Peru at a Glance
2021 Peru Travel Updates
When to Plan your Trip
How to Plan your Trip
Must-See Destinations
Best Time to Visit
Travel Considerations
2021 Peru Travel Updates
Can I travel to Peru this year?
Last Updated: April 7, 2021
Peru has reopened its borders to travelers from around the world. Visitors are welcome to Peru with a negative Covid-19 PCR test, a negative antigen result, or a medical certificate indicating past infection.
Entry requirements are subject to change, and your Zicasso travel specialist can provide updated information at the time of your inquiry.
Related: Countries Open to American Travelers
When to Plan your Trip
How far in advance should I plan a Peru vacation?
The success of your trip to Peru depends on your ability to book your accommodations and tickets to popular attractions early, especially due to limited availability based on restricted access. Peru may see increased demand from international travelers for late 2021 and into 2022 for accommodations and activities based on postponed trips from 2020.
After a year of closed borders, Peru is eager to see travelers again and visitors are just as eager to explore the Amazon or visit Machu Picchu. By booking sooner, rather than later, you can choose your preferred accommodations and experiences.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we advised travelers to Peru to book their trip between 6-12 months in advance depending on their ultimate goals when visiting as some accommodations can book quickly during high-season. If you prefer to travel during the high season, we now recommend booking your trip between 14-16 months in advance.
Last-minute trip planning is possible, and your Zicasso travel specialist can ensure an exceptional vacation experience.
How to Plan your Trip
How do I plan my trip to Peru?
Peru recently reopened to travelers, which means you can book your next trip through Zicasso for travel in 2021, 2022, or 2023. Any visit to a new country inspires plenty of questions, but the circumstances of traveling after Covid-19 may have changed earlier answers.
“Do I have to wear a mask on domestic flights?” “Is Machu Picchu open?” “Will I be able to trek the Inca Trail?” “How will I travel from the Amazon to Lima or reach Lake Titicaca?” “Are the beaches open?” “Do I need a negative Covid-19 test before returning home and how can I get one?” Your travel specialist can answer these questions and more before you book your trip. A travel expert can also help handle any emergency that may arise during your trip — from an activity adjustment to a schedule change.
If you are thinking about traveling to Peru, you can fill out Zicasso’s Trip Request to speak with a Peru travel expert.
Related: How to Plan Your Trip in 3 Easy Steps | How to Plan Your Trip Budget
Must-See Destinations
Must-See Destinations in Peru
A personalized Zicasso tour to Peru immerses you in a vacation designed for your goals, needs, and preferences. Most travelers from the United States spend between 10 to 14 days in Peru which is enough to highlight the natural splendor and diverse cultures found between the coastline, Andes, desert, and rainforest. Our Peru travel experts have provided you with recommendations for any trip length.
Lima | Cusco | Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu | the Amazon | Puno | Nazca | Paracas
- Discover the historical grandeur of Cusco at celebrated sites like Koricancha, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuaman
- Wander the narrow streets that climb the hills to find boutique shops. The shops showcase handmade alpaca sweaters and galleries that feature local artists
- Learn about Andean heritage at the Textile Museum for better insight into the history and importance of textile-making in the region
- 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
- Bask in the captivating panoramic view from above Machu Picchu when trekking to the summit of neighboring Huayna Picchu
- 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
- Witness pre-Columbian Peru inside an 18th-century vice-royal building. The galleries reveal art and artifacts that span millennia, including jewelry and erotic pottery
- 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
- 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
- The fishing village of Puerto Malabrigoin northwest Peru hosts the longest left-hand wave in the world with great surf cast along barren cliffs
- Experience the native wonders on display in the Museo Inka, where metal and gold-work, jewelry, pottery, and textiles depict images of the civilization
Related: New Ways to Visit Iconic Sites | Zicasso’s Trips of a Lifetime Series - Part 2
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The best time to visit Peru is between April to May and again from August to October. The combination of smaller crowds and better weather makes these months ideal for visiting the entirety of the country.
The climate varies across the disparate regions making Peru a wonderful year-round destination but also requires specific times of the year for visiting places like Machu Picchu or the Amazon. November has nice, cool weather before the major rains in the Andes, while February has the most amount of rainfall during the year. June is the busiest month but has the best weather throughout Peru.
The weather varies dramatically across the country with the Andes offering a different climate than Lima and the coast, as well as possessing sharp temperatures along the high-altitude plateau. The Amazon also has completely different weather with extensive rainfall in summer but calmer autumn, winter, and spring. The weather conditions can change drastically but remain accessible from April to May and August to October.
Related: Peru Sample Itineraries
Travel Considerations
What to Consider When Traveling Through Peru
Is Peru Safe for Travel?
Peru is very safe for travelers. Like in most countries around the world, you must remain vigilant in highly populated areas where petty theft can occur such as in Lima or Cusco. Overall, your safety is not in jeopardy in Peru, especially when in the hands of a travel specialist.
Altitude sickness is a real possibility for visitors to the Andes, especially when traveling from low-altitude destinations like the Amazon or Lima. Symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, or dizziness can keep you from discovering the sites you want to visit and enjoying your trip. It does not affect everyone but you should make sure you have time to acclimate to your surroundings, drink plenty of water, and drink coca tea.
Which airports should I be looking at?
For most travelers, the most convenient airport is Lima International Airport (LIM) but the busiest international airports in Peru include:
- Lima (LIM)
- Cusco (CUS)
- Arequipa (AQP)
Can Zicasso help me with flights?
Zicasso Flights 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 makes finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Does Zicasso assist with 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.
