Peru — home to one of the new 'Seven Wonders of the World,' man-made floating islands, valleys so beautiful they are literally named 'Sacred' — Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu are just the beginning of what this land in the sky has to offer. Mind the altitude, because you're just getting started...
Peru has something for everyone when it comes to travel. Cultural enthusiasts can geek out at pre-Incan ruins in Puno and native villages such as the Uros Floating Islands; nature lovers can visit lush rainforests in Peru's Amazon Basin and the snow-capped Andes Mountains via Chivay; leisure travelers can unwind at beautiful beaches and luxurious spas in Lima and Paracas.
There are many places to explore in Peru and it can sometimes be difficult to choose between the various options. If your schedule permits, visit a handful of places over 7-10 days. These categories will help you identify the accommodations, experiences, and landscapes you'll most want to fit into your itinerary.
P.S. Lima's award-winning gastronomic scene is so good that it's in a category all its own. You're welcome.
Hikers rejoice! Peru's mountains offer gorgeous sweeping landscapes, hidden pools of vibrant water, and amazing adventures. Go on multi-day hikes, soak tired muscles in hot springs, support indigenous communities at colourful markets, and more.
How diverse can your adventures be within Peru's mountain cities? Chachapoyas is a friendly town with cloud forests, mummies, and vibrant skies. The historically important town of Cajamarca boasts lovely architecture, great stories, and a delightful manjar blanco . That's just two destinations…
Peru's coast is vibrant, varied, and anything but boring. The cities are lovely and lively, and activities can range from kayaking to jet-skiing and nature walks to exploring ancient ruins. Get ready to leave your footprints and take amazing memories...
Enjoy beaches, mangroves, and nature reserves from the comfort of Tumbes. Visit Casma, the coastal town that's more of a desert, but still a thriving agricultural region. Take a swim within the calm waters of the crescent-shaped Punta Sal.
There's no need to choose — nature, city amenities, and outdoor attractions are waiting for you in Peru's coastal cities.
Peru adventures come in all shapes and sizes, from an afternoon bicycle tour to an entire week of trekking in the Andes.
The wild Peruvian coast offers surfing lessons and boat tours. The Andes Mountains offer the extremes with high altitude treks, rock-climbing, and whitewater rafting. And the Amazon Jungle provides adventures into the unknown with nighttime nature walks and zip lining above the forest canopy.
Peru's natural beauty is one of its biggest draws, with some of the country's best destinations situated in well-protected nature reserves. Wild coastline, dense jungle, and magnificent mountains all find space in this corner of South America.
Head to the Amazon for wildlife spotting, to the mighty Andes mountains for awe-inspiring views and memorable trekking, and to the charming high-altitude villages surrounding Lake Titicaca to meet the locals.
When it comes to leisure travel, Peru does rest and relaxation very well. From the city to the jungle and up into the mountains, there's a boutique hotel or ecolodge ready to offer up a sundowner, a sun lounger, and a spa treatment or two.
Imagine settling into a cosy sofa, with a pisco sour in hand, and people watching on the cobblestone streets of Cusco. Or, dream of swinging in a hammock with only the sounds of the jungle for company in the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Even with the epic views and adventures, these are the Peru moments you'll miss the most.
The roads to Machu Picchu, Puno, and Iquitos may be well-trodden, but that doesn't mean there aren't other paths to explore. Step off the gringo trail in Peru, and you can still explore ancient Inca history, the mighty Amazon jungle, and top beach destinations — without the crowds.
The ancient Calca valley, the cultural city of Chachapoyas, and the coastal nature reserve of Paracas are just a few of the highlights in off the beaten path Peru.