Perfect  Peru Holidays & Tours

The biggest risk to tourists in Peru is theft, especially pickpocketing and bag-snatching, so take extra care in crowds, avoid carrying or displaying valuables where possible and avoid quieter areas after dark. It is safest to use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets, and avoid withdrawing money at night, as muggings can be a problem in major cities including Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. There is also a risk of robbery from people posing as taxi drivers or tour operators, especially at Jorge Chavez International Airport and bus terminals, while other scams include street money changers in some tourist areas using the former currency, Peruvian intis. Joining one of our Peru tours, with knowledgeable guides to advise, is a good way to stay safe while you explore.

There are three official languages in Peru; Spanish, Quechua and Aymara. The vast majority of people in Peru speak Spanish as their first language, with Quechua as the most commonly spoken indigenous language. Some English is spoken in tourist areas, but even this is limited, with fewer people speaking English than Quechua, so a Spanish phrasebook is useful for your Peru holidays if you don’t already speak the language.

As well as the vaccinations recommended for daily life in the UK, including tetanus and diphtheria, a Hepatitis A vaccination (or booster) is usually recommended for tours of Peru. Other vaccinations may be needed if you are at particular risk. A Yellow Fever vaccination is not required. 

The Zika virus is found in Peru, and is most harmful for pregnant women and their unborn children, as it can cause birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available, so insect repellent is essential. The infection is spread through mosquito bites, most commonly in towns and cities during daylight hours.

No, compared to Europe and the US, Peru is a comparatively cheap destination although you’re likely to find inflated prices for items in tourist areas. Some of the main costs are the international flights, entrance fees for Machu Picchu and transportation costs around the country. You can find fine dining food and drink options, but it’s possible to eat and drink well without blowing the budget once you arrive. Joining one of our Peru touring holidays means all transport and flight costs, accommodation, tours and activities, as well as breakfast and some other meals are included, making it easier to budget. 

With its mix of climates and string of influences from Europe, Africa and east Asia, Peruvian food has its own distinct personality, with a focus on big flavours and spices. Lima is home to around 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, but you’ll also find traditional dishes on menus too. The national dish is ceviche; the classic version uses sea bass, marinated briefly in lime juice, with onion, salt and chilli, although you’ll find plenty of variations. Look out too for Chinese-influenced chifa dishes such as lomo saltado, using beef marinated in soy sauce, and stir fried with onion, tomato, chilli and spices, served with rice and chips, or try the popular aji de gallina, shredded chicken in a creamy sauce made with ground nuts, cheese and chilli. You’ll also find causa, made with one of the country’s 3,800 varieties of potato, mashed with lime and chilli, layered with shredded fish or chicken in mayo, plus avocado, hardboiled eggs and olives. You can also expect to find alpaca on the menu, as well as beef heart skewers for the more adventurous, washed down with a Pisco Sour, made with the country’s national spirit, a grape brandy shaken with citrus juice, sugar syrup, bitters and egg white. 

The best time to visit Peru depends on which part of the country you’re planning to visit. The months from May to September are the driest season in Peru, so it’s the best time to plan Peru holidays if you’re hoping to visit Machu Picchu and Cusco. Lima can often be foggy during this time, while the coast is warm and sunny from November to March. You can also time your tour of Peru to coincide with one of the most memorable of Peru’s festivals, Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun. 

The majority of plugs used in Peru are type A (two-pronged flat, the same as is used in the US) and type C (two-pronged circular, used across Europe). You may also find type B plugs (three-pronged, two flat and one circular). Many hotels will have both kinds or a hybrid plug, but it’s wise to bring a universal adapter, or separate European and US plug adapters to be on the safe side. Standard voltage is 220V and 60 Hertz, the same as Europe. 

Yes, tipping is expected, especially in restaurants where it’s customary to add 10-15% to the bill. In cafes, bars and when paying taxis, it’s usual to round up the bill or leave a few Soles (around 50 pence). Your tour manager can advise on tips for drivers and guides; you can also find suggested amounts in our useful information sheet, which will be sent to you before you travel. Porterage is included in our Peru escorted tours. 

No, drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Peru. Avoid ice in drinks on your tours of Peru too, unless this is made with bottled or filtered water. 

The flight time from London to Lima is just over 13 hours. It’s also possible to visit Peru as part of a longer trip, such as our Grand Tour of South America, travelling overland through Chile, Argentina and Brazil, and returning to the UK from Rio de Janeiro.