer:
Themed:
Duration:
Specific Peru Destinations:
