Peru

Peru is a vibrant land of cultural and environmental contrasts. Its people, descendents of the Inca, Spanish conquistadors and Afro-Peruvian slaves, retain rich traditions of language, dress, art, music and cuisine. It has stunning and diverse landscapes, from the highest snow dusted peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon jungle. Fantastic food is on offer and the main language spoken, Spanish, is surprisingly easy to pick up.

Peru is the third largest country in South America and its landscapes contain the tropical jungles of the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca - the highest navigable lake in the world, and Atacama Desert - the driest place on earth. Because of its varied geography and climate, Peru has a high biodiversity and several protected areas have been established for species preservation.

The first inhabitants of Peru were nomadic hunter-gatherers who lived in caves in Peru's coastal regions. Later, advanced cultures introduced weaving, agriculture and religion to the country. By the early 15th century, the Inca Empire had control of much of the area, building impressive stone cities, such as Machu Picchu, still visible today. The Incan Empire was overthrown by the Spanish, who colonized Peru in the 1530s.  Today, Peru has a population estimated at 28 million, the majority of whom speak Spanish, but many are bilingual in Quechua or Aymara and other native languages. 

Peru is located on the equator. However, unlike other equatorial countries, Peru does not have an exclusively tropical climate. The influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. Whilst technically winter when we visit, it is the ‘dry season’ in the highlands which makes it the ideal time for walking and trekking. Around Cusco and Lake Titicaca you can expect daytime temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-70°F). Overnight temperatures may get down to freezing. At lower altitudes, in Arequipa, on the coast, and in the Amazon Rainforest you will find it pleasantly warm.

Peru student programs, small group tours and travel

Pacific Discovery offers the following student programs and small group adventure travel tours in Peru. However, if you are interested in a custom tour for your high school group, university group, family or special interest group, then please contact us, as we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that incorporates experiences and excursions to suit your group and focus.

Discover Peru tour & Galapagos Islands

20 days of fantastic adventure travel through Peru with optional 9-day Galapagos Islands extension

Peru is a land of contrasts - explore the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, see the intriguing Nazca Lines, walk in the shadows of the mighty Colca Canyon, homestay on an island in Lake Titicaca, wander the ancient plazas and markets of Cusco and Arequipa, head up-river into the Amazon jungle, and much more. And if you have time, join us for an amazing trip exploring the Galapagos Islands.
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Peru Summer Program

Spanish language and culture immersion, volunteering and adventure travel in Peru

Experience Peru’s incredible cultural, social and environmental diversity. Spanish immersion, volunteering with orphans, homestay with local families, trek an Inca trail to Machu Pichu, explore islands on Lake Titicaca, wander ancient plazas and markets in Cusco and Arequipa, hike in Colca Canyon, visit the mysterious Nazca Lines, try sandboarding, and boat among the Ballestas Islands.
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Peru Travel Resources

Official Peru Tourism Site - A wealth of insight, information and facts about Peru
Destination Peru - Peru travel information from Lonely Planet

Map of Peru