Machu Picchu
Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is one of the most…
Peru Holidays
Discover the home of the Inca Empire, a land steeped in ancient culture but also teeming with wildlife. Journey with our experts to explore Peru, from the Amazon basin and arid coastline to the snow-capped Andean peaks.
Peru brings together all that makes South America special, from colourful textiles and dense rainforests to colonial architecture and Andean communities. In the highlands you will find soaring snow-capped mountains and Inca remains. In the Amazon, a plethora of remarkable species.
To say that it is diverse is an understatement. Peru has 84 of the planet’s 104 recognised ecosystems and contains more than 20% of the known plant and animal species in the world. The coast is home to the capital city of Lima with its mix of colonial buildings, pre-Inca ruins and world-class cuisine. Further south is a desert landscape with huge sand dunes and the famous Nazca lines. Probably no other country in the world has such an astonishing archaeological heritage as Peru.
Highlights of Peru
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a fertile valley that follows the Urubamba River from Pisac in the east to Ollantaytambo…
Cusco
Cusco is a stunning combination of ancient Inca and colonial Spanish influences. Attractive churches, monasteries and convents are interspersed with perfectly preserved…
Lake Titicaca Peru
At 4,000 metres altitude, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful…
Arequipa
Perched spectacularly on the flanks of El Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Pichu Volcanos and beneath the predominantly blue skies of southwestern Peru, Arequipa…
Colca Canyon
This barren and largely inhospitable landscape is carved by the powerful Rio Colca as it snakes its path through an enormous volcanic…
Huaraz and Central Mountains
The city of Huaraz is known as "the Switzerland of Peru" due to the beauty of the spectacular Cordilleras Blanca and Negra…
Lima
Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, in colonial times Lima was considered the City of Kings, and UNESCO designated it as a…
Nazca and Southern Coast
Tucked away on the southern coast of Peru and overlooked by the enormous Cerro Blanco sand dune, this sleepy town was hastily…
Northern Peru
Northern Peru is a fascinating area of the country that very few tourists visit. It is rich and varied in terms of…
Peruvian Amazon
The sparsely populated Peruvian Amazon Rainforest blankets more than half of the country in northern Peru and is quite literally teeming with…
Explore Peru
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Colca Canyon
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Lake Titicaca
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Lima
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Machu Picchu
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Sacred Valley
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Arequipa
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Cusco
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Huaraz & Central Mountains
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Nazca & Southern Coast
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Northern Peru
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Peruvian Amazon
Experiences
Discover some of our suggested activities to include on your Peru holiday
Andes to the Amazon
4X4 Guided Self-Drive Adventure
Following expert guide Paul, drive your own expedition 4×4 vehicle on a 15-day adventure with routes spanning the most spectacular mountain ranges, vast desert landscapes and twisting Amazon jungle roads.
Beyond Cusco, visit towns dating back several centuries with richly decorated churches and stay at family-run haciendas where wood-fired oven dinners and fiery Pisco sours await. This fulfilling adventure takes you to heights of 5,000 metres and visits culturally significant sites including the Sondor Ruins and the intriguing Sayhuite stone carved by the Incas.
Idea
Peru
Highlights of Peru
Encompassing the highlights of Southern Peru, this holiday through the land of the Incas is one of extremes; from one of the deepest canyons in the Americas, to the highest navigable lake in the world, it takes in dramatic scenery, indigenous communities…
Idea
Peru
Family Amazon & Inca Adventure
This family-focused adventure journeys between the thrilling Amazon Rainforest, heaving with mysterious mammals and camouflaged creatures, and the dramatic Inca sites and cities of Machu Picchu and Cusco, considering everything from pizza nights to gentle acclimatisation.
Group tour
Peru
Andes to the Amazon 4x4 Self Drive
Before Covid, we had the pleasure of working with Paul who led our epic 4×4 expeditions across Peru. Given the success of the trip, we were determined to revive it, so over the last few months working alongside Paul we are delighted…
Idea
Peru
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands
Encompassing the highlights of Peru, a stay in Quito and a Galapagos Islands cruise, this adventure tracks from colourful Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before moving to Ecuador’s historic capital city and the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Idea
Peru
Family Amazon & Inca Adventure
This family-focused adventure journeys between the thrilling Amazon Rainforest, heaving with mysterious mammals and camouflaged creatures, and the dramatic Inca sites and cities of Machu Picchu and Cusco, considering everything from pizza nights to gentle acclimatisation.
Idea
Peru
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands
Encompassing the highlights of Peru, a stay in Quito and a Galapagos Islands cruise, this adventure tracks from colourful Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before moving to Ecuador’s historic capital city and the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Peru
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Burrowed in the Sacred Valley of the Incas close to the village of Yucay, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a colonial-style property set at the base of striking green mountains within 100 acres of private land. The…
Peru
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
A high-altitude hideaway that is just a stone’s throw from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge boasts an unrivalled position that affords its guests the opportunity to beat the crowds to the gates…
Can I walk some of the Inca trail? Is this the most beautiful walk?
How long will I need to acclimatise?
I have heard about some great train rides. Can I include these in my trip?
When to travel
Peru in January
January begins the rainy season in the Andes and the Amazon as they reach the summer months. Along the coast, this can be one of the best times to visit, although it is a hotspot for locals.
Peru in February
As the rains continue, February can be a good time to avoid crowds. While Machu Picchu remains open, trekking in this area is a challenge as the Inca Trail closes for the month. Heavy rains in the Amazon increase water levels on the river, making wildlife viewing slightly more challenging however it does allow you to adventure into areas otherwise not reachable by boat in other months of the year.
Peru in March
March can be a good time to visit Peru. As the rainy season draws to the end, the coast will still be experiencing summer weather while inland you can expect rains. This can be one of the least crowded months for Machu Picchu and the local tourism on the beaches has subsided as children go back to school.
Peru in April
April is considered one of the best times to travel to Peru with pleasant temperatures and avoiding the busiest period. As there is still some rain, the landscape is vibrant.
Peru in May
As the dry season begins and winter sets in, temperatures are comfortable and the countryside is green with life from the rainy season.
Peru in June
June marks the start of the peak season in Peru. Skies are clear, making for picturesque sightseeing. As this is officially the start of winter, cooler temperatures are expected especially in the evenings.
Peru in July
July begins the peak travel season as international holidays open. With warm, sunny days and cooler evenings, this is also the peak time for trekking the mountainous landscapes of the Andes.
Peru in August
August continues the peak season throughout the country. With cooler evening temperatures, brings a morning fog in the Sacred Valley, which clears to blue skies by the afternoon. Expect dry, sunny weather in the Amazon during this time.
Peru in September
As spring draws in during the month of September, expect cloudy mornings which clear to blue skies in the afternoon. Showers become more likely as this is considered the shoulder season before the green season begins.
Peru in October
Temperatures begin to increase in October as summer approaches. As the dry season comes to an end, the chance of precipitation increases along with clouds.
Peru in November
Temperatures rise in November with rain increasing from the middle of the month. As a shoulder season, this can be a good time to travel to avoid crowding in Machu Picchu.
Peru in December
Weather in December sees increased temperatures as summer begins, along with the start to the rainy season. Rising water levels in the Amazon makes wildlife viewing slightly more challenging along the shores.
Recommended reads
HISTORY
The Motorcycle Diaries
HISTORY
Turn Right at Machu Picchu
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Paul Bird
Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Roxy Dukes
If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Rachael Tallents
Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling. I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.
For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
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Sustainability
ECOAN: Andean Ecosystems
We support projects right across the planet. For example, in Peru, Steppes Travel supported an eight-month project run by ECOAN – an NGO focused on preserving the fragile Andean ecosystems. The project developed women’s textiles associations in the fragile high-altitude ecosystems of the Vilcanta Mountains.
When planning your trip speak to our experts about how you can also support the destinations you are visiting.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?
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