Peru

Discover the mysterious of Peru

Discover a mysterious land of ancient Inca ruins, snow-covered mountains and lush, lowland jungles sheltering spectacular fauna and flora on one of our Peru tours. The captivating country of Peru has so much to offer. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu, fascinating historic cities such as Lima and Cusco, the mysterious Nazca Lines, the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, Amazon rainforest lodges, immense Lake Titicaca, and dramatic scenery of the Colca Canyon.

The country’s capital, Cusco, is located 3,353 metres above sea level in the Andes mountains, and retains much of its original Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture. Travel by train along the beautiful Urubamba River valley to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, or physically follow in the footsteps of the Incas and trek the Inca Trail. Other highlights include Amazon jungle, the beautiful colonial town of Arequipa, the impressive Colca Canyon, the mysterious Nasca Lines and mystical Lake Titicaca.

Three-fifths of Peru is jungle and the country has many protected areas such as magnificent Manu National Park and Tambopata in the east and the Pacaya Samiria National Park in the north, near Iquitos. Stay in an eco-lodge or cruise the Amazon River aboard a luxury riverboat.

Recommended Peru Tours

Explore some of the experiences that we can custom-design for you. All of our tours are tailor-made to suit your interests, budget and timeframe.

Peru River Cruises

Cruise by luxury riverboat though Peru’s northern Amazon rainforests and explore the beautiful Pacaya Samira National Park. Search for unique wildlife such as iguanas, giant otters, red howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths and pink river dolphins.

Accommodation in Peru

Below are some of our preferred accommodation options in Peru, carefully selected for their superior locations, service and level of comfort. Explore the highlights sections above to view more of our handpicked luxury accommodation.

Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

The handsome Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel is set inside a 16th century manor house steps from Cusco's vibrant Plaza de Armas.

Belmond Hotel Monasterio

The Belmond Hotel Monasterio boasts a stunning internal courtyard and is just steps away from Cusco's lively central square.

Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

The Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado is set beside the rushing Urubamba River close to Inca archaeological sites such as found at Ollantaytambo.

Belmond Miraflores Park

Lima's Belmond Miraflores Park is a small luxury hotel just moments from the many museums and restaurants of the chic Miraflores district.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

The refined Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is located conveniently close to Cusco's lively Plaza de Armas and the grand Cusco Cathedral.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

The splendid Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only property located at the entrance to Machu Picchu, offering a chance to see the ruins without the crowds.

Casa Andina Premium Miraflores

Located in upscale Miraflores, the lovely Casa Andina Premium Miraflores is a great base for exploring the many sights of Lima.

Casa Andina Premium Puno

Casa Andina Premium Puno offers comfortable accommodation on the shores of mystical Lake Titicaca.

Country Club Lima Hotel

The Country Club Lima Hotel is one of the city's finest hotels, located in the prestigious residential neighbourhood of San Isidro.

Highlights of Peru

Iguazu Falls

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Magical Machu Picchu is one of the “must-see” destinations in South America.

At an altitude of 2,400m in the Andes mountains, this ancient Inca citadel is believed to have been built by Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century. Abandoned and known only to locals, it was “re-discovered” in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham. The citadel is reached via a 30 minute bus journey from the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo in the valley below. Alternatively, you can follow the ancient Inca Trail and trek up to the Sun Gate at the entrance to the citadel. To get to Machu Picchu Pueblo, you can take the train from Cusco or drive through the Sacred Valley, visiting picturesque villages and Inca sites en route, before boarding the train for the final sector to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Buenos Aires

Captivating Cusco

Dating from the 11th century, Cusco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the western hemisphere, and was once the capital of the Inca Empire.

High in the Andes, at 3,400 metres above sea level, Cusco is a treasure trove of Incan and Spanish architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remains of Incan forts, temples and stone terraces reflect great engineering skill and sophisticated architectural techniques. Explore the enormous fortress of Sacsahuamán on the hill above Cusco. After Cusco was sacked by the Spanish conquistador Fancisco Pizarro in November 1533 magnificent Baroque churches, monasteries, squares and palaces were built. The Church of Santo Domingo, completed in 1654, actually incorporates the foundations and several walls of the Incan Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, which was once decorated in silver and gold. Visit the church of La Compañía, the La Merced church and convent (founded in 1534), and the Santa Catalina convent.
Mendoza

Famous Inca Trail

Follow in the footsteps of the Incas as you hike through the magnificent mountains and valleys around Machu Picchu.

The 4 day Inca Trail Classic follows the traditional route from Piscacucho ( km 82 on the railway from Cusco) all the way to the citadel itself. This magnificent hike is for travellers who are able to hike up to ten hours a day, with beauty and history surrounding you every step of the way. On the final morning, you cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and look down upon the unforgettable vista of Machu Picchu. Accommodation is at campsites. Other routes, such as the Lares Trek (Weavers Way) are also well worth doing, while the 7 day Salkantay Lodge Trek incorporates comfortable lodge accommodation.
Salta and northwest Argentina

Ancient civilisations of the Northern Kingdoms

Apart from famous Machu Picchu, Peru has many other fascinating archaeological sites.

Travel north to Trujillo, Chachapoyas and Cajamarca to see the temples and palaces of the ancient Chimu and Moche civilisations – the so-called ‘Northern Kingdoms’. Visit the adobe city of Chan Chan, the Temples of the Sun and the Moon, and the pyramids of Tucume. Drive to the Chachapoyas region and the pre-Inca fortress of Kuelap. Journey by horseback to the ancient cliff tombs of Revash, and visit the Leimebamba museum housing over 200 mummies. The Spanish colonial town of Cajamarca is also well worth seeing for its Baroque churches and pre-Incan remains..
The Ibera Wetlands

The Mysterious Nazca Lines

These mysterious lines and giant drawings of animals and mythical beings, cover 450 km2 of the Nazca desert, 400 km south of Lima.

Most of these “geoglyphs” were created between 200 BC and 500AD by the ancient Nazca peoples, probably for religious reasons, to be seen by their gods, or to point to significant planets or stars on the horizon. The lines were created by scraping away the top surface of red stones in the desert, revealing the clay beneath, which set hard and was preserved by the dry and windless desert environment. They are best seen from surrounding hilltops and from the air.
Argentinian Patagonia

The Wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands

Take a boat trip from Paracas, just north of the famous Nazca Lines, to see the birds and marine life of the Ballestas Islands.

The rocky islands’ caves and coves harbour thousands of sea birds such as Peru Boobies, Guanay Cormorants, Humboldt Penguins and large colonies of noisy fur seals. Sea lions, dolphins and sometimes whales can also be seen. From the boat, there is also a good view of a huge and mysterious geoglyph shaped like a candelabra, etched into the desert hills along the shore.
Argentinian Patagonia

Amazon Rainforest Lodges

Experience the wonders of Peru’s Amazon rainforest where monkeys call from high in the canopy and brightly tropical flowers light up the shady forest floor.

Explore Peru’s verdant rainforests whilst staying at the renowned Manu Wildlife Center next to Manu National Park, or from one of our carefully selected lodges near the lush Tambopata National Reserve. Visit clay licks which attract thousands of colourful parrots and macaws. Walk forest paths in search of tapirs and monkeys. Look out for giant river otters and caiman in quiet lagoons. Manu National Park has the highest biodiversity of any place on earth and covers 1.5 million hectares of virgin rainforest. More accessible is the Tambopata Reserve which shelters one of the richest ecosystems in the world. Both parks are reached by flying into the town of Puerto Maldonado and then travelling by vehicle and riverboat or motorized canoe.
Argentinian Patagonia

Amazon River Cruising

Cruise by luxury riverboat though Peru’s northern Amazon rainforests and explore the beautiful Pacaya Samira National Park.

Just some of the strange creatures you might encounter here include iguanas, giant otters, red howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths and pink river dolphins. The high tech but eco-friendly Aqua Amazon offers air-conditioned cabins, fine dining and shore excursions with experienced guides. Alternatively, board the Delfin I or Delfin II riverboats, exploring the shoreline by motorised skiff, by kayak or on foot with expert guides. Meet local communities and fish for piranha. You can choose from 4, 5 or 8 day itineraries departing from the jungle town of Iquitos.
Argentinian Patagonia

Lake Titicaca

The birthplace of the Sun and the Moon according to Andean mythology, Lake Titicaca is a magical place.

Situated at 3,827m on the border of Peru and Bolivia, it is the largest high altitude lake in the world. Amongst the many attractions of Lake Titicaca are the floating Uros Islands, built by the Uros Indians from totora reeds, which they also use to construct their boats and houses. Taquile Island has many pre-Inca and Inca ruins, and the local Indians produce fine quality weaving. Suasi Island is a beautiful, tranquil private island with just one eco-lodge, and home to all 4 camelid species: alpacas, llamas, guanacos and vicunas. For absolute luxury, stay at Titilaka, a boutique hotel on a private peninsula with views of the lake. It is also possible to cross into Bolivia via catamaran, visiting Sun Island en route.
Arequipa

Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

The picturesque city of Arequipa is also called “The White City” because of its its many buildings made from white volcanic rock.

The city is surrounded by three volcanoes, all which are snow-capped in the winter. The Plaza de Armas is one of the most beautiful in the country, flanked by the cathedral and other grand buildings housing cafes and restaurants. Visit the magnificent Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a former convent which has been exquisitely restored with period furniture, paintings and tranquil courtyards with fountains and gardens. Take a tour to the amazing Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. Pass quaint Andean villages, pre-Incan terraces and the smoking summit of Sabancaya volcano.

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Peru Overview

Why Peru: Peru is a spectacular destination of ancient Inca ruins, stunning Spanish colonial architecture, snow-covered mountains and lush Amazon jungle teeming with incredible fauna and flora.

When to Go: Peru’s climate varies considerably by region and altitude. The best time for trekking is Jun – Sep, when days are sunny but nights are cold. The Inca trail is closed during the wettest month of February; however you can still visit Machu Picchu by train during this time. As one moves up into the mountains from the coast, night-time temperatures become colder. The eastern slope of the Andes, which includes the Amazon basin, experiences very heavy rainfall during the wet season, so the best time to visit this region would be Apr – Oct.

Combine With: A trip to Peru is easily combined with Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Patagonia or Brazil. Alternatively, you could visit  Central America.

Getting There: Lima has direct flights to and from cities all over South America.

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