Classic Safari
An incredible itinerary exploring the bustling cities of Peru followed by tracking through the Peruvian Amazon rainforest in order in search of the incredible flora and fauna which calls this area home.
From 7000 per personMenu
Peru Safaris
Drift down the Amazon’s tributaries in search of pink river dolphins and watch condors sail on the thermal currents of the Colca Canyon. Climb through the ruins of distant civilisations to tap into your inner ‘Indy’ and watch the red gleam of caiman eyes in your torchlight. The country’s geography encompasses around 80% of the world’s different ecosystems and is absolutely full of wildlife: from the primates and wildcats of the Amazon, to the spectacled bears of the cloudforest. With a dizzying numbers of biomes, bird species, and ancient sites, we can take you deeper into the rainforest and further into the mountains and along the coast to experience the best of Peru.
The Peru Safari Experience
- Rainforest exploration – Peru offers two types of Amazon experience: lodges in the south and river cruises in the north, allowing you to seek out dolphins, primates, jaguars, and a stunning array of birdlife.
- Archaeology – Peru is the capital of the ancient Americas, with more Pre-Colombian sites than any other, from the obvious (e.g. Machu Picchu) to the barely-visited gems (e.g. Chavín de Huantar).
- Adventure – As well as Inca ruins galore and engaging indigenous culture, the Sacred Valley also offers a wide range of activities, from mountain biking to white water rafting.
- River travel – Sail to the Meeting of the Waters on your expedition cruise, or travel by motor launch deep into the southern Amazon rainforest.
- Whale watching – See humpbacks off the northern coast near the laidback beach town of Máncora in the spring as they travel back towards Antarctica.
- Hiking – Peru is one of the world’s great destinations for anyone who likes to get their boots on and feel the ground under their feet, from jungle to glacier.
- Night safaris – Walk down forest trails and drift alongside the river banks, seeking out the gleam from the eyes of night monkeys, caiman and myriad other species.
Why Natural World Safaris for your Peru safari?
At Natural World Safaris we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry. There are any number of operators selling trips to take in a ‘bucket list’ highlights of Peru; sadly, it is a country that’s somewhat prone to ‘tickbox’ tourism. Of course, we’re not going to try to talk you out of visiting Machu Picchu, but we will make sure you see it in the best possible way, at the best time, and stay in the best places while doing so.
Safaris & Planning
Long Safari
Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, the Amazon, the Nazca Lines – it's all here (and more) in an action-packed three-week journey that allows travellers to fully immerse themselves in the natural and cultural wonders of Peru.
From 12000 per person
Different Ways to Get to Machu Picchu
The remote location of Machu Picchu high up on a mountainside in the Sacred Valley rules out straightforward access by road, so either your route into or out of Machu Picchu will involve taking the train to/from Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo) – a town that’s swelled around the station at the base of the valley.
Read more about Machu Picchu
Salkantay Lodge and Adventure Resort
Located at 12,795 feet, Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort takes its name from the sacred most sacred peak in Inca mythology, which stands tall at a spectacular 20,500 feet. Welcoming you with a hot tub and fantastic views of an enormous glacier-cloaked mountain, this luxurious weigh station is on a lesser known route to Machu Picchu.
Read more about Salkantay Lodge
Talk to a Peru Destination Specialist
How much does Peru cost?
For a 3-week safari sweeping through the southern half of the country, staying at a careful selection of the finest boutique hotels and eco-lodges, with private road transfers, all other internal transportation, and largely privately guided experiences, expect to pay from around $7,000 per person.
Where to Stay in Peru?
While staying in the heart of the jungle, most people probably wouldn’t expect their bedroom to have a wall that’s open to the forest, but our favourite lodges have exactly this feature. Built in the traditional indigenous style, the spacious rooms are open-sided to provide cooling ventilation, but also elevated from the forest floor to discourage too much in the way of the local fauna joining you at night. In the cities, some of the most striking accommodations are sensitively converted colonial mansions in cities like Cusco and Arequipa. The boutique hotel concept has been well embraced in Peru, and there are some delightfully unique places to stay in the more bohemian areas of Lima as well as in more rural locations such as Colca and Titicaca.
When to Go to Peru?
The best time for you to go to Peru will depend on where you want to go and what you want to see, although May to October tend to be peak. Read more about when to go.
What to expect from a trip to Peru
Client Reviews
Rated 5/5 based on 1 customer reviews
- —Angela Molnar
We had a wonderful trip to Peru. Tristan and Lorna were very helpful and helped us with every question we had. Our trip was perfectly planned – it was the second time we travelled with NWS and we were satisfied with our trip from beginning to end.
Peru Safaris FAQs
What wildlife can I see in Peru?
Peru contains huge diversity within its ecosystems thanks to the Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains and coastal areas. For this reason you’ll find habitats that support a wide variety of animals. Some you might encounter on your trip include the Jaguar, Amazon River Dolphin, Andean Condor, Spectacled Bear, Humboldt Penguin, Poison Dart Frogs, Humpback Whale and Bottlenose Dolphin.
Discover more detail on wildlife that you can see in Peru.
Which month is good to visit Peru?
The best time to visit Peru depends on your preferences and the regions you plan to explore. Generally, the dry season from May to September is considered ideal for most travellers, as it offers pleasant weather and clear skies in popular destinations like Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. This period is especially well-suited for trekking and outdoor activities. The months of June to August are peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. The wet season from December to March brings rain to the coastal areas but is a good time to visit the Amazon rainforest due to higher water levels. Ultimately, the choice of when to visit Peru depends on your interests and the experiences you wish to have.
Do I need vaccinations for Peru?
Before travelling to Peru, it's advisable to consult a travel health professional to determine the necessary vaccinations based on your itinerary and activities. Commonly recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations. If you're visiting lower-elevation areas or the Amazon rainforest, a yellow fever vaccine may be required.
Do I need a visa for Peru from the UK?
British citizens travelling to Peru for tourism purposes do not require a visa.
Can you drink the water in Peru?
In many urban areas of Peru, such as Lima and Cusco, the tap water is treated and considered safe to drink. However, the water quality can vary between regions and even within different parts of a city. To err on the side of caution, especially if you're not accustomed to the local water, it's generally recommended for travellers to drink bottled or boiled water and avoid consuming ice made from tap water.
Can you swim in the ocean in Peru?
Yes, you can swim in the ocean in Peru, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The Pacific Ocean along the Peruvian coast can be quite cold, particularly in the southern areas like Lima. Water temperatures vary throughout the year, with warmer conditions generally found in the northern coastal regions. Popular beach towns like Mancora and Punta Sal offer more favourable swimming conditions with warmer waters.