Peru Tours

Don’t panic! All of our Inca Trail tours are on request until the Inca Trail permit is obtained. Once we have confirmation that your permit is secured, you can go ahead and book your fights. If for any reason we are unsuccessful in obtaining an Inca Trail permit then you can either choose a different departure date or alternatively take the Lares Trek which does not require permits. The Lares Trek is an incredibly scenic, off the beaten track hike through the Andes without the crowds of the Inca Trail.

The iconic treks up to Machu Picchu are not for everyone and a popular alterative is the scenic Vistadome train - either on a day's excursion from Cuzco or an overnight trip, staying at the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). Through large panoramic windows on the sides and roof of the train. you'll enjoy incredible views as the train winds its way through dramatic mountain ranges, past highland villages and impressive terraces. See our guide on visiting Machu Picchu for further information.

Being at moderate to high altitude (generally anything over 3,000 metres) can affect anyone. No one understands why some people are affected and others not, and age, level of fitness and strength is no indication of how well you will fare. With altitudes of up to 4,200 metres on the Inca Trail, 4,600 metres on the Lares Trek and 3,399 meters in Cuzco, you might get affected by altitude sickness. Make sure you allow a few days of acclimatisation before the trek with minimal physical activity and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Refer to our handy travel tips for more information on altitude sickness and other health advice.

On our group tours, we use the gateway of Puerto Maldonado, part of the southern Amazon jungle. Being in close proximity to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Puerto Maldonado is perfect for combining a visit to the Amazon with other key highlights of Peru.

Our escorted trips to Peru have an average group size of 12, with a maximum of 16. Attracting an international mix of English speaking travellers, our trips are suitable for a wide age range from 20s through to 70s, with an average age of around 40.

If you are doing one of the treks to Machu Picchu, we recommend backpacks of no more than 20kg. And to carry on the treks, your duffle-bag must not weigh any more than 5kg. For further tips read our recommended packing list for the Inca Trail.

On our Signature group tours we use superior (3-4 star) hotel accommodation and for our adventure tours we use a mix of simple hotels, hostels and guesthouses. On the Inca Trail and Lares Trek you will be camping and in the Amazon you'll stay at jungle lodges. On our private touring itineraries of Peru and tailor-made holidays, accommodation standards will be as per your requirements.

On our Signature Peru tours you'll be travelling in private air-conditioned vehicles while on our Adventure Peru tours it will be by a mix of transportation including private mini bus, public bus and taxi. If you're opting to visit Machu Picchu by train then you'll be taking the comfortable Vistadome. For excursions to the Amazon part of the journey is undertaken by boat while some longer journeys are covered by domestic economy class flights to save time travelling.

Peru is very much a year round destination, but May through October is generally the best time to visit the Amazon rain forest when it is slightly drier, with fewer mosquitoes and lower water levels. For visiting Machu Picchu, May to October is also generally the best time as well, with dry days and cool evenings. Our travel guide has further information on the best time to visit Peru. We also recommend a multi-country trip if you are planning a longer holiday to the region.