Travel Guides: All Countries / South America / Peru
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| | | Ancient civilisations |  | Why go on holiday to Peru?
For multiple layers of civilisations and spectacular scenery - Amazonian rainforest, coastal deserts and the beautiful Andes.
It is home to millions of highland Indians who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and maintain a traditional way of life. It's also famous for its Inca history and the "lost city" of Machu Picchu.
How much does it cost?
There is a wide range of packages to suit most pockets. If you shop around, indirect flights are available from around the £400 mark (plus £18 on departure from Peru). Direct flights are more likely to be around £600. Hotels in Lima cost from £3.50-£15 per night upwards.
Touring packages are a common way to see the sights. Seven days exploring the Inca Trail by mountain biking will cost from around £700. Eighteen days covering wildlife and the Inca Trail from £2,800.
When should I go?
Peak tourist season is June to August, which is the dry season in the mountains (33-68F/1-19C) and the best time for trekking.
The wettest months are January to April (43F-67F/6C-19C), when trekking is muddy but when many of the major fiestas take place. On the coast, the sunny months are December to March. The rest of the year it is shrouded in mist.
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| | | Find the lost city |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Lima, Peru's capital, is overcrowded, polluted, noisy and often has wretched weather. Nevertheless, the inhabitants are friendly and hospitable, opportunities for eating and nightlife are ample, and it has great museums.
A project is under way to restore the city's colonial centre, so Lima may be a lot lovelier in the near future.
What's outside the capital?
Worth visiting for the name alone, Lake Titicaca, at 3,820m (12,530ft), is the highest navigable lake in the world. At longer than 170km (105 miles), it is also the largest lake in South America.
Its altitude means the air is unusually clear and the azure waters particularly striking. Boat trips operate from Puno, the major port on the lake.
Should I join the Inca Trail?
The most popular trek in South America is the 33km (20 miles) Inca Trail, west of Cuzco, the hub of the Inca empire. Equipment can be rented in Cuzco and the trek takes three days.
Huaraz, north of Lima, is the climbing and trekking centre of Peru and the site of Huascara, at 6,768m (22,199ft) the highest mountain in the country. Equipment, drivers and guides are readily available. The best time for hiking is June to August.
What about the Lost City?
West of Cuzco is Machu Picchu, the best-known and most spectacular site on the continent.
Despite the relentless stampede of tourists to the ruins, this "Lost City of the Incas" still retains an air of grandeur and mystery and is a "must-see" for any visitor to Peru.
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| | | Delicious seafood | | Where's good for nightlife?
Lima has cinemas, theatres, bars, casinos and even 24-hour karaoke bars. The Barranco area is the most happening part of town.
The Hatuchay in Rimac is cheap and popular for traditional dancing and music.
In Cuzco most bars offer a happy hour between 8 and 9.30 pm.
What's the food like?
Typical Peruvian dishes are tasty and vary regionally. Seafood is best on the coast, while the Inca delicacy - roast guinea pig - can be sampled in the highlands.
Other dishes include: lomo saltado (chopped steak fried with onions); cebiche de corvina (white sea bass marinated in lemon, chilli and onions, often served cold with a boiled potato or yam); and sopa a la criolla (a lightly spiced noodle soup).
What should I buy?
Souvenirs are good, varied and cheap. Often the best pieces are bought in Lima, from a jungle blowpipe to a woven poncho from the highlands. Watch out for weavings, ceramics, paintings, woollen clothing and jewellery.
Archaeologists are fighting a losing battle with huaqueros (grave robbers). Refrain from buying original pre-Columbian artefacts.
What is there for children to do?
The Inca Trail is fun and exciting but be aware it will be exhausting and Peru is perhaps not the best place for young tourists.
Tourist office
For information, send a £1 self-addressed A4 envelope to Embassy of Peru, 52 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SP. Tel. 020 7235 2545.
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| | Available rental properties in Peru |
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