Discover
Peru
Land of the Incas, from the highlands of Machu Picchu to the depths of the Amazon.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Machu Picchu
Tucked high in the breathtaking Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is an awe-inspiring 15th-century Inca citadel that remained hidden from the outside world until 1911. The site is a masterpiece of ancient engineering, featuring intricately carved dry-stone walls that fuse seamlessly with the spectacular natural landscape. Mist-shrouded peaks and lush terraced hillsides create an otherworldly atmosphere that captivates every visitor.
Best Time
April to October (Dry season)
Insider Tip
Arrive at sunrise for a...
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a breathtakingly beautiful region characterized by its fertile farmland, picturesque colonial towns, and imposing ancient ruins. Winding along the Urubamba River, it served as the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire and continues to boast traditional Andean culture. Visitors can explore vibrant artisan markets, stunning agricultural terraces, and towering fortresses that stand as testaments to Inca ingenuity.
Best Time
April to October
Insider Tip
Don't miss the circular terraces...
Cusco Historic Center
Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco's Historic Center is a captivating blend of ancient Inca foundations and elegant Spanish colonial architecture. The bustling Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, surrounded by magnificent cathedrals and historic arcades. Cobblestone streets wind through the vibrant city, leading to hidden courtyards, artisan boutiques, and phenomenal culinary experiences.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Take a leisurely walk through...
Colca Canyon
Plunging to depths more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is one of the most spectacular geological wonders in the world. The canyon features lush pre-Inca agricultural terraces still in use today and is surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks. It is also one of the best places on earth to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor in its natural habitat.
Best Time
May to November
Insider Tip
Spend a night in a...
Lake Titicaca (Uros Islands)
Straddling the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, shimmering with an intense, sapphire-blue hue. Its most fascinating feature is the collection of floating Uros Islands, which are entirely hand-woven from the buoyant totora reeds that grow in the shallows. The indigenous Uros people maintain a traditional way of life on these remarkable floating communities, continuing practices passed down through generations.
Best Time
May to October
Insider Tip
Extend your trip to the...
Nazca Lines
Etched into the arid desert of southern Peru, the Nazca Lines are a series of enormous ancient geoglyphs that continue to baffle historians and archaeologists. Created between 500 BCE and 500 CE, these massive line drawings depict various plants, animals, and geometric shapes, some measuring over 300 meters across. Due to the windless and dry climate of the plateau, these mesmerizing figures have been perfectly preserved for millennia.
Best Time
Year-round (Morning flights are best)
Insider Tip
Book an early morning scenic...
Lima Historic Centre
The Historic Centre of Lima, known as the 'City of Kings', is a spectacular showcase of Spanish colonial grandeur and architectural elegance. The main square, Plaza Mayor, is flanked by stunning monuments including the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, and the ornate Cathedral of Lima. Beneath the historic streets lie fascinating catacombs and ancient archaeological sites that reveal the city's complex past.
Best Time
December to April
Insider Tip
Visit the San Francisco Convent...
Huacachina Oasis
Emerging like a mirage amidst towering, sun-baked sand dunes, Huacachina is South America's only natural desert oasis. A tranquil, emerald-green lagoon sits at its center, surrounded by lush palm trees and a small village of resorts and restaurants. The surrounding dunes reach staggering heights, creating a dramatic and surreal landscape that feels entirely disconnected from the rest of the world.
Best Time
Year-round
Insider Tip
Climb the highest dune just...
Amazon Rainforest (Iquitos)
The Amazon Rainforest around Iquitos is a staggering expanse of unparalleled biodiversity, teeming with vibrant flora and elusive fauna. As the largest city in the world inaccessible by road, Iquitos serves as the gateway to the deep, pristine jungle of the northern Peruvian Amazon. Navigating the winding rivers reveals a world of pink dolphins, howler monkeys, colorful macaws, and indigenous communities living in harmony with nature.
Best Time
May to October (Low water season for hiking) or December to April (High water season for boating)
Insider Tip
Opt for a premium Amazon...
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Vinicunca, famously known as Rainbow Mountain, is a breathtaking geological wonder characterized by its striking, multi-colored mineral stripes. Reaching an altitude of over 5,200 meters, the mountain displays vivid hues of turquoise, lavender, gold, and maroon, unveiled after recent glacial melting. The surrounding landscape is equally stunning, featuring snow-capped peaks, grazing alpacas, and remote Andean communities.
Best Time
May to September (Dry season for vivid colors)
Insider Tip
Acclimatize in Cusco for several...
Paracas National Reserve
Where the arid desert boldly meets the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, the Paracas National Reserve is a striking landscape of dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine beaches. This vital marine sanctuary protects a rich ecosystem, serving as a haven for migratory birds, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The contrasting colors of the rust-red desert sands against the deep blue ocean create a visually arresting environment.
Best Time
December to April
Insider Tip
Combine your visit to the...
Arequipa (Plaza de Armas)
Arequipa, elegantly known as the 'White City', is framed by three dramatic volcanoes and is renowned for its distinctive architecture made from sillar, a white volcanic stone. The heart of the city is the magnificent Plaza de Armas, widely considered one of the most beautiful squares in South America. The plaza is bordered by a breathtaking basilica cathedral and stunning colonial arcades that gleam brilliantly in the Andean sun.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Dine on traditional Rocoto Relleno...
Chan Chan (Trujillo)
Located near the coastal city of Trujillo, Chan Chan is the largest pre-Columbian adobe city in the Americas and was once the capital of the mighty Chimu Kingdom. Spanning an impressive 20 square kilometers, the complex features sprawling plazas, intricate labyrinths, and high walls adorned with remarkable relief carvings of fish, pelicans, and geometric patterns. This archaeological marvel reflects a highly organized society that thrived in a harsh desert environment.
Best Time
December to March
Insider Tip
Visit the nearby Huanchaco beach...
Kuelap Fortress
Perched dramatically on a limestone ridge in the cloud forests of northern Peru, Kuelap is a massive, ancient stone fortress built by the Chachapoyas, the 'Warriors of the Clouds'. Older and larger in sheer volume than Machu Picchu, the site features imposing defensive walls reaching up to 20 meters high. Inside the formidable exterior lie the ruins of hundreds of circular stone dwellings, many decorated with intricate friezes.
Best Time
May to October
Insider Tip
Take the scenic cable car...
Huascaran National Park
Encompassing the spectacular Cordillera Blanca, Huascaran National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Peru's highest peak, Mount Huascaran. The park is an alpine paradise featuring jagged snow-capped peaks, deep ravines, and hundreds of brilliantly colored turquoise glacial lakes. It harbors a diverse array of high-altitude flora and fauna, including the endangered spectacled bear and the towering Puya raimondii plant.
Best Time
May to September (Dry season for clear views)
Insider Tip
For a less crowded but...
Pisac Ruins & Market
Overlooking a picturesque town in the Sacred Valley, the Pisac Ruins are a sprawling complex of magnificent agricultural terraces, military forts, and religious temples. The site is an extraordinary example of Inca masonry and terracing, dramatically contouring the steep mountainside. Below the ruins, the town of Pisac hosts a vibrant traditional market where artisans sell vibrant textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry.
Best Time
April to October
Insider Tip
Hike down from the ruins...
Ollantaytambo Ruins
Ollantaytambo is an extraordinary Inca archaeological site and a continuously inhabited village that retains its original Inca street plan. The ruins are dominated by massive, perfectly fitted stone terraces and a formidable Sun Temple that was never completed due to the Spanish conquest. It was the site of a rare and famous Inca victory against the Spanish conquistadors, adding to its immense historical significance.
Best Time
April to October
Insider Tip
Climb the adjacent mountain to...
Sacsayhuaman
Perched on a steep hill overlooking the city of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is a monumental Inca complex renowned for its colossal, zigzagging stone walls. The stones used in its construction are some of the largest in any Inca site, weighing up to 200 tons, yet they fit together with absolute, mortarless perfection. While its original purpose is debated—often described as a fortress or a ceremonial center—its grandeur is undeniable.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Visit late in the afternoon...
Mancora Beaches
Mancora is a sun-drenched coastal resort town in northern Peru, famous for its golden sandy beaches and excellent year-round weather. The warm waters of the Pacific invite world-class surfing, while the relaxed, bohemian vibe of the town attracts travelers seeking leisure and lively nightlife. The coastline is dotted with premium boutique hotels and exquisite seafood restaurants serving some of the best ceviche in the country.
Best Time
December to March (Warmest water and best surf)
Insider Tip
Book a premium beachfront eco-resort...
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is a spectacular, rugged alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, winding its way through incredibly diverse Andean landscapes. The multi-day journey takes hikers past the imposing, snow-capped peak of Mount Salkantay, through ethereal cloud forests, and down into lush, subtropical coffee plantations. Consistently ranked as one of the best treks in the world, it culminates in a dramatic arrival at the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Choose a luxury lodge-to-lodge tour...
Travel Tips for Peru
- 1.
Acclimatise to altitude in Cusco before Machu Picchu
- 2.
Try ceviche and lomo saltado
- 3.
Boots are essential for Inca Trail