Peru, Latin America

If you are looking for a mix of culture and wildlife, we can put together an exciting itinerary for you, featuring Reserva Amazonica, only accessible by boat and located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. From there, we would suggest a short flight to the beautiful town of Cusco, the starting point for some breathtaking treks through the Sacred Valley and of course the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu which surely has to feature on any first time visitor's itinerary. Watching the sun rise over this stunning ancient city is a sight to behold and something that will remain etched in your memory long after you've returned home...

If you have longer to linger in this fascinating country, don't miss beautiful Arequipa and the raw beauty of Colca Canyon with its majestic condors soaring over terraces created long ago.

Whichever corner of Peru appeals to you, there are some truly lovely character hotels and lodges to tempt you.

When to go

Peru has two main seasons – wet and dry – though the weather varies greatly depending on the region and elevation: generally the higher you climb, the cooler it becomes.

Peak season is from June to August, which coincides with the cooler dry season in the Andean highlands. This is the best time to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, although availability can be tricky as it also corresponds with school holidays in Europe and North America. Travel to this region is not recommended between December and March due to the rain, although it is a good time to escape to the coast. Coastal fog cloaks the central and southern coastline for the remainder of the year, although the North is generally reliable for year-round sun. 

The best time to visit the Colca Canyon is usually during the dry season, May - November. The Colca Valley is lush and green just after the heavy rains from January to March. Though sunny during the day, it can also get quite cold (below freezing) at night so make sure to pack some warm clothing.

The Peruvian Amazon is, by its nature, wet, but the worst months are December to May. That said, rain usually falls in short sharp bursts in the afternoon and there is still plenty of sunshine.

travel essentials

Flights: From May 2016 BA flights will operate from LGW to Lima twice a week in winter – with an additional flight during the summer season. Journey time will be approx. 12 hours 30 minutes. Conveniently located seven miles (11km) from central Lima, Jorge Chavez International Airport serves as a hub for several South American airlines.

Time Zone: GMT-5 hours

Health: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru/health

FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru