Peru Overview

Atmospheric Cuzco, historic Machu Picchu, the Amazon Rainforest and Andean Countryside

As one of the best-known countries in South America, thanks to its “lost city” of Machu Picchu, Peru is a superb place in which to begin your explorations of the continent. A visit to the ruins of the world-famous Inca site, whether you arrive on foot or by train, is an absolute must, but so too are several other highlights.

Peru is enduringly popular among travellers and tourists, but we think that you will nonetheless be pleasantly surprised by its ‘authenticity’ and Latin identity. In fact, the country has the best of both worlds; superb hotels and slick services in no way detract from a very South American experience and an unmistakeably Andean culture.

It’s perfectly possible to cover the main attractions in a ten day or two week trip, which will be busy but enjoyably so. Beginning in the capital Lima, we will design an itinerary for you which is likely to encompass a little of everything; wildlife, archaeology, anthropology, and plenty of relaxing, eating and drinking too!  You’ll be able to enjoy the restaurants and café culture of Lima and Cuzco, the remote landscapes of the Colca Canyon and the Sacred Valley, the wildlife of the Amazon, and the unique experience of floating across the world’s highest navigable lake. We’ll make sure that you have as much time as possible to explore Machu Picchu, preferably when others have left for the day, or are yet to arrive.

Clearly worthy of a trip in its own right, Peru is also very easy to combine with neighbouring Bolivia, via Lake Titicaca, and with Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

What to expect on your Peru Holiday:  With such a thriving tourism industry, Peru is extremely well set up to receive visitors. Internal flights are short and frequent and you will have a wide choice of hotels in most places, with options ranging from international chains to individual boutique properties. Hiking the classic Inca Trail requires permits and advance booking, and is inevitably busy. The original isn’t always the best; talk to us about other routes if you’re looking to walk to Machu Picchu.

Altitude is rarely a problem for travellers, although we do factor in time on your arrival in Cuzco for relaxation and acclimatisation. Machu Picchu is in fact at a lower altitude than Cuzco, and if you choose to visit Lake Titicaca before Cuzco, you will already be acclimatised as that is higher still.

If at all possible, a few words of Spanish will be appreciated and very well received, although English is widely spoken in all major tourist centres and by our local guides and representatives.