Peru Tours

Ancient wonders, spectacular mountain treks, sparkling lakes and so much more lie in wait with our Peru tours.

A trip to Peru offers a travel experience like no other - from the mystical Machu Picchu that now resides as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World to its lively and sophisticated capital Lima. There’s much to discover when you book a Peru tour with us.

Whatever your travelling desires may be, our Peru tours will provide you with an excellent combination of action, adventure and culture.

Tread the ancient Inca paths, stopping off at Machu Picchu and the old Incan capital of Cuzco while exploring all the secrets of the mountains, before heading to the glistening Lake Titicaca near the Bolivian border or into the Amazon jungle.

We have a great selection of small group tours in Peru that last for around two to three weeks, all setting off from Lima.

With our Peru tours, you'll get the chance to spot exotic wildlife offshore in the Ballestas Islands on our Machu Picchu Calling tour, enjoy a relaxing dip in lakes high up in the Andes with Mountains to the Lakes and experience the country's historic culture through the Walking with the Incas.

Most of our Peru tours include a trek to Machu Picchu. Don't hesitate to contact us for any additional information or if you'd like to enquire about our tailor-made tours.

More information about Peru tours

Do you want to know more about Peru and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?

Contact the Peru tourism board for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it safe to visit Peru?

Peru is a relatively safe and reliable country to visit. Petty crime is common, and you should keep an eye on your valuables. Isolated areas should be avoided at night and be aware of the possibility of drink spiking.

What is the official currency of Peru?

The currency used in Peru is the sol, which is subdivided into 100 cents.

When is the best time of the year to visit Peru?

The best time to visit Peru is during winter (May to September) as it is the driest season, and the conditions are good for trekking. Although the summer (December to March) is warmer, heavy showers are more frequent.

Should you tip in Peru?

Most restaurants and bar bills in Peru include a 10% gratuity. It is customary to add an extra 10% if the service has been good.

Can you drink the tap water in Peru?

The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink, and you should only drink bottled water. Boiling water for one minute is the most effective way to purify it. The water can also be disinfected with iodine or water-purification pills.

How do I plan a trip to Peru?

Planning a trip to Peru will depend on the places you want to visit, activities you want to participate in, and your overall budget. However, by booking a tour with us at Encounters Travel, we do all the planning and prep for you.

How much is a meal in Peru?

When in Peru, the price of meals will vary depending on the type of restaurant and cuisine. On average, a fast food meal will cost approximately $4.70 USD at chains such as McDonald's and Burger King.

Do people in Peru speak English?

The primary language spoken in Peru is Spanish, spoken by approximately 80% of the general population, while the other 20 % speaks indigenous languages like Quechua and Aymara. In areas with high tourist volumes, English is spoken; however, Spanish is preferred.

Do you need vaccinations to go to Peru?

Yes, you should be up-to-date with your routine vaccinations when travelling to Peru. According to the CDC and WHO the following vaccinations are recommended: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. You should also consider taking antimalarial medication when travelling to this country.

Where should we go in Peru?

Peru is a country of great natural beauty and cultural diversity. The most famous place to visit in Peru is one of the greatest world heritage sites, Machu Picchu. Other must-see attractions include; the Ballestas Islands and the ancient Nazca Lines.

What is the best month to visit Peru?

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season (winter) between May and September, especially if you plan to go on a trek. December – March (summer) is much warmer, with frequent heavy showers.

Is Peru expensive?

Peru is known for being one of the most inexpensive countries in South America. Depending on the country you are coming from, you can expect to spend on average, between $30-40 per day while being on vacation here.

TOUR REVIEWS

Excellent from the initial planning to every step along the way on the trip! Worry free in every way! Islam, Hussein and Mahmoud were the greatest! Please check out my review on Trip Advisor! FIve stars from this girl!
Excellent

When a single women in her 50's, traveling from the US to Egypt, stumbles across a website offering a tour, and then they make her feel totaling comfortable about every step of the process, you know you've hit a homerun!

Anthony has been amazing throughout my planning of my tour. He has been very quick in replying to my emails and always answering with everything I wanted to know. I look forward to hopefully planning my next trip through him next year!

I was pleased and impressed with the experience in booking and obtain all necessary documents in a timely manner. I am looking forward to my tour and hope the ground experience it just as good. This trip is my dream/bucket list trip.

Conscientious in early communication; knowledgeable, humorous and caring tour guides; an exemplary itinerary that was well organized yet flexible; an overall extraordinary experience. I'd recommend them enthusiastically.

Peru Country Guide

Factfile

Time: GMT-5
Dial Code: +51
Area: 1,285 million km2
Elevation: The lowest point in Peru is the Bayovar Depression -34m | The highest point in Peru is the Huascaran Sur at 6,768m (22,205 ft.)
Population: 32,551,815 (2018)
Capital: Lima
Government: Republic, Unitary state, Presidential system, Constitutional republic
Language: Spanish, Aymara, Quechua

Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in western South America. The country is bordered by Columbia and Ecuador in the north, Brazil in the east, Bolivia in the southeast, the Pacific Ocean in the west, and Chile in the south.

The country has varied biodiversity and its territory has been inhabited by an assortment of ancient cultures. The oldest civilisation, the Incas, dating back to the 32^nd century BC, was the largest and most complex state in pre-Columbian America.

Peru has a representative democratic republic, which is divided into 25 regions. The country is seen as having an emerging market, with an upper middle-income level and a high level of human development. Peru is one of the most prosperous economies and has one of the world's fastest industrial growth rates.

The multiethnic population of Peru includes Europeans, Africans, Asians and Amerindians. The most spoken language in Peru is Spanish, and some of the population speaks Aymara, Quechua and other native languages.

The climate in Peru ranges from moderate temperatures and high humidity by the coast, with heavy rainfall and high temperatures in the Peruvian Amazon, and cold winters and seasonal rainfall in the south. This mega-diverse country has 1,800 species of birds, 300 species of reptiles and 500 species of mammals.

The leading religion practised in Peru is Roman Catholicism. Other popular faiths are Evangelicalism, Protestantism and Judaism. The culture of Peru is rooted in Amerindian and Spanish traditions, which is also influenced by African, Asian and European ethnic groups.

Highlights

Parque Nacional Manu - an expansive national park in southeastern Peru, spread over the Andean Highlands with rich biodiversity.
Cuzco - a city in the Peruvian Andes, famous for its archaeological remnants and Spanish colonial architecture.
Lima - the capital of Peru, resting on the Pacific coast, with a preserved colonial centre.
The Sacred Valley - a region in Peru's Andean Highlands, and the centre of the ancient Inca empire.
Nazca Lines - a gathering of pre-Columbian geoglyphs carved into the desert sands, south of Peru.
Caral - an enormous settlement in the Supe Valley, and the most ancient city of the Americas.
Ayacucho - a city in south-central Peru, which is known for its 33 colonial churches.
Islas Ballestas - a group of islands by the town of Paracas, which is only accessible by boat.

Tips

You should ask permission before taking a photograph of local people in indigenous communities.
It is illegal to purchase pre-Columbian antiquities and take them out of Peru.
Take some time to get used to the high altitude, stay hydrated and ascend gradually.
Bring a sturdy pair of shoes for trekking the mountains and walking on the cobblestones.
Wear pants, long-sleeve shirts and brimmed hats to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Carry cash with you to buy souvenirs at markets, bottled water and snacks.
A Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you travel to the Amazon basin.

VIDEO FEATURE

Our video features bring our tours to life in a way the no photo can, you'll feel like you're on the tour.

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Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.

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