Updated: November 3, 2021
Originally published April 2, 2021, this article has been updated.
There is nowhere else in the world like Peru as its intense concentration of cultural heritage and natural wonder create an inspiring collection of opportunities. From the desert to the Andes, the jungle to the coastline, the joy of discovery is all around.
Whether you are looking for a couple’s getaway along Lima’s beaches, a family adventure in search of sloths, or an exciting trek on the renowned Inca Trail, your decision to travel in 2021 and 2022 brings three advantages as you experience all that Peru has to offer.
Peru is a destination steeped in natural beauty and incredible cultural heritage that culminates in the dramatic image of Machu Picchu. While the Nazca Lines are truly fascinating and Lake Titicaca is an exceptional natural and cultural wonder, Machu Picchu is the most recognizable monument in Peru and high on many travel wish lists.
The weight of Machu Picchu's legend creates an air of mystique around the Lost City of the Inca. The architecture inspires the unfathomable, forcing visitors to question how the engineers designed and constructed the buildings without mortar on a plateau sitting among the clouds at over 7,972 feet above sea level. As Peru slowly reopens to tourists, Machu Picchu is only allowing a limited number of visitors each day.
"The vast majority of visits are outside in open spaces, such as vast archeological sites, and most places are rather small towns or even in the countryside, like remote and isolated lodges in the Rainforest. So in addition to Machu Picchu running at only forty-percent capacity and also having implemented social distancing measures, there won't really be any crowded places at all," says Victoria, a Zicasso travel specialist for Peru.
Tickets to explore Machu Picchu are selling out nearly one month in advance due to increased demand and lowered capacity. While this means you can enjoy the remarkable archeological site without the crowds, it also means you must book your time well in advance for popular experiences like Machu Picchu and the short Inca Trail.
By booking in advance, the result will be a unique feeling of freedom among the ruins as if you are visiting the mysterious and enchanting city in private. Machu Picchu remains one of the world's New Seven Ancient Wonders, a title that encouraged even more visitors to travel to the site each year. The new safety restrictions open the panoramic view so you can embrace the legend, the atmosphere, and a personalized experience before the crowds return amid the broadening capacity.
From Amazonian tribes to Andean villages, Peru's diverse cultures offer a distinctive introduction to the country and a warm welcome.
“The touristic infrastructure is second to none, with some of the best hotels, services, and transportation in Latin America,” says Paul, a Zicasso travel specialist. “Covid-19 vaccination rates are high and the tourism industry in Peru understands the importance for international tourism to return with full force. Every effort is being made to ensure visitors get the very best experience possible.”
Your Zicasso travel specialist has the local connections to design your itinerary in a way that ensures you are comfortable with your surroundings and activities, depending on how you prefer to travel. With the option to travel with a private driver, your own tour guide, or both, most of the country's iconic highlights are outside in open spaces, and until tourists return in the usual numbers, you may not see any crowds at all.
Where you stay during a trip can help elevate your experience and add to the memories you make. While accommodations may not seem like the most important detail of your stay at first, by the time you reach your destination, the tiny details can have significant impacts.
Whether looking for a panorama over the Pacific or a secluded terrace on a cliff overlooking Lake Titicaca, visiting Peru now may offer you the chance of an upgrade to a higher category room.
“Enjoy the splendor of Peru’s range of luxury hotels with the chance of free room upgrades and perks,” recommends Paul. While our Zicasso travel specialists are known to include surprises for our travelers, this time in Peru will be especially unique as properties are anxious to ensure a spectacular visit to those travelers first to return.
It is not just about the amenities in a boutique hotel or the attentive service of an accommodation offering a private chef, but the way these experiences elevate your travel in Peru. From private jacuzzis open to the night sky for unfettered views of the starlight or a garden view of Machu Picchu, by booking a regular room when traveling in 2021, you may find yourself in the best hotel room you've ever experienced.
Peru is open and eager to welcome back travelers. While the US still requires a negative test for all travelers to return home, your travel specialist can take care of arrangements to have a technician visit you at your hotel for your convenience. It takes only a couple of minutes and the results are sent directly to your phone within hours.
You can discover new perspectives through the waters of the world’s highest navigable lake or fish for piranha in the Amazon, find exceptional artisan crafts at a local market or uncover the thriving wildlife in an island ecosystem. Visiting Peru now will immerse you in an experience that few may ever know, along with memories that will last a lifetime.
If you are ready to bring your Peru dreams to life, our travel specialists are destination experts and uniquely positioned to guide your plans. Their local connections run deep, and their ability to surprise you with innovative ideas and a customized trip design will make this next trip your best one yet.
For more ideas as you consider your plans, find inspiration with our sample Peru itineraries. If you are interested in planning your perfect Peru trip, you can also speak with a Peru travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.
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