Peru Key Travel Information

Trip Overview

Is this trip right for you?

Because Peru is a large and geographically diverse country, this itinerary covers a lot of ground. We travel between regions by plane, train, and road to experience everything from vibrant cities to the Amazon rainforest and the high Andes.

Some days may include early starts to make the most of our time, reach sites before crowds, or accommodate transportation schedules. The pace is rewarding but active, and travelers should be comfortable spending time on their feet while exploring cities, archaeological sites, and nature trails.

Several destinations on this itinerary, including Cusco and Machu Picchu, are located at high altitude. Some travelers may experience mild altitude symptoms such as headaches or fatigue, regardless of age or fitness level. Our itinerary is designed to help with gradual acclimatization, but it’s important to be aware of how altitude may affect you.

How physically challenging is the trip?

This trip has a moderate level of activity. Most days include light to moderate walking while exploring cities, archaeological sites, markets, and nature areas. You’ll walk on uneven terrain in places like Machu Picchu, and along historic streets in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. While you don’t need to be highly athletic, you should feel comfortable being on your feet for portions of the day and walking at a relaxed pace.

Where does the trip start and end?

The trip begins in Lima, Peru’s coastal capital, where you’ll meet the group for a welcome meeting and dinner on the first day. The journey concludes in Cusco after breakfast on the final morning.

Because the trip starts and ends in different cities, you may want to consider booking multi-city flights, arriving in Lima (LIM) and departing from Cusco (CUZ). You could also choose to extend your trip by spending a few extra days exploring more of Peru before or after the tour.

Airport transportation

Airport transportation isn’t included, but we’re happy to help you arrange transfers for your arrival and departure if needed. The cost is $75 for a round trip transfer from our starting and ending hotel. You will be able to add it to your final payment.

In Lima, taxis and ride-share services are widely available from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), and the drive to the Miraflores district typically takes about 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.

At the end of the trip, taxis can easily be arranged from the hotel to Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is located about 15–20 minutes from the city center.

What are the included hotels?

During this 9-day, 8-night trip, you’ll stay in a thoughtfully selected mix of upscale hotels and nature lodges that reflect the character of each destination.

Please keep in mind that in the unlikely event of changes or availability issues, hotels may occasionally be substituted with a similar property. If that happens, we will notify you in advance.

Are laundry services available?

Laundry services are available at some hotels on the itinerary, usually at an additional cost. Availability can vary by location, particularly during the Amazon portion of the trip, where services may be more limited.

We recommend packing with the expectation that laundry may not be available every night, as much of the trip includes single-night stays in different locations, which can make it more difficult to plan laundry during the journey. Your guide or hotel staff can help advise on options during the trip.

What are the included transportation options?

Transportation throughout the trip is arranged for the group and includes private ground transfers between destinations, domestic flights within Peru, boat travel in the Amazon rainforest, and scenic train travel to and from Machu Picchu.

These transportation arrangements allow you to comfortably move between Peru’s diverse landscapes, from the coastal capital of Lima to the Amazon rainforest and the mountain regions of the Sacred Valley and Cusco.

Included activities

This trip includes a mix of guided experiences and cultural activities designed to help you connect with Peru’s history, landscapes, and food traditions. Highlights include exploring Lima’s historic center, spending time in the Amazon rainforest, discovering Cusco’s colonial and Inca heritage, visiting the Sacred Valley, experiencing the remarkable ruins of Machu Picchu, and enjoying Peru’s vibrant plant-based cuisine throughout the journey.

You’ll also have free time to book optional activities throughout the trip, and we’re always happy to help with recommendations or assist with arrangements.

What is the Amazon rainforest experience like?

During this part of the trip, you’ll stay deep in the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. The lodge sits within a protected rainforest reserve near the Tambopata National Reserve, allowing you to experience the rainforest up close.

Over the course of your stay, local naturalist guides will lead a variety of activities designed to help you explore and understand the rainforest. These may include guided jungle walks, canoe excursions along forest lakes, a canopy walkway high above the forest floor, and evening outings when the jungle comes alive with nocturnal wildlife.

This portion of the trip is all about slowing down and immersing yourself in the rainforest’s rhythms — listening to the jungle’s sounds, spotting wildlife, and experiencing a completely different side of Peru.

What is the Machu Picchu experience like?

Visiting Machu Picchu is one of the highlights of the entire journey. Set high in the Andes and surrounded by lush green mountains, this remarkable Inca citadel is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

You’ll explore the site with a local guide who will help bring the history and significance of Machu Picchu to life as you walk through its terraces, temples, and stone pathways. Due to current preservation regulations, all visitors must follow a designated route through the ruins and cannot exit and re-enter once the visit begins.

For this reason, the itinerary includes two visits to Machu Picchu, allowing you to experience different areas of the site and take in the surrounding mountain scenery from multiple viewpoints.

How many people are in the group?

This is a small-group experience with a maximum of 16 travelers, plus a guide (or guides) throughout the trip.

Trip minimum        

A minimum of 5 travelers is required to run the trip at the listed price.

Payment dates and refunds

The deadline to secure your spot is February 15, 2027, but many trips sell out well in advance! The deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm your participation and is non-refundable unless the trip isn’t confirmed.

The final balance is due by February 25, 2027.  If additional trip payments are made before the deadline (February 25), they are refundable, less processing fees. After February 25, the trip is non-refundable.

It is important to get a travel insurance policy that includes cancellation coverage after making the deposit, especially if you need coverage for pre-existing health conditions or want Cancel for Any Reason coverage.

If the trip isn’t confirmed

Like most small boutique tour operators, we require a minimum number of travelers to operate our trips. While larger companies may be able to absorb losses, operating responsibly as a small business means we must ensure each trip is financially viable. 

In the unlikely event that a trip is not confirmed, several options are available. If the trip is close to the minimum, we may reassess pricing and offer travelers the option to proceed at an adjusted rate. We can also explore planning a private departure for you and your travel companions. Alternatively, you may transfer your deposit to another Veggies Abroad trip, or request a full refund of your deposit if none of these options feels like the right fit for you.

Itinerary disclaimer

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change. We always stay flexible to account for weather, site closures, and the occasional unexpected surprise that’s simply part of travel. Rest assured, any adjustments are made with the best possible experience in mind.

We will also do our best to provide rough estimates on timing but please note that due to traffic, construction, festivals, closures, etc., there might be changes or we might not be able to give a firm answer.

Local Partners

To deliver a sustainable and authentic experience, this trip is operated by Intrepid Travel. Veggies Abroad and Intrepid co-create the itinerary, with Intrepid handling all in-destination logistics through their trusted local teams.

Essential Pre-Departure Information

Passports, visas, and entry requirements

You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Peru, and we recommend that it has at least six months of validity beyond your planned departure date.

Many travelers, including those from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most European Union countries, can visit Peru for tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. Entry requirements can vary by nationality, so we recommend checking with your government’s travel advisory or embassy for the most up-to-date information before traveling.

You can also use Sherpa to check entrance and visa requirements.

Medical and health information

It’s important to be in reasonably good health to fully enjoy this trip, as it includes outdoor activities, travel between destinations, and time spent exploring cities, nature areas, and archaeological sites. If you’re feeling unwell before departure or have any concerns about your ability to participate in the itinerary, we recommend reaching out to us in advance so we can talk through the best options.

Can I bring all medications into the country?

To avoid issues, bring any personal medications in their original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions if applicable. We also suggest packing a small personal medical kit with essentials such as pain relievers, motion-sickness medication, and anything else you may need, as pharmacies may not always be easily accessible during the trip.

Vaccinations and health considerations

Altitude considerations

Parts of this trip take place at high elevation, particularly in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, which sit at over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. It’s common for travelers to experience mild altitude symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath while adjusting.

Taking things slowly during your first day at altitude, staying well hydrated, and avoiding excessive alcohol can help your body acclimatize.

Motion sickness

Some travelers may experience motion sickness during parts of the trip, particularly on winding mountain roads in the Sacred Valley or during boat travel in the Amazon. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider bringing medication or other remedies to help manage symptoms.

Packing Recommendations

We recommend packing as lightly as possible and being comfortable carrying your own luggage for short distances, including in and out of hotels, train stations, and vehicles. While assistance is often available, there may be times when you’ll need to manage your own bags.

Because this trip includes several different environments — from the warm, humid Amazon rainforest to the cooler mountain regions of Cusco and the Sacred Valley — packing layers is key. Lightweight, breathable clothing works well for most days, along with a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings in the Andes.

Comfortable walking shoes are especially important for this trip. Many archaeological sites, towns, and areas, such as Machu Picchu, feature uneven terrain, stone paths, and stairs, so supportive shoes with good grip will make exploring much more comfortable.

You may also want to bring a small daypack for essentials like water, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a light layer while out exploring. A small personal medical kit with items like pain relievers, motion sickness medication, cold medicine, and any prescription medications you may need can also be useful during travel.

Travel adapters

Peru uses Type A and Type C plugs and operates on 220V electricity. Travelers from North America can usually plug devices into Type A outlets, but it’s still a good idea to bring a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility.

Many modern electronics, such as phone chargers and laptops, are dual voltage, but it’s always best to confirm before traveling.

If you’re bringing multiple devices, you may find it helpful to pack a small power strip or multi-port USB charger so you can charge everything using a single outlet.

Spending money

Spending money will vary based on your personal travel style. We recommend budgeting for optional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, and laundry. Be sure to review the itinerary and inclusions carefully so you know what’s covered in the trip price and what you may want to budget for along the way.

The local currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and many shops in larger cities, but it’s still helpful to carry some cash for small purchases, markets, taxis, and local vendors.

ATMs are widely available in cities such as Lima and Cusco if you need to withdraw cash during the trip. As with most destinations, it’s a good idea to notify your bank before traveling so your cards work smoothly while abroad.

Staying in communication

Before and during the trip, we will keep in communication via WhatsApp. If you don’t have the app downloaded and set up on your phone, please do so after making the deposit. We will utilize the group chat to share itinerary changes/updates, photos, reminders, and more.

Additional trip considerations

The journey begins in Lima and ends in Cusco, so please plan your flights accordingly, as the arrival and departure cities are different.

This itinerary covers several regions of Peru, including coastal cities, the Amazon rainforest, and the Andes Mountains, so travel days may involve flights, boat transfers, train journeys, and a few hours of driving. While distances may not appear very long on a map, travel times can vary depending on weather, road conditions, and local schedules.

Parts of the trip take place at higher elevations, particularly in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. It’s common for travelers to move a little more slowly as they adjust to the altitude, and taking things at a relaxed pace can help make the experience more comfortable.

You’ll also spend several days in the Amazon rainforest, where the climate is warm and humid, and wildlife is part of the experience. One excursion includes a canopy walkway with suspended bridges set high above the forest floor, offering a unique perspective of the rainforest. Insects are common in the jungle environment, so bringing insect repellent is recommended.

Visits to Machu Picchu follow set routes and schedules designed to help preserve the site, but your guide will work with the group to help you make the most of your time exploring this remarkable destination.

As in many major destinations, it’s also wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas such as markets, public squares, and transportation hubs.

Destination Overview

Weather

Peru’s climate varies significantly by region. During this trip, you’ll experience several different environments, including the coastal climate of Lima, the warm and humid Amazon rainforest, and the cooler mountain regions around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

In May, Lima typically has mild temperatures, coastal humidity, and occasional overcast skies. In the Amazon, expect warm, humid conditions with a chance of rain year-round. In the Andes, temperatures are generally pleasant during the day but can become cooler in the mornings and evenings.

Packing layers is the best approach, as temperatures and conditions can change throughout the trip depending on the region and elevation.

Food: Is Peru vegan-friendly?

Yes, Peru can be a surprisingly vegan-friendly destination, especially once you know what to look for. Many traditional dishes feature ingredients like potatoes, corn, beans, grains, and fresh vegetables.

Throughout the trip, all included meals are 100% vegan, and we’ve selected restaurants that highlight plant-based interpretations of traditional Peruvian flavors. In larger cities like Lima and Cusco, vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants are becoming increasingly common.

Can you accommodate allergies?

We can do our best to accommodate allergies, but we don’t visit places that are entirely nut-free, gluten-free, etc., so cross-contamination is always a concern. Please be sure to share any allergies or special requirements during the booking process so we can have a conversation and assess if this trip is right for you.

Tap water

Tap water in Peru is not recommended for drinking, so we suggest sticking to filtered or bottled water during the trip.

Clean drinking water will be available throughout the journey, and many hotels offer filtered water for you to refill your bottle. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated while helping reduce plastic waste during the trip.

Cultural differences

Peruvian culture is warm and welcoming, and hospitality is an important part of daily life. It’s common for locals to take pride in sharing their traditions, food, and history with visitors.

Daily life in Peru can move at a slightly more relaxed pace than many travelers are used to. Being patient and flexible with schedules or service is part of the travel experience.

When visiting historical and archaeological sites, including Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, it’s important to be respectful and follow your guide’s guidelines to help preserve these incredible places.

Approaching your travels with curiosity, respect, and an open mind will help you connect more deeply with the people and cultures you encounter along the way.

Local Culture & Animals

While Peru is incredibly welcoming to plant-based travelers, animals are still part of daily life in many areas we visit. In the Andes, you may see llamas, alpacas, donkeys, or horses used for transportation or agriculture, and local markets often sell alpaca wool products. In the Amazon, wildlife is part of the natural environment and local traditions may include fishing or hunting.

Tipping

You may consider tipping our tour leader for outstanding service. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline $8 – $10 per person, per day is a good standard.

Tips for our drivers, additional guides, and restaurants are already included. If you feel someone has done an exceptional job, you’re always welcome to give extra.

Additional tipping information:

Tipping is modest in Peru, but it’s customary to leave a tip for good service, especially in tourist areas. In restaurants, a 10% tip is a common guideline if a service charge has not already been included in the bill.

Tips are also appreciated in hotels, spas, and salons, as well as for services such as taxis, local tours, and guides, though the amount is always at your discretion.

Wifi and phone access

For the most part, you will have access to WiFi at hotels and many restaurants or cafés throughout the trip. Connection speeds may vary by location, particularly in smaller towns or during the Amazon portion of the journey.

We recommend having an international phone plan or purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival if you’d like to stay connected when Wi-Fi isn’t available. This will help ensure we can reach you if needed during the trip.

Many travelers enjoy using this time to disconnect a bit, but basic connectivity is generally available when needed.

Traffic & Getting Around

Travel times in Peru can sometimes be longer than they appear on a map, especially in mountainous or rural areas. Weather, road conditions, and local traffic can also affect timing.

Once the trip begins, all group transportation is arranged for you. In cities and towns, taxis are widely available and generally easy to use. If you plan to explore independently before or after the tour, hotel staff can help arrange trusted taxis or provide directions for public transportation.

Problems While Traveling & Safety

Emergency contact information

While we always aim to provide the best possible experience, travel can sometimes come with the unexpected. If any issue arises during your trip, it’s important to speak with your group leader or local representative right away. They’re there to help resolve concerns as quickly as possible and ensure your trip stays on track.

We will also provide an emergency number before the trip departs in the event that you run into problems while traveling to Iceland.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our trips, and we’re happy to provide you with a recommended company and/or quote. It’s essential to have a policy that provides cancellation, medical, and emergency repatriation coverage.

It’s also best to get the policy after making the deposit, especially if you want coverage for a pre-existing health issue or want to add cancel for any reason coverage. If you decide to forego travel insurance, you will be required to sign a travel insurance waiver that states you’re taking personal responsibility for any costs due to cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical, and repatriation should they arise.

 If you need any help with a plan or have questions, please reach out.

Travel advisories

We recommend checking your government’s foreign travel advisory for the most up-to-date information before you go. It’s also important to ensure your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities included in your trip. We suggest saving the emergency consular assistance number for your country while traveling.

Responsible Travel

Responsible travel is at the heart of everything we do. For us, it means creating experiences that respect local communities, protect wildlife, and honor the cultural traditions of the places we visit — while giving travelers a deeper, more meaningful connection to each destination.

In Peru, this includes being mindful of the Amazon rainforest’s incredible biodiversity, one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. During our time in the rainforest, we support ethical, observation-only wildlife experiences and follow the guidance of local naturalist guides to help protect the environment.

Responsible travel also means respecting the cultural heritage and traditions of the Andean communities we visit and helping preserve remarkable archaeological sites like Machu Picchu. Following site guidelines and respecting local customs helps ensure these places remain protected for future generations.

By traveling thoughtfully and intentionally, we can help ensure these destinations remain vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for generations to come — and that our journeys truly give back. Read more about our policies here.

Traveling as a Group

As we journey together, please keep in mind that you’ll be traveling with a diverse group of fellow adventurers from around the world and all walks of life. While you may find common ground on many things, differences in backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives are natural. We kindly ask that you remain respectful, considerate, and open-minded throughout our time together.

To help ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment, we recommend being mindful of your conversations and avoiding clothing or accessories that are overtly political or could be considered offensive—whether to your fellow travelers or the communities we visit.

Be Mindful of Time

Out of respect for your fellow travelers and to keep our adventures running smoothly, we ask that you arrive on time for all scheduled activities. If you’re asked to be somewhere at a specific time, please make every effort to be punctual so the group isn’t kept waiting.

We’ve found that the most memorable and enjoyable tours are those where the group dynamic is positive and supportive—and that starts with each person doing their part. A little consideration goes a long way in making the experience amazing for everyone.

At Veggies Abroad, we’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and positive space for everyone—both within our group and in the destinations we explore.