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Izabela Fronczyk

Specialist To: Sri Lanka • Maldives • Madagascar • Seychelles • Mauritius • South Africa •

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Country Facts

Capital

Lima

Area

1.28 million km2

Time Zone

UTC: + 5 hours

Population

34M

Currency

Nuevo Sol

Flight time

9 Hours 40 Minutes

Peru: The Empire of the Sun

A Private Narrative of Ancient Citadels and Culinary Mastery

Masterfully Designed by South American Specialists.

Peru is a land of staggering verticality and deep-rooted tradition—a place where the jagged peaks of the Andes conceal lost limestone cities and the Amazon basin teems with primordial life. At Earth Trip, we believe that Peru’s monumental history is best appreciated through a strictly private, expert-led lens.

We reject the predictable tourist routes. Instead, we commission bespoke private journeys that balance the colonial elegance of Cusco with the remote serenity of the Sacred Valley. Every Earth Trip journey is masterfully paced to ensure absolute privacy, proper altitude acclimatisation, and a profound connection with the heart of the Incan Empire.

 

The Signature Landscapes

Cusco & The Sacred Valley: Incan Grandeur

  • The Icon: The naval of the Incan world, defined by its seamless blend of Spanish colonial architecture built upon massive Incan foundations.

  • The Earth Trip Distinction: We don’t just offer a city tour. We curate private, specialist-led explorations of the Sacred Valley, focusing on remote weaving communities and lesser-known archaeological sites like Moray and Ollantaytambo. We select only the most refined boutique “Casonas” and restored haciendas, providing a quiet, elegant sanctuary for your acclimatisation.

Machu Picchu: The Sanctuary in the Clouds

  • The Icon: The world’s most famous archaeological site, perched dramatically between Andean peaks and the Amazonian cloud forest.

  • The Earth Trip Distinction: We avoid the midday crowds. We orchestrate private, expert-guided tours timed to catch the first light or the late afternoon shadows when the site is at its most ethereal. For the journey itself, we utilise the most exclusive rail services, featuring open-air observation cars and gourmet Andean dining.

The Peruvian Amazon: The Pulse of the Earth

  • The Icon: A vast, emerald wilderness home to unparalleled biodiversity, accessed via the gateway of Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado.

  • The Earth Trip Distinction: We focus on “Purposeful Luxury” in the rainforest. We partner with world-renowned sustainable river cruisers and private jungle lodges that offer absolute seclusion and expert-led wildlife spotting. From private night-time canopy walks to silent boat expeditions into remote oxbow lakes, we ensure your jungle encounter is both intimate and ethical.

The Luxury of Seamless Exploration

Navigating the high-altitude terrain of Peru requires a specialist’s touch. Earth Trip eliminates the friction of travel by providing climate-controlled private transport and professional chauffeur-specialists throughout your route.

From the coastal deserts of Paracas to the high plains of Lake Titicaca, your logistics are handled with absolute precision. There are no shared coaches or fixed schedules—only the flexibility and comfort of a journey designed specifically for you.

Inspired to Begin?

Let us design your private Peru expedition.

Our destination specialists possess an unrivalled, first-hand mastery of the Peruvian landscape. Connect with Earth Trip today to begin your private consultation and commission a journey tailored precisely to your vision.

Preparing For A Trip To Peru?

Peru: Visa & Entry Requirements for British Citizens

This guide outlines the current entry protocols for travellers holding a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. As your dedicated destination specialist, Earth Trip ensures every administrative detail is masterfully managed for a seamless arrival.

Passport Validity & Documentation

  • Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Peru.

  • Blank Pages: You must have at least one fully blank page for digital registration records, though physical stamps are increasingly rare.

  • Condition: Ensure your passport is in excellent physical condition; immigration officials at Jorge Chávez International (LIM) are meticulous.

Digital Immigration: The TAM Virtual (2026 Update)

Peru has successfully modernised its arrival process, replacing paper forms with the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) Virtual.

  • The Process: Your entry is registered electronically when your passport is scanned. At major international airports, you will not receive a physical stamp in your passport.

  • Accessing Your Record: If you require proof of entry—for example, to exempt your luxury hotel stay from the 18% VAT (IGV) tax—you can access your digital TAM record online via the official Migraciones portal.

  • Land Borders: If you are entering Peru by land from Bolivia or Ecuador, physical stamps are still common. It is your responsibility to proactively ensure your passport is stamped by a Peruvian official at the border checkpoint.

Visas & Permitted Stay

  • Tourist Waiver: British nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

  • Discretionary Stay: The specific number of days granted is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Always verify your granted stay duration on your digital TAM record immediately after arrival.

  • Onward Travel: While not always requested, you should be prepared to show proof of a return or onward flight out of Peru.

Customs Restrictions & Allowances

Peru maintains strict limits on electronic items and specific equipment:

  • Electronics: Each traveller (aged 18+) is permitted one laptop and two mobile phones duty-free. Excess devices, such as a second laptop, must be declared and may incur a tax if the value exceeds $500.

  • Drones: Drones are not considered personal effects. You must declare them upon arrival and may be required to pay a temporary import tax (approximately 18% VAT), which is refundable upon your departure from Peru.

  • Currency: You must declare any cash or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000 USD.

Travelling with Minors

Peru has stringent laws to protect minors.

  • Tourist Status: Children entering as tourists with both parents generally only require their passports.

  • Single Parent Travel: If a child is travelling with only one parent, we strongly recommend carrying a notarised letter of consent from the non-travelling parent, translated into Spanish.

  • Resident Minors: Different, much stricter rules apply to children who have resident status in Peru; they require a formal Autorización de Viaje to exit the country.

Internal Travel Logistics

  • Lost Passports: Be aware that most Peruvian airlines and luxury rail services (such as the Belmond Andean Explorer) will not permit boarding with only a police report if your passport is lost or stolen. A new emergency travel document is required for all internal flights.

The Earth Trip Distinction

Administrative precision is a hallmark of the Earth Trip experience. Your specialist will provide a bespoke “Departure Pack” including a direct link to your TAM Virtual and a checklist of required documents. With Earth Trip, the complexities of Andean immigration are handled with the same care as your luxury itinerary.

Read More On Visas

Peru: Essential Health & Medical Information

Your wellbeing is our priority. Peru’s staggering verticality—ranging from the high Andean peaks of Cusco to the emerald depths of the Amazon—requires a masterfully planned approach to health and acclimatisation.

Professional Health Consultation

We recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic at least eight weeks before your departure.

  • Routine Vaccinations: Ensure you are up to date with routine UK vaccinations. Recommendations typically include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus.

  • Yellow Fever: 2026 update: Vaccination is highly recommended for all travellers aged nine months and older visiting areas below 2,300m, specifically the Amazon regions (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, and Loreto). While not required for Cusco or Lima, carrying your “Yellow Card” is advised if transiting to other Latin American nations.

  • Rabies: Pre-exposure vaccination should be considered for those visiting remote wildlife areas or engaging in long-term stays.

Mastering the Altitude (Soroche)

Altitude sickness is a primary consideration for any Andean expedition. Locations such as Cusco (3,400m), Lake Titicaca (3,812m), and the Colca Canyon pose risks.

  • Strategic Acclimatisation: Earth Trip itineraries are intentionally paced. We often recommend beginning your journey in the Sacred Valley (2,800m) rather than flying directly into Cusco, allowing your body to adjust more gently.

  • The First 48 Hours: We advise resting, staying hydrated (water and mate de coca), and eating light meals. Many of our hand-selected 5-star hotels in the Andes offer oxygen-enriched rooms and on-site medical assistance as a standard luxury.

  • Prevention: Consult your doctor regarding Acetazolamide (Diamox), which can assist with acclimatisation.

Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention

Tropical regions, particularly the Amazon basin and northern coastal lowlands, carry risks of Dengue, Zika, Malaria, and the Oropouche virus.

  • 2026 Status: Dengue cases remain present in northern Peru and the Amazon during the wetter months. Avoidance is your best defence; we recommend high-quality DEET-based repellents and long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing.

  • Malaria: Prophylaxis is generally recommended only for those visiting the low-lying Amazon jungle. There is no risk of malaria in high-altitude cities like Cusco or Arequipa.

Food & Water Safety

  • Water: Stick strictly to bottled or purified water, even in luxury hotels. Avoid ice in drinks unless at a high-end establishment that uses purified water.

  • Dining: Peru is a global culinary capital. To enjoy it safely, we recommend dining at our hand-vetted establishments where food hygiene is meticulously monitored. Avoid street food and raw vegetables that may have been washed in local tap water.

Medical Facilities & Emergency Care

  • Elite Care in Lima: The capital is home to exceptional, JCI-accredited private hospitals. Clínica Anglo Americana and Clínica Delgado are world-class facilities with English-speaking specialists and advanced diagnostic technology.

  • Regional Care: In Cusco, the Clínica Peruana Suiza is the preferred choice for travellers. However, for serious emergencies in remote areas, stabilisation and private medical evacuation to Lima is our standard safety protocol.

  • Emergency Services: In the event of a medical emergency, dial 911 or 116 (Fire & Medical).

Financial Security & Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Earth Trip journeys.

  • High-Altitude Coverage: Ensure your policy specifically covers activities above 3,000m if you are visiting the Andes.

  • Repatriation: Your policy must cover medical evacuation (repatriation). Most private hospitals in Peru require a credit card guarantee or proof of insurance before admission.

The Earth Trip Distinction

Navigating the health nuances of the Andes and the Amazon requires a specialist’s touch. Your private chauffeur-specialist provides an essential layer of security, possessing local knowledge of the best medical contacts and carrying emergency oxygen in our private vehicles. Furthermore, your investment is protected by our 100% TTA financial guarantee, ensuring total peace of mind throughout your Peruvian odyssey.

Read More On Health

The Peru Climate: A Specialist’s Guide to Seasonal Strategy

Peru’s dramatic topography creates three distinct climatic worlds: the coastal desert, the high Andes, and the Amazonian basin. For a private expedition, timing is a matter of aligning your interests with the specific rhythms of these regions.

The Temperature Profile: Vertical Variation

  • The Andes (Cusco & Sacred Valley): Characterised by intense highland sun and crisp air. Daytime temperatures stay between 18°C and 22°C. However, in the dry season (June–August), night temperatures can plummet to 0°C.

  • The Amazon (Iquitos & Madre de Dios): Consistently tropical, with highs of 30°C to 32°C. Humidity is a constant, though it feels more manageable during the drier months.

  • The Coast (Lima & Paracas): Lima is famously shrouded in a grey mist (garúa) from June to September. The most pleasant, sunny window for the capital is December to March.

Defining the Seasons for 2026/2027

The Dry Season (May – September): The Andean Peak

Commonly known as the “Andean Winter,” this is the premium window for trekking and visiting Machu Picchu.

  • The Advantage: Crystal-clear blue skies and absolute visibility for the jagged peaks of the Andes.

  • Specialist Note: June is the month of festivities, including the majestic Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in Cusco. July and August are the busiest months; for those seeking exclusivity, we recommend May or September.

The Shoulder Months (April & October): The Specialist’s Choice

These “bridge” months offer the best balance for a comprehensive Peruvian odyssey.

  • The “Green” Advantage: In April and May, the mountains are vibrant and lush from the recent rains, but the skies have cleared. This is often the most beautiful time for photography in the Sacred Valley.

  • The Transition: October offers warmer evenings in the Andes before the heavier rains begin, making it a sophisticated choice for those avoiding the peak winter crowds.

The Rainy Season (November – March): High-Water Luxury

While the Andes receive heavy rain, this period is a strategic choice for Amazonian exploration.

  • High-Water Season: The rivers rise significantly, allowing our private luxury vessels to navigate deep into smaller tributaries that are inaccessible during the dry season. This brings you eye-level with the canopy wildlife.

  • Important Closure: The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance, though Machu Picchu remains accessible via the Vistadome and Hiram Bingham trains.

Strategic Windows: Where to Be and When

Region Peak Window Specialist Insight
Cusco & Sacred Valley May – Sept Perfect for private archaeological tours; cold nights require layers.
Machu Picchu May – Oct Early morning or late afternoon visits are best for soft light and fewer visitors.
The Amazon (River) Dec – April High-water season; optimal for private boat expeditions and aquatic wildlife.
The Amazon (Land) June – Sept Low-water season; better for jungle treks and spotting caimans on riverbanks.
Lake Titicaca May – Oct Crisp, clear air provides the best views across the world’s highest navigable lake.

The Earth Trip Distinction

We believe that the “best” time to visit is dictated by your vision. Whether you desire the flawless blue skies of July for an Andean trek or the lush, quiet exclusivity of the Sacred Valley in May, we curate your journey to ensure the environment complements your narrative.

Read More On Weather

Tailor-Made Holidays

At Earth Trip we will design and plan your personalised itinerary according to the exact requirements of your trip. Whether you prefer to be on a mountaintop or under a waterfall; wake up in the middle of a jungle or have a picnic with locals in the tea plantations – we select the accommodation and activities in order to suit not only your preferences, but also your budget.

Discover Tailor-Made Holidays