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WHY BOOK A TRIP TO PERU
There are few other countries whose name alone evokes such a singular sense of adventure – of mist-swirled mountain peaks, wildlife-rich Amazon rainforest and myth-shrouded ancient ruins. You don’t have to try hard to get off the beaten path here, while high-end contemporary comforts and world-class dining are more commonplace than you might think.
Start in the atmospheric city of Cusco, scattered with archeology and architecture from the Spanish and Incan empires. Learn how to cook Peruvian cuisine and sip the finest, fruitiest local coffee. From Cusco it’s onwards and upwards, literally, into the foothills of the Andes and to Lake Piuray – a perfect stop for some paddleboarding.
No first-time visit to Peru would be complete without a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. And if you thought its views were heartstopping, wait until you reach Machu Picchu – the Incan city in the sky. Keep your eyes looking up as you go condor spotting in the Colca Canyon, before coming back down to earth to go shopping in Chivay’s markets and eating at Arequipa’s best local eateries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the best time of year to visit Peru?
Peru’s dry season falls between May and October, which also means it’s the busiest time of year for the major sights such as Machu Picchu. Aim for shoulder season just before or after this period for the best of both worlds: blue skies and thinner crowds.
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What’s the climate like in Peru?
Peru is a massive country with a diverse topography and geography, and subsequently a wide range of climates. Along the Pacific coast it’s dry and desert-like; in the high Andes it’s alpine, with heavy snow and rain; while in Peruvian Amazonia it’s warm and tropical.
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What’s the currency in Peru?
Peruvian sol
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What language is spoken in Peru?
Spanish is the most widely spoken language, however a significant portion of the population also speak the indigenous languages of Quechua and Aymara.
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What is the time difference in Peru?
The time zone here is Peru Standard Time (UTC-5), which means the time in Peru is the same as in New York City. Los Angeles, meanwhile, is three hours behind, while London is five hours ahead.
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Major Airports in Peru:
- Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), Lima
- Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), Cusco
- Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP), Arequipa
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What are the top places to visit in Peru?
- Machu Picchu – Peru’s poster child, a mysterious mountaintop citadel built by the Incas in the 15th Century
- Cusco – Once the capital of the Inca empire, this stunning city in the foothills of the Andes is rich with Spanish colonial architecture
- Colca Canyon – One of the world’s deepest canyons, and home to the endangered Andean condor
- Arequipa – Blazing white with its baroque buildings of white sillar stone, this stunning city is overlooked by three volcanic peaks
- Lima – Peru’s colourful, cultural capital, stuffed with fantastic architecture and even better restaurants
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What are the top five Peruvian dishes to try?
- Ceviche – there are lots of variations, but the classic is sea bass, ‘cooked’ in lime juice, onion, salt and hot chili
- Causa rellena – a layered dish of mashed potatoes, avocados, eggs and olives
- Cuy – roast guinea pig, usually served with a hot aji sauce
- Picarones – essentially squash fritters, hot, crispy and light as a feather
- Lomo saltado – a Peruvian-Asian fusion of stir-fried steak (or alpaca) with soy sauce, onions and chilli, served with fries
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Is it safe to travel to Peru right now?
Peru is definitely safe to visit, although we do recommend traveling with a group and ideally with a local guide, as this is the best way to avoid pick-pockets, street crime and fake taxi drivers. It’s always important to have your wits about you but most travelers have an absolutely wonderful time in Peru. It’s also always worth checking travel advice with your country’s government before any trip abroad.