Peru Vacation
PeruPeru — 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...
Top Destinations
If you're going to go to Peru, there are some destinations you simply cannot miss, including charming towns and Peru's cultural meccas. The town of Puno will get you as close as possible to Lake Titicaca and Aguas Calientes is your closest home base to Machu Picchu. If you're concerned about missing out on a meaningful experience, be aware that there's a difference between a 'must-see' tourist destination and a 'tourist trap.' There's only one place you can see the Uros Floating Islands, and if you don't go there, you'll miss out on them entirely. Peru's best destinations ensure that you don't miss one beautiful thing the country has to offer. Be in awe when you see the Sacred Valley for the first time, just like the ancients were. Appreciate the stark contrast between red sand and blue sea at Paracas National Park. Marvel at the Nazca Lines, and develop your own theory about how these geoglyphs were created long before the age of technology. Discover fun, eco-friendly hotels in Peru, and enjoy unexpected activities such as surfing in Peru. Don't miss out on any of Peru's top things to do, because Peru's top destinations aren't just great cities — they're gateways to great adventures.
Mountains
Peru's mountains offer you an incredible getaway, and some outdoor bragging rights. Next to the Himalayas, the Andes are the highest mountain chain on Earth. They run down the center of Peru and form four separate mountain ranges, or 'cordilleras,' which are known as the Blanca, Negra, Oriental, and Central. If you're looking to hit the trail and explore the outdoors, then you couldn't ask for a better destination. In addition to scenic hiking, you'll see amazing sights during your treks. Where does salt come from? Discover the answer at the Inca salt mines outside of Urubamba. Enjoy the lively markets of Huaraz, where people can still be heard speaking Quechua. When you're ready, you can take a multi-day hike in the exquisite surrounding mountains.You might think you've walked into a postcard setting, but really, you've entered the picturesque town of Chivay — a lovely hub for exploring the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon. Peru's mountains dominate the skyline, and these towns place you steps from birdwatching, wildlife observation, rafting, and of course, hiking. On your next getaway, take the scenic route and experience the majesty of Peru's mountains one step at a time.
Coast
Peru has an enormous and varied coastline that stretches from Ecuador to Chile. The coastal landscape borders the Pacific Ocean and has rocky cliffs, sand that ranges in color from white to brown to red, and desert-like plains. Although the country is generally known for its mountains, Peru's coastline offers a different kind of fun and beauty, and is not to be missed. Far from being a sleepy beach town, Lima's Barranco Neighborhood is colourful and bohemian — get your cosmopolitan and coastal fix at the same time! Discover the Afro-Peruvian culture of Chincha, where you can enjoy great music and cuisine. Dreaming of a fishing getaway? Cabo Blanco has such excellent fishing that it used to be home to a celebrity-filled fishing club. Vineyards on Peru's coastline? Absolutely! Welcome to Pisco — home of the namesake grape brandy, where you can surf on water or sand. Dance, dine, drink! Surf, trek, and explore. Peru's coastline is waiting to feed you incredibly fresh seafood, take you on nature tours and cultural excursions, show you exquisite architecture and ruins, and (of course) beautiful towns where the city meets the sea. Follow the sound of the waves to your next great getaway.
Adventure
Adventures in Peru are as varied as the landscape and offer something for every kind of traveler, no matter your age or ability. On just one trip you could be trekking amid the ruins of ancient civilizations one day and then kayaking down a river in the Amazon Jungle a few days later. Throw in an afternoon surf lesson on Peru's wild coastline, and you have a trip packed full of excitement. Across the country, there are a whole range of activities to sign up for. From Ollantaytambo, you can go whitewater rafting on the Urubamba; from Puerto Maldonado, you can journey into the jungle in search of Amazonian creatures, and from Cusco, you can choose a variety of trekking routes to see the wonders of Machu Picchu. These Peru adventure destinations are the best places to base yourself for expeditions into the country's most beautiful and remote locations. The Andes, the Amazon, and the Pacific Ocean await those with an adventurous spirit.
Nature
Stunning natural beauty can be found in every corner of Peru. The peaks of the Andes rise up between the dense jungle of the Amazon Basin and the wild coastline of the Pacific, with high-altitude lakes, rivers, nature reserves, and canyons, too. Yes, Peru is absolutely filled with outdoor gems. Connect to Peru's natural beauty on your very first day in Lima with a visit to the city beaches and cliffs. Travel deep into the most remote areas of the jungle to learn about the country's biodiversity in the Peruvian Amazon. And, no trip is complete without a few high-altitude adventures in Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Valley. Peru's best nature destinations can be enjoyed on many an adventure, as well as from the comfort of a fantastic selection of nature lodges and eco retreats. However you like to soak up nature, you'll love doing so in Peru.
Rest & Relaxation
Peru offers plenty of adventure tours and hiking excursions, but what about when you just want to relax in between all the excitement? Travel doesn't have to be frenetic and fast-paced. In fact, some of the best moments come when you're simply soaking in the atmosphere, one moment at a time. Thankfully, Peru is a place that takes leisure travel seriously, and every adventure destination and remote location offers a place for rest and relaxation, too. In cities like Lima and Cusco, you'll find plenty of beautiful boutique hotels and charming cafes and bars to enjoy between sightseeing. Pull up a chair, order a pisco sour, and watch the world go by. Peru's best ecolodges and resorts can be found in the most remote corners of the country and offer a tranquil refuge between trekking expeditions in the Andes and nature walks in the humid jungle forests of the Amazon.
Off The Beaten Path
For every destination that you could name in Peru, there are ten more that you've never even heard of. These off the beaten path destinations offer all of the majesty and wonder of famous places like Machu Picchu and Cusco with half the crowds. Untouched jungle, empty beaches, and quaint, quiet towns await those who step off the gringo trail. Discover the cloud forests of Moyobamba, unwind on the laid-back beaches of Punta Sal, meet the artisans of the Mantaro Valley, and explore the first Andean cities of ancient Calca. Off the beaten path destinations in Peru may be set in isolated locations and have more rustic hotel options, but are always worth the journey. As such, they align well with curious and adventurous travelers.
Culinary
Peru is well-known for its culinary customs, a vast variety of fresh local ingredients, and globally award-winning modern cuisine. For travelers, there are all kinds of meals to enjoy — from gourmet, Michelin star dining in cosmopolitan Lima to home-cooked meals with family in the traditional villages of Lake Titicaca. There are the hearty stews and soups of the Andes; the Criollo comfort foods influenced by the Spanish conquerors, the African slaves, and the Asian settlers; and then there are the must-try classics, like Ceviche. For the gastronomically adventurous, there is also roasted Guinea Pig or Cuy. The following destinations are our pick for foodies who want to sample all kinds of Peruvian cuisine, including fine-dining and family-run favourites.
Peru Spiritual Journey
When it comes to Peruvian culture, spirituality runs deep and varies wildly from region to region. Imagine eras past while wandering through the ancient temples of the Incas, and immerse yourself in the living history of Shamanism in the Amazon Jungle. In destinations like Cusco and Puno, you can add afternoon yoga class to your sightseeing itinerary. In Iquitos, you can spend a week with a shaman to learn all about what the rainforest has to offer for health and well-being. And, of course, there are the Spanish-influenced churches and cathedrals spread throughout the country — places of worship for the majority of religious people in modern-day Peru. Whether you are on your own spiritual journey or not, there is a lot to be learned from the diverse cultures and customs of Peru.
Beaches
If you've got a Peru beach holiday in mind, then you've got plenty of unique beach destinations to choose from. Stretching from Ecuador to Peru, there's a lot of coastline to cover. Start with the beautiful city beaches in Lima to get settled in as soon as you arrive. Peru is a surfer's paradise, with the wild Pacific Ocean gracing its shores, and many of the beach towns reflect this. Mancora is the unofficial surf capital, with bohemian vibes to match, but you can catch a wave almost anywhere on Peru's coast. Despite being famous for its surf, Peru's waves still remain blissfully uncrowded so it is a great place to learn. There's also plenty to do in Peru's beach destinations other than surf, like archeology and architecture tours in coastal cities like Trujillo. And then there are also more laid-back beach towns like Punta Sal where the order of the day is simply relaxing on the golden sand.
Rainforests
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most spectacular places on the planet. Large, slow rivers wind between tall trees. Tropical birds fly through the air, and all kinds of critters run across the forest floor. No trip would be complete without a Peruvian Amazon adventure. The two main Amazon rainforest hubs in Peru are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. Iquitos lies north of Lima, on the main Amazon River, while the Rio Madre de Dios runs through Puerto Maldonado in the southwest, less than 500 km from Cusco. From these rivers, you can reach the depths of the jungle, and come face to face with its creatures. Book yourself into an ecolodge in one of Peru's Amazon nature reserves — Pacaya Samiria and Tambopata are two of the best — and experience a different world.
Cloud Forests
Due to a nearly constant presence of moisture and mist, cloud forests support a huge range of life and are one of the world's most biologically diverse environments. Peruvian cloud forests are ideal destinations for nature lovers — you can spend your days hiking through dense forests while searching for birds, amphibians, and even large mammals. Hike an entirely different Inca trail in the Moyobamba jungle and discover some 2,500 kinds of orchids. Wander the thriving market town of Chachapoyas and head into the clouds with some of Peru's kindest locals. Or, why not visit a chocolate factory in Tarapoto? Peru's northern highlands are full of surprises and relatively few tourists. For intrepid and nature loving travelers, the cloud forests of Peru will be a dream come true.
Volcanoes
With Peru being such a mountainous region, it's little surprise that the nation is home to over 30 volcanoes — some of which are classified as 'extinct,' meaning you can climb them! Although Peru's volcanoes may not be the primary reason to visit the country, they are beautiful, and the fact that they are numerous means you can explore a unique aspect of the Andean Mountain Range, and perhaps a less crowded one too. Choose a Peru volcano destination to enjoy the same spectacular views and sights you can expect to see in more popular tourist destinations. Hike amongst nature, where you can listen to and observe wildlife. Take a horseback riding tour and observe Peru's volcanoes from a distance. When your physical adventures catch up to you, you can relax your muscles in a geothermal hot spring — that's right...a nice warm soak courtesy of Peru's volcanoes. Plan a unique and rugged adventure that promises breathtaking scenery and extraordinary photo ops — add a Peru volcano to your travel itinerary. May we suggest starting with Arequipa?...
Waterfalls
Peru has two major waterfall destinations: The Gocta Falls in the Chachapoyas Region and the Mandor Falls just outside of Machu Picchu. If you are visiting the Chachapoyas Cloud Forest or the ancient Inca citadel, take the time to trek out to these waterfalls and enjoy nature's own spa! Gocta Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, and the source of an interesting legend about a murderous mermaid meant to scare people off from swimming in the plunge pool. Only 'discovered' by outsiders in 2005, the two-tiered falls can be seen from miles around and the trek there — on foot or horseback — is beautiful. Mandor Falls are just a short hike from Aguas Calientes, just outside of Machu Picchu. With a few different falls and pools perfect for taking a dip, Mandor is a great place to come in celebration of a Machu Picchu trek!
Lakes
Peru's lakes range from tiny pools found deep in the jungle, to great expanses of water at the base of high mountains. The largest of all is the magnificent Lake Titicaca. This big, blue, and beautiful body of water in southern Peru is one of the countries greatest natural treasures and one of the largest, deepest lakes found at altitude anywhere in the world. Puno, the largest city along the Titicaca lake shore, is the main access point for exploring the lake and its islands. Here, welcoming locals invite you to experience a little of life on the lake. Taquile Island is famous for its textiles and Amantani Island for its traditional music and dance. Uros Island, the floating island, is known for being created from the lake itself — or rather, the reeds that grow in its shallows. Whether you choose to take a day trip on the water, or to spend multiple nights island hopping between villages, Lake Titicaca will be one of those places that stays with you long after you've left.
Surfing
On top of all the travel gems like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, Peru is also a surfer's paradise. With some of the highest, longest and least crowded waves around, Peru attracts surfers from every corner of the world and still remains a haven for beginners. The best Peru surfing is along the northern coast outside the towns of Trujillo and Máncora. These destinations boast world-class surf breaks and lack large crowds, a perfect combination for both beginning and advanced surfers. With their laid-back vibes and late-night festivities, these destinations have a strong following in the surf crowd. Of course, there are also charming city squares, nearby ancient ruins, and mangrove forests to explore when you need to be on dry land. The beaches outside Lima also have awesome waves, so you can get into the surfing spirit as soon as you arrive. And there's no need to travel with gear or be a pro here — you can rent boards and take lessons in all of these destinations.
Cities
Peruvian cities have distinct characteristics based upon their geographical area, long histories, and cultural heritage. From the Inca stone structures in Cusco to the Spanish architecture in Lima, Peru's cities are a feast for the eyes and require little more than a camera and a good pair of walking shoes to enjoy them. Get your introduction to Peru's cities in Lima and relish in the myriad of eating, drinking, shopping, and entertaining options on offer. As well as museums, monuments, and other cultural sites, there's enough to keep you busy here for weeks. Move on to cities like Puno and Cusco, the gateways to some of Peru's best destinations, and admire the charm in smaller city destinations. Don't forget to prepare yourself for the altitude — these are some of the highest cities in the world!
Nightlife
Peru's best nightlife is found in larger, more established cities like Lima and Cusco. There you can find everything from hole-in-the-wall live music bars to mega-clubs playing ear-splitting reggaeton. Chat with the locals in any small town (or village!), and they'll find a way to show you a good time after a sundowner or two. Lima's Barranco neighbourhood is an excellent introduction to Peru's nightlife, starting with an afternoon stroll to find a place to eat and ending long after the sun has set. If you're not into pisco sours and Cusquena, head to one of Peru's city squares in the evening and soak in the family atmosphere. A traditional dinner with a dancing show is a very popular evening activity in Peru and can be enjoyed everywhere, from Lima to Puno and Arequipa.
Colonial
Take a break from outdoor adventures such as Peru surfing and hiking, and explore the country's colonial history. Wander the city streets to admire the colonial architecture and pop into one of the country's many great museums to dig deeper into Peru's past. Peru was colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century and remained under Spanish control for several hundred years. During this time, long-lasting structures were built — including cathedrals, convents, and houses — and many of them still stand today, giving many of Peru's cities and towns a distinctive look and feel. The streets are often paved with cobblestones, and the old buildings now house cute cafés. Cultural enthusiasts, history buffs, and photography lovers will not want to miss destinations like Lima, Peru and Chincha.
Airports
Arriving in Peru by air, you'll likely land in one of two international airports in Lima or Cusco, but your Peru air travel experience need not end there. To reach many of Peru's more remote locations, you may need to hop on a small propeller plane! In fact, flying in Peru may just become one of your top memories of the country. You'll be rewarded with unbeatable views before arriving on the landing strips in Iquitos and Arequipa, and the only way to see the fascinating Nazca Lines is from the sky. The following destinations are the major airport hubs and as such are good places to base yourself before or after flying to or from the country. What's more, the hotels in these destinations are usually close to the airport and have comfy, convenient amenities.
Archaeological Site
In some ways, Peru is synonymous with archaeology. Fantastic archaeological sites - the remnants of ancient civilizations that once flourished here - are scattered across the country. The most famous of these is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, the fabulous stone city built by the Inca, but there are all sorts of other sites for travelers to visit as well. These include pyramids, temples, tombs, ceremonial courtyards, and more...
Beach
Peru's beaches are scattered throughout the country's 1,500-mile-long (2,415-km) coastline. Many of the best beaches are found in the dry northern coast, including Máncora, which is a hotspot for surfing. You can spend an afternoon in Huanchaco and watch fishermen paddle out on beautiful reed boats known as caballitos de tórtora. A number of other beaches can be visited while staying in Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Lima. Peru's beaches offer up places to swim, surf, fish, and kayak. Many travelers will, however, be content to simply sit with their toes in the sand and watch the waves roll in.
Cave
Peru has a handful of impressive caves for travelers to explore. The Huagapo Cave is thought to be one of the largest caves in the world — visits to these underground chambers reveal ghostly rock formations and subterranean streams. Other caves offer up equally exiciting chances to see places and creatures that never see the light of day. Be sure to bring along a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes when visiting these attractions!
Cultural
Peruvian culture is a mishmash of Andean civilizations, Amazonian tribes, and Spanish colonialism. There are a variety of ways for travelers to experience the culture of Peru. Tour museums to learn about everything from traditions to textiles to burial practices. You might spend an afternoon at the Peruvian Paso Horse Exhibition or enjoy an evening dinner show at the Dama Juana Restaurant in Lima. The following attractions will give you valuable insight into Peruvian culture.
Hike
The Peruvian landscape is a hiking utopia. The Andes Mountains run down the center of the country and offer up an assortment of beautiful places to explore. Routes like the Inca Trail lead past ancient ruins and combine outdoor excursion with cultural investigation. Hikes in the Amazon Basin provide travelers with the opportunity to wander through rainforests and spot wildlife. Avid hikers can sign up for multi-day treks, while less intense hikers can enjoy pleasant, half-day strolls.
Indigenous Culture
Indigenous cultures continue to thrive in many parts of Peru. While here you can visit the floating islands in Lake Titicaca, which are home to the Uros, an ancient people who fled to the islands long ago for protection. In the jungle outside Iquitos, you might spend an afternoon with the Yaguas Indians, a native Amazonian tribe. There are also several indigenous communities scattered around the Sacred Valley in small, rural villages. Visiting indigenous cultures is a great way to explore the connection between Peru's past and present.
Island
Peru has culture and nature scattered throughout its borders including along the shores of Lake Titicaca where you can find traditional weaving, knitting and even island on the making. On the island of Uros nearby Puno reeds are bound together and placed atop the island to keep it intact. Palamino Island set along Peru's Pacific coast is a dynamic location with a long since closed prison, a range of sea birds and friendly sea lions waiting to swim with everyone that makes the trip to see them.
Lake
Lake Titicaca is Peru's most spectacular body of water. This lake is set in the southern Peruvian Andes and shares a border with Bolivia. It's the highest large alpine lake in the world, and is an absolutely stunning mixture of scenery and culture. At Titicaca, you can enjoy views of snow-capped mountains and blue water while visiting an island village. There are also other lakes scattered around Peru—some of the best are of tectonic or glacial orgin and found in the Andes. Particularly impressive are the Llanganuco Lakes, which are set between the massive mountains of Huascarán and Huandoy.
National Park
Peru has an incredible array of natural diversity. Thankfully, the Peruvian government has done a good job protecting important ecosystems across the country. There are 12 national parks in Peru, 3 of which are classified internationally as Natural World Heritage Sites. Visits to national parks give travelers a good chance to interact with the flora and fauna of Peru. Watch colorful butterflies glide through the forest and marvel at the competitive edge of strangler figs. Exploring a national park with a guide will help you better understand these complex ecosystems.
Reserve
There are 15 national reserves in Peru. These reserves protect lowland rainforests, coastal habitats, and even alpine lakes. At Pacaya Samiria, Peru's largest nature reserve, you can explore the northern Amazon and spot a wealth of wildlife. Find beautiful beaches and impressive rock formations at the Paracas National Reserve, or paddle out to the floating islands at Lake Titicaca. No matter which reserve you choose, you're sure to enjoy the immersion into nature. Visiting a national reserve with a guide will greatly increase your understanding and appreciation of what you see.
River
Peru's rivers range from the slow and muddy to the quick and clear. The rivers are beautiful and course through every region of the country. The Urubamba River cascades down the Sacred Valley and is one of the best places to go rafting, as some sections have Class III-IV rapids. In contrast, the Amazon and Tambopata rivers meander leisurely through the Amazon Jungle. Exploring Peru's rivers can involve searching for wildlife, visiting indigenous villages, or charging epic whitewater.
Traditional Market
While traveling in Peru, you'll likely come across several open-air markets — after all, every city has one. At these markets, you'll find extraordinary textiles, brightly-colored paintings, alpaca sweaters and beautiful jewelry, as well as more commonplace items like fruit, vegetables, and livestock. The markets are visited by both residents and foreigners alike, and are fantastic places for travelers to buy handicrafts and interact with locals.
Waterfall
Peru’s waterfalls add an element of drama to an already stunning landscape. You’ll come across these formations on your explorations of the highlands.
Featured Peru Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Peru itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
A Family Wild at Heart
Explore some of Peru’s most exciting destinations when you and your family enjoy delicious cuisine, stunning scenery, and bucket list-worthy sites.
A Family Journey of a Lifetime
Anywhere made this so easy! No glitches in our travels at all. From the hike to Machu Picchu to speeding through sand dunes in a buggy, the entire experience was out of this world.
The Heart of The Incas
Trips like this don't cross your path every day. To get to the heart of Incan culture, you should taste their food, walk in their footsteps, and touch the sky.
Culinary Curiosity in Peru
Savor the Peru in all its glory with a combination of culinary and outdoor adventures. This tasty trip for two is just the vacation you need.
Wow, We Did it!
Excellent coordination and very helpful staff throughout the trip. Sara is the boss...she has good command of all aspects of our trip and provided the necessary help & support ...right from planning stage to boarding our flight back to US.
Peruvian Highlights for One
Take yourself to a whirlwind adventure through one of South America’s most vibrant countries with this ‘best of’ expedition through Peru.
Our Quest for Peruvian Adventures
The three of us have been dreaming about this trip for a long time. Everything was well arranged. We just had to be dressed, wait for our ride, and enjoy.
Romantic Journey to Machu Picchu
Peru is a beautiful country and we’re blown away by all the things we’ve seen. We were caught completely by surprise by the breathtaking coastline views.
The VIP Experience in Peru
I really could not be happier. The Anywhere Team made me feel like a VIP my entire time in Peru. The hotels were very nice & safe. The food was fantastic. Transportation was smooth, nice trains, safe airlines. I recommend Peru to all travelers!
We Conquered Huayna Picchu
This was a very personal experience and Anywhere.com does an amazing job of having agents who are cultured and/or very familiar with the country to which you wish to visit. This allows the agent to listen to what you want to experience and then match you up with the right outfitter, vendor, excursion group, etc...I felt like Sara Nizama truly listened to my wants/needs and made them a reality. I am so happy with my Peru experience, thanks to Sara and her team. I want to go back soon and explore more of Peru with the help of Sara and her team. Thank you!
Explore Peru
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.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
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Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
