Peru Destination Guide

Peru on the globe

Peru’s dramatic geography means that the country is largely divided into three regions – the deserts and beaches of the Pacfic Coast, the snow-capped peaks and deep valleys of the Andean Highlands and the tropical rainforest of the Amazon Basin.  As well as varied and beautiful natural attractions, Peru is famous for its many well-preserved archaeological sites, both those built by that master stone masons the Incas, and those which predate the Inca Empire.  The extremes of geography have also meant that civilisations have developed independently in each region and have maintained their own rich cultures.

View all tours in Peru or click on a place name to view tours featuring that destination.

Lima

Peru’s Capital City offers stunning colonial architecture, intriguing museums and all the buzz of a cosmopolitan city

Parque del Amor, Miraflores, LimaSunset in Miraflores, LimaMiraflores Park Hotel rooftop pool and spaLima Map

Cusco & Sacred Valley

Wonder at the combinations of Inca and Colonial architecture in the city of Cusco. In the Sacred Valley don’t miss the traditional market town of Pisac and the “living Inca town” & hillside ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Plaza de Armas, CuscoPisac, Sacred Valley of the IncasSacred Valley of the IncasCusco Map

Machu Picchu

The ruined Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu sits atop a steep hill, surrounded by deep ravines and rushing rivers. Often shrouded in mist, the cloud-forest climate is temperate and adds to the mysterious feel of this magical place. Wind through the valleys on a spectacular train journey from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, or brave the challenging 4 day Inca Trail trek to reach the ruins.

The Sungate on the Inca Trail to Machu PicchuMachu PicchuThe Train to Machu PicchuCusco Map

Arequipa

Known as “the White City”, Arequipa’s attractive colonial buildings are predominantly made from the white volcanic rock called “sillar”. Stroll around the passageways of the Convent, and meet “Juanita” the ice mummy. Half a days’ drive away is the spectacular Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. Early risers at the Cruz del Condor will be rewarded by fantastic up close views of the majestic condors rising out of the canyon at dawn.

Plaza de Armas, ArequipaColca CanyonColca Canyon Village ChurchArequipa Map

Puno

Stop off in Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. From Puno you can sail to the fascinating Uros Islands, made by their inhabitants from totora reeds. Or if you have the time, why not stay a night - either with a family homestay on Taquile Island, or in a luxury hotel on a private island.

Lake Titicaca boat leaving PunoThe Floating Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca, PeruBeach on Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca, PeruPuno Map

Amazon Rainforest (Puerto Maldonado)

Immerse yourself in the natural world when you stay at an Amazon Rainforest lodge. See monkeys, macaws and caimans, oh and there might be the odd creepy crawly…

Butterfly in Tambopata ReserveLeaving Puerto Maldonado by boatOn the Tambopata RiverAmazon Rainforest Map