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Call usAn Insider’s Travel Guide to Peru
30th July 2025
Why Travel to Peru?
Peru is a country of captivating contrasts – where soaring mountains, ancient civilizations, and vibrant regional cultures create one of South America’s most rewarding journeys. From the iconic terraces of Machu Picchu to the mystery of the Nazca Lines, every corner of Peru offers immersive experiences that go beyond the familiar path.
While Machu Picchu remains the defining icon, a luxury Peru journey reveals so much more. In Lima, indulge in the city’s world-class gastronomy, with ceviche, pisco sours, and cutting-edge fine dining in atmospheric neighbourhoods like Miraflores and Barranco. Venture south to the Paracas National Reserve, where desert dunes meet the Pacific Ocean, wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands lie just offshore, and the enigmatic Nazca geoglyphs can be seen from the sky.
In the highlands, Cusco and the Sacred Valley combine living indigenous culture, restored Inca sites, and artisan workshops. At Lake Titicaca, meet communities who still live on floating reed islands, while in the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, watch giant Andean condors soar overhead.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Peru depends on your focus. The dry season (April to October) is perfect for highland trekking, visits to Machu Picchu, and exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley under bright skies. Days are clear and sunny, though evenings at higher altitudes can be cold, especially in June and July.
The wet season (December to March) brings heavier rainfall to the Andes, but it also transforms valleys into a lush, green landscape. While trekking is less reliable at this time, it’s one of the best seasons for photographers, with fewer visitors at iconic sites. The coast remains sunny and warm, making it ideal for Lima, Paracas, and surfing along the northern beaches.
For many travellers, the shoulder months of April–May and September–November strike the perfect balance: excellent weather, fewer crowds, and easier access to popular sites. These periods also align with cultural events such as Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in June and All Saints’ Day in November, offering added insight into Peru’s traditions. If your dream is Machu Picchu, May and September are especially rewarding with clear views and more space to explore.
What to See and Do in Peru
Discover Alternative Inca Treks
Move beyond the classic Inca Trail to quieter, equally enriching routes:
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Lares Trek – A 2–3 day high-altitude trek through traditional Andean villages and weaving communities. No permits are required, making it one of the most accessible alternatives.
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Choquequirao, Salkantay, and Huchuy Qosqo – These treks offer immersive journeys through dramatic landscapes, remote Inca sites, and authentic local encounters, all with fewer travellers on the trail.
Encounter Wildlife with Purpose
Peru’s biodiversity is unmatched. In the Amazon, travellers may spot pink river dolphins, howler monkeys, sloths, giant otters, and a dazzling array of birdlife. Guided walks, canopy bridges, and river excursions reveal the rainforest’s extraordinary ecosystems in an unforgettable way.
Colca Canyon is another wildlife hotspot – one of the best places to see the mighty Andean condor, often gliding just overhead against a backdrop of soaring cliffs.
Journey by Luxury Train
Few experiences capture the romance of travel like a train journey across Peru. The Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, travels between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Colca Canyon in elegant style. For those visiting Machu Picchu, the Belmond Hiram Bingham offers fine dining and Pullman-era carriages as you follow the river through the Sacred Valley to the citadel.
Discover the Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Cruise its tributaries aboard a luxury riverboat or stay in an eco-lodge deep in the rainforest. Look out for pink river dolphins, howler monkeys, macaws, giant otters, and sloths – with guided walks and boat safaris offering unforgettable encounters.
Support Communities
For travellers seeking meaningful connections, community-based projects in the Sacred Valley and beyond offer opportunities to learn traditional weaving, join homestays, and engage in local workshops. These experiences not only enrich your journey but also directly support the preservation of Andean culture.
Experience the Coast
Peru’s Pacific coastline offers a different perspective. In Lima, explore outstanding museums such as the Larco, then dine in some of the best restaurants in South America. Further south, embark on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to spot sea lions and penguins, or take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. A stop in Pisco is essential to sample the national spirit in its place of origin.
Beyond Peru
Peru is easily combined with neighbouring countries for a wider South America journey. Pair it with Bolivia for a visit to the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats and the colonial charm of Sucre. Add Chile to explore the dramatic contrasts of Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, and vibrant Santiago. Journey into Ecuador for a Galápagos cruise, where giant tortoises and marine iguanas await, or combine with Colombia for Caribbean coastlines, coffee plantations, and colourful cities like Cartagena.
A multi-country itinerary allows you to experience the Andes, Amazon, Pacific, and high deserts in one seamless adventure – a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey crafted around your interests.
Why Book Peru with Swift Travel?
With nearly four decades of experience, Swift Travel creates tailor-made journeys to Peru that balance iconic highlights with immersive local experiences. Picture yourself:
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Dining under the stars in the Sacred Valley.
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Drifting along the Amazon on a private riverboat.
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Watching condors soar from your lodge in Colca Canyon.
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Learning traditional weaving from Andean communities.
Every itinerary is designed around you, ensuring your trip is seamless, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Hotel Inspiration
Explore some of our Peru hotel inspirations below. If you’re looking for something truly unique, get in touch and let us help craft your perfect stay.
Travel more, Travel better.
Call us now on 020 8502 8300 and one of our team would be happy to help start planning your personalised trip.
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