Heartland of the Incas, Peru is still littered with sites that showcase this powerful empire’s prowess as master builders, most notably Machu Picchu. Visiting this citadel hidden in the mountains is inspiration enough for a first-time visit, but the Incas were just one in a long line of peoples with a surviving legacy to explore. The landscape is equally varied: from the heights of the Andes down to the rainforest and quieter tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon. Peru feels like a country on the ascendency, reflected in the quality of hotels and a penchant for fine food.
Despite being a country of classic journeys, not every trip to Peru has to follow the same paths. Our specialists have explored the main sights and the lesser known ones. They’ll carefully plan your vacation as an individual tailor-made trip to match your preferences.
Suggested itineraries for Peru
These itineraries give you a starting point for what your trip to Peru could entail. They cover routes we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favorite places to stay. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Machu Picchu ruins, Iguacu Falls and Rio beach
Classic Peru tour
Peru and Colombia: From Machu Picchu to Cartagena
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Best time to visit
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Our expert guides to traveling in Peru
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Peru. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Peru at its best.
Visiting Machu Picchu: our expert tips
Two of our Peru specialists share eight useful tips on how to get the most out of your visit to this world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Machu Picchu: A first timer's guide
Perched high on a mountain ridge and hidden from the world for hundreds of years, the ruins of Machu Picchu are the jewel in Peru's crown. One of our Peru specialists gives a personal account of how to get the most from your visit.
Trekking to and around Machu Picchu
Trekking to and around Machu Picchu offers walks to suit all abilities, from day hikes to multi-day treks. Peru specialist, Anna, picks some of her top choices, including the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek and short walks from Machu Picchu.
What to do in Peru: our highlights guide
Peru specialist and former resident Fiona shares her top places to experience in Peru. She explains what to see and do in the Sacred Valley, how to best experience Amazonian wildlife, and recommends a lesser-known region of Peru to explore.
Peru’s Inca wonders beyond Machu Picchu
Former Cuzco resident Fiona shares her choice of her adopted country’s lesser-known Inca ruins, which share Machu Picchu’s geography but not its fame. She explains how to delve even deeper into the best archeological sites of the Peruvian Incas.
The Inca civilization
Discover the culture and history of a country on a tailor-made trip, with visits to explore famous sites and others not quite so well known but equally impressive.
Standout food experiences you can try in Peru (chosen by a food lover)
Peru’s food scene is courting attention for good reason, says specialist Josh. He outlines some of the food-related experiences you can include in your own trip, and shares his tips for eating well in this part of South America.
Discovering Peru's forgotten North
Here you’ll find that the Incas are a footnote, their thunder stolen by the relics of earlier civilizations. Northern Peru travel involves getting well and truly off the beaten track in sierra, cloudforest and coastal desert, explains Peru specialist Chloe.
Trekking vacations in Peru: the best hikes (that aren’t the Inca Trail)
Who says Peru trekking vacations should revolve around the Inca Trail? Our specialists share their pick of the alternatives on offer, from gentler options to remote backcountry routes — all of which you can easily incorporate into a Peru trekking tour.
Discover more about Peru on our blog
Provide us with a few starting details about your travel plans, and one of our Peru specialists will be in touch to give you suggestions and ideas.