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Peru

Andean scenery
The Andes in Peru are home a vast array of micro-climates and eco-systems. Deserts, canyons, high altiplano, lush cloudforest, fertile valleys, snow capped peaks and glaciers, and not to forget classic Inca terracing systems, are all common landscapes that can be seen on a trip within the country.
Andean scenery
Walking and trekking
Beyond the renowned famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu, southern Peru offers dozens of treks and walks. Whether you are seeking a one day walk through Andean villages or a 10 day trek along less-trodden trails then there will be an option for you. Whilst most treks involve basic camping, there are also some lodge to lodge options for those seeking a little more comfort.
Walking and trekking
Archaeological sites
Machu Picchu is the obvious draw of any trip to Peru, but there are many more Inca and pre-Incan sites to interest archaeologists and historians at all levels. From the Sacred Valley of the Inca’s to the lesser explored pre-Incan ruins on the northern coast and the vast pre-Incan city of Kuelap, Peru has the greatest array of sites in South America.
Archaeological sites
Colonial architecture
Peru has many fine examples of colonial architecture throughout the country. Lima, Arequipa and Cuzco have well documented and beautifully-maintained historical centres that take visitors back to the Spanish era.
Colonial architecture
Inca Trail
The draw for trekkers from across the globe, the Classic Inca Trail takes walkers on a 4-day adventure through the high Andes and past a huge number of small Inca sites, all the way to Machu Picchu. Diversifying in recent years, the trail can offer options for all abilities, budgets and timescales. Alternative Inca trails also provide the opportunity to get away from the mainstream and provide varied levels of comfort.
Inca Trail
Machu Picchu
The jewel in the Inca crown set high on a plateau in the Andes. Breath-takingly beautiful the site rarely disappoints. The trick to exploring these majestic ruins is in the planning process, which is where our country specialists come in.
Machu Picchu
Rainforest
Easily accessible from Cuzco, the southern Peruvian rainforest has a number of simple lodges, catering for guests who are looking for their first Amazon experience through to the ultimate wildlife enthusiasts. Alternatively, from the northern city of Iquitos, travellers can choose from a number of cruise boats into the pristine Pacaya Samiria Reserve.
Rainforest

South America

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Visit Cuzco, Peru

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.

Plaza de Armas, Cuzco

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Cuzco

Peru

The conquering Spanish were impressed, and so instead of completely destroying Cuzco, they built their colonial city atop these solid foundations. Koricancha is a perfect example of this, with the skilled stonework of the Inca’s Temple of the Sun used to underpin a baroque church.

Modern-day Cuzco

Cuzco today is a proud, beautiful and lively city with a vibrant art scene, excellent museums and fine restaurants.

The elegant Plaza de Armas is at the heart of the city, and is the perfect place to stop, sit and take in the sights around you; we recommend that as well as exploring with a guide you should have time to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

San Blas is the bohemian arts district, where houses cling to the steep cobbled streets and inside the craftsmen are hard at work. There are also several fascinating museums such as the Inca Museum and the Pre-Colombian Art Museum which are worth several hours of your time.

Inca sites

The hills surrounding Cuzco are dotted with Inca sites such as Tambo Machay and Sacsayhuaman, the latter being the remains of an Inca ceremonial centre and possibly the head of the Inca city planners’ puma.

Its massive interlocking stones are an impressive sight, as are the views over the terracotta roofs of the city below. Sacsayhuaman is also the stunning backdrop to the colourful Inti Raymi annual Sun Festival, held on 24th June.

Around Cuzco

Leaving Cuzco you can travel by road to some of the fascinating surrounding towns and villages. The Sunday market at Chinchero sees a colourful array of goods with traditionally dressed women selling fine handicrafts.

You will have an opportunity to see threads being dyed and woven in one of the local houses, plus visit the remains of the royal manor of the ruler Tupac Inca Yupanqui.

The unusual circular Inca terraces in Moray are still used for farming today, and in Maras you can see the busy salt workers extracting the mineral in a way unchanged for generations since, legend has it, the Sun God sent down a hail of salt on the people of Maras as a punishment for rebelling against the Incas

The different salt pans create a strange and impressive sight, with the mountainside a patchwork of browns and whites which you can walk amongst.

Peru

Andean scenery

Walking and trekking

Archaeological sites

Colonial architecture

Inca Trail

Machu Picchu

Rainforest

Visit Cuzco, Peru