Best of Peru
Most Popular Peru Trips & Tours
| Trip | Price | Days | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative Inca Trail | $3,995 | 10 Days | Cusco, Ancient Inca Trail , Machu Picchu, Local Perspective , Off the beaten Trek |
| Amazon & Machu Picchu | $3,295 | 9 Days | Amazon Rainforest & Jungle, Amazon Wildlife, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu |
| Classic Inca Trail | $3,995 | 10 Days | Lima, Cusco , Inca Trail Trek, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley |
| Experience Machu Picchu | $2,995 | 7 days | Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Machu Picchu |
- Day 1 LIMA
Our Peru tour begins when you are met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Lima. If you arrive early, we can arrange one or more optional Lima day-tours to explore the city, visit museums and see other sites of interest.
- Day 2 LIMA - AREQUIPA
In the morning, your Peru travel continues when you return to the airport for a flight to Arequipa, known as the "White City," because of its many colonial buildings built of the area's white volcanic rock. Upon arrival, there will be time to relax or explore a bit on your own before an afternoon city tour, visiting Yanahuara, La Compania and the Convent of Santa Catalina, famous for its labyrinth of secluded rooms. (B)
- Day 3 AREQUIPA - COLCA CANYON
Leaving the city behind by private van, your Peru tour ascends to the highland savannah, or puna, for an amazing view of Mt. El Misti and more distant snowcapped volcanoes. On this high-altitude desert, you'll see herds of llamas, alpacas and the endangered vicuña. From this high point you descend into the Colca Valley where you will pass the settlements of Chivay and Coporaque before arriving at the Colca Lodge near Yanque. This afternoon you will have a chance to relax in the thermal bathes at the lodge or walk into the nearby town. Several self-guided hikes are also possible. (B)
- Day 4 COLCA CANYON - CRUZ DEL CONDOR
Today dawns with an early departure to Cruz del Condor. You’ll journey to a viewpoint over the canyon to watch condors as they leave their rocky sanctuary on the morning's warm air currents, slowly ascending over the horizon. If you like, enjoy a short hike along the rim of the Colca Canyon, for spectacular views! In the afternoon return to the Colca Lodge and enjoy the natural hot springs set in an impressive setting. (B)
- Day 5 COLCA CANYON - LAKE TITICACA
In the morning transfer by private van over the Andean plains to the next destination on our Peru tour: Puno, an altiplano town near Lake Titicaca. Stopping on the way to you will visit the mysterious pre-Inca ruins called chullpas (funerary towers), the finest of which sit on a windswept peninsula in Lake Umayo at Sillustani. The Colla people, a warrior tribe that spoke Aymara, buried their elite in these giant cylindrical tombs, some up to 40-ft tall. Many archeologists consider this complex stonemasonry superior to Inca engineering, so this unique sight may well be a highlight of your trip. You'll spend the night at a hotel in Puno and if time remains, visit the historical Yavari, a historical boat museum. This historic ship was built in England in 1862. Then, the ship was delivered in pieces, by mule, over a period of six years through miles of countryside, to Lake Titicaca, then re-assembled. (B)
- Day 6 LAKE TITICACA - UROS & TAQUILE ISLANDS
In the morning, your Peru tour begins with a drive to Puno harbor for an 8 AM departure to spend the day exploring renowned Lake Titicaca. The first stop is the floating Uros Islands comprised of reed vegetation. Next stop is the serene Taquile Island, where a group of male weavers and spinners live and work in a Mediterranean-like setting. Return to Puno in the late afternoon with time to shop for the quality alpaca wear for which the town is noted, and pick up a few souvenirs to bring home from your tour. Considered the birthplace of the Incan people, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, spanning the border between Peru and Bolivia. These frigid vividly blue waters are the remnant of an ancient inland sea that stands in stark contrast to the parched altiplano, a gorgeous natural gem and highlight of any Peru tour. Another night at your hotel in Puno. (B, L)
- Day 7 LAKE TITICACA - CUSCO
Your Peru travel continues with a short morning flight to Cusco, where Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport and take you on a quick tour of the beautiful Plaza de Armas and on to your hotel. You will be free for the remainder of the day to relax and acclimatize to the elevation (10,856 ft). (B)
- Day 8 CUSCO
Your next stop is an Incan adventure! Begin with a guided walking tour through Cusco to see the colorful markets, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of tasty local dishes, you'll stop at several prominent Inca sights, including: the megalithic stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small Puka Pukara fortress that protected the royal capital from attacks; and an Incan water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, you'll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or explore further on your own. (B)
- Day 9 CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
Today's stretch of our exotic Peru tour begins with a guided excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you'll see the civilization's agricultural terracing along the steep valley walls as well as the temple ruins of Pisac and panoramic views of jagged granite peaks. Pisac is the site of one of the best Andean textile markets, so it's a great place to pick up some souvenirs. After taking in some of the local culture and enjoying a delicious lunch, you'll depart for Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)
- Day 10 SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a refreshing walking tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins and surrounding town before heading to the Ollantaytambo train station for today's unforgettable trip. The train follows the Urubamba River into a cloud forest before arriving at the Aguas Calientes station. You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch and then board a bus to travel to Machu Picchu (7,875 feet), where you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the famous ruins. After returning to Aguas Calientes, you'll have time to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
- Day 11 MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHERO ARTISAN MARKET - CUSCO
Today’s stop brings to life a breathtaking sight you’ve seen countless times in magazines. You’ll have the opportunity to experience Machu Picchu during the early morning hours, spending time exploring the numerous ruins including an option climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, a picturesque walk to the Sun Gate or visit the Inca bridge. By midday you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and your early afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. Your private van will be waiting at the station to deliver you to the Chinchero textile market where members of the local weavers’ collective will explain the traditional weaving methods of the Sacred Valley that produce some of the finest textiles in Peru. Chinchero makes an ideal place for last minute shopping before traveling on to your Cusco hotel for the evening. (10,856 feet). (B)
- Day 12 CUSCO - PTO MALDONADO - AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE
Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Hacienda Concepcion depending on availability. Our Peru travel continues as we transfer you to the airport for a morning flight to Puerto Maldonado. Today's tour begins with a one-hour motorized canoe ride up the Tambopata River to the lodge. After taking some time to unwind, you'll receive a short welcome orientation and learn all about the lodge and its Ecotourism Project. The afternoon will be spent in the treetops, climbing the Canopy Tower. The 115-ft scaffolding of the Canopy Tower offers spectacular views of the river and the surrounding forest. (B,L,D)
- Day 13 AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE
Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Hacienda Concepcion depending on availability. Rise at dawn for the next natural wonder on your Peru tour: a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. After an early breakfast, you'll go from Posada Amazonas part way by boat and part way on foot to reach the lake shore. From here, your travel continues with a long, easy canoe ride, exploring the lake and looking for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. Later in the day, you'll return to the lodge's trails for a colorful photo opportunity, a visit to a small parakeet clay lick where you're likely to see dozens, and perhaps hundreds, of parakeets that come here on clear days to ingest clay. Next, your Peru tour continues with a visit to the community's ethno-botanical center, where you'll have the opportunity to hike with a resident who will explain the everyday uses of the area's forest resources, then return to the lodge for the evening. (B,L,D)
- Day 14 AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE - PTO MALDONADO - LIMA - HOME
Early in the morning, you return by boat to Pto. Maldonado where you'll be transferred to the airport for a quick return flight to Lima. Spend the afternoon exploring the capital on your own, before your return flight home or if you wish, we can arrange tours of Lima and vicinity. (B)
Weather
When to Visit- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Peru is a diverse country. With beaches, mountains, rainforest and desert, there is no off-season. But it does pay to know a bit about where you're going, and what you'll need on your Peru tour:
The Andes - Though officially part of the dry season, April and May are considered the Andean spring, while June through October marks the Andean summer. Mid-day temperatures range from 70 to 80 F in the sun. Nighttime temperatures in Cusco range in the 40s F and can dip into the 30s F. Weather is usually clear in the morning with clouds accumulating in the afternoon. Rain can happen in any season, so quality rain gear is essential.
The Amazon - A rainforest environment, the Peruvian Amazon has varied weather conditions and frequent unpredictable rain showers. It is generally hot and humid during the day with more comfortable temperatures through the night. Daytime high temperatures average between 82° and 93° F, and the average nighttime low is between 62° and 73°. Nevertheless, in some areas cold fronts can sweep into the Amazon and push daytime high temperatures down to 50° F and nighttime lows to 43° F. Any time of year, one should always be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain showers. Around 80% of the annual average 79 inches of rainfall occurs during the rainy season (December through March) when heavy rain may continue for hours or days.
Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
LIMA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 68-79 | 0.0 |
| FEB | 69-80 | 0.0 |
| MAR | 69-80 | 0.0 |
| APR | 67-76 | 0.0 |
| MAY | 63-72 | 0.0 |
| JUN | 61-69 | 0.1 |
| JUL | 60-67 | 0.2 |
| AUG | 60-66 | 0.1 |
| SEP | 60-67 | 0.1 |
| OCT | 60-69 | 0.1 |
| NOV | 62-72 | 0.0 |
| DEC | 64-76 | 0.0 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
CUSCO | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 44-65 | 6.3 |
| FEB | 44-65 | 5.2 |
| MAR | 43-66 | 4.3 |
| APR | 41-67 | 1.8 |
| MAY | 39-67 | 0.3 |
| JUN | 33-66 | 0.1 |
| JUL | 32-66 | 0.2 |
| AUG | 35-67 | 0.3 |
| SEP | 39-68 | 0.9 |
| OCT | 42-69 | 1.9 |
| NOV | 43-69 | 3.1 |
| DEC | 44-69 | 4.7 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUNO | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 38-62 | 5.2 |
| FEB | 38-62 | 4.3 |
| MAR | 38-62 | 3.8 |
| APR | 33-62 | 1.5 |
| MAY | 25-62 | 0.4 |
| JUN | 19-61 | 0.1 |
| JUL | 18-61 | 0.1 |
| AUG | 22-63 | 0.2 |
| SEP | 29-64 | 0.8 |
| OCT | 33-65 | 1.5 |
| NOV | 35-66 | 2.0 |
| DEC | 37-64 | 3.6 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUERTO MALDONADO | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 71-88 | 13.6 |
| FEB | 70-87 | 12.8 |
| MAR | 70-88 | 11.9 |
| APR | 69-87 | 6.1 |
| MAY | 66-86 | 4.2 |
| JUN | 63-84 | 2.3 |
| JUL | 62-85 | 2.2 |
| AUG | 64-88 | 2.5 |
| SEP | 66-90 | 3.9 |
| OCT | 69-90 | 6.5 |
| NOV | 70-89 | 9.3 |
| DEC | 70-88 | 12.1 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
Maps
Best of Peru
- Pricing
- 2-3 Travelers$4,9954 or more$4,395
Domestic Airfare:
$750 (Lima/Arequipa/Juliaca/Cusco/Pto. Maldonado/Lima) – Subject to change
Single Supplement: $1280
A single supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. - Included in tour cost
- Private transportation
- All airport/hotel transfers
- All hotel accommodations
- All listed activities
- English-speaking certified guides
- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
- Meals as indicated
- Southern Explorations pre-departure services
- Excluded from tour cost
- Domestic airfare within South America
- International airfare to and from Central & South America
- Tips and gratuities
- Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
Best of Peru
- Trip Dates
- Southern Explorations can arrange a private departure on any date that works with your schedule. Custom tours are also available. Contact us for details.Available
- Aguas Calientes
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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3 Star
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3 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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- Lake Titicaca
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
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4 Star
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5 Star
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- Amazon
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
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- Arequipa
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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3 Star
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
5 Star
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- Colca Canyon
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability)
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- Cusco
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
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4 Star
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4 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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- Lima
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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4 Star
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4 Star
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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- Sacred Valley
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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3 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
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4 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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One Day
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1 Day $170Off the beaten track hiking
Ancient Cachicata Quarry
One Day -
1 Day $100Off The Beaten Path Locations
One Day -
1 Day $160Visit local expert weavers
Locals guides
Private transportation
One Day -
4 hours $90Lima City Highlights
One Day -
6-8 Hours $235Culinary Delights of Lima
One Day -
5-6 Hours $90Lima Highlights
Tour Before Your Return Flight Home
One Day -
1 Day $160Sacred Valley
Moray
Maras
One Day -
1 Day $175Top of the line equipment
Trails for any skill level
Friendly expert guides
One Day -
1 Day $165Best Rafting Outside of Cusco
One Day -
One Day $195Off the beaten path hiking
Colorful Mountains
One Day
Multi-Day
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Multi-Day
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4 Days $1395Highlights of Arequipa City
Colca Canyon
Condors
Multi-Day -
4, 5 & 8 Days $3,615Amazon River and Rainforest
Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Exotic Amazon Jungle Wildlife and Fauna
Multi-Day -
Multi-Day
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Multi-Day
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4 & 5 Days $3,000Amazon River Headwaters
Wildlife Spotting
Local Communities
Jungle Hiking and Canoeing
Fishing for Piranha
Multi-Day -
3 Days $420Hike through Tambopata National Reserve
Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center
Multi-Day -
2 Days $795Ica
Flight over Nazca Lines
Multi-Day -
3 Days $1,245Flight over Nazca Lines
Marine wildlife
Ica
Multi-Day -
3 Days $655Lake Titicaca
Urus Islands
Visit with locals
Multi-Day -
4 Days $1,250Highlights of the North
Multi-Day -
3 Days $1110Apurimac River
Top of the line equipment
Experienced guides
Safety kayaker & raft
Pristine beaches for camping
Multi-Day -
3 Days $540Tambopata National Reserve
Select from a wide array of activities
Multi-Day
Our trip was amazing! All of our guides were friendly and professional. Our guide’s knowledge and communication skills were exceptional! He was a fabulous tour guide and we really enjoyed hiking the Inca Trail with him. We always had the best campsites – other hikers were often jealous of where our camp was set up and would ask which company was handling our trip. Our guides were excellent on the rafting trip. We had never been through class V rapids before so I was a little hesitant at first; but, our guides were so skilled, we always felt completely safe. Chef’s cooking was fantastic! I’m not sure what I expected but I did not expect three course meals every night while camping. On the rafting trip, they noticed I don’t eat many grains and mostly eat meat and dairy foods so the chef brought more meat along on the Inca Trail than usual to make sure I was ok. I never mention it in the special requests because I don’t expect it to be accommodated, and I always carry lots of protein bars with me so it’s not an issue – I do appreciate the extra effort they made and the food was excellent! -Jerri Lipple, Texas (Peru & Amazon)
Overall a great experience! Have already started to think about Patagonia!!!! - Barry Tereshkow, California (Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca)
We would highly recommend Southern Explorations for their professional and thorough operation. Our trip was "smooth", well-paced and incredible! Our guides spoke outstanding English, and were informative and friendly - we thoroughly enjoyed each of them as individuals. Drivers were prompt and skilled. The itinerary was packed literally with "the best of Peru", providing enough time to see everything with no wasted time. Thanks it was a great experience. - Alan and Lindy Jones, Canada (Peru)
We had a wonderful trip, such a journey to Machu Picchu and we enjoyed every single minute of it. Our guide from Cusco onward, Juan, was very informative and interesting and really made the entire trip very exciting. We enjoyed our time alone in each city and then also our excursions during the day with Juan. There was so much to see. Thanks so much for arranging our trip and getting us the best possible of everything. I was happy we did a private tour. I will continue recommending your company to people. - Leslie Williams, California (Machu Picchu)
I thoroughly enjoyed my travel experience with Southern Explorations! I would recommend you and travel with your tour group again. - Nancy Sing-Bock, New York (Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca)
Our Luxury Peru trip was wonderful. We had a wonderful guide, Juan who relayed the history and culture to us, was energetic and really made the trip go smoothly. Peru is a fabulous country – we loved our lodging, the food, the sights, everything. This was a trip for my mom who is 83 and always wanted to see Machu Picchu. The guides were so attentive to her and assisted her in seeing every sight we visited. She says it was the best trip of her life. I can’t wait to go back to Peru. - Sue Strater, Oregon (Peru)
Thank you for your services in organizing our trip to Peru/Machu Picchu. The trip went smoothly and we are very satisfied with all aspects of the trip. I appreciate the professional staff we worked with in Peru to ensure our good health and safety. In Lima, Giovanna was a wonderful guide and accommodated our special requests without question. We sincerely thank her for giving us a look at local Peruvian life, not just the tourist view. She is a great asset to your organization. In Cusco, Augusto our guide and Claudio our driver were very professional and I am most appreciative of their concern for our good health and safety. Augusto is very knowledgeable, and we gained a great deal of history and information from him. Claudio was kind enough to allow us our special requests. - Nicole Peterson, California (Peru & Machu Picchu)
Thank you, Southern Explorations, for a wonderful trip. We'd been looking forward to seeing Machu Picchu for years, yet despite all of that anticipation what you delivered somehow still exceeded our expectations. Thank you not only to Chenna – the best guide on the planet – but also to all the people who worked quietly in the background to make this such a memorable trip for us. - Gordon McConnell (Peru)
We travel a great deal. We believe that Southern Explorations stands at the top of our experience in its focus on the customer. In addition to a superb job of organizing a trip and attention to details, were most impressed with the way that the US and Peru-based staffs made extraordinary efforts to work with our family. This included making sure our son was safe to eat the foods (due to his food allergies), to adding on specific excursions to a small village of weavers and arranging a bike tour, to the ability of the local guides to get to know us as people, not just to conduct the guided tour. This made for a rich and worthwhile experience. Keep it up! The ultimate compliment in this world is whether we would call again to arrange a trip to another country. The answer is a definite Yes. - The Gilman Family (Peru)
Southern Explorations provides perfectly organized excursions featuring a well-balanced mixture of learning and hiking in very small groups. I enjoyed every moment of my Peru trip; I am fascinated by the Inca Empire and the mind-blowing landscape. I highly recommend Southern Explorations. - Sven Zuehlsdorf (Peru)
The whole trip was perfect. After all of the wedding planning and the wedding itself, it was awesome to have this trip where we did so much but never had to really think or stress about planning, travel, communicating with locals, etc. It was exactly the honeymoon we wanted. Thanks so much to everyone at SE who helped to make it happen! -John Gaetzi, Colorado (Peru)
This was our second trip with Southern Explorations. Again, every element was perfect. Our guides were knowledgeable and attentive. The accomadations were superb. The itinerary was varied and fascinating. You think of every detail. We loved learning about the culture and history of different parts of Peru. We also had a chance to challenge ourselves by hiking to the top of Huayna Picchu and slogging through the mud in the Amazon. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit the village of Huilloc and see their beautiful textiles. We were thrilled to give them the books that we had collected for their school. Again, thank you for another amazing trip. - Chris Howard (Peru & Amazon)
Our guides were all organized, professional, extremely informative and passionate. Most highly recommended. Organization was flawless. Guides exceptionally helpful and informative. - Ronald Shapiro (Best of Peru)
We have never traveled using a travel company before but felt it would be a good idea going to Peru. So glad we did! This was the best trip of our lives! Southern Explorations uses very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient guides. We had to change our itinerary while on the trip and the company handled everything perfectly. I highly recommend them to anyone traveling out of the country. - Laurie Key, Utah (Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca)
Our guide was absolutely fantastic. She made this a memorable experience. Billy Chiquito, a National Park guide, was more than we could have imagined for a guide. All accommodations were first class. - Howard Flicker (Private Experience Machu Picchu and Legend)
Just returned from a 12 day trip to Peru and have to say this was the best vacation ever. I have never arranged travel through a company before so I was a little leery about what to expect. Needless to say I was quite impressed by how comprehensive and well planned every detail of the trip was put together. Southern Explorations did an amazing job especially considering I only booked the trip one month in advance. Our guide in Lima, Natalia was excellent and very knowledgeable. Our guide in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Washington Gibaja Tapia was incredible. He shared a part of his culture and community with us on a deep spiritual level so we were able to leave Peru feeling like we understood the significance and true beauty of the place and people we visited. Thank you Southern Explorations for a trip of a lifetime. - Michelle Barker (Inti Raymi Festival & Machu Picchu & Amazon)
The trip was an amazing once in a life time experience. Juan took us through the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. He was an excellent and very knowledgable guide. The trip was well organized and the Hotel accommodations exceeded my expectations. - Paul Demarco, USA (Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu)
This is our second trip arranged by Southern Explorations. Our first was to the Galapagos, which was exceptional as well. We’ve pretty much run out of superlatives to describe our adventures! We have found Southern Exploration – your Seattle staff, the guides you use, the drivers, the tours, the arrangements, etc, all to be wonderful! Thank you! - Joseph Wright, USA (Short Inca Trail)
Trip of a life time; good outfitter and good friends. - Carol Croom (Classic Inca Trail)
- Peru - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I choose an itinerary?A: We offer a wide variety of itineraries suitable for all ages, fitness levels and personal interests. Figuring out the total number of days you are available to travel is a good starting point and your Adventure Travel Coordinator can guide you through the options.Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?A: Yes! We are happy to modify any tour to meet your needs and also add pre and post-excursion extensions. If you sign up for a group departure we cannot change the group portion, but we can add extensions before and after.Q: When is the best time to go to Peru?A: Many travelers like to visit Peru between the months of April and October, when the chances of rain are much lower. Avoid the height of summer (June through August) and the Christmas holiday season for smaller crowds and the best selection of accommodations.Q: What is the weather like in Peru?A: The most traveled section of Peru, where Cusco and Machu Picchu are located, has a dry season (April – October) and a rainy season (November – March) with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 40s. Rainfall and temperatures vary in other regions depending on season and elevation. Please see the weather tab on your specific trip for more details.Q: What is a typical day like in Peru?A: A typical day in Peru will vary from tour to tour, but generally you can expect to start your excursions right after breakfast with a full day of scheduled activities or sightseeing. Contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the specifics of your tour.Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Peru?A: Our trips vary in level of activity, so the requirements differ based on itinerary. It’s important to keep in mind that much of Peru is at or above 8000’ above sea level which can add some difficulty to the activities. Please check our physical ratings for each itinerary to see what may be required of you when assessing your ability to enjoy a trip. If you have any specific questions, please contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator. We have personal experience with these activities and can help you decide whether a trip is right for you.Q: How much time do we need to visit Peru?A: We offer trips as short as 5 days, but recommend 7 days to adequately explore the Andean highlands (Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu). If you wish to visit more than one region, we recommend travelling for at least 12 days.Q: How far in advance should I book?A: Peru is a popular destination and space at the most desirable hotels fills up quickly. As a rule, the further in advance you can plan, the more options you will have. We recommend planning at least six to nine months in advance throughout the year, and a year ahead of time for anything over the Christmas holiday season.Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.Q: Do you use certified guides?A: Our guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience and ability to effectively manage groups with finesse. We hire only guides who are native to the destination and are licensed and/or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English, and some also speak indigenous languages. Most have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other related field. All guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid.Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?A: We primarily work with 3 and 4-star hotels that meets our standards. We also work with several amazing 5-star properties. All of our hotels are clean, comfortable, well-located, offer en suite bathrooms and have been personally vetted by a Southern Explorations’ staff member.Q: Do tours include airfare?A: We will confirm all airfare within South America and this price will be listed separately from our base tour costs. You are responsible for booking international flights to/from Peru.Q: How many people are on your tours?A: We operate our scheduled group trips with a minimum of two and a maximum of eight guests, except on the Inca Trail trips, which have a maximum of 12 guests. This policy minimizes our environmental impact, allows us to travel to areas less visited, and makes the sightseeing experience more personal. It allows our guides sufficient time to attend to the individual needs of each visitor. Traveling in small groups also increases the likelihood of encountering wildlife in some areas, such as the Amazon. Some all-inclusive lodges and cruises offer excursions with their in-house guides and groups for those days may exceed eight travelers.Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary. This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.
