Classic Peru Safari
An incredible itinerary exploring the bustling cities of Peru followed by tracking through the Peruvian Amazon rainforest in order in search of the incredible flora and fauna which calls this area home.
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Peru Safaris & Holidays
Drift down the Amazon’s tributaries in search of pink river dolphins and watch condors sail on the thermal currents of the Colca Canyon. Climb through the ruins of distant civilisations to tap into your inner ‘Indy’ and watch the red gleam of caiman eyes in your torchlight. The country’s geography encompasses around 80% of the world’s different ecosystems and is absolutely full of wildlife: from the primates and wildcats of the Amazon, to the spectacled bears of the cloudforest. With a dizzying numbers of biomes, bird species, and ancient sites, we can take you deeper into the rainforest and further into the mountains and along the coast to experience the best of Peru.
The Peru Safari Holiday Experience
- Amazon Wildlife Safaris – Spot pink dolphins, monkeys, jaguars and tropical birds by river cruise in the north or rainforest lodge stay in the south.
- Ancient Sites & Culture – Explore Machu Picchu and lesser-known archaeological treasures like Chavín de Huantar.
- Active Adventure – Hike glaciers and jungle trails, or try white-water rafting and biking in the Sacred Valley.
- Coastal & Night Wildlife – Whale watch off Máncora’s coast and join night safaris to see caiman, night monkeys and more.
Peru Safaris & Planning
From $7,000 per person
Long Peru Safari
Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, the Amazon, the Nazca Lines – it's all here (and more) in an action-packed three-week journey that allows travellers to fully immerse themselves in the natural and cultural wonders of Peru.
Salkantay Lodge and Adventure Resort
Located at 12,795 feet, Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort takes its name from the sacred most sacred peak in Inca mythology, which stands tall at a spectacular 20,500 feet. Welcoming you with a hot tub and fantastic views of an enormous glacier-cloaked mountain, this luxurious weigh station is on a lesser known route to Machu Picchu.
Talk to a Peru Destination Specialist
Why Natural World Safaris for your Peru safari?
At Natural World Safaris, we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry. There are a number of operators selling trips to take in a ‘bucket list’ highlights of Peru; sadly, it is a country that’s somewhat prone to ‘tickbox’ tourism. Of course, we’re not going to try to talk you out of visiting Machu Picchu, but we will make sure you see it in the best possible way, at the best time, and stay in the best places while doing so.
How much does Peru cost?
For a 3-week safari sweeping through the southern half of the country, staying at a careful selection of the finest boutique hotels and eco-lodges, with private road transfers, all other internal transportation, and largely privately guided experiences, expect to pay from around $7,500 per person.
Where to Stay in Peru?
While staying in the heart of the jungle, most people probably wouldn’t expect their bedroom to have a wall that’s open to the forest, but our favourite lodges have exactly this feature. Built in the traditional indigenous style, the spacious rooms are open-sided to provide cooling ventilation, but also elevated from the forest floor to discourage too much in the way of the local fauna from joining you at night. In the cities, some of the most striking accommodations are sensitively converted colonial mansions in cities like Cusco and Arequipa. The boutique hotel concept has been well embraced in Peru, and there are some delightfully unique places to stay in the more bohemian areas of Lima as well as in more rural locations such as Colca and Titicaca.
When to Go to Peru?
The best time for you to go to Peru will depend on where you want to go and what you want to see, although May to October tend to be peak.
Peru Travel Inspo
Different Ways to Get to Machu Picchu
The remote location of Machu Picchu high up on a mountainside in the Sacred Valley rules out straightforward access by road, so either your route into or out of Machu Picchu will involve taking the train to/from Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo) – a town that’s swelled around the station at the base of the valley.
Peru Safari Highlights
Client Reviews
Rated 5/5 based on 3 customer reviews
- —Gabrielle Esperdy, Peru, June 2025
This was our third trip with NWS--service was excellent across the board. NWS made the whole trip seamless and stress free.
- —Jaki Kennedy, Peru, October 2024
We have just been on another (our 7th) fantastic trip with Natural World Safaris - this time to Peru. We covered a lot of ground and there were a lot of moving parts, and the arrangements were all excellent and went very smoothly. We always have confidence in any trip organised for us by NWS and are happy to recommend them. We love their focus on wildlife and respecting the natural world as well as the people and cultures in their destinations, which they know in great detail.
- —Angela Molnar
We had a wonderful trip to Peru. Tristan and Lorna were very helpful and helped us with every question we had. Our trip was perfectly planned – it was the second time we travelled with NWS and we were satisfied with our trip from beginning to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wildlife can you see in Peru?
Peru hosts jaguars, monkeys, sloths, macaws, giant river otters and pink dolphins in its Amazon rainforest.
Where is the best place to see wildlife in Peru?
Manu National Park and Tambopata Reserve are among the most biodiverse areas of the Amazon.
What animals live in the Peruvian Amazon?
The Amazon in Peru supports thousands of species including monkeys, reptiles, birds and amphibians.
When is the best time to visit the Amazon in Peru?
The dry season from May to October offers easier wildlife viewing and forest trails.
Is Peru good for birdwatching?
Peru is one of the world’s top birding destinations with over 1,800 recorded species.
Can you combine Machu Picchu and the Amazon?
Yes, many travellers combine Amazon rainforest lodges with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
What national parks protect wildlife in Peru?
Major protected areas include Manu National Park, Tambopata Reserve, and Pacaya-Samiria.
What wildlife experiences are unique to Peru?
Visitors can see clay lick macaws, giant otters and rainforest canopy wildlife.
Is Peru safe for wildlife travel?
Peru’s wildlife destinations are typically visited with guides based at rainforest lodges.
What accommodation options exist in the Peruvian Amazon?
Visitors stay in riverfront rainforest lodges and conservation reserves designed for wildlife exploration.
Is the Peruvian Amazon worth visiting?
Yes. Peru’s Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world with monkeys, macaws, sloths and jaguars.
What wildlife can you see in Manu National Park?
Manu National Park hosts jaguars, giant otters, monkeys, macaws and hundreds of bird species.
Can you see pink river dolphins in Peru?
Yes. Pink river dolphins live in the Amazon River and its tributaries in Peru.
What makes Peru unique for wildlife travel?
Peru combines Amazon rainforest wildlife with Andean landscapes and iconic sites like Machu Picchu.
Why Natural World Safaris for your Peru Safari?
Beyond the Ordinary
While Machu Picchu often steals the spotlight, we go further, into the heart of the rainforest, to lesser-known Inca sites, and across vast highland plateaus. Whether you’re tracking wildlife in Tambopata or stargazing in the Sacred Valley, our safaris take you well beyond the typical tourist trail.
Wealth of Experience
With years of experience crafting tailor-made journeys across Peru, our team knows how to unlock the best of this diverse country, from the Amazon to the Andes. We work with expert naturalists, cultural historians, and trusted local guides to ensure each safari is seamless and insightful.
Tailor-Made Travel
Your Peru journey is built around your interests, travel style, and pace. From remote eco-lodges in the Amazon to luxury mountain hideaways, we create bespoke itineraries that balance comfort, culture, and wild exploration, always with private transfers and personalised support throughout.