On your Peru holiday, discover a wealth of diversity from the dense Amazon rainforest to the Nazca lines – enormous geoglyphs carved into the desert. Follow the Inca Trail to the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu and cross ancient Lake Titicaca where the indigenous Uros people reside on floating reed islands. Descend into the Colca Canyon, the second deepest in the world. Wake at dawn and perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of Peru’s symbolic bird of prey, the giant Andean Condor, hovering majestically overhead.

Peru holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Peru with Original Travel ?

Leave tour buses and jostling crowds behind on a tailor-made adventure to Peru. Whether exclusive access to art collections or walks with local Andean farmers (and their llamas) in the Sacred Valley sound more up your street, every detail of your holiday is designed for you. We’ve got your accommodation covered, too, be it listening to the sounds of the jungle from a remote eco-lodge or chatting with locals in a homestay on Lake Titicaca’s shores. And thanks to our experienced in-country team and passionate Concierges (who are just a WhatsApp message away), your trip will run like clockwork from start to finish.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Peru

  • Our local Concierges
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  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
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  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

Travel to Peru by Region

Andes

South America’s mountainous spine, the Andes is one of the longest mountain ranges in the world. Hiding glaciers, volcanoes, grasslands, desert, lakes and forests, these mountains crown seven countries in America's south. Peru plays host to a section of these magnificent mountains and is home to the desolate Andean Plateau which is the widest part of the Andes. Snow-crusted mountains crown this country, one which is as diverse and colourful as the threads of it’s traditional dress. During your Andes holidays, travel from cosmopolitan Cuzco, which vibrates with energy as the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, through to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for a real taste of this captivating country. Discover the birthplace of the sun - Lake Titicaca - a place drenched in culture and lost in the past. Locals speak the indigenous languages of Quechua or Aymara and wear traditional clothing, while Inca terraces are still used. This is well and truly a place that time has left untouched and unchanged.

Lima

Peru’s capital is having a moment. Years of gentrification and reinvention have transformed Lima into a fun-loving cultural enclave with an inventive foodie scene to rival that of any other major city, and an infectious energy that swirls through its streets. There’s the Malecon – a scenic, cliff-side strip, dotted with parks and gardens. And then there’s the boho district of Barranco – a hip neighbourhood where the parties thrum until the early hours and the bold street art brightens the greyest of days. Lima holidays aren’t just about flying in and fleeing off to Peru’s hinterland – there’s a lot to love about the Peruvian capital.

Machu Picchu

When it comes to bucket list experiences, few can beat those electrifying first glimpses of Machu Picchu. Stare at this ancient city, amid the breaking clouds and shafts of sunlight, and you’ll be left slack-jawed at its raw majesty – a memory that won’t easily be forgotten. This sensational, sprawling once-hidden Incan city, crafted in the 15th century, remains shrouded in mystery. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll get the chance to explore its ancient temples – breathtaking gifts to the ancient gods – and listen to myths and legends about this thrilling and sacred archaeological site. From the surrounding splendour of looming peaks and plunging chasms, to the ancient city’s insatiable beauty, Machu Picchu holidays are as enchanting and enthralling as you’ve always imagined.

Peruvian Amazon

Ever mysterious, the seductive, strange and sweltering country-within-a-country that is the Peruvian Amazon has captured the hearts and minds of many an adventurer since it was first discovered. A vast and impenetrable fortress that makes up the most biodiverse forest in the world, the Amazon is home to a wealth of flora and fauna, scores of undiscovered species, and a number of indigenous communities and uncontacted tribes completely isolated from the outside world. There are two ways to explore the Amazon: from Lima, head North to Iquitos and the Pacaya Samiria National Park, or travel south to Cusco - the ancient seat of the Inca civilisation - and then head to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway and capital of the southern jungle. During your Peruvian Amazon rainforest holiday, make lodges and tents your home, and immerse yourself in a world of trackless wildernesses, strange animal calls, melting heat and more shades of green than you ever thought possible.

Sacred Valley

Lying between Cuzco and Machu Picchu is the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley, which shouldn't be overlooked en route between the two. Dotted with colonial towns, weaving villages and lofty Inca citadels, Sacred Valley holidays offer culture and history but also adrenaline activities, while surrounded by dramatic scenery. The attractive weaving villages are worth exploring, such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, with their Spanish colonial heritage. There are many colourful markets in the area, but one of the biggest is Pisac Market, selling jewellery, handicrafts, spices and local foods. Sunday is the best time to visit, as the church procession takes place in town, and the locals dress in traditional clothing. Old ways remain an integral part of life here, with bustling fiestas and carnivals, where pagan traditions meet Catholic rituals. Explore this striking rural region by following one of the many trekking routes, or travel through the Andean hamlets by train. Make sure to venture to the impressive agricultural terraces of Moray - one of the most striking Inca landscapes in the area. For those seeking adventure, activities range from river rafting to rock climbing to riding. Alternatively, braving the local buses to discover the region's furthest corners is an adventure in itself!

Our Peru holiday collections

Discover different ways to explore Peru

Peru Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Peru Testimonials

5 reviews
4.4 / 5
"Our trip to Ecuador was due to start on Monday October 21 but was cancelled the afternoon before because of civil unrest in Quito. Kate transformed this disaster into a triumph. Working incredibly hard on Monday and Tuesday and from a standing start she has organised a terrific holiday for us in Peru and Ecuador. It is better than the holiday we had booked to go on and Kate dealt with all our questions on Monday and Tuesday while also booking the flights, hotels, transfers etc. It is Wednesday and we have already set off, all thanks to Kate. She has shown professionalism and charm throughout. We are so grateful to her."
Gareth - Peterborough
Published on 21st October 2019
"We had a fabulous time and I must compliment you on the flawless arrangements. All the logistics worked perfectly from the minute we left Gatwick until our return. The accommodation (including on the Inca trail!) was excellent and all the transport links worked well. The guides who showed us around were knowledgeable and attentive and we particularly enjoyed our time in the Sacred Valley with Alejandro and driver Abi. The highlight though was to arrive at the Intipunku and watch Machu Picchu emerge from the mist. We had to wait two hours but it was worth it! Getting to go back the following day for the ascent of Huayna Picchu was a true bonus; we positively skipped up."
Jessica - Liverpool
Published on 1st February 2019
"Thank you for planning this great vacation for us. We could not have been more pleased. The hotels were wonderful, the food superb and the tours flawless. I have given all of our friends your name and said that if they ever needed travel assistance, that they should contact you. Thank you again for a trip we will never forget!"
Stephanie - Leicester
Published on 11th December 2018

Our Peru
specialists

From the mist-shrouded Andes to cosmopolitan Lima, our talented team of consultants have made it their mission to seek out lesser-known gems across Peru, encouraging travellers to go in the opposite direction to the crowds. On the ground, we only work with partners who practice sustainable travel, involve local people and tread lightly in destinations that have been trampled in the past. Our Concierges keep even the most difficult itineraries running smoothly, anticipating and solving issues behind the scenes, while the experienced in-country team have offices across the country, ensuring you'll always be looked after in Peru.

Useful information for your Peru holiday

What can I experience in Peru?

Best known for the famous sights of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Peru is a hugely diverse country. As well as being home to world-renowned cultural sites, this vibrant country is a forerunner when it comes to gastronomy, with ceviche, pisco sour cocktails and chocolate all originating from here.

Even if you don’t fancy visiting any historical monuments, you’ll surely be able to appreciate the fantastic landscapes, which span across towering mossy peaks, rainbow-coloured mountains and sandy deserts – as well as half of the gigantic Amazon rainforest.

What should I visit in Peru?

Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are must-visit locations for any holiday to Peru. Hike even a small section of the trail to watch the landscape unfold around you; the ancient stone buildings emerge from the lush greenery and inspire a sense of wonder and amazement.

Or, if you’re looking for activities that are slightly closer to sea level, then explore the beauty of the Amazon rainforest with a knowledgeable guide. Discover more about the people that have made the world’s biggest rainforest their home, as well as looking out for all sorts of fascinating creatures.

When you’ve had your fill of stunning scenery, head to the capital, Lima. Full of excellent chefs who are making a mark on the global culinary scene, this bustling metropolis is the perfect place to treat yourself to all the fantastic food Peru has to offer.

What can you find in Peru that you won’t find elsewhere?

Peru is full of historical and natural beauty. There are the obvious destinations, such as Cusco, the splendid capital of the one-time Inca Empire, as well as iconic Machu Picchu, a true feat of architecture perched dramatically nearly 8,000ft above sea level. Then, veer off-the-beaten-track to discover the domains of ancient civilisations such as the Chavin, Moche and Nazca peoples, the latter responsible for the mysterious designs you’ll find etched into the desert. Witness the natural variety on display in the sweeping Cordillera Blanca, the world’s most extensive range of tropical mountains, clad in both snow-white ice and lush Andean forest. Then there’s the long desert strip that runs along the coast, home to wildlife-rich reserves, rippled sand dunes, remote vineyards and even some excellent surf breaks.


Who are Peru holidays best for?

Peru’s compelling landscapes have so much to offer adventurers; in particular, avid hikers who may have dreamed of trekking the Cordillera Blanca or traversing the picturesque Huascaran National Park, named after the highest peak in the country. Beyond the beautifully intact Machu Picchu and enigmatic Nazca lines, hiking is one of the sure-fire ways of unravelling Peru’s more remote ancient terraces, stone temples and cobbled Inca towns. Budding archaeologists can revel in pre-Columbian civilisations who left traces of their culture scattered throughout the sacred green valleys, towering mountains and vast sandy deserts – all scenic backdrops to the country’s plethora of historical gems.


What are the best ways to discover Peru?

With so much on offer, a truly tailor-made approach brings out the best experiences in any Peru holiday. In nine days, you can discover the three essential highlights: Lima, Cusco and Lake Titicaca. A two-week trip allows enough time to delve deeper into the high Altiplano, revealing indigenous communities whose traditional way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. If Machu Picchu is at the forefront of the agenda, we recommend staying in an eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the cloud forest. From here, explore the mysterious citadel and then retreat amid 12 acres of gardens, waterfalls and orchids. For those with more time on their hands, consider habitats ranging from Amazonian jungle to snow-clad Andes, home to famous species such as the puma and condor, and which make this one of those special countries where everything is under one roof, so to speak. The mysterious Nazca Lines and the upper reaches of the Amazon are among the country's other attractions we can weave into any luxury holiday itinerary.


Special things to do in Peru:

- Visit Cabo Blanco, a small fishing port and old haunt of Ernest Hemingway’s.

- The Peruvian capital Lima is the centre of a wonderful resurgence in Peruvian cuisine, centred around the trend of ceviche - marinated raw fish with lime juice (much better than it sounds!) - and Pisco sours, a cocktail to rival caipirinhas and mojitos as Latin America's favourite tipple. We know the best places to sample the best in town.

- One thing previously missing from Peru's luxury holiday armoury was a decent coastal option to provide a full house of beach, city, mountains, desert and jungle, but the emergence of Mancora as a hip new surf and social scene hangout means visitors really have got the perfect combo.

Best places to go in Peru



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