Wayfairer Travel Guide: Peru

Ancient cultures, breathtaking bio-diversity and world-famous food. 

Peru is a fantastic destination for those who love outdoor adventures, epic scenery and cultural immersion. In this immensely diverse setting opportunities are endless. Trek on ancient pathways towards the towering citadel of Machu Picchu, a place where natural beauty and the genius of humanity combine. Delve deep into the Amazon where colourful macaws and jaguars dwell. Camp beneath the stars in undiscovered spots in the valley. It is hard not to have an active time in Peru, yet our fantastic beach destinations offer a chance to relax and rejuvenate after an action-packed holiday. 

Here, in our comprehensive Peru travel guide, we discuss where to go, when to visit, what to see and do, as well as practical travel information for this adventure destination:

• Introduction to Peru
• Places to visit in Peru
• Things to do in Peru
• Best times to visit Peru

• Top stays in Peru
• Peru itinerary inspiration 
• Responsible travel Peru
• Travel essentials

Introduction to Peru

All-encompassing, Peru is a land of the greats. Travelling through this country takes you on journey through the world's most spectacular landscapes. The sun-scorched shores of the Pacific are home to the world's greatest waves. The cloud forests conceal remains of ancient kingdoms. High Andean peaks cascade down into the planet's deepest canyons. This is the rumoured birthplace of the Amazon river and home to the highest navigable lake at 4,000 meters high above sea. 

Peru is roughly five times the size of the United Kingdom, its enormity meaning that most travellers go once and return for more. Neighbouring Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia, Peru is the meeting place of different cultures and eco-systems. Whilst 60% of the country is occupied by the impenetrable Amazon Rainforest, an ancient system of networks and paved trails remain around the basin and the Andes. This was the home turf of South America's largest ancient empire, the Incas. It has been trekked and explored for centuries. 

Places to visit in Peru

All our trips to Peru begin on a flight into the capital city, Lima. Onwards from here it's entirely up to you but most will factor in an obligatory visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu and dedicate a few days to the colourful capital city of the Inca Empire, Cusco. We love the Peruvian Amazonia as these forests are some of the most pristine in the world. Here are our destinations:

1.) Lima

2.) Cusco & the Sacred Valley

3.) Arequipa

4.) Colca Canyon

5.) Puno & Lake Titicaca

6.) The Amazon

7.) Ica

8.) Chachapoyas

Things to do in Peru

It's impossible to be stuck for things to do in Peru. Famous for its trekking routes etched into the country's landscape, the remains of ancient civilisations and unique natural settings, Peru is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. Here is our top 10 things to do in Peru:

10.) Fly over the Nazca lines

Get a birds-eye view of the world's most mysterious signs in the sand. No one knows how or why the Nazca Lines were drawn. These ancient geoglyphs were created by Peru's civilisations over 2,000 years ago. Spanning over a 500 km squared radius the different depictions of animals, figures and geometric designs are fantastically vast and a mystery still today. 

Image: The Hummingbird

9.) Watch humpback whales in Máncora

Right on the northern coastline of Peru, Máncora is a fantastic destination for kicking back, sun-soaking and letting the ocean air do it's thing. From July to early November, humpback whales arrive from Antartica to mate and give birth to their calfs. In Máncora, there's an 80% chance of viewing these spectacular mammals.

Image: Humpback Whale near Máncora

8.) White water rafting on the River Chili

Just a 20 minute drive out of Arequipa there are epic rapids on the Rió Chili. If you're planning a visit to Peru between April and November then take to the white-water for some rafting suitable for all ages and skillsets. These are Class 2 - 4 rapids making it a fantastic day out with the family. 

Image: Rafting in the Colca Canyon

7.) Taste the flavours of Arequipa's picanterías 

Arequipa also has an amazing gastronomic and culinary history dating back to the 16th century. Experiencing the city's famous 'picanterías' is a must. Try out some unique flavours in colourful dishes, and learn how to make them yourselves guided by our local specialist chefs. 

Image: Markets of Arequipa

6.) Track condors in the Colca Canyon

The Andean Condor was once on the brink of extinction, however today a journey up to the valleys surrounding the Colca Canyon offers a viewing opportunity of the world's largest bird in flight. Rise at the crack-of-dawn to see these magnificent creatures in flight.

Image: Andean Condor at the Condor Cross in the Colca Valley

5.) Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 

This is what everyone talks about... The iconic Inca Trail is a four day trek in the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. This is one of Peru's busiest treks, and in order to hike to the crumbling citadel using these ancient pathways visitors have to book way in advance to ensure a space. 

Image: View of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu

4.) Safari in Tambopata National Park, the Amazon

Tambopata Research Centre is our most remote lodge situated in the middle of the pristine rainforest of the national park. After a stop off in the buffer-zone of the protected sector of the Amazon, travel a few hours further to become entirely immersed in the wildlife of the wilderness - amongst jaguar, macaws and spider-monkeys.  

Image: Jaguar in Tambopata National Reserve

3.) Star-gazing on Lake Titicaca

Puno's skies are vast and have some of the best visibility of stars in the world due to it's high altitude setting. Lake Titicaca is the ideal place for astrological observation, so step outside and located constellations such as the Wawarara Hawira or the Milky Way.

Image: Stars above Titilaka Lodge.

2.) Track Pink River Dolphins near Iquitos

Peru's north Amazon is particularly exciting as the river basin is home to spectacular mammals such as giant river otters and pink dolphins. Aboard a houseboat, or on an excursion catch a climpse of these truly unique animals in action. 

Image: Pink River Dolphin tracking from Treehouse Lodge

1.) Trek an alternative route through the Sacred Valley 

Our alternatives to the Inca Trail are a fantastic, off-the-beaten-track option for those who want to discover the secrets of the Sacred Valley.

Image: Trek to the ancient ruins of Choquequirao

Best times to visit Peru

Below, we'll break it down for you and give you the pros and cons of each season. 

High Season: June - September

Pros: 

• Fantastically clear weather and warm temperatures in the Sacred Valley
• Accessibility to walking trails & safaris in the South Amazon
• Inti Raymi Festival in Puno

Cons: 

• School holidays bring with it more crowds on trekking routes in the Sacred Valley
• Higher rates
• Lima is immersed in a thick fog, the garúa pollutes the air of the capital

Shoulder Seasons: October - December & March - May 

Pros: 

• Less crowds and more intimate experiences of the main attractions in the Sacred Valley
• March - May follows the annual rains, so valleys are verdant and teeming with fruitful wildlife
• Better rates than the high season  

Cons: 

• The weather isn't guaranteed so expect spotted showers and come equipped with waterproofs  

Low Season: January - February

Pros: 

• The waves on the North coast are the best at this time of year
• February is when carnival takes place in Lima and the thick fog has lifted
• Iquitos has high water levels with frequent rain - making the treetop canopies closer and wildlife abundant

Cons: 

• The Inca Trail is closed for February
• Many trekking routes are inaccessible due to rains in the Sacred Valley
• More 'alternative' routes are recommended 

For more information on the best times to visit Peru, check out our When to Go Guide