Southern Highlands
With Cusco, the “archaeological capital of the Americas,” along with the world-famous Machu Picchu and the colorful Chinchero artisan market, what is not to love about the Peruvian Southern Highlands? It is Peru's most-visited region for a reason, and an absolute essential on a first trip to Peru.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the bucket-list tourist attraction and the highlight of many peoples’ trip to Peru; the vastness, location and detail of the ruins make it unmissable. Without a doubt this is the crown jewel of Peruvian ruins.
Explore PlaceInca Trail
Trek the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu at the end of a memorable journey. The Inca Trail covers 24 miles (39 km) through the mountains above the Sacred Valley. Much of the Inca Trail is paved with stones put in place by the Inca. This trail will take you through cloud forests – rare environments dense with jungle growth and mist. You’ll see many different types of delicate orchids, and experience the biodiversity that only a humid jungle can produce.
Explore PlaceOllantaytambo Fortress
The staggeringly steep Inca ruins at the Ollantaytambo Fortress loom over the north side of the town of Ollantaytambo. They are famous for being one of the few places where the Incas defeated Spanish conquerors in a major battle.
Explore PlaceCusco
Nestling in the dip of the Watanay River Valley, from above the city of Cusco takes the shape of a puma, which some historians theorize was a purposeful design. As the city expands, its borders creep up the sides of the surrounding mountains, but puma statues, fountains, and signs keep the big cat’s status of unofficial city mascot.
Explore PlaceAguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu. Staying here for a night or two will give you intimate access to this incredible Inca site.
Explore PlaceUrubamba
The town of Urubamba is located in the middle of the Sacred Valley. Despite its central location, the town is mellow and relaxed. It makes for a good home base while exploring Peru’s most beautiful valley.
Explore PlaceThe Sacred Valley
The first inhabitants of the Sacred Valley treasured this land not only for its dramatic landscapes and sweeping vistas—the Sacred Valley also offered ample opportunities for agriculture, and had plentiful water just beyond the reaches of the parched desert. Its fertility was the result of a sunny climate and the Río Urubamba coursing through the valley.
Explore PlaceOllantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a busy little Andean village situated at the northeastern end of the Sacred Valley. It’s famous for its Perurail train station (delivering visitors to Machu Picchu), traditional market and impressive Incan ruins.
Explore PlaceChinchero
Chinchero is a peaceful little Andean village situated 18 miles (30 km) from Cusco. It enjoys views of the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. The village itself consists of a cluster of adobe house-lined streets where locals maintain their traditional weaving and dress.
Explore PlacePisac
Pisac is a charming mountain town set near the top of the Sacred Valley. The town is well known for its daily artisan market and Inca ruins.
Explore PlaceCalca
Located on the northern tip of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Calca offers pristine hikes and opportunities for mountain biking through an ancient valley. Calca is a great place to get an idea of what indigenous Andean cities would have looked like before the Spanish arrived. There are two main plazas in the center of town, a traditional feature of Inca city planning – cities planned by the Spanish typically have only one plaza.
Explore PlaceMore about Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands’ climate varies, from the dry canyon area known for hot days and cold nights to the lower eastern slopes of the Andes where temperatures are mild. The landscape is made up of green fertile valleys, high plateaus, cloud forests, and jungle, making the ruins of Machu Picchu and the already beautiful city of Cusco even more visually striking.
The region contains many Incan and pre-Incan ruins, some easily accessible, others requiring a dedicated mission to get to. The famous Machu Picchu is the biggest and most beautiful of all: at 8,000 feet (2.440 m), this magical site transports travelers to the old Inca Empire.
The Incas are one of the most studied ancient civilizations, thanks to the vastness of their empire, which was gained through conquering cities and regions to expand at an amazing rate. The Incas managed to become the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, with the Cusco region as their military and spiritual heart. The word inka means ruler, or “lord” in the local Quechua language, and though the area has been dominated by some 120 other ancient cultures, the Incas are by far the most impressive.
The city of Cusco has been called the “highland hub” or “archaeological capital of the Americas.” The city is nestled in the gorgeous Andes Mountains, 11,000 feet (3,353 m) above sea level. For this uncommon setting, the artisans selling traditional goods and crafts (ceramics, furniture, metalwork, art) at markets throughout the city, and the authentic local festivals full of color and life, Cusco is a main attraction of Peru.
To understand the area’s rich tradition of weaving, make the 18 mile (30 km) trek from Cusco to the village of Chinchero: here, wool is processed the way it has always been, with natural dyes made from wild plants, and transformed into beautiful textiles in the traditional designs of the Southern Highland region.
For more archeological wonder, journey 100 miles (160 km) west of Cusco to a ruin called Choquequirao, known as Machu Picchu's sister site. It was built after Machu Picchu and remains undiscovered by mainstream tourism.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Southern Highlands. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Our Multigenerational Journey
My sister and her family want to come next year, and possible another friend's family as well, so will definitely tell them to use Anywhere!!!
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.
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!
We Explored Incan Lands
Thank you Anywhere for planning an excellent vacation.
Experience The Heart of Peru
Very professional service, very good organization overall. Everything went smoothly. We ABSOLUTELY will recommend Anywhere.com to our friends. And for our future trips, we will first look at what anywhere.com is offering before looking elsewhere.
Romance in The Andes
After debating on which country to visit for our special trip, we finally decided on Peru. It was the best decision ever. Anywhere.com helped us arrange and make the most of our dream vacation!
Inca, Lake, & Culture Family Adventure
We were blown away by the beauty of the country—from the highland Lake Titicaca to the cultural experiences at Arequipa. We were so impressed with the Machu Picchu experience...we have to come back and explore more of Peru!
An Epic Peruvian Family Journey
Peru is bursting with history, interesting sites and friendly people and tourists from all parts of the world. We wished our hotels were a bit better and should have requested upgrades for a reasonably higher price. We have already recommended Peru to family and friends. Our photos and videos on Facebook have evoked several inquiries. I would certainly like to visit Peru again along with other countries of South America.
A Quick Machu Picchu Getaway
Peru was a great place to visit. I had nothing but great experiences.
The Best of Peru Family Vacation
We had a first-class tour of Peru and really got to see the sites and experience the culture and people of Peru. We enjoyed the best of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as the Amazon Basin with an amazing stay at Refugio Amazonas! This ecolodge must be visited.
Culinary Delight and Family Adventure
I learned so much of it's history and have such respect for it's culture.
Peru for Two on a Budget
Embark on a vibrant Peruvian adventure where bustling city life meets ancient Andean wonders, contrasting modern Lima’s coastal energy with the mystique of the Sacred Valley. You'll wander Lima’s historic streets, then soar to Cusco’s high-altitude charm before trekking to the misty ruins of Machu Picchu and the colorful heights of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you'll taste traditional cuisine, hear Andean legends, and leave with a deeper connection to Peru’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Envy-Inducing Adventures in Peru
This isn’t your ordinary family getaway — it’s way better! Explore Peru’s great outdoors, and pass your wanderlust and spirit of adventure onto your children.
Exploring the Landscapes of Peru
Solo adventure at the top of your travel to-do list? This Peruvian expedition is for you! Enjoy the beauty of the land while you get an adrenaline rush.
Peru—Beyond Machu Picchu
Famous sites are just the beginning of this Peruvian grand adventure. Indulge in internationally award-winning cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting activities.
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.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
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.
