UK
Empire of the Andes
From the misty ruins of Machu Picchu to the depths of the Amazon and the surreal beauty of Rainbow Mountain, Peru is a land of ancient mystery and natural wonder. For UK travellers, it’s a bucket-list destination that blends archaeology, adventure, and culinary brilliance.
Air Travel
Flights from London to Lima take around 14–16 hours with stopovers, typically via Madrid, Amsterdam, or Miami. Domestic flights are essential for reaching Cusco, Arequipa, and the Amazon.
Airlines
British Airways offers direct seasonal flights. Other carriers include Iberia, KLM, LATAM, and Avianca. Domestic travel is served by LATAM Peru, Sky Airline, and JetSmart.
Peru
Empire of the Andes
Landmark
Travel Season
- May–September: Dry season in the Andes and Amazon
- October–April: Wet season, fewer crowds, lush landscapes
- Year-round: Lima and coastal regions
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
- Cards accepted in cities; cash preferred in rural areas
- ATMs widely available
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants is standard
Connectivity
- Good Wi-Fi in cities and tourist hubs
- Local SIMs: Claro, Movistar, Entel
- Coverage drops in remote mountain and jungle areas
Getting Around
- Domestic flights for long distances
- Long-distance buses are comfortable and scenic (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa)
- Ride apps (Uber, Cabify) in Lima and Cusco
- Trains: PeruRail and IncaRail to Machu Picchu
Time Zone
- Peru Time (PET) – GMT-5 (no daylight saving)
Etiquette & Culture
- Spanish is the official language; Quechua spoken in Andean areas
- Greet with a handshake or cheek kiss
- Respect for indigenous traditions is essential
- Bargaining is common in markets
Top Destinations
- Lima: Culinary capital and coastal charm
- Cusco: Gateway to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley
- Arequipa: Colonial architecture and volcano views
- Iquitos: Amazon jungle adventures
- Puno: Lake Titicaca and Uros Islands
- Huacachina: Desert oasis and sandboarding
- Paracas: Wildlife-rich coast and Ballestas Islands
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, Anticuchos
- Drinks: Pisco Sour, Chicha Morada, Inca Kola
- Tap water is not safe—stick to bottled
- Peru is a global culinary hotspot—book ahead for top restaurants
personal_bag What to Pack
- Layers for altitude changes
- Waterproof gear for rainforest and Andes
- Power adapter (Type A/B – 220V)
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, altitude medication
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (May–Sep): Best for trekking and sightseeing
- Shoulder season (Apr & Oct): Mild weather and fewer crowds
- Festivals: Inti Raymi (June), Virgen del Carmen (July), Carnival (Feb)
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- Peru is safe in tourist areas; avoid isolated zones at night
- Emergency number: 911
- Travel insurance is essential
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (Amazon); altitude precautions advised
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Lima
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