Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Peru

Eco-Luxury Adventures

Embark on a cultural odyssey

Peru’s borders are open and accepting travelers, no visa required.

Diverse and beautiful, Peru is rich with culture, history, breathtaking vistas, and tropical wildlife. Visit Machu Picchu by train or on foot, journey by boat into the heart of the Amazon, and watch condors soar above Colca Canyon. The iconic sites and Andes Mountains will enchant you, as will all the special, lesser-known spots that our world class guides will share.

Peru is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers – our experts will tailor your trip to your interests. We’ll plan experiences with just the right mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Let an expert travel designer plan your next trip

Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure

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What our travelers are saying

  • Peru: Cobblestone street lined with colorful textiles and crafts displayed on tables outside rustic yellow and stone buildings, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.

    “Our trip was filled with so many amazing experiences. May be our best family trip yet. We have specific dietary restrictions, and Elevate really made sure we were accommodated in each location.”

    –Sara Kubersky, Peru

  • Peru: Five people smile for a group selfie with the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and green mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    “The ease of the experience allowed all four of us to soak it all in without the usual planning and logistics stress. Nothing but positive feedback! Thank you to Lana and Emily for creating an inspiring, fun, adventurous, educational trip for us and for doing so with positive energy and contagious enthusiasm for beautiful Peru! We can’t wait to travel with Elevate Destinations again!”

    –Jody Shue and friends, Peru

  • Peru: Stone ruins of an ancient structure with mountains covered in greenery visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

    “Ephi was a fantastic leader and guide, the lunches each day were different and amazing especially the one hosted by the family and the pachamanca restaurant, and the hike and time at Machu Picchu. We loved the itinerary. Our guides were knowledgeable, fun, flexible, organized…amazing!!”

    –Ceci Enge, Peru

  • Peru: Three people wearing helmets and safety gear stand together on a rocky mountain trail, smiling at the camera with cliffs and greenery in the background.

    “Our trip was the perfect mix of adventure, philanthropy, mystical, extraordinary, and educational. While it was an immense adventure, there was ease all the way through knowing that everything was taken care of for us from transportation to stays. A huge thank you to Lana and Emily on the Elevate Team, and Erica, and Efrain in Peru.”

    –The Cook Family, Peru

  • “I loved the perfect mix of learning about Peru and its rich history and spending time in the students homes. We very much enjoyed painting at one home, gardening at the Andean Alliance, having dinner with the Peruvian Hearts girls, and working in the school with the young girls. We really fell in love with all of them and plan to be in contact with them for a very long time. We came home and immediately made donations to each!”

    –Melissa Allen, Peru

  • “Everyday was a highlight. From Machu Picchu to painting at a Peruvian Hearts scholar home - we just did not want to leave a country with so much passion for its people and heritage. The accommodations, restaurants, guide, driver - everything was perfect. The girls we met at Chicuchas Wasi and Peruvian Hearts gave us so much more than we gave them. Our scaling the cliff and zip lining down was just the thing to push our comfort zone. Our hearts will forever be left in Peru. So what can we do next year to match this year? Can't wait!”

    –Julie Marchese, Peru

  • “We had an incredible 25th anniversary trip, planned by Elevate. The hotels were all first-class, and we enjoyed some upgrades that were unexpected and just lovely. Lana and Dominique are incredibly intuitive about what we would like. Can’t say enough really. We will definitely book a trip through them again!”

    –Dru Lindgren, Ecuador

  • “It is difficult to put into word the meaning of our trip to Peru. We feel so blessed to have spent time with so many wonderful people. It was the perfect balance of volunteering, getting to know the Peruvian culture, outdoor exercise and history lessons. The hotels were supreme and we always had someone there to guide us along the way. Every activity had special meaning to us. Your planning was wonderful.”

    –Kathy Sharpe and family, Peru

  • “I’m home and overwhelmed with great memories and photographs. You did such a great job of putting all of the pieces together to ensure a flawless trip. You are really, really good at this! The itinerary was really terrific. I honestly loved every bit of it. You put together something truly special for us. I will remember it forever. I’ve been home less than 7 hours, and I’m already thinking of reasons to return to Peru.”

    –The Raab Family, Peru

  • “Having everything organized for us - transportation, tickets, etc. - was fabulous! It enabled us to sit back and enjoy our trip and truly appreciate the experiences we had. We loved Peru - the incredible scenery, the open and friendly people, and the great food. It feels like every day was a highlight, but our top three were hiking the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu; the Sky Lodge adventure; and the visit to the Chicuchas Wasi girls school. Every adventure we had, from big to small, gave us insight and appreciation into the Peruvian culture and we came home feeling like we learned so much. We cannot wait to visit Peru again.”

    –The Sherwood Family, Peru

  • “Lana Byal, my trip planner, connected with me on our very first call and never dropped one detail in creating the most perfect trip for my daughter, grand daughter and myself that I could ever imagine. She knew exactly what I was after and arranged every last detail for me perfectly. I was able to call her with some on-the-fly changes to the itinerary and she and her staff were ON it immediately! All this, and somehow we wound up with the best guide and driver you could ever ask for...and seeings how we spent nine days together, we were fortunate beyond belief. Kudos to Elevate Destinations!”

    –Deborah Hart, Peru

  • ““The trip was phenomenal, the guides were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and great with the kids, the people were warm and welcoming, the hotels were great. Via Ferrate and the zip line was a highlight for the kids; I loved the "social experience" in the mountains, and the high activity level of the entire trip. We really felt like we got to understand the people and the culture.””

    –Betsy Fishbone, Peru

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Peru

When is the best time to visit Peru?

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season in the Andes, from May to early October. This is ideal if you want to visit Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Arequipa, as you'll experience mild temperatures, clear skies, and optimal conditions for activities like hiking and trekking. However, this is also the peak season, so booking in advance is essential. The best time to visit Lima and the coast is from December to April, with warm, sunny days. Visiting just before or after the peak season can provide a great balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How many days do you need in Peru?

For most travelers, 7 to 10 days in Peru is ideal to see highlights like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley, allowing time to acclimate to the high altitude and enjoy the main attractions at a comfortable pace. If you have 2 to 3 weeks, you can expand your itinerary to include the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or Northern Peru. This longer stay will offer a more in-depth experience and allow you to discover the country's diverse regions and cultures.

What does a typical Peru itinerary look like?

A typical Peru itinerary begins with one or two days in the capital city, Lima, where you can relax and enjoy the world-class culinary scene, including local cevicherías and renowned restaurants. Next, fly to Cusco and spend a week visiting lesser-known Inca sites and hiking in the Sacred Valley and Lares Valley. Conclude your trip with a visit to Machu Picchu. Throughout your journey, immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Incas, admire the colonial architecture of the Spaniards, and participate in a cooking class with Peruvian families.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Peru travel guide?

Elevate Destinations has over 20 years of experience in designing Peru programs. Our team collaborates with the best local guides to ensure you experience the country’s culture, history, and natural wonders authentically and comfortably. Thanks to our strong local connections and the support we provide before, during, and after your trip, you will enjoy a seamless, custom itinerary tailored to your interests.

What are the best things to do in Peru?

The best things to do in Peru include hiking iconic routes in the Andes, such as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and visiting ancient Inca and pre-Inca sites. Mountain biking in the Sacred Valley is an excellent option for adventure seekers. Food enthusiasts will love sampling world-class Peruvian cuisine in Lima and Cusco. Wildlife lovers can journey to the Amazon rainforest to encounter a variety of animals, including monkeys, macaws, and river dolphins, as well as guided jungle hikes and river cruises. To learn about Peru’s rich history and culture, visit vibrant markets, colonial cities, and indigenous communities.

Where are the best places to visit in Peru?

The best places to visit in Peru go far beyond Machu Picchu, though this iconic Inca citadel is a must-see for its breathtaking mountain views and ancient ruins. Cusco, the former Inca capital, offers vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and access to the Sacred Valley’s archaeological wonders. Lima, Peru’s coastal capital, is renowned for its world-class cuisine, historic plazas, and lively neighborhoods. The Amazon Rainforest invites wildlife lovers to experience its rich biodiversity and remote eco-lodges. In the south, Arequipa charms with its white volcanic stone architecture, while the nearby Colca Canyon is perfect for trekking and spotting condors. Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, offers unique cultural experiences on its floating islands. For off-the-beaten-path adventures, head north to Trujillo and Chiclayo for pre-Inca sites or to Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca for world-class trekking and mountain scenery.
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