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Peru

7

Reasons To
Visit 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

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Excursions in Peru: Cuzco City Tour

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.

Cuzco, Peru
Cuzco, PeruSacsaywaman Ruins ouside of Cuzco, PeruSacsaywaman Ruins ouside of Cuzco, PeruJuice stands at the market in Cuzco, PeruSacsayhuaman, near Cuzco, Peru

Cuzco City Tour

Cuzco, Peru
  • Culture & History

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 Inca stonework here is perhaps the finest to be seen anywhere and it has remained standing for centuries whilst the Spanish construction has succumbed to earthquakes.

Next visit the cavernous Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas which was built between 1560 and 1664 out of slabs of red granite taken from the Inca site of Sacsayhuaman. Visit this ruined ceremonial centre itself by driving out into the hills surrounding the city. This site is believed to be the ‘head’ of the original puma layout of Cuzco and is a breathtaking display of Inca building skills, consisting as it does of zigzag terraces and ramparts 300 metres in length.

You also drive to see three other nearby sites. Firstly, Tambo Machay, which is an Inca fountain and ritual bathing centre. Secondly Qenqo, which is a great stone carved with steps and pictures and a sacrificial table.

Finally you will stop of at Puca Pucara, which is known for a large rock that looks very red, the name literally meaning "Red Rock". The order in which the ruins are visited will depend on local conditions as the guides will endeavour to visit each set of ruins at their quietest.

Further reading:
PeruWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout PeruCountry Guides

Other countries in South America:
ArgentinaBoliviaBrazilChileColombiaEcuadorParaguayThe Falkland IslandsThe Galapagos IslandsUruguayVenezuela

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