Destination

Peru

Peru’s appeal is endless, with a range of natural and man-made wonders. The arid coastal region was once home to ancient civilisations who carved their legacy into the desert. The highlands, home to the condor and countless indigenous communities, were the heartland of the Inca Empire and the ruins of their forts, cities and temples can be seen in abundance from the country’s far north to it’s southern corner near Lake Titicaca, alongside the colonial gems of Cusco and Arequipa. To the east, the mountains shelve away and give in to the dense vegetation and rich fauna of the Amazon basin.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains lies Lima, the capital of Peru. “The City of Kings” as it was named by its founder Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is now a bustling metropolis of 9 million inhabitants. The city is home to some of Peru’s biggest and best museums as well as a host of shops, bars and restaurants. Temples, sanctuaries and human dwellings stand as testimony to the indigenous people who made this region one of the most important cultural centres of pre-Inca and Inca civilisations. Today a modern city awaits visitors with open arms to share with them the richness of its Andean, European, Oriental and African heritage. Further south, you can take flights over the desert to view the mysterious Nazca Lines and visit the Ballestas Islands wildlife sanctuary, home to birds such as cormorants and penguins, along with sea lions and fur seals.

Straddling the border with Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire, South America’s largest lake and the world’s highest navigable lake. Remote islands on the lake are home to communities whose way of life has changed little since the Spanish conquest. The scenery is stunning with distant snow-capped mountains offering a backdrop to the sparkling blue waters. Both the altiplanic city of Puno and the Andean inland country of Bolivia, depict the strengths of Quechua and Aymara hospitable natives who have managed through centuries to sustain a productive lifestyle in this most extraordinary region where the heavens meet the earth. The genesis myths of the pre-Inca, Inca and Aymara cultures originated at Lake Titicaca.

Best visited in the dry season from April to October, the highland region around Cusco is the heartland of the Inca Empire. This city is known as the Navel of the World and is the Archaeological Capital of the Americas. Cusco has dazzled visitors with the perfection of it’s massive stone constructions and with the richness of its culture. It is the gateway to Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca citadel. Cusco, was once the Inca capital and the buildings in the city centre mix colonial and Inca stonework. The whole region is dotted with forts and temples, most notably in the Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley. Several hundred metres lower than Cusco, the valley is a perfect place to stay for those wishing to acclimatise slowly to the high altitude.

The second most important city in Peru, Arequipa lies a the foot of the snow-capped “El Misti” volcano. A colonial city built from distinctive white volcanic stone, enjoys a beautiful climate and has an array of colonial churches and mansions. The well-preserved Monastery of Santa Catalina is the most impressive religious example of the architecture characteristics of the 16th and 17th centuries. The Colca Canyon, a few hours drive to the north, is one of the world’s deepest and it’s rugged walls are covered in agricultural terraces. The canyon is home to traditional farming communities and huge condors, best seen in the mornings as they soar on the warm air currents.

The ruins at Machu Picchu, spectacularly located on a spur high above the river, are the highlight of any trip to Peru. Forgotten for centuries, they were brought to international attention in 1911 when explored by the archaeologist Hiram Bingham. They can be reached either by train from Cusco and the Sacred Valley, or by foot along ancient Inca roads (known as the Inca Trail), but however you get there you will be rewarded with stunning views and amazing photographic opportunities.

The Amazon basin extends into the whole of eastern Peru, and is best visited from Puerto Maldonado, a short flight from Cusco, and from Iquitos, a former rubber trading town in the north of Peru. There is an abundance of plant life and wildlife including colourful birds, butterflies, dragonflies, alligators, giant otters, turtles, frogs and monkeys which are best seen from one of the jungle lodges or on an extended Amazon Cruise. The evergreen pristine rainforest awaits anyone who loves nature and wants to preserve it for future generations.

When to visit

Lima and the coast are generally dry. During the coastal Summer (late December to early April) temperatures can rise to 26 °C. The rest of the year is cooler with an average temperature of 18 °C, although a coastal fog known as ‘Garua’ produces low clouds. In the Andean region, the wet season runs from November to March with January and February being the wettest months.

Due to the altitude of the areas around Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, visitors should try not to overexert themselves during the first couple of days of their stay. Coca tea, available at most hotels and restaurants, can help to relieve mild symptoms of altitude sickness, but for more information and advice, consult your doctor.

Peru Itineraries

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

3 days/2 nights or 4 days/3 nights.

The lodge is an eco-luxury property on the Madre de Dios rover which has 35 wooden cabanas inspired in the Ese’Eja culture. A total of 540 bird species have been inventoried in hotel grounds which lies deep in the rainforest. The property offers a varied selection of à-la-carte excursions including a visit to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway: a bridge system at 30 metres above the ground allowing adventurers to enjoy a privileged view of the Amazon.

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Cusco with Mini Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

6 days.
Private transfers and tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu.
Accommodation in your selected hotels including buffet breakfast.
Train tickets Ollantaytambo/Km 104 and Machu Picchu/Ollantaytambo on Vistadome Class.
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Cusco and Machu Picchu

6 days.
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Classic Cusco and Machu Picchu

6 days.
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Peru and Bolivia

13 days.
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Classic Peru

11 days.
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Peru Birdlife

12 days.
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Peru Highlights

Peruvian Adventure

This 12-day adventure of Peru commences in the colonial city of Arequipa and its backdrop dominated by a skyline of Andean volcanoes. To the north of Arequipa you will travel through and stay in the magnificent Andean Valley known as the Colca Canyon, home to condors and traditional communities. Spend a day on the highest navegable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, visit the island inhabitants and their ancient communal way of life. The journey continues through the Andes to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, and then onto the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the town and fortress of Ollaytaytambo and enjoy some shopping in the colourful indian market of Pisac. Machu Picchu, known as the lost city of the Incas, retains its mystery, allure and spectacular beauty. This itinerary provides you with a guided tour of this historic site and also the opportunity to visit the site the following day on your own. Finally enjoy a complete day in Cusco, a tour of the city and surrounding ruins including the renowned fortress and religious site of Sacsayhuaman.

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Peru with Inkaterra

Inkaterra is a Peruvian organisation celebrating 40 years of experience in sustainable tourism initiatives to conserve the environment, preserve native cultures and develop sustainable tourism in Peru. The organisation focuses on preserving Peru's nature and cultures to share with travellers providing them with an authentic nature experience.

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Active Peru: The Santa Cruz Trek

This is an awe-inspiring holiday designed for experienced mountain or hill walkers who want to experience the beauty and solitude of the landscapes covered by one of Peru’s many and various Andean treks. You travel inland from the desert coast north of Lima to a dazzling white, snow-crested range of jagged mountains: Cordillera Blanca.

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Amazon Expedition Cruise

We highly recommend our 7-night Amazon River Expedition Cruise on the Aria Amazon where you may experience our most luxurious and comprehensive Amazon journey among the Amazon River’s two powerful tributaries: the Marañon and the Ucayali, as well as several hidden black water lakes.

Kayak, canoe and swim in these unspoiled black waters, keeping eyes peeled for the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins.

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Peru and Galapagos

From the Peruvian lands of the ancient Inca Empire to the Ecuadorian islands those once housed pirates; this extensive tour will take you over two mystical regions and all the beautiful landscapes found along the way for a once in a lifetime voyage.

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Belmond Andean Explorer

South America's first luxury sleeper train takes one of the highest rail routes in the world. The train is beautifully finished and furnished. The cuisine is first class.

Belmond Andean Explorer accommodates 48 guests in refined, en-suite cabins including two Deluxe Double Bed Cabins, 6 Junior Double Bed Cabins, 11 Twin Bed Cabins and 5, bunk bed cabins for two people. Fresh, seasonal menus, using local ingredients are created by the chefs at Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and served in the two Dining Cars. The Observation Car with an open-air deck is the place to enjoy the dramatic views and a refreshing drink whilst the Lounge Car provides a comfortable setting to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

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