Family Expedition Across Peru
Elisa and her Greek family explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a memorable 20 day adventure. They journeyed from the Paracas desert and Huacachina dunes to the high Andes of Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu. Friendly local guides shared traditions and stories, letting the family feel Peru’s warm hospitality and leaving them with a deeper appreciation for its vibrant heritage.
Places you'll stay
Lima
The coastal city of Lima is diverse, with colorful parks, friendly locals, tasty cuisine, vibrant markets, and ancient historical attractions. Travelers can tour world-class museums, wander through the colonial architecture of Miraflores, and eat seafood along the Pacific coast.
Destination
Paracas
The word Paracas means "rain of sand," named after the sandstorms found in this coastal part of Peru. Hidden beneath the sand is a rich history that merits The Paracas National Reserve, a marine wildlife and historical destination.
Destination
Nazca
The south coast of Peru was home to extraordinary pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Nazca, who are best remembered for their cryptic geoglyphs: huge line pictures of animals, etched across 190 square miles (500 sq km) of desolate desert land. The Nazca lines can be seen via a plane tour, or in part from nearby hills.
Destination
Arequipa
The name Arequipa comes from "Ari, Quepay," which means "Yes, you may stay" in the local Quechua language. Not surprisingly, Arequipa is very welcoming and well worth the visit with its amazing architecture, bustling city center, and friendly atmosphere.
Destination
Chivay
Chivay, a traditional market town set in a picturesque patchwork of agricultural farmlands, constitutes the main hub of the Colca Valley. Chivay acts as a gateway for exploring the beautiful Colca Canyon.
Destination
Puno
Puno is Lake Titicaca’s only major city, and most travelers will pass through here while heading towards other destinations around the lake. The city is only mildly attractive, but is surrounded by seriously spectacular scenery.
Destination
Urubamba
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.
Destination
Aguas 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.
Destination
Cusco
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.
Destination
Travel Guide to South America - Ica, Peru
The Ica Valley, located between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is a desert landscape known for its vineyards and sand dunes. It has become a popular destination for wine-lovers, amateur archaeologists, and anyone who wants to try new outdoor activities in the shifting sands of a prehistoric desert.
Destination
Ollantaytambo
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.
Destination
Moments to look forward to
Huaca Pucllana
Travelers don't have to trek into the Andes to see vestiges of Peru's ancient civilizations. Lima has a large number of historical ruins, and Huaca Pucllana is one of the best.
Attraction
Main Square Lima
The Plaza de Armas is the beautiful central square of Lima. Here you will find impressive architecture on all corners and surprises in the adjoining streets. The plaza constitutes the historical center of Lima and is surrounded by magnificent buildings, some of which date back to the 16th century.
Attraction
Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands have been called the “poor man’s Galapagos,” though the islands are impressive enough to be more accurately considered “the mini-Galapagos of Peru.” Exploring them by boat will give visitors the chance to see over 160 different species of marine birds and the islands’ famous sea lions.
Attraction
Nazca Lines
Known by professionals as “geoglyphs,” the Nazca Lines always provoke a strong reaction in visitors to the area. Giant illustrations of plants and animals spread out over 280 square miles (450 km) of desert plateau in Peru’s southern lowlands. No one has yet proposed a compelling explanation for their placement or their location. There are approximately 70 designs—the most famous and frequently photographed of these designs are the monkey, the spider, and the hummingbird. Other illustrations depict fish, killer whales, lizards, and sharks. Some of the designs have dimensions as large as 660 feet (220 m).
Attraction
Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is beautiful and inspiring. A river courses through the valley, passing cute villages and tall mountains as it makes its way across the spectacular landscape. This is a great place to go hiking or explore the small traditional towns.
Attraction
Lake Titicaca
At a staggering 12,467 feet (3,800 m) above sea level, Lake Titicaca seems to nearly touch the sky. Maybe this is why the Inca believed that it was here that Viracocha, the creator god, created the sun. According to Inca legend, other Titicaca natives include the first Inca king, Manco Copac. One of the highest lakes in the world, surrounded by mountains on either side, Titicaca is an obvious candidate for the stuff of legends.
Attraction
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.
Attraction
Lima
City Tour
Tour
Tour
Nazca
Nazca Classic Tour
Tour
Tour
Tour
Tour
Tour
Ollantaytambo
Voyager Train - Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Tour
Aguas Calientes
Cultural tour to Machu Picchu
Tour
Aguas Calientes
Expedition Train - Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Tour
Tour
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
A hand-picked stay in Lima.
Hotel Recommendation #2
A hand-picked stay in Paracas.
Hotel Recommendation #3
A hand-picked stay in Nazca.
Hotel Recommendation #4
A hand-picked stay in Arequipa.
Hotel Recommendation #5
A hand-picked stay in Chivay.
Hotel Recommendation #6
A hand-picked stay in Puno.
Hotel Recommendation #7
A 8.6/5 guest-rated stay in Urubamba.
Hotel Recommendation #8
A hand-picked stay in Aguas Calientes.
Hotel Recommendation #9
A 8.3/5 guest-rated stay in Cusco.
Hotel Recommendation #10
A 9/5 guest-rated stay in Lima.
Curated to you
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.
