You can go to Peru at any time of year. In fact, the country's climate varies enormously across the regions. Choose the dry season, from December to March, to visit the coast. June to August or in mid-season is best for touring the Andes and September or November is best for a hike in the Amazon rainforest. You can climb the famous Machu Picchu and go down the Madre de Dios river by canoe in this colourful country with its huge number of tourist attractions.

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Peru food and drink

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What to do in Peru?

On these pages you will find ideas for a trip to Peru to help you prepare for your trip. All these ideas are there just to get your imagination going; you can alter, mix and match them as you please. Your local agent will help you create a unique and unforgettable trip, just for you! Peru has three distinct parts, each with its own character: the Pacific coast, which is the most densely populated; the Andes range, with the highest mountain being the towering Huascarán at 6,768 metres; and the Amazon, which covers the largest part of the country. If you’re going, start with the must-see: Machu Picchu – fortunately not found by the Conquistadors – rediscovered in 1911. You should visit it at dawn to see the ruins shrouded in mist. This extraordinary site still clasps a few secrets to its bosom. Not far away, the Andes range draw ramblers and trekkers to magnificent landscapes. The ultimate rambling experience is the Inca Trail through exceptional archaeological sites. During your stay in Peru, you must stop in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The Spanish erected their buildings, especially religious ones, over Inca constructions which they systematically destroyed, only sparing their characteristic foundations, which are still visible today with their large, perfectly cut and fitted stones. A voyage out of time awaits you in Cusco.

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When to go in Peru?

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Start planning your Peru food tour

A Peru food tour will enlighten your palate, with exciting new flavors and distinctive regional cuisine. From meaty specialties like lomo saltado, which combines beef, French fries and spices in a stir fry with rice, to creamy aji de gallina (chicken stew), there’s something for every taste here.

What makes Peru a great destination for foodies?

Foodies with a sense of adventure will love Peruvian cuisine for its fusion of bold spices, organic herbs and fresh meat and fish. Coffee lovers should visit the coffee plantations of the Andes, and those looking to take a taste of Peru home with them should join a cooking class to garner some local expertise.

The best gastronomy tours in Peru

A food tour of Peru is a fabulous way to immerse yourself in the culture of this vibrant country. Much of the country’s cuisine relies on ancient cooking methods and flavor combinations, but there are hundreds of chefs in the thriving capital experimenting with modern ways of creating new and authentic cuisine. The following foodie experiences are must-try activities during any food tour of Peru.

Visit the market in Lima

Experience authentic Peruvian culture as you stroll through the capital’s markets and taste an assortment of exotic vegetables and fruits. Surquillo Market is a stand-out choice, so come here to explore the beautiful produce used in Peruvian cooking. Top it off by selecting your own ingredients for a ceviche-making class.

Take a coffee tour in Huayopata

Nothing beats savoring a coffee while looking over the breathtaking landscapes of the Andean Highlands, right where the beans are grown and processed. Meet local farmers as you take a tour of the plantations and treat your taste buds to rich organic coffee right from the hillsides.

Take an Amazon food tour

Cruise down through the Amazon rainforest and sample local specialties along the way, such as lean meats and plantain. Accompany the earthy flavors with a cup of masato de yuca, the sacred drink of the Amazon jungle.

A foodie journey through the Andes

The multi-layered culture of the Peruvian highlands, an exciting hiking destination, is revealed in its regional cuisine. Expect tantalizingly rich meats, stews, and soups, followed by refreshing desserts made using locally-grown fruits. Much of the food is prepared in wood-fired ovens and ceramic pots, lending dishes a unique flavor.

A food crawl through Lima

Lima is home to a wide array of upscale restaurants. To really discover the tastes and aromas of the city, join a food tour that will take you to all the best street food spots in town. Top the day off with a booking at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Tips for planning a food tour in Peru

The best time to visit Peru for a food tour is between May and September, when the days are warm and bright. Getting between the main cities and towns by bus is easy, though you'll need to hire a car if you plan on going to more remote country areas.