TRAVEL TO PERU
Adventure at every altitude
Discover mountain trails, jungle wildlife, vibrant cities and ancient Inca history.
A Paradise for hikers and nature Lovers
From snow-capped peaks and deep canyons to cloud forests and the Amazon rainforest, Peru is one of South America's best destinations for outdoor adventures. The country is home to some of the continent's most famous trekking routes, including the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but there are countless other trails waiting to be explored. Hike through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes, discover colourful mountain scenery around Rainbow Mountain, or venture into the remote Cordillera Blanca, known for its glaciers, alpine lakes and towering peaks.
Lares trek in Peru
What to do in Peru?
More than just hiking
Need help planning your trip to Peru?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
Peru's most unforgettable places
Peru is one of those destinations that seems to have it all. From ancient Inca ruins and colourful mountain landscapes to the Amazon rainforest and coastal deserts, every region offers something completely different. Whether you're hiking through the Andes, spotting wildlife in the jungle or exploring historic cities, these are some of the highlights you shouldn't miss.
Machu Picchu
Peru's most famous landmark and one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites. Hidden high in the Andes, this ancient Inca city is a must-see for first-time visitors.
Cusco & the Sacred Valley
The former capital of the Inca Empire is full of history, vibrant markets and colonial architecture. It's also the gateway to the Sacred Valley and many of Peru's best trekking routes.
Rainbow Mountain
One of Peru's most photographed landscapes. Its colourful mineral layers create a surreal mountain scenery that feels unlike anywhere else on Earth.
The Amazon Rainforest
Explore one of the most biodiverse places on the planet from gateways like Puerto Maldonado. Spot monkeys, macaws, caimans and countless other species in their natural habitat.
Lake Titicaca
The world's highest navigable lake, known for its floating reed islands and unique indigenous cultures. A fascinating stop on any Peru itinerary.
Colca Canyon
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and one of the best places in South America to spot majestic Andean condors soaring above dramatic landscapes.
Huacachina
A small desert oasis surrounded by giant sand dunes. Try sandboarding, hop into a dune buggy or simply enjoy the unique scenery.
Nazca Lines
One of the world's greatest mysteries. These enormous ancient geoglyphs are best viewed from above and continue to puzzle archaeologists today.
Lima
Peru's capital has become one of South America's top food destinations. Explore world-class restaurants, local markets and a thriving culinary scene alongside the city's coastal setting.
Whether you're travelling for the history, the hiking or the incredible variety of landscapes, Peru is a destination that rewards those who venture beyond the obvious and explore its many different regions.
Huayhuash trek in Peru
Why choose KILROY for your next trip
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A culture shaped by history
Peru's culture is a fascinating mix of Indigenous traditions, Inca heritage and Spanish influences. Across the country, you'll find colourful markets, traditional festivals, local crafts and communities that have preserved their customs for generations.
Food is also a huge part of the Peruvian experience. Widely considered one of the world's top culinary destinations, Peru is known for dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado and fresh Amazonian ingredients. Whether you're exploring a local market, joining a cooking class or enjoying street food with fellow travellers, experiencing Peru's culture often starts around the dinner table.
Traditional Peruvian meal
How get around in Peru
Peru is a large and diverse country, but getting around is easier than many travellers expect. If you're backpacking independently, our backpacker bus passes are a flexible and hassle-free way to travel between many of Peru's most popular destinations. You'll meet other travellers along the way while enjoying convenient routes that connect places like Lima, Huacachina, Arequipa, Cusco and Lake Titicaca.
If you'd rather leave the planning to someone else, joining a group trip is a great way to experience Peru with like-minded travellers while benefiting from local guides and a carefully planned itinerary. Prefer something more personal? We can also help you create a tailor-made journey built around your interests, whether that's trekking to Machu Picchu, exploring the Amazon, focusing on food and culture or combining Peru with other South American destinations. Whatever your travel style, we'll help you find the best way to experience Peru.
Join a group trip around Peru
Best time to travel to Peru
Peru has two main seasons: a dry season and a rainy season, but the best time to visit depends on the region you’re travelling in. In general, the dry season from May to October is the most popular time for trekking and exploring the Andes, with clearer skies and better hiking conditions.
This is also the peak season for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, which is why permits are limited and the trail is closed every February for maintenance. During the rainy season (roughly November to March), conditions can be wetter in the mountains, which may affect trekking routes, but it’s still a great time for visiting the coast and the Amazon.
Other regions vary: the desert areas around central Peru can be visited year-round, while the Amazon is warm and humid throughout the year, with more rain between December and April. Overall, Peru is a destination you can visit in any season; it just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Rainbow Mountain in winter
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before planning your Peru adventure
We recommend at least 2–3 weeks to experience Peru's main highlights. This gives you enough time to visit Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and perhaps Lake Titicaca or the Amazon. If you want to explore more remote regions or combine Peru with neighbouring countries, 4 weeks or more is ideal.
Absolutely. Peru is one of South America's most popular backpacking destinations thanks to its mix of culture, adventure, nature and well-established travel routes. It's easy to meet other travellers, and there are plenty of hostels, buses and activities geared towards backpackers.
Not necessarily. You can reach Machu Picchu by train from Cusco if you don't want to hike. However, if you're planning to trek the Inca Trail or other multi-day routes, a reasonable level of fitness will make the experience more enjoyable.
Most travellers have heard of the famous Inca Trail, but it's far from the only way to reach Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is the classic route, taking you through cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins and mountain passes before arriving at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. Because permits are limited, it often sells out months in advance.
If you're looking for alternatives, the Salkantay Trek is one of Peru's most popular options. This route takes you past snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and remote Andean landscapes before descending into the cloud forest. The Lares Trek offers a more cultural experience, passing through traditional villages where local communities still live much as they have for generations. For travellers looking for a mix of adventure activities, the Inca Jungle Trek combines hiking with biking and other outdoor experiences.
No matter which route you choose, reaching Machu Picchu on foot is one of South America's most rewarding travel experiences.
Yes, absolutely. The Inca Trail is one of the most sought-after trekking experiences in South America, and the Peruvian government strictly limits the number of permits available each day.
During peak travel periods, particularly between May and September, permits can sell out several months in advance. If hiking the Inca Trail is one of the main reasons you're travelling to Peru, we recommend securing your permit as early as possible.
If permits are unavailable, don't worry. Alternative routes such as the Salkantay Trek and Lares Trek offer equally impressive scenery and often have greater availability.
Absolutely, and that's one of the reasons Peru is such a great destination. Most travellers don't come solely for the trekking. Instead, they combine outdoor adventures with cultural experiences, wildlife encounters and time to relax.
A typical itinerary might include exploring Lima's food scene, spending a few days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, trekking to Machu Picchu, visiting Lake Titicaca, and finishing with a few days in the Amazon rainforest. Others add experiences such as sandboarding in Huacachina, wildlife spotting in Paracas or hiking through Colca Canyon.
Because Peru offers such a variety of landscapes and activities, it's easy to build a trip that balances adventure, culture and nature without feeling rushed.
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