travelling in peru
Peru's attractions are iconic, from the world wonder of Machu Picchu hidden high in the Andes to the world-renowned restaurants lining the trendy neighbourhoods of Lima, they're always high on any traveller's wish list.
But even beyond these things there's something special about Peru that needs to be experienced to be understood. Visitors are beguiled by the colours of the traditional costumes, by the beauty of the indigenous music, by the aromas of the food markets. There's something infectious about the warmth of the people too, as you wander through plazas, streets, and markets, you'll notice how vibrant the public life is, how connected the people are. You might be dreaming of visiting Peru to trek the majestic landscapes or to explore the mystical ancient ruins, but it's not just these things that will enchant you, it's the entire experience that will get under your skin and leave a lasting impression on you. This is the true Peru, and this is what we want to help you experience.
Peru is big, at almost half a million square miles it's the twentieth largest country in the world. It can be divided into three main terrains: the Pacific coast and deserts in the west, the Amazon rain-forest in the east, and dividing them the mighty Andes in the centre. We have packages that will allow you to experience each of them, and our well organised and comfortable transportation will leave it to you to simply relax and take in the unforgettable vistas as you travel from destination to destination.
Our packages are grouped around eight main areas which bring you the very best that Peru has to offer:
CUSCO AND THE SACRED VALLEY
Cusco is the Quechua word for belly button as it was the centre of the Inca world, and today it remains the epicentre of tourism in Peru.
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Set high in the Andes, you can't help but feel as if you've stepped back in time as you wander through streets built from enormous Inca stones. not to be missed is Qoricacha, once the most sacred temple of the Incas it was converted into a cathedral by the conquering Spaniards. In the hills surrounding the city are the awe-inspiring Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, Tambomachay and Qenco. After busy days of touring these sites you can let your hair down with Cusco's healthy nightlife scene.
Just to the north of Cusco is the spectacular Sacred Valley. Among the mountain peaks you'll discover imposing Inca ruins and charming colonial villages, highlights include the sweeping terraces and views of Pisac and the ancient fortress of Ollantaytambo, starting point for the Inca Trail. The dramatic terrain of the valley offers fantastic opportunities for trekking, rafting, and mountain biking. Or, if you prefer something more laidback, there are plenty of local markets to explore as well.
MACHU PICCHU
Simply put, Machu Picchu is the jewel in Peru's crown.
Waiting deep in the mists of humid jungled mountains, just getting here feels like an adventure, and when you set eyes on this lost Inca city you'll find it's every bit as breathtaking as you've imagined. What you may not have imagined however are the views you'll have of the surrounding landscapes as you explore its temples and terraces. The vistas of the jagged peaks, the luscious green mountainsides and jungle rivers winding through valleys far beneath you are worth the journey alone.
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There are numerous ways of getting here from Cusco, you can indulge the intrepid explorer in you by choosing from a number of multi-day treks, or else travel in comfort by train and be back in Cusco in time for a relaxing evening meal. Whatever way you do it, visiting Machu Picchu will be an undoubted highlight of this or any trip.
LIMA
The capital city may well be your first taste of Peru.
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Most tourists head for Miraflores and Barranco, trendy and bohemian neighbourhoods that overlook the Pacific from high clifftops. Here you'll find the restaurants that make Lima one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, there's everything from Michelin Star restaurants through to more economical options. No matter where you choose to dine, make sure you try ceviche, no visit to Lima or Peru would be quite complete without eating this delicious national delicacy. Besides the food, another highlight is an evening walk along the cliff pathways whilst taking in the ocean sunset.
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Don't overlook downtown while you're here, in amongst the grit and chaos you'll find Lima's true soul and no shortage of impressive colonial architecture. Take a trip the the lesser known Chinatown just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas for chifa, the Chinese/Peruvian fusion food which has become a staple of the country's culinary culture.
PUNO AND LAKE TITICACA
The city of Puno is the gateway to the mystical Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on the planet. It was regarded by the Incas as the birthplace of the sun and is still home to some of Peru's most ancient cultures.
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Out on the lake, the Uros continue to live on floating islands constructed from totora, a hardy reed that grows here in great quantities, they still fish and travel in boats made from totora too. Other must-see destinations are the islands of Taquile and Amantani, home to the Aymaras and Quechuas. As you step foot on these islands you'll get a glimpse into cultures which have barely changed after many centuries.
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The islands can be visited in a single day or savoured with overnight stays, waking up to views of the Andes rising over the lake's blue waters is an experience to be cherished.
AREQUIPA AND COLCA CANYON
Known in Peru as la Ciudad Blanca (the White City), Arequipa is built from a white volcanic rock that gives this gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage-listed city an unmistakable feel of tranquility. Life seems a little bit more laid back here, which makes it a perfect place to stop off and relax for a few days, exploring the museums and galleries and enjoying the many restaurants. Don't miss out on the traditional Arequipa dessert, queso helado (cheese ice-cream) which is sold from wooden barrels all around the main plaza. Looming over Arequipa is the imposing Misti volcano, giving a hint of the natural splendour that awaits just beyond the city.
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Not far from Arequipa is the spectacular Colca Canyon. As the second deepest canyon in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and around 100km in length, it offers a myriad of treasures to be discovered. From gentle terraced farmlands dotted with ancient villages to condors soaring majestically over huge escarpments, this really is one of Peru's natural wonders.
The canyon can be explored from Arequipa with a selection of multi-day, multi-level treks, or else experienced in a single day with a bus doing the hard work for you.
NAZCA
In the deserts just a few kilometres north of the town of Nazca lie the world famous Nazca Lines. We know that these enormous geo-glyphs of animals date back at least 1,400 years to pre-Inca times, but the fact that we don't know exactly who built them or why means they continue to fascinate archaeologists and adventurers alike.
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The only way to truly experience these lines is by aeroplane, there are numerous options available with different flight durations.
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Also within reach of Nazca are the Ballestas Islands just off Peru's Pacific coast. A haven for a wide variety of Peru's marine life, including sea lions and penguins, they can be easily visited in a single day.
To the south of Lima, Nazca is an ideal place to stop-off on the journeys to and from Cusco and Arequipa.
MANU NATIONAL PARK
Even the journey here from Cusco, as you wind your way down from lofty mountain peaks into the vast expanse of the Amazon Basin, is likely to be one of the most spectacular bus journeys you'll ever take.
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And then, as you leave roads far behind and begin to travel by river through the seemingly impenetrable jungles of Manu National Park, it feels like you're truly entering the primordial heart of the South American continent.
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As a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, this huge swathe of protected rain-forest is teaming with wildlife, on a trek here you can expect to see monkeys, capybara, and a wide variety of bird species including the stunning macaw. And if you're very lucky you might even glimpse the enigmatic beauty of the jaguar.
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There are a range of multi-day packages available with various durations, the longer you stay the more the jungle seems to cast its mysterious spell on you.
PUERTO MALDONADO
After arriving by aeroplane, the first taste of this destination is the noisy, chaotic town of Puerto Maldonado. Then, as you venture beyond its streets and buildings into the surrounding wilderness, you discover that the jungle teems with its own noise and chaos.
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In amongst the awe-inspiring screech of the Amazon lives an incredible abundance of biodiversity, including monkeys, macaws, toucans, turtles, and caiman. After a long day's trekking through this fiesta of wildlife, there's nothing better than relaxing as the sun sets over the steamy jungle canopy.
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And once you return to the town of Puerto Maldonado, a great way of readjusting to civilisation is to take in some of its lively nightlife.
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You can visit Puerto Maldonado with a selection of multi-day trips, all of which include accommodation in comfortable jungle lodges.
