Peru has a lot to offer, and finding the right trip isn’t always easy. From the iconic Inca Trail and challenging mountain treks to exploring the Amazon by river, there are countless ways to experience the country. However the best adventure isn’t necessarily the most famous one. The right choice depends on what you want from your trip, how challenging you want it to be and how much time you have.

You also need to consider the weather, altitude, fitness level, how you’ll get there, permits, accommodation and the time of year. Peru’s geography means conditions can vary dramatically. The Andes have quite distinct wet and dry seasons, with big temperature changes between day and night, while the Amazon can be hot, humid and much wetter. Getting to the start of a trek can also involve internal flights, train or road journeys and time to acclimatise to the altitude, so allowing extra time in your itinerary is beneficial if you can.

Permits are another consideration, particularly for the Inca Trail, where access is controlled and daily capacity is limited. It’s therefore advisable to book well in advance for this route to guarantee a permit.

KE’s Guide to Peru is designed to help make those decisions easier. From when to go and what to expect, to choosing the right trek and understanding the practicalities, we’ll help you find an adventure that suits you - and help you get prepared before you go.

When To Go

Peru is a year-round destination and the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. The dry season (April to October), brings cooler temperatures and very little rain, which is perfect for trekking in the Andes. The wet season, (November to March), is warmer and rainier but don’t let that put you off - it’s when the landscapes are at their lushest and most atmospheric, there are fewer crowds and it’s great for the Amazon.

NOTE: The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance of the trails.

Getting There

There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Peru, so every journey involves at least one stop. Depending on the airline and departure airport, routes typically connect via Madrid, Bogotá, Amsterdam, Atlanta or Montreal, before continuing on to Lima. KE’s usual flight routes travel via Madrid to Lima, or via Bogotá to Cusco. It takes around 16–25 hours depending on the departure airport and connection time. Onward connections to Huaraz, Cusco or Iquitos are available either by a short domestic flight or overland.

Altitude

Parts of Peru sit at very high altitudes which can affect anyone, regardless of how fit you are and if you have been at altitude before. Cusco is often the gateway town for treks in Peru and sits at 3,400m but don’t worry, all KE trips allow for acclimatisation time there before the treks start. The highest point on the Inca Trail is the “Dead Woman’s Pass” at 4,200m and the ruins at Choquequirao are at an altitude of 3,050m.

You can find out more about how to prepare for altitude here.

Inca Trail Permits

There are only 500 permits available each day for trekking along the Inca Trail, of which around 200 are for trekkers, with the remainder allocated to trekking leaders and camp staff. You’ll be pleased to hear that KE includes the cost of the Inca Trail permit in the price of your holiday. The permits normally go on sale in autumn but sell out quickly, especially for peak-season trips. If you want to trek the iconic Inca Trail route, we advise booking your trip early.

Visas

If you hold a full British Citizen passport, or are a U.S Citizen and are travelling to Peru as a tourist, then you don’t need to apply for a tourist visa beforehand. You will be granted one on arrival for stays for up to 90 days.

Machu Picchu Permits

You don’t have to trek along the Inca Trail to visit and explore Machu Picchu. KE takes you there on a number of different KE adventures. However, visiting Machu Picchu also requires a permit, and these are limited. KE will organise this for you – you just need to book early before they sell out.

Lake Titicaca

Travel to Lake Titicaca by luxury train or bus and visit the floating ‘Totora’ reed islands of the Uros people.

Rainforest

Spend two days exploring the Tambopata National Reserve, a vast expanse of Amazonian wilderness, with immersive jungle walks and scenic river excursions.

Galapagos

Join a Galápagos cruise and explore one of the most pristine natural environments left on Earth

To trek the Inca Trail

For the bucket-list experience, take on the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek. Enjoy the iconic route while camping in remote spots and trek into the ancient city via the legendary Sun Gate.

To visit Machu Picchu

There’s more than one way to reach Machu Picchu, with several trekking options that include a visit to this iconic Inca citadel. The Ausangate Circuit Trek ventures deep into the remote Cordillera Vilcanota, crossing spectacular 5,000m passes. Alternatively, the Choquequirao Trek links two of Peru’s great Inca sites, visiting the quieter ‘sister citadel’ of Choquequirao before crossing three high Andean passes that once connected these remarkable cities, and ultimately reaching Machu Picchu.

For a little bit of luxury

If you’re hoping to trek to Machu Picchu but value life’s luxuries and don’t want to camp, the Salkantay Luxury Lodge Trek could be for you. Tackle this beautiful route beneath the eponymous snow capped mountain, ending each day in a luxury lodge with hot tubs, gourmet food, cosy fireplaces and optional massages.

To get off-the-beaten-track

To experience Peru’s more remote side, the challenging Cordillera Blanca Alpamayo Circuit and tougher Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit offer breathtaking trekking across high passes, spectacular campsites and authentic Andean mountain life. For something different and less challenging, Llama Trekking on the Great Northern Inca Trail follows the ancient, forgotten roads of the Incas on a high-altitude llama trek.

To cruise the Amazon

To explore Peru’s largest national park, the Pacaya-Samiria, embark on the Amazon Riverboat Adventure for daily wildlife excursions, including piranha fishing and spotting the iconic pink river dolphin.

Lucy, KE’s Product Manager for South America and one of our most experienced Peru experts, shares her experience on the Salkantay trail and explains everything you need to know about Inca Trail trekking permits; from how and when to get them. She also offers her insider tips and walks through the different treks we offer in Peru, helping you pick the right one and plan your adventure with confidence.

Whether it’s your first trip to Peru or a return adventure, this video guide will help make your adventure smooth, enjoyable and stress-free!