Highlights of Peru
- Board a boat bound for Pacaya Samiria Reserve
- Accessed by cruise boat from Iquitos, the Pacaya Samiria Reserve is one of the most pristine areas of rainforest in the Amazon basin with a good mix of wildlife and indigenous communities.
- Board a boat bound for Pacaya Samiria Reserve
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- Discover the Kuelap ruins
- Shrouded in mystery and dense cloudforest, Kuelap, the pre-Incan remains of a powerful ancient culture, is hidden beneath bromeliads and epiphytes.
- Discover the Kuelap ruins
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- Discover the lost citadel of Machu Picchu
- The obvious highlight of Peru - the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu has an incredible location on a saddle between two mountains and a fascinating history. A must-see on any visit to Peru.
- Discover the lost citadel of Machu Picchu
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- Explore the diverse wildlife of Manu Biosphere Reserve
- A pristine and accessible part of the Amazon rainforest, Manu is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna and is famous as being one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet.
- Explore the diverse wildlife of Manu Biosphere Reserve
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- Make your way through the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- This region between Cuzco and Machu Picchu offers stunning scenery with fantastic examples of Inca ruins, agricutlural terracing and the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking and cycling.
- Make your way through the Sacred Valley of the Incas
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- See the famous Nazca Lines from above
- A set of mysterious ancient shapes carved into the desert of southern Peru, the Nazca Lines have intrigued scientists and historians for centuries. These fascinating features can only be properly appreciated by flying over them.
- See the famous Nazca Lines from above
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- Spend time exploring Cuzco
- The charming city of Cuzco was once the capital of the Inca civilisation, and its cobbled streets and ancient Inca walls remain today as a vivid reminder of its rich history. This is a great place to explore and an ideal starting point for trips to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
- Spend time exploring Cuzco
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- Spot Andean condors in the Colca Canyon
- One of the deepest canyons in the world, the Colca Canyon is set in a harsh yet beautiful landscape and is one of the best places in Peru to spot the Andean condor.
- Spot Andean condors in the Colca Canyon
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- Take to the waters of Lake Titicaca
- The highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titcaca is famous for its stunning blue water and the dramatic surrounding scenery of the snow-capped Andean mountains.
- Take to the waters of Lake Titicaca
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- Visit the Santa Catalina convent in Arequipa
- This lovely colonial city sits at the foot of the Andes, shadowed by stunning ice-capped peaks. Visit the unmissable Santa Catalina convent - a miniature city within a city.
- Visit the Santa Catalina convent in Arequipa
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Our country specialists have travelled the length and breadth of Peru - here are a few of their favourite things to do
From the mighty Andes to the steamy Amazon and everything in between, Peru’s appeal to the visitor is manifold.
History
A fascinating history that spans thousands of years and countless civilizations from 2000BC to the bloody conquest by the Spanish in the 1500s has left the Peru of today with a myriad of fascinating ancient sites.
Landscapes and scenery
These man-made wonders are set against a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains, sapphire lakes, terraced fields in all shades of green and gold, and forested emerald slopes that tumble down into the Amazon basin.
Diverse highlights
Whether your interest lies in ancient ruins, trekking, wildlife, discovering the joys of the welcoming and colourful Peruvian culture or all of the above, Peru is a place that will delight each step of your journey.
Popular Places to visit in Peru
The bustling ‘White City’ of Arequipa rests in the shadow of ice-capped volcanoes, their peaks the tombs of young Inca girls sacrificed to the Gods, and their pale rocks used by the Spanish in the construction of the city below.
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The road from Arequipa towards Colca leads first through a rugged landscape dominated by volcanoes and seemingly home only to wild llama and vicuña. The Colca Canyon, said to be one of the deepest in the world.
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As the capital of the vast Inca empire and their ‘navel of the world’, Cuzco was a remarkable city, reputedly built in the shape of a puma, full of magnificent stone palaces and temples decorated with gold.
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The starting point for wildlife trips into the northern part of the Peruvian jungle, Iquitos itself is worth a look as it is the epitome of a steamy Amazon city. Hemmed in by lakes, rivers and green forest on all sides, the only way in or out is by boat or plane, so once you are here the Amazon is very accessible.
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The bright blue waters of Lake Titicaca ripple across the altiplano (high plain) of Peru and Bolivia. Its shores and islands, lapped by the chilly waters, are a land of legends, ancient customs and colourful dress, with the locals holding firmly to their pre-conquest traditions.
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Once reputed to be the most beautiful city in all of Spanish America, Lima today can be something of a challenge. It is, however, brimming with heritage and a worthwhile stop for a night or two.
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Hidden from the world until the American explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled across the ruins in 1911, this magnificent citadel is one of South America’s most famous sights. Machu Picchu rests on a saddle between two lushly forested peaks, and its inaccessible location only heightens its impressiveness.
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This winding and fertile valley between Pisac and Ollantaytambo was at the spiritual and commercial heart of the Inca empire.
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The sleepy town of Puerto Maldonado, linked by short daily flights from Cuzco and Lima, is the most popular starting point for Amazon trips in Peru.
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Practical Info
Flight time from UK
15 1/2 hours (Lima, via Madrid)
When To Go
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