Whether you’re chasing local vibes that fit your budget or you want to travel with all the comforts included, you can discover Peru your way.
Thinking about going to Peru? Great choice – that’s one less decision to mull over.
But now comes the tricky part: planning. Hotels, transportation, the must-see sites – you want it all, but how do you want to do it?
Travel isn’t one-size-fits-all. Are you the kind of adventurer who loves simple, no-frills journeys where you get to live like a local or do you prefer a little extra comfort paired with your travels?
With Intrepid, you get to choose your style. All you need to do is pick your vibe and not worry about the rest.
So, how do you Peru?
Ways to travel in Peru
If you’re heading to Peru, chances are you’ve got a few iconic spots on your radar – maybe the world-class restaurants of Lima, the history-packed city of Cusco, and of course, Machu Picchu. And hey, why not venture into the Amazon while you’re at it?
There’s no wrong way to experience Peru. You can dive deep into the culture by staying in a local’s home where the stories are as rich as the homecooked meals, or you can kick back in premium accommodation, enjoying top-tier service with all the comforts. However you want to do it, you can peruse Peru your way.
Pick the Peru trip for you
What travel packages offer
You want to see the must-visit spots, dodge the tourist crowds and hit the hidden gems you didn’t even know existed – but how do you plan that without insider knowledge?
That’s where small group travel comes in. They take the guesswork out of the equation, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for before you even click “book”. Sure, you’ll hit the highlights, but with Intrepid, you’ll also venture off the beaten path to spots only the locals know. That’s the beauty of having a local leader who knows Peru like you know your own hometown.
Here’s what you’ll get with Intrepid:
- Accommodations booked and ready for you
- Daily transportation
- Guided and optional activities
- Plenty of free time
- Some meals
- Luggage porterage (when necessary)
- Park and activity permits
What’s not included:
- Tipping (varies by style of trip)
- Flights
You pick the trip, Intrepid will handle the rest. Seriously, it’s that easy.
Budget Peru vs Premium Peru
No two travellers are the same and that’s why Intrepid offers different travel styles.
On either end of the spectrum are Basix and Premium but since you’ve already set your sights on Peru, let’s break down what these styles look like in the land of the Incas.
Basix Peru
Intrepid’s Basix style is for budget-conscious travellers of any age who want flexibility – meaning you’re not paying for the extras you don’t need. It’s all about keeping things simple, affordable and tailored to your own interests.
Here’s what to expect:
- Local transport
- Simple, centrally located stays. Think: budget hotels, local guesthouses and homestays
- Plenty of free time, so you can decide where your time and money go
- Meals generally not included, but some are
Depending on which trip you choose, your days might look something like this:
- Cruising the Amazon by boat, then sleeping in a lodge deep in the jungle
- Exploring cities like Cusco, Lima, Nazca and/or Arequipa at your own pace
- Spending the night in a mud-brick house with locals on the floating islands of Uros at Lake Titicaca
- Having lunch in the Sacred Valley, prepared by local community members
- Three options for travelling to Machu Picchu: Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or by train
- Camping along the Inca Trail
While the accommodations can be very basic with shared facilities (yes, drop toilets and no showers), it’s all part of the adventure. With a Basix trip, you’re not just visiting Peru – you’re living it.
Whether it’s helping a local family with daily chores or kicking around a soccer ball with the neighbourhood kids, these experiences bring you closer to Peruvian culture in a way few travellers ever experience.
Premium Peru
Premium trips are for those who want adventure without skimping out on comfort. You’ll still have a packed itinerary but with a little more included along the way.
Here’s what to expect:
- Handpicked accommodation at an average 4-star level
- More included activities and extras than any other trip style
- Arrival transfer included
- Private transportation including first-class trains
- Daily breakfast and plenty meals covered. Think: home-cooked feasts, locally-owned restaurants and multi-course gourmet dinners
- Premium service and luggage porterage
- All tipping included (except for the leader)
For those who appreciate travel in comfort, Intrepid’s Premium trips offer just that – with a local twist.
With a range of Premium Peru trips to choose from, your trip will look like a mix of this:
- Spending a night in the Amazon rainforest in a private thatched cabana (with the option to book a spa day at the lodge!)
- Taking the 360 train for two visits to Machu Picchu with panoramic views along the way
- Trying fresh ceviche in one of Lima’s top restaurants in one the world’s best culinary scenes
- Crafting bracelets with the women of the Willoq community in the Sacred Valley
- Sipping wine and pisco during an exclusive sunset vineyard tour
- Staying in Peru’s only hotel located within a vineyard (complete with stylish rooms, three swimming pools and tennis courts)
- Guided walking tours of Peru’s vibrant cities
- Feature stay long the Colca River surrounded by waterfalls, gardens, pools and first-class amenities
Essentially, you’ll be getting local immersion and hotspots but without sacrificing comfort.
Discover Peru the Premium way
Experience the Premium difference at Machu Picchu
Intrepid offers several ways to get to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, whether you want to follow the ancient footsteps of the Incas on the famous Inca Trail or kick back on a scenic train ride and save your energy for exploring the site itself.
With a Basix trip to Machu Picchu, you can choose between trekking the Inca Trail, taking the Quarry trail or hopping on a basic train to the ruins. Accommodations are simple, with shared facilities and local transportation. You might camp along the Inca Trail or even stay with a local family for a night in a homestay.
If you’re leaning toward Premium, you can still sample the rugged Inca Trail if you want the experience, but your journey to Machu Picchu includes a ride on a 360-degree train with unbeatable views of the Andes. With high-domed windows and an open-air observation carriage, you’ll take in the scenery from every angle without breaking a sweat.
To get the most out of your time at this iconic site, Premium trips provide two guided visits to fully appreciate the history and mystery of the ruins. Because let’s be real, Machu Picchu is the kind of place you could visit a hundred times and still feel like it’s not enough.
Different options for different traveller needs
We may all dream of visiting the same coveted places but we don’t all travel the same way. That’s why Intrepid offers trips to fit any budget and travel style – whether you’re after the basics or a more premium experience.
No matter what kind of traveller you are, there’s a perfect Peru adventure waiting for you.
How do you want to explore?
