Overview Country

Peru
A heady mix of ancient cultures and Andean scenery

The ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru on a foggy day

Lost cities high in the mountains and colourful markets in colonial cities. These remnants of two great empires – Incan and Spanish – make Peru a unique destination. But there’s more to Peru than monumental ruins. We can show you empty deserts or lush green landscapes, guide you up rainbow mountains or take you sailing on Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America. With Cosa, you’ll meet the people, experience the culture, enjoy fabulous food, and see Machu Picchu, of course.

Vinicunca or rainbow mountain are found in the Andes mountains of Peru
where it is

Where it is

South America

When to go

When to go

April to October

Why go there

Why go there

Inca ruins
Mountain scenery
Peruvian cuisine

what to see

What to see

Machu Picchu
Cuzco
Lima

A group of indigenous Quechua women in traditional clothes sitting on an ancient Inca wall in Peru

Soak up the colour in Cuzco

A group of indigenous Quechua women in traditional clothes sitting on an ancient Inca wall in Peru

Wander along cobbled streets and relish a riot of colour in the local clothes but be warned, you’ll need to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Details of Inca wall in the impressive ancient city of Machu Picchu, Peru

Visit impressive Inca ruins

Details of Inca wall in the impressive ancient city of Machu Picchu, Peru

Marvel at magnificent Machu Picchu and venture along the Sacred Valley, where archaeological sites are surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

See the stunning Nazca lines

Take to the skies and fly over these ancient mysterious lines etched into the earth that you can only see from the air.

Women buying and selling fruit at Peruvian market in a village near Cuzco.
Pablo Rogat

A capital foodie favourite

Women buying and selling fruit at Peruvian market in a village near Cuzco.
Pablo Rogat

Lima, known as the gastronomic capital of South America, is famed for its cuisine. We’ll show you to the best places for local specialities.

Lama in the ruins of Machu Picchu, which are one of the new seven wonders of the world

Travel in Peru

Lama in the ruins of Machu Picchu, which are one of the new seven wonders of the world

Peru is all about choices. Should you travel high up to Cuzco or low down in Lima? Are you feeling intrepid or would you prefer to discover one place in depth? You could learn about Inca traditions and Peruvian customs with a guide, or take a cooking class in Lima. Maybe a luxury train ride high in the hills or a surfing trip to the Pacific Ocean? Whatever you want in your Peruvian holiday, we can arrange it for you.

Peru facts

The Spanish governed most of their empire in South America from Peru. Although Spanish is the official language of the country, 47 indigenous languages are also spoken among Peru’s population of around 32 million. The fine wool of the Peruvian alpaca is a prized export. Peruvians can tell if they are from one town or another, just from their hat. Cuzco has one of the highest elevations in the country at nearly 3225m, whereas the capital Lima lies at just 154m.

How to know the time zone

Time zone

UTC -5

Check the flight time

Flight time

16 hours from Switzerland

local currency

Local currency

Sol

Dial code by country

Dialling code

+51

Peru