Alaska
Canada
Central America, Mexico & Cuba
The Galapagos Islands
South America
Antarctica
The Arctic
North Africa
Arabia
Africa
Indian Ocean
Indian Sub
North Asia & Russia
Southeast Asia
Australasia
Reasons To Visit Peru
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Request a Brochure
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.
During your day of exploration, you visit the colourful local market in the town of Chinchero. This is one of the most traditional markets in all of South America, and you will be surrounded by locals in their traditional dress all buying and selling their produce.
A half-day tour of the city and nearby Inca ruins begins at Koricancha, which was the Inca’s sumptuous Temple of Sun before becoming the Spaniard’s Santo Domingo church.
The trail takes you through small hamlets and affords stunning views of the Sacred Valley and Pisac below. The trail climbs steadily to a pass at 4200m, beyond which you will descend to a beautiful canyon, where a picnic lunch is served.
Visit the Maras salt pans, the experimental agricultural terraces of Moray and the remnants of Ollantaytambo, once an important Inca administrative centre.
In the small colonial village of Pisac, spend the morning exploring the colourful Indian market, with its wide variety of textiles and ceramics.
Today will take you above Cuzco to the Chuquicahuana section of the Urubamba River to raft on class III-IV rapids. Here the river is much cleaner and more fun than in the lower sections, and no previous experience is necessary.
13 days from £4,370pp
13 days from £3,800pp
14 days from £2,860pp
33 miles away
47 miles away
112 miles away
124 miles away
147 miles away
Other countries in South America:ArgentinaBoliviaBrazilChileColombiaEcuadorParaguayThe Falkland IslandsThe Galapagos IslandsUruguayVenezuela