Luxury Holidays In Peru – 2026/2027

Luxury holidays in Peru combine the ancient with the extraordinary. This is a country where soaring Andean peaks tower above emerald valleys, and ancient Inca pathways lead to citadels veiled in mist. Our Peru experts arrange bespoke travel experiences that pair cultural depth with uncompromising comfort. Explore Machu Picchu at sunrise with a private guide, embark on a luxury Amazon cruise through mirrored waterways, or unwind in a 16th-century converted palace in the former Inca capital of Cusco.

Whether your interests lie in history, food, art, or outdoor adventures, a tailor-made tour of Peru can deliver all of this and more. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a place of colourful markets and shimmering lakes. Here you can hike ancient trails or follow them by e-bike or on horseback, returning to a luxury lodge for a soothing massage or a hot tub under the stars. Luxury trains in Peru connect you to mythical places like Lake Titicaca, where the landscapes are as captivating as the myriad island communities who live here. Even in Peru’s buzzing modern capital, there are countless layers to peel back. One of the most exciting is Lima’s world-class foodie scene, where Peru’s diversity has created a fusion cuisine like no other.

Allow our expert team to show you a side of Peru that few others get to see. This could be pisco tasting at a private distillery, an insider’s tour with a museum curator, or an immersive workshop with one of the Sacred Valley’s master weavers. On every step of the journey we take care of every single detail, ensuring a personalised Peru vacation like no other.

THE SEASON AHEAD

We are currently in the heart of Peru’s dry season, which is a wonderful time of year to visit. Clear, sunny days make hiking in the Andes especially rewarding, with dramatic mountain scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. The views of Machu Picchu are always breathtaking. There is often still a little mist in the early morning, but it gradually lifts as the sun warms the day, revealing the Inca citadel in all its splendour.

For a quieter experience of Peru, a visit during September or October is well worth considering. The weather is usually still excellent for outdoor activities, but the main sites feel calmer. The Amazon rainforest is as beautiful as ever at this time of year, too. Even November and December can still work well. Although there is more rainfall in the Andes, it is unusual to have heavy rain all day, every day. You will also see a different side of Lima, which really comes alive during the summer months. Surfers gather on the Pacific waves, and Lima residents make the most of warm, sunny days by dining outdoors whenever they can. Lima’s foodie scene is incredible, and there’s nothing quite like eating fresh, zingy ceviche that showcases seafood straight from the Pacific Ocean. 

Dineke – August 2026

WHERE AND WHEN

When is the best time to visit Peru?

The best time to visit Peru is in the dry season of May to October. This brings clear, sunny days to the Andes, allowing you to experience Machu Picchu at its most beautiful. The blue skies and fresh temperatures are perfect for hiking, as well as outdoor adventures and visits to markets and ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The drier weather also makes activities in Cusco and Lake Titicaca all the more enjoyable. In the Amazon rainforest, tropical showers are possible year-round, but this is still the season with the lowest rainfall, making trails more accessible and wildlife easier to spot.

Within Peru’s dry season, we particularly recommend visiting in May, June, September or October. This will still allow you to take advantage of the dry season weather, but without the same volume of visitors as in the July and August peak.

Peru is still an enjoying place to visit in November and December. This is the start of the rainy season in the Andes, but without the heaviest rains that fall later in January, and throughout February. (February travel should be avoided, as landslides can impact the train service to Machu Picchu.) Travel to Peru in November and December offers an even quieter experience of Machu Picchu, higher water levels in the Amazon (great for exploring smaller tributaries), and warm summer weather in Lima.

Where are the best places to visit in Peru?

Peru is an incredibly diverse country, from the towering Andes mountains, the glorious Amazon rainforest, and a variety of fascinating valleys, lakes, towns and cities in between. Peru’s highlights include:

• Machu Picchu – the magnificent Inca citadel is truly somewhere that lives up to the hype. From its seemingly impossible location, concealed by mountains and cloud forest, to the intricacy of its Inca engineering, Machu Picchu will always be the jewel in Peru’s crown.
• Cusco – the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a heady mix of colonial architecture, narrow alleyways with imposing Inca walls, colourful markets, and well-preserved Inca ruins in the hills overlooking the city. There are also countless museums, artisan workshops, restaurants, and pretty squares to enjoy.
• Sacred Valley of the Incas – this stunning stretch of land between Cusco and Machu Picchu offers a snapshot of Peru at its very best. Inca ruins perch in the hillsides. Rural markets showcase traditional textile weaving in kaleidoscopic colours. And soaring mountains provide an incredible backdrop for rafting, riding, hiking, cycling and e-biking.
• Lima – Peru’s vibrant coastal capital is a cultural and culinary hub, with a world-class foodie scene. Here you can pair gastronomic experiences with curated access to fabulous museums and galleries, as well as guided tours of the city’s colourful neighbourhoods. Highlights include exploring the fascinating collection at the Larco Herrera museum, getting stuck into a Peruvian cookery class, and bar hopping in bohemian Barranco.
• Lake Titicaca – a visit to the highest navigable lake in the world is not just about enjoying the incredible scenery. Take a boat trip across the inky blue waters to learn how why Lake Titicaca is sacred to the region’s indigenous communities. You’ll also be able to visit the Uros islands, constructed entirely of floating reeds, and the colourful weaving communities of Taquile. A stay at Titilaka luxury lodge is the best way to gain a deeper insight into life on and around the lake.
• Amazon – The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. In Peru, large swathes are protected in well-managed national reserves. This means the flora and fauna you will see here is truly remarkable. Lodge stays, accessible from the southern city of Puerto Maldonado, immerse you in the jungle. You can wake to the sounds of the rainforest and go on wildlife walks and boat trips with expert guides. Luxury Amazon cruises depart from the northern city of Iquitos and offer a different perspective. Combine wildlife walks and canoe trips through the rich tributaries of the Amazon River with visits to remote communities, looking out for pink river dolphins along the way.

If you have longer to spend in the country, we also recommend visiting two more regions, which combine well on a stunning overland journey. The colonial city of Arequipa is one of Peru’s most beautiful, with its gleaming white sillar buildings and volcanic backdrop. The Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and truly wondrous. In addition to its spectacular scenery, it is one of the best places in South America to see the Andean condor.

HOW TO DO MACHU PICCHU IN STYLE

Machu Picchu should be at the top of the list for anyone visiting Peru. Despite being tucked away high up in the Andes, there are plenty of ways you can discover this ancient citadel in supreme comfort. Read our guide below to find out how.

"Completely invisible from below and often shrouded in a thick mist concealing it from sight, there’s a tangible air of mystery to Machu Picchu, one of South America’s most important archaeological sites. Tucked high in the Peruvian Andes, it’s one of the best-preserved Incan cities on the continent, and while almost all others were destroyed during the Spanish conquest, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered. It’s a must-visit for anyone travelling to Peru, and despite the remote location, there’s no need to spend several nights roughing it in a tent to get there. Read on for the best ways to embark on a luxury tour of Machu Picchu…"

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GEORGE — AMAZON GUIDE & NATURALIST

George has been an integral part of the Amazon tourism industry for decades. His extensive career spans a wide range of prestigious cruise companies and lodges. George's vast knowledge of the Amazon’s ecosystems, wildlife—especially native birds—and conservation efforts makes him a highly sought-after guide for those seeking a deep and immersive experience in the Amazon.

For the past 13 years, he has been part of the guiding team at Aqua Expeditions, bringing his expertise aboard the Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon luxury river cruises in Peru. This work allows him to share his passion for the Amazon jungle with visitors from all over the world. He leads engaging excursions and provides valuable insights into the region's natural history. George studied ornithology, further enhancing his ability to interpret and communicate the region’s rich birdlife to an international audience. His deep connection to the Amazon and his talent for imitating several bird calls make him a wonderful guide to spend time with. Guides like George bring your experience of the Peruvian Amazon to life in an unforgettable way.

MARISOL — CHEF & CULINARY GUIDE

"Ever since I was a little girl, I understood that cooking was going to be a very important part of my life. A passion, really – a way of giving love through food. I would feel like a goddess, watching how a single dish (or many!) could bring comfort and joy to those sitting at my table. I came to believe that a table full of food is a table full of love.

At the time, it wasn’t possible for me to train as a chef, so I followed a different path and studied law. But as luck would have it, the very first professional cookery school in Peru opened just as I graduated. I became part of the first generation of formally trained chefs in the country. One of my professors was Gastón Acurio himself, the pioneering global ambassador of Peruvian cuisine.

That experience opened my eyes to something powerful: the deep pride of being Peruvian, and the extraordinary gift of living in a country so rich in diversity – from its fresh produce to its abundant coastline, and its extraordinary culinary traditions. It only deepened my love for cooking, and for Peru. That desire to keep learning – and above all, to share a little piece of my country – led me to open restaurants in Bolivia and the United States. After ten years abroad, I returned to Peru in the middle of a culinary boom, amazed and inspired by all that was happening.

Today, I feel deeply happy and proud to be able to share my country through its food. I truly believe it’s one of the most beautiful ways to get to know Peruvian culture. I’m so proud of this land, and so proud of its cuisine. For me, sharing it isn’t just a pleasure – it’s a responsibility.”