Peru
Why Visit Peru
- Incredible archaeological heritage: Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, pre-Inca sites.
- Diverse landscapes: high mountains, tropical rainforest, desert coast, high-altitude lakes.
- Rich culture & traditions: Indigenous communities, festivals, colonial architecture, local crafts.
- World-class food: Lima often cited in top culinary capitals; ceviche, Andean ingredients, street food etc.
- Adventure & nature: hiking (e.g. Andes, Cordillera Blanca), wildlife in Amazon, high mountain treks, remote landscapes.
- Good value & improving tourism infrastructure; Peru is recovering post-pandemic and expanding sustainable tourism.
Discover Peru
Peru is a land of ancient civilisations, staggering landscapes, and living cultures. From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon, its blend of natural beauty, history, and cuisine makes it one of South America’s most compelling destinations.
Machu Picchu & Cusco/Sacred Valley
Explore Cusco’s historic centre, then journey into the Sacred Valley with its markets and fortresses before visiting the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Timed tickets are required and visitors can choose from set circuits.
Inca Trail
The classic four-day trek into Machu Picchu, limited to a strict number of permits each day. Shorter one- or two-day versions are also available for travellers short on time.
Nazca Lines, Paracas & Ballestas Islands
View the mysterious desert geoglyphs by scenic flight, then explore Paracas National Reserve and take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, penguins, and seabird colonies.
Lima
The capital city combines colonial architecture with vibrant neighbourhoods, excellent museums such as Museo Larco, and a culinary scene ranked among the best in the world.
Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Known as the “White City” for its volcanic-stone architecture, Arequipa is also the gateway to Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest, where condors soar above terraced valleys and traditional villages.
Lake Titicaca
The world’s highest navigable lake, dotted with floating reed islands of the Uros people and Taquile Island, famous for its weaving traditions.
Amazon Peru
Choose lodges or cruises from Puerto Maldonado, Manu, or Iquitos for incredible wildlife, jungle treks, and river expeditions through one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Cordillera Blanca / Huascarán National Park
Towering peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and trekking routes like Laguna 69 make this the top destination for high-mountain adventure.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
A striking multi-coloured ridge over 5,000 metres above sea level, accessible on a challenging but rewarding day hike from Cusco.
Huacachina Oasis (Ica)
A desert oasis surrounded by giant sand dunes, perfect for thrilling dune-buggy rides and sandboarding.
Northern Archaeology Circuit
Discover Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world, the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna temples, and the treasures of the Lord of Sipán at the Royal Tombs Museum.
Caral & Kuélap
Visit Caral, one of the oldest known cities in the Americas, and Kuélap, a massive stone fortress hidden in the cloud forest near Gocta Falls.
Region Highlights
Peru
Lima & Central Coast – Peru’s vibrant capital offers colonial plazas, world-class museums, and a globally renowned food scene. Nearby, the desert coast reveals the mysterious Nazca Lines, the Paracas National Reserve, and the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands.
Cusco & Sacred Valley – Once the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a living museum of cobbled streets and baroque churches. The Sacred Valley unfolds with colourful markets, ancient fortresses, and fertile farmland, leading to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.
Arequipa & Colca Canyon – The “White City,” framed by volcanoes, charms with its historic centre and monastery. Just beyond, Colca Canyon plunges deep into the Andes, where travellers can watch condors soar over terraced valleys.
Lake Titicaca & Southern Highlands – At nearly 4,000 metres, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake. Its floating reed islands and traditional communities offer a window into enduring Andean culture, set against sweeping altiplano landscapes.
Northern Peru – Home to ancient civilizations predating the Incas, the north boasts Chan Chan, the temples of the Sun and Moon, and the Royal Tombs of Sipán. In the cloud forests, Kuélap fortress and Gocta Falls await discovery.
Andes & Cordillera Blanca – In northern Peru, the Cordillera Blanca dazzles with snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and Huascarán National Park, a paradise for trekking and mountaineering.
Amazon Rainforest – From Iquitos in the north to Puerto Maldonado and Manu in the south, Peru’s Amazon offers river cruises, jungle lodges, and encounters with one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.
12-Day “Discover Peru” Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lima | Stroll Plaza de Armas, Museo Larco, Miraflores clifftop walk, world-class dining. |
| 2–3 | Paracas & Nazca | Drive or bus to Paracas (3½ h). Boat to Ballestas Islands. Day 3 morning Nazca Lines flight. Evening bus to Huacachina. |
| 4 | Huacachina Oasis | Dune-buggy ride and sandboarding, sunset over the desert. Overnight Ica → night bus or flight to Arequipa. |
| 5–6 | Arequipa & Colca Canyon | Explore “White City,” Santa Catalina Monastery. Day 6 excursion to Colca Canyon to watch soaring condors. |
| 7 | Lake Titicaca (Puno) | Scenic bus/rail across the altiplano. Visit Uros floating islands. |
| 8 | Taquile Island | Full-day boat trip; weaving cooperatives, sweeping lake views. Overnight train or flight to Cusco. |
| 9 | Cusco | Stroll Inca walls, Qorikancha, San Blas, local markets. |
| 10 | Sacred Valley | Pisac market & ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress. Overnight in the valley. |
| 11 | Machu Picchu | Train (or Inca Trail if booked). Guided visit of the citadel with timed entry. |
| 12 | Rainbow Mountain or Amazon add-on | Day-trip hike to Vinicunca or short flight to Puerto Maldonado for a jungle lodge extension. Evening/next-day return to Lima for international flight. |