If you only get to visit one South American country on your trip make it Peru. Steeped a rich and often mysterious history the country is a sheer fantasy land of hidden temples, tombs and ruins which leave fascinated visitors enthralled.
From the snowy peaks of the Cordillera to the sweaty heat of the Amazon basin, Peru boasts tasters of South America’s diverse natural highlights, along with a colourful array of wildlife. A unique and fascinating destination for your gap year or career break Peru is an exotic yet affordable choice.
Best Peru Gap Year Programs
Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Shelter Volunteer
• 4-12 weeks
• £1,845
Peru Inca Adventure
• 10 days
• Price from £1,196
Lima to Buenos Aires
• 35 days, 4 countries
• Price from £3,340
The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio
• 65 days
• Price from £6,799
South America Explorer Trip
• 18 days, 3 countries
• Price from £3,917
What to Know Before You Go
• Climate and Best Time to Go: Suitable for visiting all year round, Peru enjoys temperate summer temperatures between January and March, usually in the 20s (degrees Celsius). This is the best time to visit. Winter temperatures are only slightly cooler but drop as you go inland.
• Time Difference from UK: GMT -5hrs
• Currency: Nuevo Sol (S/)
• Religion: Roman Catholic (81%), Protestant (6%)
• Language: Quechua (official), Spanish (official)
• Health Conditions: Altitude sickness, cholera, malaria, rabies, yellow fever, HIV/AIDS
• Festivals: Inti Raymi, 24 June, Candelaria, February, Senor de los Milagros, October
Peru Gap Year Ideas
These are some of the best places to go if you are planning on backpacking Peru.
Cuzco: South America’s oldest inhabited city and one of the most archaeologically significant in the world, Cuzco is home to a former Inca empire and has a rich and captivating legacy. Now a hub of tourist activity bars and internet cafes line the historic streets. Its charm however is still firmly in tact. Also the gateway to Machu Pichu, Cuzco is definitely worth a stop.
Nazca Lines: There are many theories as to how the mysterious Nazca lines came to be, however the 800 lines and geometric shapes that have been etched into the desert at Pampas de Jumana remain one of the worlds greatest mysteries. Best viewed from the air, a flight over the Nazca lines is a truly special experience which will remain with you long after your Peruvian adventure is over.
Manu National Park: Situated within the vast Amazon basin the Manu national park is a UNESCO world Heritage site and home to a vast variety of rare, tropical wildlife.
Lima: This lively and frenetic city is an ideal spot to explore museums and enjoy the colourful nightlife and music scene. Historic and colonial architecture adds to its varied appeal. The crowds and pollution can put some visitors off but if you are up for it this interesting city can be really rewarding.
Machu Picchu: Words cannot capture the magic of the 4 day trek into the heart of this world renowned archaeological site. The ‘lost’ ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu is a highlight on every Peruvian itinerary. Search Peru tours for trips.
Peru Gap Year & Backpacking Guide
Visa
No visa is required before travel to Peru for UK passport holders and most nationalities.
Is Peru Safe?
With super-friendly people who love their foreign visitors you could not be in a safer more humbling location. Peru is a very popular tourist destination so do leave your important bits and pieces tucked away safely at the accommodation and wear a money belt for larger amounts of money.
The most common annoyance is leaving your bag at a cafe with everything in it rather than actual pick pocketing. Do be careful when taking the busy train up to visit Machu Pichu, take the smallest day bag you can even if staying overnight in Aguas Calientes. That way you can have your bag on you at all times.
There are reports of bags going missing on trains although this tends to affect backpackers and locals who have to leave their larger rucksacks on the overhead racks whilst they sleep or pop to the toilet.
What is the money in Peru?
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. It is divided into 100 centimos (cents). You can obtain Nuevo Sol before travel from a bank, bureau de change or in the UK from a Post Office. You may need to order in advance. Cuzco airport has a money exchange if you prefer to change money on arrival.
Where can I change money during my visit?
Cuzco has ATMs which accept major cards. If you run out of money or lose your bank card there are plenty of Western Union agents where you can collect cash in minutes from family at home. Simply take your passport and the reference code from family.
