Peru
Mystical, spiritual, cultural and culinary, the land of the ancient Incas offers many diverse delights: This remarkable South American country is endowed with archaeological and cultural riches, and complete with natural wonders in every form imaginable.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, encompassing what was the fertile homeland of the Inca Empire. A stretch of picturesque villages and archaeological ruins sprawl across broad fields, mountain slopes, the raging Urubamba River and steeped in Andean history, culture and beauty. Here you will find the Ollantaytambo ruins, one of the last Inca towns to fall, the colorful Pisac Market, a perfect photo opportunity to capture the colors and indigenous people of Peru, the salt pans of Maras and the “agricultural laboratory” of Moray, that consists of circular concentric geological depressions used by the Incas to create microclimates and grow various plant species. The last stop is the quaint town of Aguas Caliente, gateway to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
No visit to Peru is complete without a pilgrimage to the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the single most important archaeological sites in Peru.
Sitting at 2,430m above sea-level on the eastern slopes of the Andes and the upper Amazon basin, this ancient city is surrounded by dramatic landscapes and a high point for any trip to South America. Machu Picchu can be reached from Cusco and the Sacred Valley by luxury rail services including the Vistadome and Hiram Bingham trains, or by hiking the famous Inca Trail.
Just about everywhere you look in Cusco – once capital of the Inca Empire, and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas – you’ll see traces of its Incan past and its importance to the Inca people as the “navel of the world,” as well as of the early Spanish colonial city built above it. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its stone streets, cathedrals and squares speak volumes about the people who have lived here through the ages, and continue to make their homes here today. The Sacsayhuamin ruins, once a magnificent Inca fortress with imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco and a glimpse into the past.
The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest houses the world’s largest and most diverse collection of plant and animal life. It is home to more than one-third of all recorded animal species in the world, including 20% of all bird species. At least 40,000 plant species, 427 mammals, 1,300 birds, 378 reptiles, more than 400 amphibians and around 3,000 freshwater fishes are known to exist within this giant cradle.
Luxury River Cruise
A river cruise is an ideal way to enjoy a safe, luxurious and adventurous course through the beautiful Peruvian Amazonian wilderness. Or stay in an Eco Lodge to explore the jungle of Puerto Maldonado and meet its endless wildlife, either by foot through its many trails or cruising the Madre de Dios River. Discover the rich biodiversity of the Tambopata National Reserve and watch the Peruvian Amazon from the treetops through an amazing network of suspension bridges.
Scenic Train Rides
A journey on one of the world’s most scenic train rides along the Urubamba River through the lush valleys, fields, cloud forests and mountains of Peru’s serene countryside.
Restaurants
Lima is increasingly known as the gastronomic capital of South America with 2 restaurants making the list of the World Top 50 restaurants in 2020: World's 50 Best
Cusco
Just about everywhere you look in Cusco – once capital of the Inca Empire, and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas – you’ll see traces of its Incan past and its importance to the Inca people as the “navel of the world,” as well as of the early Spanish colonial city built above it. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its stone streets, cathedrals and squares speak volumes about the people who have lived here through the ages, and continue to make their homes here today. The Sacsayhuamin ruins, once a magnificent Inca fortress with imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco and a glimpse into the past.
One of a kind experiences
For an Extreme ADRENALINE-FILLED one of a kind experience in the Sacred Valley consider Skylodge Adventures - Here you will spend the night tucked into bed in a glass capsule suspended 1,200 feet up a mountainside, overlooking the valley and surrounded by stars. To reach the Skylodge, you must ascend 400 meters via ferrata or hike an intrepid trail and to descend you have to zipline.
Our Peru itineraries go beyond the guidebook to offer the sorts of authentic, immersive experiences that are only possible with expert planning, passionate local guides and round-the-clock travel support.