Last updated: September 2026
Peru holidays are built around one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on Earth, the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, but this South America country offers far more besides. From the colonial streets of Cusco to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and the mysterious Nazca Lines, Peru rewards travellers with a remarkable depth of history and landscape.
Peru holidays suit travellers drawn to ancient civilisations, dramatic Andean scenery and outstanding food. Most itineraries combine Lima with Cusco and the Sacred Valley, often extending further to the Amazon or Lake Titicaca.
Machu Picchu, perched dramatically on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, is the single greatest reason most visitors book a Peru holiday. Built in the 15th century and rediscovered by the outside world only in 1911, this remarkably preserved Inca citadel remains one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites anywhere in the world.
Visitors can reach Machu Picchu by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley followed by a short bus ride, or via the multi-day Inca Trail trek for those seeking a more immersive approach. Tickets are limited and must be booked well in advance, particularly during the busy dry season.
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is a beautifully preserved colonial city built atop extensive Inca foundations, with the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán visible throughout the historic centre. The city’s main square, the Plaza de Armas, is surrounded by ornate churches built using stones taken from dismantled Inca structures.
The Sacred Valley, stretching northwest of Cusco, is scattered with Inca ruins, traditional weaving villages and the vibrant Pisac market. Most Peru holidays spend several days acclimatising in this region before continuing on to Machu Picchu, given the high altitude.
Lima, Peru’s sprawling coastal capital, has emerged as one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world, home to several restaurants regularly ranked among the best globally. The clifftop Miraflores district offers excellent restaurants and ocean views, while the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture.
The Larco Museum, housing an exceptional collection of pre-Columbian artefacts including erotic pottery, offers valuable context for the ancient sites visited later in a Peru holiday. Many itineraries use Lima as both the entry point and a base for a final night of fine dining before departure.
Lake Titicaca, shared between Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world and home to the remarkable Uros floating islands, built entirely from layered reeds. Local communities continue to live on these islands using traditional methods passed down for centuries.
The town of Puno serves as the main gateway to the lake, and overnight stays on Amantani or Taquile islands offer visitors a genuine glimpse into traditional Andean life during a Peru holiday. The lake’s deep blue water and high-altitude light create a striking, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
The Nazca Lines, a series of enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert plain of southern Peru, depict animals, plants and geometric shapes that are best appreciated from the air. Created more than 1,500 years ago, their exact purpose remains a subject of ongoing archaeological debate.
Small aircraft flights over the lines depart from the nearby town of Nazca, offering a memorable if brief detour for Peru holidays that include the southern coastal route between Lima and Arequipa.
Arequipa, known as the White City for its buildings constructed from pale volcanic stone, is one of Peru’s most architecturally striking colonial cities. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits beneath the dramatic backdrop of the El Misti volcano.
Nearby Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in places, offers visitors the chance to see Andean condors soaring on thermal currents above the canyon walls, particularly at the famous viewpoint known as Cruz del Condor. Many Peru holidays combine Arequipa with the southern route between Lima and Lake Titicaca.
Huacachina, a small lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes near the coastal city of Ica, offers a striking change of scenery from the Andes and Amazon. Dune buggy rides and sandboarding down the steep slopes are popular activities for visitors taking a break from the standard archaeological circuit.
The oasis is also a convenient stop on the route between Lima and Nazca, making it easy to combine with a flight over the Nazca Lines during a longer Peru holiday.
The Peruvian Amazon, accessed primarily through the river city of Iquitos or jungle lodges near Puerto Maldonado, offers some of the most accessible rainforest experiences in South America, comparable in many ways to neighbouring Ecuador‘s Amazon region. Guided excursions reveal pink river dolphins, caimans, monkeys and an extraordinary range of bird life.
Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the planet, rewards visitors willing to venture further from the standard tourist trail during a Peru holiday. Most lodges combine jungle walks with night safaris and visits to local indigenous communities.
Peruvian cuisine has gained an outstanding international reputation, blending indigenous Andean ingredients with Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese influences. Ceviche, made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juice, is considered the national dish and is best enjoyed near the coast.
Lomo saltado, a stir-fry combining beef, onions, tomatoes and fries, reflects the country’s Chinese culinary influence, while the pisco sour, made from Peru’s signature grape brandy, is the essential drink to try during any Peru holiday.
Peru’s climate varies dramatically by region and altitude, making timing important for a Peru holiday. The Andean highlands, including Cusco and Machu Picchu, have a dry season from May to September that offers the clearest skies and most reliable trekking conditions.
The wet season from November to March brings more rain to the highlands but remains a viable time to visit, with fewer crowds at Machu Picchu. Coastal Lima has a mild, often overcast climate year-round, while the Amazon is consistently warm and humid throughout the year.
Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport receives flights from the UK via one-stop connections, typically through Madrid or US gateway cities, with a total journey time of around 14 to 16 hours. Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco take just over an hour and are the standard way to begin the journey to Machu Picchu.
Booking the train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu well in advance is essential, as capacity is limited and prices rise considerably closer to travel during a Peru holiday.
UK departures typically connect through Madrid or US hubs such as Miami, with Iberia and American Airlines among the most commonly used carriers. Allowing a buffer day in Lima at the start of the trip helps absorb any flight delays before continuing on to Cusco.
Peru uses the Peruvian Sol, and Spanish is the official language, with Quechua also widely spoken in Andean communities. British passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Peru.
Altitude sickness is a genuine consideration in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, both situated above 3,000 metres, so allowing time to acclimatise and staying well hydrated is strongly recommended for a comfortable Peru holiday.
| Capital | Lima |
|---|---|
| Main highlights | Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, Nazca Lines, Amazon |
| Best for | History, archaeology, trekking, food, Andean culture |
| Climate | Dry season May-September best for the Andes; Amazon warm year-round |
| Flight time from London | Approximately 14-16 hours (via connection) |
| Currency | Peruvian Sol (PEN) |
| Language | Spanish (Quechua also widely spoken) |
Search4Sun compares Peru holiday packages and tailor-made itineraries from the UK’s leading tour operators, with departures from local airports across the UK. For peace of mind when booking, always check your holiday is ABTA protected.
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A minimum of 8 to 10 days is recommended to comfortably cover Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, allowing for altitude acclimatisation along the way. Rushing this itinerary increases the risk of altitude sickness affecting your trip.
Visitors wanting to add Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines or the Amazon should allow at least 14 to 16 days for a comfortable pace.
Yes, Machu Picchu operates a daily visitor limit, and tickets, particularly for the Inca Trail trek, should be booked several months ahead during peak season. Train tickets to Aguas Calientes, the town below the ruins, also sell out well in advance during the busy dry season.
Last-minute visits are sometimes possible outside peak months, but booking ahead is strongly recommended for any Peru holiday built around Machu Picchu. A valid passport and the printed or digital entry ticket are both required at the site checkpoint.
Yes, Cusco sits at over 3,400 metres and altitude sickness is a genuine risk for visitors arriving directly from sea level. Symptoms typically include headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath, usually easing within a few days of acclimatisation.
Spending two to three days in Cusco or the slightly lower Sacred Valley before attempting strenuous activity, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol initially all help reduce the impact during a Peru holiday.
Coca tea, a traditional local remedy, is widely offered in hotels and is believed by many to ease altitude symptoms, though there is limited scientific consensus on its effectiveness. Travellers with underlying heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before booking a Peru holiday at high altitude.
Peru operates five hours behind GMT throughout the year, and UK visitors will need a type A or C plug adaptor for Peruvian sockets. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended for any Peru holiday that includes the Inca Trail or Colca Canyon.
British passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Peru. A passport valid for the duration of the stay is required, and most UK visitors are granted up to 90 days on arrival.
May to September, the dry season, is generally the best time for a Peru holiday, offering clear skies and reliable conditions for visiting Machu Picchu and trekking in the Andes. This period is also the busiest and most expensive, so booking well ahead is essential.
The wet season from November to March brings more rain to the highlands but fewer crowds at Machu Picchu, while coastal Lima and the Amazon remain pleasant for travel throughout the year regardless of the Andean season.
The classic route flies into Lima, continues to Cusco for acclimatisation, explores the Sacred Valley, then reaches Machu Picchu by train before returning to Lima. This covers the essential highlights within a manageable 8 to 10 day itinerary.
Visitors with extra time often extend south to Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, creating a longer loop through southern Peru before returning north to Lima for departure.
The four-day Inca Trail trek offers a far more immersive experience, passing several other Inca ruins en route and arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise. It requires good fitness, advance booking due to strict daily permit limits, and several months of planning.
The train journey from Cusco or the Sacred Valley is a comfortable and scenic alternative that reaches Machu Picchu in a few hours, making it the more practical choice for a shorter Peru holiday or for travellers who prefer not to trek.
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