Peru is one of the most visited countries on the planet, and rightly so, as the Andean country has much to offer the international traveler. Organizing your holidays in Peru from the UK or any other country can be a challenge, so you will need to do your research on how to book and what you want to see.
Here at Machu Travel Peru, we will give you some tips on what to see in Peru on your holidays from the UK and the rest of the world. You may decide to take private Peru tours or a group departure and travel with like-minded travelers.
Basics to plan your next vacation from the UK to Peru
- Travel with a specialized agency
- Choose your destinations of interest
- Entry requirements
- Best season
- How to get to Peru from the UK
- Travel safety and health tips in Peru
Travel with a specialized agency
If this is your first time in Peru or you’re new to international travel, hiring a travel agency is the smartest choice. It gives you peace of mind and guidance in a destination that can initially feel overwhelming. A good agency ensures you get the best advice to enjoy your vacation without stress.
Unlike international travel companies, local agencies offer firsthand insights and personalized attention. At Machu Travel Peru, we specialize in crafting customized journeys tailored to your interests and expectations. Our team delivers high-quality service where excellence and sophistication define every detail.
Choose your destinations of interest
Machu Picchu
What Peru is most known for is, of course, Machu Picchu. The Spanish Conquistadors never discovered the site, so when discovered in 1911, it was mostly intact. The location of Machu Picchu is one of the highlights as it is perched on the side of the mountain. One of the most incredible things about Machu Picchu is that you cannot see it from the river below.
You might also be interested in: How High is Machu Picchu?
Sacred Valley
Not far from Machu Picchu and Cusco is the naturally beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Set among the high Andean peaks, the valley is protected from the harsh weather by the mountains and enjoys a lovely, mild climate for most of the year. The Incas used the Valley to grow most of their food, and today the Valley is a great spot to spend a few days.
Cusco
The city of Cusco, set in a valley in the high Andes, is, according to legend, the navel of the world. The center of Cusco features Spanish Colonial churches built on Inca temples. The main square is one of the prettiest you will see in South America. Cusco is full of markets to buy souvenirs and some fascinating museums.
Peruvian Amazon
The natural beauty of the Peruvian Amazon, when you travel to Peru, you should spend a few days in the Amazon. There is a variety of lodges to choose from, from five-star luxury to basic accommodation, all with wonderful jungle walks and plenty of animals to see.
Lima
The Capital of Peru is now considered a must-see on any Peruvian vacation. The food culture in Lima should be high on your priority list, and you must experience the typical Peruvian cuisine.
Nazca lines
The mysterious Nazca lines, south of Lima, around a 5-hour drive. You will arrive in the small town of Nazca, the town is quiet and has plenty of restaurants and hotels. The town has a wonderful, warm climate and has no rainfall all year round. What people come to the town to see is the Nazca Lines. These mysterious lines are only viewed from the air, where you will see the monkey, the lizard, the spider, and many more figures that are etched into the desert floor.
You might also be interested in: How the Nazca Lines were made
Puno and Lake Titicaca
Located at the very south of Peru, Puno is on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is one of the highest lakes in the world and has a magical, crystal appearance. However, what Lake Titicaca is most famous for is the Uros Islands. These man-made islands are home to the Uros people, who made these islands out of the reeds that grow around the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Arequipa
The city of Arequipa is Peru’s second-largest city and is full of charm and character. The buildings in the center of Arequipa are made of the white volcanic stone, giving Arequipa the nickname of the white city. The food of Arequipa is different from the other regions of Peru and must be tried. The climate in the area is mild, and it is a very pleasant place to spend a few days.
Colca Canyon
Not far from Arequipa is the second deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon. This magnificent canyon is not only naturally beautiful but is the best place to see Andean Condors in full flight. Travel to the Cruz Del Condor for the best views of the canyon and these majestic birds.
Entry requirements
Many travelers wonder about visa requirements when visiting Peru, especially from the UK. Fortunately, British citizens don’t need a tourist visa for short visits. Still, it’s important to check the official Peruvian consulate website for up-to-date entry rules. You must have a valid passport with at least six months left before expiration and two blank pages for immigration stamps.
At the border, immigration officers typically grant up to 90 days of stay. If you plan to stay longer, apply for an extension at Peru’s immigration office. Overstaying can lead to penalties, so it’s best to stay informed and follow the official procedures.
Best season
Peru’s seasons differ from those in the UK. While the UK faces cold winters from December to April, Peru enjoys its warmest months during that same period. However, the climate also changes by region, thanks to Peru’s diverse geography.
Each season offers something special. Many travelers prefer the dry season, especially when visiting Machu Picchu, as the weather is clear and ideal for exploring the highlands. Choose the time of year that best suits your travel goals and activities.
How to get to Peru from the UK
You won’t find direct flights from the UK to Peru, but it’s easy to plan a route with one stopover. Most travelers fly from Heathrow or Gatwick, connecting through cities like Madrid, Amsterdam, or Bogotá. Airlines such as Iberia, KLM, LATAM, and Avianca offer regular flights to Lima.
To make your journey easier, book early, especially between June and August. When you get to Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, you can catch domestic flights. You can fly to Cusco, Arequipa, or Iquitos. Travel agencies can coordinate your transfers and accommodations to make your arrival seamless.
Travel safety and health tips in Peru
Peru is a safe and welcoming country, but it’s still smart to stay alert. Keep an eye on your belongings in cities like Lima or Cusco and avoid poorly lit areas at night. When visiting the Andes or the jungle, travel with trusted guides and use authorized transport.
You do not need vaccines to enter Peru. However, health authorities recommend some vaccines, like yellow fever, for jungle trips. At high altitudes, such as Cusco or Puno, take it slow and drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness. Travel insurance that covers medical care and emergencies adds an extra layer of security.
“NO MATTER HOW FAR AWAY, SEEING UNIQUE PLACES, LIVING CULTURES, AND MEMORABLE TRADITIONS IS COMPLETELY, AT LEAST ONCE IN A LIFETIME”
You might decide to do your tour in Peru with a travel agent, which is a great way to travel. Have everything organized for you and travel in peace. Your tour company will arrange all your transfers, tours, hotels, flights, and entrances for you, sometimes even meals are included. If you prefer to organize your tour to Peru yourself, then you will need to do some research on the internet or in a Peru Travel Guide, decide where you want to go, and make your bookings.
If you are the adventurous type, then you may want to take some Peru expeditions on offer, like hiking in the Andes, such as the Inca Trail, or even trekking through the Jungle.
Whatever way you travel to Peru from the UK, you will have the experience of a lifetime, as Peru is one of the best destinations for your holiday dollar.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Peru and any tours around it. Let us help you make your Peru travel experience unforgettable! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
