Peru Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trip Packages

Peru Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trips

808 Peru trips. Tours from 200 tour companies. 1,477 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

93 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Local Immersion & Homestays
Peru Encompassed
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Puerto Maldonado, Puno

Highlights

  • Colonial facades, Spanish houses, endless culture and delicious cuisine during your free time in the Peruvian capital.
  • Take the opportunity to board a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines – whether they’re the work of ancient civilizations or something more supernatural, it’s an incredible experience.
  • Trek the Inca Trail, the Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, no matter how you get there, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu are a majestic destination.
  • Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, with its ancient foundations and interesting blend of Inca and colonial influences.
  • Experience the untouched world of the Amazon rainforest. Stroll along jungle trails on the lookout for monkeys, parrots, otters and caimans.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Peru in 10 days - Sacred Inca & Ultimate Amazon Experience - Charm
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Exoticca
preferred
1/5 Terrible
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Although they’re cheaper than other brands, they still make sure all parts of the trip, like hotels, meet a high minimum standard.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cusco, Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Santo Domingo, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Cuzco
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Puerto Maldonado
  • Sacred Valley

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. If your sending documents out correspondence should be in both the native language and the language of the people the correspondence to. Other than that a great first time experience."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Peru Express 5 Days Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
42 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Visit to Machu Picchu Ruins
  • Raimbow mountain
  • Sacred Valley of the Incas and Maras Inca Ruins

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Phenomenal! Karen was awesome. We made a potato soup with an avocado rose set on cheese in the middle of the soup. Then we made a sword fish in a cream sauce and finished with a chocolate fondue dish with a variety of passion fruit and other local fruits. It was the best cooking class I have ever taken. Thanks Karen!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Peru in 15 days - Ultimate Inca Adventure - LUXURY
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Exoticca
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Although they’re cheaper than other brands, they still make sure all parts of the trip, like hotels, meet a high minimum standard.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arequipa, Lima, Nazca, Puno, Sacred Valley, Santo Domingo

Highlights

  • Arequipa
  • Cuzco
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. If your sending documents out correspondence should be in both the native language and the language of the people the correspondence to. Other than that a great first time experience."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Peruvian Pathways
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • The choice is yours on the way to Machu Picchu – test yourself on the challenging Classic Inca or Inca Quarry trails, or take the train for a more leisurely experience. Then, marvel at the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters.
  • Experience the wild world of the Amazon rainforest. Stroll along jungle trails on the lookout for monkeys, parrots, otters and caiman, and sleep in a nature lodge lit by candles and kerosene lamps.
  • Treat yourself to freshly made coffee and cakes at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley that’s empowering community growth and providing job opportunities and training for single mothers from the region.
  • Enjoy a day out on tranquil Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water, and explore the floating islands crafted by the indigenous Uru locals.
  • Get to know the locals of the Huilloq community in the Sacred Valley, learn from them, discover their ancestral textile techniques, join an offering to Pachamama and then sit down for a special lunch together.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Peru Children of the Andes
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
87 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Discover remnants of a well-preserved historic civilization
  • Experience a thriving modern culture and Relish in the beauty of local hand-woven textiles
  • Breath-taking mountain peaks, and artifacts from one the most powerful empires in human history.
  • Meet local artisans, musicians, and grassroots leaders who’ll share their contributions to Andean society
  • Enjoy the magical ancient city of Machu Picchu, as well as other archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"I recently returned from the Costa Rican wildlife safari. I was a bit concerned with Covid however every place was extremely clean and had places for you to wash your hands before you even walked in. This was a trip I was actually supposed to go on in 2020 however it was postponed, waiting so long the expectations were high. I was definitely not disappointed! Patricia our guide was absolutely wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and cater to our every need. I would highly recommend this vacation. Also everyone that I met in the community was extremely gracious and kind. The majority of these people work on tourism and unfortunately in the last year have not had any. Booking this trip would not only be an amazing adventure for you but it would also be amazing for the people in the community"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Ecuador and Peru Classic 10 Days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
42 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Lima, Machu Picchu, Quito

Highlights

  • Start in Quito and end in Lima! With the in-depth cultural tour Ecuador & Peru Classic 10 Days, you have a 10 day tour package taking you from Quito to Lima and through Quito, Ecuador and 12 other destinations in Latin America.
  • Ecuador & Peru Classic 10 Days is a small group tour that includes accommodation as well as meals, transport and more.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Phenomenal! Karen was awesome. We made a potato soup with an avocado rose set on cheese in the middle of the soup. Then we made a sword fish in a cream sauce and finished with a chocolate fondue dish with a variety of passion fruit and other local fruits. It was the best cooking class I have ever taken. Thanks Karen!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Inca & Amazon Adventure (4 Star Hotels)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Travel Talk
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Lima

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Did the Jordan Essential Tour, it was absolutely amazing. This was my first Group Travel Tour and I loved it. I was worried about being the oldest one on the tour (I’m 34), but it was a good mix of ages. It was incredible to travel with people of different nationalities. Our Tour guide Issa was great. At all times he was really helpful. Taught us a lot about Jordanien history and culture. The tour was a great mix of everything...sightseeing, exploring, chillin and partying."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
93 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Local Immersion & Homestays
...

1

2

3

4

5

...

Peru Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,477  Reviews
See all Peru tour reviews
Excellent
1,171
Great
262
Average
22
Disappointing
5
Terrible
4
P

Pam

Oct 2015

Written on

We saw so much and were told

We saw so much and were told much history and information about the country.

b

ben

Oct 2015

Written on

I really like the ethical and environmental

I really like the ethical and environmental policy

D

Dianne

Oct 2015

Written on

Our trip was well organised and took

Our trip was well organised and took us to a range of different places so that we got a good overview of what Peru was like. We were disappointed that the trip did n...

S

Shraddha

Sep 2015

Written on

Very well organized, trip leader very detail

Very well organized, trip leader very detail oriented to make the trip run as smooth as possible

S

Sarah

Sep 2015

Written on

I had a wonderful time, an excellent

I had a wonderful time, an excellent tour leader and a great group of people on my tour who really made my holiday a truly fantastic experience and the philosophy of...

Write a Review

Peru Tour Selection Trips

  • For getting to Machu Picchu, you have many tour options: hike the challenging Inca Trail, hike one of the sometimes even more challenging Inca Trail alternatives, or take a delightful train ride with magnificent vistas in its own right.
  • If possible, don’t limit yourself to Machu Picchu. Look for tours that visit other archaeological sites in the northern reaches of Peru, including the massive adobe city of Chan Chan or the fascinating Mochica tombs in Chiclayo.
  • In the Amazon, choose a travel supplier that uses indigenous tour guides, who are best suited to show you the culture and experience of the world’s largest rainforest.
  • Bring altitude medicine and sunscreen. The city of Cusco and Lake Titicaca may be situated at the highest altitude you’ve ever encountered. Peru is also quite close to the Equator, where the sun’s rays can be powerful. Outside of Lima, sunblock can be hard to find.
  • Pack clothes for many occasions. When it’s winter in North America, it’s summer in Peru. Bring a swimsuit for the immaculate beaches, bring a jacket for the high Andean peaks, and bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty for your Amazonian treks.
  • Practice a little Spanish before arriving in Peru. Although most tourist destinations are staffed with English-speakers, and your guide certainly will, knowing some basics will help you interact with Peruvians you meet in your travels.
Once you’re there…Always carry toilet paper and soap. Peru is an adventure, and although your hotel will always be well stocked, you can’t rely on destination bathrooms to have sufficient

  • Remember that hot water is a luxury in Peru. Don’t be surprised if you see light switches in your bathroom to provide you with a warm shower after a long day of sightseeing.
  • Prices are often negotiated in Peru so don’t be afraid to push for a better price or ask your guide about fair prices during your journey.
  • Also, cash in small bills is far more acceptable everywhere than credit cards, especially outside of the major cities.
 

Additional details

Peru Packing List

Peru’s diverse landscape makes for a great travel experience, but also makes it a nightmare to pack. From the hot beaches, to the humid rainforests, to the freezing highlands — you have to be ready for every climate and temperature.

Luckily, there are several ways you can avoid packing everything but the kitchen sink. In Cusco, there are several shops where you can buy gear. In some trekking shops, you can even rent gear like thick down jackets. 

Overall, packing lists for Peru vary depending on your tour itinerary. As a general rule of thumb, pack layers so that you can adapt to any climate. Make sure to pack light as well, as most tours have a bag allowance for treks.

Here are staple items you will need to pack for your trip to Peru:

  • Good athletic shoes for hiking: When hiking in Peru, you want to make sure that your shoes have good treading and have good ankle support. You may opt to buy hiking boots, but most travelers say that athletic shoes are good enough to trek in. Make sure you break in your shoes before traveling so that you don’t end up with blisters!
  • Thick wool socks: The highlands of Peru are quite frigid, so warm socks will be a lifesaver. These will save your feet during the cold weather treks and freezing nights.
  • Thermal leggings/pants
  • Thermal long-sleeve shirts
  • Hoodie
  • Down jacket
  • Rain jacket: The weather can be very unpredictable, so a rain jacket or poncho will help you stay protected from unforeseen rain.
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent: In higher altitudes, bugs are less common. As Machu Picchu’s elevation is lower, you should pack insect repellent. The same goes for when visiting the Amazon.
  • Sunscreen 
Is Peru safe?

Peru’s diverse landscape, itinerary, history attracts millions of tourists annually. Although it’s a popular destination, tourists may encounter issues in Peru.

For starters, tourists may be targeted, as they are seen as wealthy. Therefore, theft, pickpocketing, mugging is common. 

Be careful when trekking in Peru as well. Some routes are notorious for being dangerous, in terms of crime and lethal insects. Traveling with a reputable guided tour in Peru can protect you from these situations.

Although there are several rumors about the dangers of traveling in Peru due to drug trafficking, the threat has declined in recent years. There hasn’t been an attack on tourist areas for almost two decades. More concern is raised in the northern areas of Peru, especially along the Colombian border. This area has had plenty of “Do Not Travel” notices due to drug trafficking and insurgent activities.

With all this being said, you might be thinking twice about visiting Peru. However, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid this beautiful country! It has a lot more to offer than bandits, crime, and dangerous insects. 

To protect yourself from these dangers, there are some precautions you can take to ensure you travel safety. As with visiting any foreign country, it pays to be vigilant and be safe rather than sorry. With good judgement, research, and caution, you can avoid bad situations. 

Here are some tips to keep you secure when traveling in Peru:

  • Don’t wear flashy clothes and jewelry.
  • Don’t wander around at night, especially in cities.
  • Travel in groups.
  • Learn a little Spanish to help you get by.
  • Watch your drink to prevent spiking.
  • Keep your valuables at home/locked away in your hostel.
  • Avoid dodgy/deserted areas.
  • Avoid withdrawing from ATMs late at night, or from sketchy places to prevent fraud
  • Keep your credit card in sight when making purchases to prevent credit card fraud.
  • Exchange money at reputable agencies (eg. banks or money exchanges within hotels). This decreases the chance of receiving counterfeit bills, and being the target of crime.
  • Choose a reputable tour group.
  • Be vaccinated. Scroll down to learn more about vaccinations for Peru.
  • Get insured! You never know what misfortunes could happen during your trip.
Tips for Adjusting to High Altitude

Unfortunately, altitude sickness (known as soroche in Peru) can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, fitness level. However, those with lung or heart conditions are more likely to experience symptoms of altitude sickness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, difficulty breathing, and heart racing).

Typically, people experience altitude sickness at 8,000ft. As a result, some may experience discomfort in Machu Picchu, where the elevation is 7,972ft. The more concerning location is Cusco, where the altitude is 11,152ft.

Here are some tips to adjust to high altitude:

  • Chill out for the first few days: Let your body adjust to the lower amount of oxygen intake.
  • Take deep breaths.
  • Avoid substances, such as alcohol: Drinking alcohol may increase your symptoms of altitude sickness.
  • Ascend slowly: Many flights land in Cusco. Some travelers recommend taking a trip to a lower region as soon as you land, and working your way back up to Cusco, so that your body can get used to the shift.
  • Eat well, especially high-carb foods.
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take a chill pill: Diamox can be taken 24 hours prior to your ascent to help prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.
What Vaccines Do I Need for Peru?

Vaccinations are probably the last thing you want to think about before traveling, but for Peru, preparations should be made well in advance. 

Recommended vaccinations vary depending on your itinerary, so it’s best to consult your doctor beforehand. However, here are required and recommended vaccinations according to the Center for Disease Control.

Routine/Required Vaccinations for Peru:

For these vaccines, you may need a booster shot before you leave.

  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Polio 
  • Flu shot
Recommended Vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies
  • Yellow fever
Other precautions:

Since illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are spread through mosquito bites, make sure to protect yourself with repellent. There are no vaccinations for malaria and dengue, however you can take antimalarial pills. 

This is a good choice, especially if you are planning to explore the jungles of Peru in the summer.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 808 trips to Peru and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!