Peru is a country truly spoiled by Mother Nature
Adventure is abundant here; experience everything from stretching Altiplano plains to striking coastlines and communities whose feet remain firmly planted in colourful culture.
From the ancient Inca settlement of Machu Picchu perched high in the soaring Andean peaks to virgin Amazonian rainforest and tribal villages, a holiday to Peru promises adventure amid dramatic landscapes.
Home to the captivating combination of fascinating ancient culture with a stunning natural backdrop, Peru has more than enough to whet the appetite of any thrill-seeker.
Our experts pick the destinations you can’t miss on a trip to Peru, but also some of lesser-known cities and unspoilt beauty to consider.
In this article:
Lima or Northern Peru?
Lima
Both the old and new collide to contrast and complement in Lima.
Rising high on the clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Lima blends sophisticated metropolitan streets with colonial facades and ancient temples.
Rich history is everywhere, with architecture dating back over five centuries and the stately Gold and Larco Herrera museums filled with archaeological finds for a glimpse into Peru’s Inca past.
But you’ll also discover the best of Peru that’s increasingly confident of its 21st Century style. Head to the bohemian Barranco district for hip galleries and contemporary art tucked between laidback lounges serving up joyful Pisco sours.
Creeping onto the global fine-dining radar, Lima is home to world class cuisine, with Central previously voted Latin America’s number one restaurant.
Listen to our Latin America expert, Jack, speak more about Lima and Peru on the Inspiring Travel Podcast
Northern Peru
If an authentic, crowd-free view of the country is what you’re after, head to Northern Peru.
Rich in pre-Columbian history, spend a day exploring the colourful, colonial church-lined streets of Trujillo – a city that's barely changed in hundreds of years.
Then delve further into the history books by visiting the vast ruins of an ancient adobe Chimor mud city at Chan Chan.
Also, why not explore the little-known, sacred Moche Pyramids? Afterwards, you can travel to the impressive Moche Sun and Moon Temples, home to fantastically preserved, ornately decorated frieze walls.
Cuzco & the Sacred Valley or Arequipa/Colca Canyon?
Cuzco & the Sacred Valley
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco is now the archaeological capital of South America.
The terracotta roofed town sprawls through the valley and its striking architecture reflects the distinct periods of Peru’s history – combining pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial history with contemporary development.
Baroque-style churches, monasteries and squat, white-washed houses were built over the Inca settlements.
Visit the impressive Plaza de Armas, a lively open courtyard overlooked by the Cuzco Cathedral, and join locals sipping their mate de coca.
This is also a great base for exploring Machu Picchu and other Inca ruins within the valley.
Latin America Travel Specialist
“If you take a two-hour drive and a five-kilometre hike southeast from the city of Cuzco, you’ll end up at the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain. Seeing this natural wonder up-close with my own eyes was such a memorable experience. The colours are so much more vibrant than you’d see in any photograph – I definitely recommend visiting!”
Arequipa/Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon dominates Peru’s southern region, where Andean condors soar high above the world’s deepest canyons.
Indigenous communities also live here in valleys still lined with Inca agricultural terraces.
Wander through Arequipa’s pretty colonial architecture overlooked by the towering El Misti Volcano.
If you have a strong stomach, visit the Inca Juanita mummy – the preserved body of a girl sacrificed at the summit of Nevado Ampato.
Machu Picchu or Nazca?
Machu Picchu
One of the most distinguishable sights in the travelling world, the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu Inca settlement are perched high in the Andes.
They command their position at the top spot of every traveller’s South America ‘to-do list’.
Only accessible on foot, following the Inca Trail (or by train), the journey to reach the continent’s best-known archaeological site is as memorable as the view at the summit itself.
The lost city of the Incas was only discovered by American Explorer, Hiram Bingham, in 1911. Now, the extensive citadel in all of its fantastically preserved stonework glory is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Latin America Product Manager
"I recommend spending a little longer in each area of Peru where you can. Covering fewer regions gives you more time to explore each wonderful place in depth. If you're planning on visiting Machu Picchu or Cuzco, I recommend travelling between May and September, as the weather is cooler but much drier than in their summer season."
Nazca
Less well known, but no less impressive, are the Nazca lines.
These ancient geoglyphs, patterns and images etched into the landscape stretch across southern Peru’s Nazca Desert.
So, take to the skies as this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site is best viewed from the air.
Once you’ve spent an afternoon sandboarding down the desert dunes, visit the Ballestas Island, known as ‘the poor man’s Galapagos’ thanks to its abundant wildlife and seal populations.
Lake Titicaca or the Peruvian Amazon?
Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, and under the dazzling blue skies high in the Andes Mountains, the vast shimmering body of water of Lake Titicaca is the largest navigable lake in the world.
According to ancient Andean beliefs, Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun.
The lake and its shores have been settled by a succession of cultures for centuries and colourful local communities still farm the surrounding fields by hand accompanied, of course, by their iconic tame llamas.
Take to the deep waters and visit the floating reed communities – indigenous people still live on the island of Uros, while Taquile offers sweeping panoramas across the lake.
We highly recommend Titilaka for your lodge of choice, as it’s set on an exclusive private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Peruvian Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon may not be 'off-the-beaten-track', but it’s not often on visitors' itineraries on a trip to Peru.
Peru is actually home to the second-largest portion of the Amazon Rainforest after Brazil, and this vast expanse of primary rainforest is easily accessible from either Lima or Cuzco.
There's little that needs to be said about one of the world’s great wildernesses.
Trek through the forest and listen to the cacophony of noise from the harpy eagles, capybara and toucans that make up the abundant wildlife and bird species at sunrise.
And, visit the clay lick – where copper-coloured cliffs attract thousands of birds.
Adventure to Peru with Rainbow
New to Peru? Our Wonders of Peru Holiday is perfect for first timers and seasoned travellers to this extraordinary part of the world.
Speak with our Latin America Travel Specialists to create your tailor-made itinerary.
