On this tour, you'll explore the ancient streets of Cusco, then head to the Sacred Valley to shop for handicrafts in historic Pisac and go to a traditional garment workshop and hike to the amazing salt pans produced by the Incas. Top it all off by spending a day exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu.
This 14-day trip will take you to the best cities and historic places of interest on the north coast of Peru. From the fascinating archaeological sites around Trujillo and Cumbemayo, to visits with local woodcarvers and environmentalists, you'll get an in-depth experience with this little-visited area. Along the way, you'll hike to one of the world’s highest waterfalls, make some cocktails, visit superb museums, and sample delicious local cuisine.
A two-week visit to Peru allows travelers to comfortably combine Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley with one of the country's more remote regions. Enjoy the culture and history of the ruins and villages surrounding Cusco and take a jungle excursion into the Amazon on the same trip. Or head north to the archaeological wonders of Kuelap and Chachapoyas. A trip of this length also means more opportunities for trekking, including multiday treks on the Inca Trail.
Lima is one of South America's most cosmopolitan cities. New boutique hotels are popping up overnight in the hip neighborhoods of Barranco, Miraflores, San Isidro, and beyond. There are artsy hotels, bohemian hotspots, swish modernist joints bathed in white, and plenty of options in between that cater to all tastes and budgets.
The former capital of the Incas, Cusco is today a bustling city that attracts scores of travelers for its ancient Incan remains, Andean culture and Spanish colonial splendors. Small stonewalled alleyways spill onto impressive plazas full of brightly dressed indigenous women, while tucked away are surprisingly excellent museums, quirky nightlife venues, and stylish clothing stores. This guide will direct you toward the best Cusco has to offer.
Beyond Machu Picchu, where the Andes slope off into the Amazon, lies the forgotten region of Concepción. Little penetrated by foreign tourists, it is a multisport playground for adventurous travelers. If you're prepared to rough it a little, you'll be richly rewarded with biking, hiking, ziplining, swimming in rivers, waterfalls and jungle water parks, and the best rafting in Peru!
Exploring Inca ruins, watching Amazon wildlife, riding dune buggies, rafting on river rapids, petting alpaca, learning to make chocolate - Peru has so much that will captivate children and adults alike. So if you want to explore this fascinating country with your family, this guide will tell you all you need to know - from the best destinations and activities, to how to prepare for challenging terrain.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley are brimming with accommodation, from friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. This article highlights the best among them, giving you options for the perfect stay during your time in the area.
In a place like Peru, there's so much to see and do that many travelers often miss the truly amazing and authentic experiences. With journeys to these off-the-beaten-path destinations, you have the chance to connect more closely with the people, places, history and culture that make Peru special. Trek to forgotten ruins, explore a witch's market and come closer to the living heart of Peru in tiny villages and enchanted valleys.
In seven days, it's easy to combine Machu Picchu with day trips within the Sacred Valley or with a visit to another region like the Amazon Rainforest or Lake Titicaca. Trekkers can conquer part of the Inca Trail plus take a hike to the brilliantly-striped Rainbow Mountain, and culturally-minded travelers who don't mind skipping Machu Picchu can head to the lesser-visited ruins of Northern Peru. Learn more about your options below.
With its mysterious Inca ruins, quaint villages, beautiful sunsets and colorful Quechua culture, Peru makes for a fascinating and romantic honeymoon. The following list covers the best places to visit in Peru after you say “I do.”
From ancient Inca ruins to the mysterious Nazca Lines, snow-capped peaks to dense Amazonian jungle: Peru is one of the world's most diverse destinations. That diversity is also reflected in the stunning places and range of activities you can enjoy. Here's our list of the top 10 Peru highlights to check consider adding to your itinerary.
The spellbinding scenery and perfect stonework of the Lost City of the Incas have fascinated historians, architects and tourists alike since the ruins were uncovered from the jungle over a century ago. To make the most of this unforgettable place, use our expert guide to Machu Picchu to plan your trip.
This adventure takes you through the less-visited corners of Peru. Along the way, you will connect with the history of pre-Columbian civilizations in remote archeological sites, pass through wild jungle in the Amazon Basin, and unite with the authentic spirit of the Andes in small villages.
Explore Southern Peru's most famous region through a uniquely immersive local experience. This tour will allow you to experience the trails, traditions, and daily lives of subsistence farmers while still making time for the more well-known highlights of the Sacred Valley.
In the span of just over a week, bike across Peru's most famous region and see the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. This itinerary uncovers both the natural beauty of Southern Peru as well as the historical legacy of the Incas.
While the majority of travelers head straight for Machu Picchu in southern Peru, the North remains a hidden gem for those willing to venture off-the-beaten-path. You'll have amazing ruins to yourself, discover unique landscapes, and learn about ancient cultures that pre-date the Inca civilization.
Off-the-radar for most tourists, Northern Peru has its own set of amazing highlights. You can experience Peru's cultural diversity and numerous archaeological sites, given many pre-Inca civilizations settled in the northern regions. Besides culture, you can also enjoy the amazing wildlife, the beautiful flora and fauna, enjoy a hike in the Andes or relax along long stretches of white sandy beach.
Cachicata is a relatively new and less-crowded trek in Peru's Sacred Valley. You'll pass beneath beautiful snow-capped mountains, cross over a high pass, and descend down into the Sacred Valley, arriving at the village of Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, it's a short train journey to Machu Picchu where you can enjoy a private tour of the ruins.
Peru has some of the best tracts of the Amazon in the world, and no better way to explore than by boat. Traveling around the Amazon by plane, you see precious little of its wondrous wildlife, and road access is a real challenge. To really experience Peru’s wild jungle, you need to take to its rivers and waterways.
Trek the last day of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you're short on time or permits are sold out for the full Inca Trail, this is a great option for those wishing to experience a taste of this famous route. You'll enter the ruins through the Sun Gate as the sun sets over Machu Picchu, then have a full tour of the ruins the following day.
Trek through the Lares Valley, where you'll pass between glacier-capped mountains where llamas and alpacas graze in the surrounding hills. You'll visit the town of Lares, a colourful traditional town in the heart of the valley. Combined with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this is a trek that combines two wonderful valleys & mountain ranges with very different ecologies & landscapes.
For people who enjoy backpacking in the mountains and beautiful hot springs, this is the ideal multi-day trek. You'll have a local guide who will help you discover Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, with stunning views of the Andes.
Explore southern Peru on this multi-day itinerary, passing through some of the most beautiful places in the south. You'll visit Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno & Lake Titicaca.
An activity-filled expedition to the South of Peru. A multi-day tour full of new experiences that excite & challenge. This is a tour for all age ranges, group sizes and all types of experience.
A great 12-day tour that incorporates the best of Peru. In under two weeks, you'll explore the Amazon Jungle and trek to the heights of Machu Picchu. You'll experience the best of both worlds — from the jungle to the Andes.
An active tour of the important mountain ranges around the Cusco Region: the Urubamba & Vilcanota. This is the perfect 8-day itinerary for those who enjoy adventure and want to have an authentic Andean experience in the mountains.
A stunning tour which includes the best of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. See the most important Inca ruins in this activity-filled itinerary. This is the best way to experience the Cusco Region in our opinion!
Journey through an undiscovered land of wild desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks, herds of alpacas, to arrive at the ultimate destination: the rainbow-painted slopes of Rainbow Mountain hidden deep in the Andes.
Only a limited number of people are permitted to hike the Inca Trail each year. If you have your heart set on this classic trek to Machu Picchu, be sure to book your trek months in advance to get permits for your desired dates.
Discover three of Peru's top destinations: Cusco, the Inca Trail, and Ausangate, in this comprehensive, unforgettable tour. Wander through cobblestone streets, mountain trails, and lush forests to experience the best sights the region has to offer. From Incan ruins to the highest Andean peaks, this tour gives a taste of both Peru's rich history and breathtaking scenery.
This 9-day tour through northern Peru will not only show you the culinary side of Peru, but also a range of natural highlights. You will visit the major attractions in the Amazonas region, such as the fortress of Kuelap, also called the “Machu Picchu of the North”, and Gocta, one of the 10 highest waterfalls in the world.
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Cotahuasi is the deepest canyon in the world, cutting through the Coropuna and Surimana massifs. With numerous hiking trails and vantage points, Cotahuasi is a beautiful region that few travelers get to see. With single and multiday tours, you'll get to hike the length of one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
A full-day mountain biking ride on the outskirts of Cusco. Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes and ride past Llamas and Alpacas as you descend into the upper cloud forest and lush waterfalls of the Apurimac River Valley. It's a short, perfect day of Andean biking!
Explore the Cordillera Huayhuash on this 9-day adventure through one of the most impressive regions of the Peruvian Andes. This is one of the lesser-known and uncrowded treks due to the remote location of this beautiful mountain range.
Thousands of people visit Peru every year for a chance to hike one of the world’s most famous treks — the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In order to plan a great trek and memorable experience, here’s an insider’s guide on what to expect, what to avoid, and how to get started in organizing your trip.
This 13-day family adventure includes all the top, must-see highlights of Peru. From the Andes to the Amazon, the itinerary is specifically designed to satisfy and accommodate both children and adults.
A shorter alternative to the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek offers an experience just as stunning. Despite the high altitudes, this trek follows a less rigorous route through local communities, making it ideal for those who are looking for something accessible, unique, and immersive.
If you're looking to combine some adventure with a tour of Machu Picchu at the end, consider this three-day itinerary. The Sacred Valley is a hotbed of great day adventures, given its steep terrain along the Urubamba river and dramatic scenery. Choose from a selection of activities — from zip-lining, ATVing, single-track mountain biking or paddle-boarding before your visit to Peru's most famous ruins.
Explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu on this epic one week adventure. While in the Sacred Valley, you'll get to choose from a selection of great adventures, including mountain biking, horseback riding, or zip-lining.
If you’re looking for the best way to hike the Inca Trail, this classic route offers a unique approach which avoids the main crowds, and follows the ideal schedule for timing your visit to Machu Picchu.
The Sacred Valley is one of the most culturally rich regions in South America — and also one of the most adventurous. A little known secret is that the Sacred Valley is emerging as a great adventure sports destination. From rafting to rock climbing, the Sacred Valley offers numerous ways to get your adrenaline fix in a stunning environment.
The highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is part of the spectacular Andes that form the spine of South America. A mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts over 50 peaks that exceed 15,000 feet, 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and more remote trek in Peru, the Ausangate trek may be perfect for you. On this 8-day itinerary, you’ll discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amidst herds of alpacas.
Off the beaten track, Chachapoyas can be described as real ‘Indiana Jones’ territory. Located in northern Peru, at the juncture between the Amazon rainforest, the Andes Mountains and the Pacific coast, this is a mystical and wonderful place, deep in the cloud forest.
Peruvian cuisine is popping up on menus around the world—find out why on this unique tour that introduces the Sacred Valley through authentic culinary experiences. Prepare traditional meals with local ingredients in a hands-on cooking class, dine at a world-class restaurant hidden in a colonial-era house, and tour Incan ruins—including iconic Machu Picchu—along the way.
Peru is famous for the Inca Trail and other multi-day hikes, but if you are short on time, there are plenty of excellent day hikes throughout the Sacred Valley. These hikes are a great way to visit some of the rural communities and lesser-visited ruins throughout the Valley.
Venture into the Amazon, a jewel of stunning biodiversity in South America. Travel by boat to see a wide variety of colorful wildlife, along with a visit to the Tambopata Research Center. Away from the crowds, you’ll be able to spend days in observing the flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Discover the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, along this challenging yet rewarding trek. The 65 km trek passes through lush jungles, deep canyons, and snow-capped peaks en route to Machu Picchu. If you’re up for the adventure, this is one of the most beautiful treks in the Cusco Region.
The Sacred Valley is one of Peru’s most popular destinations. Once the cultural and spiritual heartland of the Inca, it is chock-full of ancient ruins, picturesque villages and stone footpaths. Machu Picchu may be the main attraction, yet one could spend days exploring the cultural highlights and ancient ruins of the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River.
