Ultimate Peru Honeymoon Itinerary & Guide
Let’s discover this South American gem, let’s get planning with our Ulimate Peru Honeymoon Itinerary & Guide…
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Let’s explore the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Peru with our Ultimate Peru Honeymoon Guide!
The bustling streets of Lima, the mystique of the Andes and the allure of the Amazon beckons.
Take a food tour in Lima, wake up to the surreal sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, relax on the serene shores of Lake Titicaca. Go mountain biking or rafting. For culture, history and adventure lovers, a Peru honeymoon is a delight.
Keep reading for everything you need to know with our Ultimate Peru Honeymoon Guide!
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Good to know about Peru
Time Zone: GMT -5
Language: Spanish
Capital: Lima
Population: 34 million
Currency: Sol S/ ¢ (US$ are accepted)
A few phrases:
Hi: Hola
Thank you: Gracias
Goodbye: Adios
Visa Required: Most nationalities can enter Peru for up to 180 days without a visa. You will need 6 months of validity left on your passport.
However, if you are transiting through the US or Canada, you may need a visa, ESTA or ETA travel waiver. If you need help to obtain a visa, check out iVisa.com.
Travel Insurance: Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible. Safety is paramount, particularly if you’re planning a Peru honeymoon itinerary. It’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon. If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
Travel Health: There may be a risk of malaria (in some areas) and zika virus in Peru. Travel vaccinations are needed. We encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a Tropical Medicine Specialist.
Best time to visit Peru for honeymoon
The best time to visit Peru for a honeymoon is during the dry season, which runs from April to October.
During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, particularly around Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. However, the temperature in Peru varies depending on the region you are visiting.
Coastal regions, such as Lima and Paracas, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during the dry season. In the Andean highlands, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, temperatures can get chilly at night.
In the Amazon jungle, temperatures are hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
Peru has different microclimates, so the weather can vary depending on the region and time of day. For example, in the Andean highlands, it’s common to experience both sunshine and rain on the same day, so it’s important to be prepared for any weather.
The worst time to visit Peru is from December to February, during the rainy season. In fact, the Inca Trail closes every February because of the rain.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, it’s best to avoid planning your Peru honeymoon during the peak season, which runs from late June to August.
Overall, the best time to visit Peru for a honeymoon is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant.
How to get around Peru
Travelling around on your Peru honeymoon is an adventure. It’s worth noting that there can be vast distances between the major landmarks / tourist sites.
Peru has a well-developed domestic flight network, making it easy to travel between Lima and Cusco to other major tourist destinations.
Bus travel is common. Buses will often have sleepers as they cover longer distances. The most luxurious, albeit most expensive, way to get around is by train, where flights are not an option.
Take the scenic route on your Peru honeymoon! The most famous train journey is the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, which takes passengers from Cusco to Machu Picchu in style. You also have the Belmond Andean Explorer from Cusco to Puno and the PeruRail Vistadome from Cusco to Machu Picchu and Cusco to Puno.
Train tickets should be booked in advance to secure your seat, especially during peak travel seasons.
Private transfers are a convenient way to get from train stations and airports to your accommodation. It’s highly unusual to hire a car in Peru but if you speak Spanish and are familiar with the driving culture, this could be an option, too.
Peru Honeymoon Itinerary
A Peru honeymoon is for adventure seekers, but it needs time as Peru honeymoon destinations are spread out.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 14-night Peru honeymoon itinerary with some suggestions of where to leave out if you have less time and where to add on if you’ve more time.
This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customise it to your preferences and budget to create the perfect Peru honeymoon for you both.
Lima (1 night)
Start your journey in Lima, the capital city of Peru. Spend a night here to explore the city’s iconic food scene. Hang out in bohemian Barranco. Feast on ceviche and pisco sours.
Check prices and book Hotel B on Booking.com or Expedia.com
The Amazon (2 nights)
Your Peru honeymoon adventure truly begins as you can fly to Puerto Maldonado (airport code: PEM) with Latam Airlines to start your exploration of the Peruvian Amazon Jungle.
Spend an afternoon relaxing in an eco-lodge and the next day enjoy a guided tour through the Amazon rainforest, spotting exotic wildlife and learning about the region’s unique ecosystem.
Discover Tambopata National Reserve, with its dazzling variety of flora and fauna around. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with nature.
Check prices and book Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica on Booking.com or Expedia.com or a budget 2 night/3 day tour on GetYourGuide.com
Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu (4 nights)
Take a short flight to the Peruvian Andes and the tourist town of Cusco (airport code: CUZ).
Cusco (or Cuzco) was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and is now known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. It’s the gateway city of the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.
You can stay in Cusco, but we’d recommend transferring to Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes. From here, you can easily explore Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Staying closer lets you fully experience the beauty of the valley and its surrounding mountains. Take a train to Machu Picchu and tour the site, one of the most iconic destinations in South America. Take in the scenery and enjoy the cute llamas and alpacas.
The Inca Trail – For couples with more time for a Peru honeymoon, the Inca Trail is nothing less than a bucket list worthy experience but it needs around 4 days, including a day or two each side to acclimatise.
You need a permit to hike the Inca Trail. They cap the number of these, so it’s best to book early (6-12 months). You can book the Inca Trail with GetYourGuide.
If the Inca Trail is not available, the Lares Trek is an alternative. It is a little shorter and there are no permit limits. Tickets to Machu Picchu should be booked well in advance as daily visitors are capped.
After exploring Machu Picchu, head back to Cusco for 2 nights. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Cusco, and the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine of this fun city.
Take a day trip to explore Rainbow Mountain or Montaña de Siete Colores. This colourful mountain is around a 2-hour drive from Cusco. Discover Lake Humantay if you have more time. This turquoise lake sitting under the serene Andes mountains is worth the hike.
Cusco is a haven for adrenaline inducing activities like mountain biking, ATV tours, zip lining, paragliding and rafting, too.
Check prices and book Las Qolqas EcoResort Ollantaytambo on Booking.com or Expedia.com
Check prices and book Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco on Booking.com or Expedia.com
Arequipa & Colca Canyon (2 nights)
From Cusco, it’s time to fly to Arequipa (airport code: AQP) (unless you are travelling on your Peru honeymoon via the ultra luxury train, Belmond Andean Explorer)!
Explore the White City, as Arequipa is known. This is Peru’s most beautiful, insta worthy city. Known for its colonial-era buildings made of white volcanic stone.
You can explore the historic city centre, visit museums and art galleries, and try traditional Peruvian cuisine at local restaurants.
Because this area is volcanic, you can also explore hot springs, salt landscapes and waterfalls if you have more time.
One must add to your Peru honeymoon itinerary is visiting the stunning Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Spot exotic wildlife, including the Andean condor, and enjoy the stunning views of the canyon and its surrounding mountains.
You can opt for a day trip from Arequipa or take an overnight stop tour package en route to Lake Titicaca. if you have more time you could stay at the heavenly Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel, Colca Canyon.
Check prices and book CIRQA – Relais & Châteaux, Arequipa on Booking.com or Expedia.com
Puno & Lake Titicaca (3 nights)
Whether you opted for a detour to Colca Canyon, luxury train travel, or a private transfer, you’ll soon be enjoying the serene vibes of Lake Titicaca.
Once you get there, you can stay by the lake and enjoy a tour to the floating villages of Uros and the picturesque island of Taquile. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Peru.
Check prices and book Titilaka – Relais & Châteaux on Booking.com or Expedia.com or Titicaca Lodge on Booking.com or Expedia.com
Lima (2 nights)
From Puno, transfer to the nearby city of Juliaca for your direct flight to Lima.
Lima is often overlooked for couples short on time on their Peru honeymoon. However, we highly recommend spending a day exploring this underrated city.
If cities aren’t your vibe, it’s also a great spot to take a flight over the Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs that can only be seen from above.
You can take a tour in a small plane and marvel at the intricate designs and shapes etched on the desert floor.
Don’t miss exploring the oasis town of Huacachina.
Check prices and book Hotel B on Booking.com or Expedia.com
If you have more time
If you have more time to spend on your Peru honeymoon, you could extend your time in any of the destinations mentioned, particularly in Cusco, where you could easily spend a week.
Ocean lovers will enjoy Mancora or Paracas. Mancora is a laid-back beach town with a lively nightlife, perfect for couples who want to relax during the day and party at night. Paracas has beaches and the Ballestas Islands, where you can go on boat tours to spot sea lions, penguins, and dolphins.
Peru’s Pacific Ocean beaches are more wild though, so if you’re seeking a more white sand, tropical vibe, you’d have to plan a multi destination honeymoon with Colombia or Mexico.
If you have less time
If you have limited time for your Peru honeymoon, we recommend you focus on a few key destinations.
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a great place to start your trip, but getting to Cusco should be a priority as you can base yourself here and explore many of Peru’s highlights (not just Machu Picchu!)
If you’re short on time, consider a small group adventure tour. Not only are they excellent value, but you fit so much in.
Peru Honeymoon Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peru good for honeymoon
Yes! A Peru honeymoon offers a unique blend of adventure, scenery, history, culture and food. From exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to enjoying a relaxing day at Lake Titicaca, you won’t be short of things to do in Peru!
How to get to Peru
Most international flights to Peru arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport Lima (airport code: LIM).
Lima has connections to/from major US hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and from Toronto in Canada.
You can also fly from European hubs like London, Amsterdam, Madrid and Paris.
On arrival, you can book a transfer to take you to your hotel.
From Lima, you can take domestic flights or buses to other destinations in the country.
Cusco (airport code: CUZ) also receives regional international flights from Bogota in Colombia and Santiago in Chile.
How long should we stay in Peru on honeymoon
As you can see there is so much you can add to a Peru honeymoon itinerary. We think 14 nights is ideal although some couples will have less time.
At least 10 nights will allow you to see some highlights. The ideal duration of a Peru honeymoon itinerary can vary depending on personal preferences and budget.
14 nights will allow you some time to recover from jet lag, acclimatise to the high altitude and have time for multiple destinations and activities.
Is Peru expensive
A Peru honeymoon can be relatively affordable, but it depends on your travel style and the activities you choose.
Food is relatively cheap, but tours and activities can add up. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a memorable Peru honeymoon without breaking the bank.
Should we use a travel agent to book a Peru honeymoon
A good travel agent who books Peru honeymoons regularly will usually have a direct relationship with a destination management company in the country, meaning a smooth journey.
They may have preferential rates, so it’s definitely worth checking things with a trusted travel agent. Engaging a travel agent can have a lot of benefits.
However, if you prefer to book a D-I-Y Peru honeymoon package, we’d recommend choosing a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com. You can get great discounts on their loyalty programme.
You can book transfers and ferries easily, along with tours and excursions on GetYourGuide or Viator.
When you’re booking flights, if you can’t fly directly and are booking connecting flights, give yourself enough time to change aeroplanes. We’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover for a stress-free experience.
Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking!
Is Peru safe for a honeymoon
While Peru sadly has a high level of crime, it receives over 4 million visitors per year, most of whom travel without issue. If you stick with the main tourist centres and use common sense, you can consider Peru a safe destination for a honeymoon.
However, like many destinations around the world, there has been recent political and civil unrest. It is wise to check your government’s travel advice. Exercise caution and adhere to local advice if there are protests while travelling.
Like any other country, it’s important to take common-sense precautions, such as not carrying too much cash and leaving your valuables at home.
Is Peru safe for LGBTQ+ couples
While same-sex sexual activity has been long legal in Peru and anti LGBTQ+ discrimination has been banned since 2017, Peru is a Catholic and generally socially conservative country.
This being said, you’ll find local attitudes may vary, as it sadly does the world over, so discretion is recommended.
Hotels do not discriminate against LGBTQ+ couples when extending complimentary honeymoon amenities.
Should we bring cash / should we tip
It’s a good idea to have a safe amount of US$ dollars or Peruvian Soles with you for spending and meals.
Cards are accepted in major tourist hotels and you’ll find ATMs in most towns on your Peru honeymoon itinerary.
Tipping while not mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service. A tip of 10-15% in restaurants and for tour guides would be the norm.
What to pack for a Peru honeymoon
When packing for your Peru honeymoon, it’s important to consider the varying climate and the activities you’ll be doing.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and a waterproof jacket. If you plan to visit high-altitude destinations, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, it’s also recommended to bring medication for altitude sickness.
Get packing with our Honeymoon Packing List Bundle.
Where can we tag on to Peru for a multi-destination honeymoon
Peru is a great starting point for a multi-destination honeymoon in South America.
From Lake Titicaca, it’s easy to travel into Bolivia from Puno into La Paz across the Uyuni Salt Flats for a true bucket list adventure and end up in Argentina.
Consider flying to Ecuador and do a week in the Galapagos Islands. Fly to Colombia and explore the coffee triangle and the beaches of the Caribbean.
If you’re flying from or via the US, then you could tag on a city honeymoon in New York, Miami or Los Angeles for a few days.
You can also fly up to adventure haven, Costa Rica or how about a luxury all-inclusive on the Riviera Maya? There are direct flights from Lima so you could combine with a honeymoon in Cancun and Mexico City.
We would love to hear from you in the comments if you are planning a Peru honeymoon itinerary! Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information!
Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please contact us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!
Happy Planning x
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