Best for those looking for exquisite natural beauty, colourful markets and more historic ruins than any other South American country.
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One of the most popular destinations in South America, Peru is home to a richness of nature, culture and history. It has some of the most exquisite natural beauty on the continent as well as colourful markets and colonial grandeur. Peru also boasts more historic ruins than any other South American country and over 80% of the world’s different ecosystems. The ancient Inca masterpiece of Machu Picchu is a obviously must-see destination. However, Peru is also home to the cosmopolitan city of Lima and the rainforests of the Amazon. It also boasts the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. Peru combines perfectly with neighbouring Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
One of the most stunning archaeological sites anywhere in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu sits at the top of a mountain ridge overlooking the sacred Urubamba Valley. The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ was hidden in the clouds for centuries before being rediscovered by the archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu is one of the most important religious, political and cultural centres of the Inca empire and is now the most recognised site in South America, and one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’.
Peru’s capital, the ‘City of Kings’ is a clashing contradiction of cultures, its cosmopolitan vibe blessed with some of the continent’s finest collections of artefacts. Lima’s historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers an incredible insight to the city. Lima is home to some of Peru’s best restaurants, museums and colonial architecture.
Cusco is a beautiful colonial city and is considered the archaeological capital of the region with colonial churches interspersed with Inca architecture. It holds an ancestral magic which captivates thousands of visitors each year and is an ideal base for visiting markets, villages and ruins, whilst nearby lie the magnificent archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. Located in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is at an altitude of 3,400m and it is common for many visitors to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
One of the most stunning archaeological sites anywhere in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu sits at the top of a mountain ridge overlooking the sacred Urubamba Valley. The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ was hidden in the clouds for centuries before being rediscovered by the archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu is one of the most important religious, political and cultural centres of the Inca empire and is now the most recognised site in South America, and one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’.
Peru’s capital, the ‘City of Kings’ is a clashing contradiction of cultures, its cosmopolitan vibe blessed with some of the continent’s finest collections of artefacts. Lima’s historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers an incredible insight to the city. Lima is home to some of Peru’s best restaurants, museums and colonial architecture.
Cusco is a beautiful colonial city and is considered the archaeological capital of the region with colonial churches interspersed with Inca architecture. It holds an ancestral magic which captivates thousands of visitors each year and is an ideal base for visiting markets, villages and ruins, whilst nearby lie the magnificent archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. Located in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is at an altitude of 3,400m and it is common for many visitors to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
The Amazon Rainforest is the lifeblood of an area that covers some 40% of South America. This mighty river spreads over 50% of Peru and provides a haven for an incredible array of flora, fauna and scenery. Home to a rich diversity of natural and cultural highlights, a stay in the Peruvian Amazon is a great way to see the rainforest, especially a nature expedition on an Amazon River cruise.
The world’s highest navigable lake, the immense Lake Titicaca occupies the high altiplano straddling southern Peru and Bolivia. Covering over 8,000 sq km, the lake is surrounded by reed beds and dotted with many islands, and has been home to the Aymara and Quechua for centuries. Its deep waters are believed to be the birthplace of the ancient gods.
Running the length of south eastern Peru, the fertile landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas is filled with colourful villages, colonial churches and ancient ruins. Nestled within the confines of towering, snow covered mountain peaks, this beautiful valley was once central to Inca culture and agriculture. The Sacred Valley is a fantastic place for the active adventurer.
At The Explorer Society, we are always discovering new pockets of wonder on our own adventures and through chats with our local logistics team. Get in touch with us to find out what hidden gems you might discover on your trip.
At The Explorer Society we firmly believe that there is no right or wrong time to go anywhere.
Instead, we think that each time of the year offers different experiences that better suit different travellers.
After all, high and low season often refers to the amount of travellers present, not whether something is ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Peru has a lot to offer so the average trip length of Peru alone is around the 12 day mark. This is based loosely around time spent in Lima, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu. However, this will extend longer if you include additional areas like the Amazon or Sacred Valley. Trekking the Inca Trail alone will take between four and seven days depending on which trek you choose. If you were to combine with Bolivia and Chile, then a fascinating four week trip is possible.
Everyone is different, so please note that these guidelines are general in nature.
Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Planning travel should be exciting, but it can be exhausting. There is so much information and so little clarity, you often end up more confused than when you began.
Sometimes it’s simple and easy to figure out. Sometimes it means asking you more questions and diving deep into your motivations.
We’ll walk you through the whole planning and booking process. We want to make sure you are travelling on the trip that best suits you, not anyone else.
We will be there from the first moment you get in touch until after you come back home with countless memories to share.
