Peru’s capital is a fantastic city to tour, dotted with a multitude of cultural sites and beautifully preserved architecture. Founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima was first named ‘City of Kings’ – a biblical reference to the ‘Three Wise Men of the East’ – before its name was changed by the Spanish colonialists. The most significant historical buildings are located around the Plaza Mayor, the most notable being the Government Palace, where one can still observe the changing of the guard performed by the Húsares de Junín. The beautiful Cathedral and the various small palaces and colonial balconies also play also their part in the beauty of the city.
Paracas is a coastal town in Peru's Ica region, where the Pacific Ocean meets a stark coastal desert. It is a nature and adventure destination centred on the Paracas National Reserve, a vast protected area of desert landscapes, dramatic cliffs, beaches and rich marine ecosystems. Travellers can take boat trips around the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins and abundant seabirds, while the reserve offers spectacular viewpoints, the red-sand shores of Playa Roja, and opportunities for hiking, cycling, wildlife watching, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The mysterious Candelabra geoglyph adds a cultural dimension and is visible from the sea en route to the islands. Paracas' striking combination of desert scenery, marine wildlife, watersports and rugged coastline gives it a distinctive character on Peru's southern coast.
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Arequipa lies in southern Peru, set in the Andes beneath the imposing Misti volcano. Known as the "White City", it is a cultural destination celebrated for its colonial architecture, distinctive cuisine and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre features elegant buildings crafted from white volcanic stone, atmospheric plazas and the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery, a colourful complex of narrow streets and peaceful cloisters. Visitors can admire panoramic views from the Yanahuara viewpoint, explore traditional neighbourhoods and sample regional specialities such as rocoto relleno at local picanterías. Arequipa also serves as a gateway to the spectacular Colca Canyon, where travellers can hike through Andean scenery and look out for Andean condors soaring above the valley. Its blend of history, gastronomy and outdoor adventure makes it a memorable Peruvian destination.
Colca Canyon is a spectacular Andean landscape in southern Peru's Arequipa region, centred on the Colca Valley and its dramatic, deeply incised canyon. With depths exceeding 3,000 metres, it is one of the world's deepest canyons and is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Colca and Volcanoes of Andagua. The destination combines dramatic mountain scenery with traditional Andean communities, agricultural terraces and high-altitude villages such as Chivay and Cabanaconde. Travellers come to hike and trek through the canyon, soak in natural hot springs and experience local culture, while the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint offers opportunities to watch Andean condors soaring above the valley.
Set on the shores of glistening Lake Titicaca, on the Altiplano of Peru, this large city is dubbed the ‘folklore capital' of the country, well known for its traditional music and dance. It is also famous for its incredible collection of floating islands - man-made islands created from reeds, which exhibit the unique survivalist culture that has been alive here since pre-Incan times. Other highlights include visits to the atmospheric, historical Church of San Pedro, the gorgeous Sistine Chapel of the Americas, and a stroll along the boardwalk on the shoreline of Lake Titicaca. Active types should take on the challenge to climb up the 700 steps to the Kuntur Wasi viewpoint, which is presided over by a massive metal condor sculpture, for the reward of breathtaking vistas across the city and Lake Titicaca beyond.
Once called the ‘Navel of the World’ by the Incas, Cusco remains a city that blends colonial Spanish charm with older, more austere remains of pre-Columbian glory – one can still see the foundations of Inca structures on many of its city streets today. Cuzco’s most important landmarks include sites from both Inca and colonial times, such as the Korikancha (the ancient Temple of the Sun), the Inca street of Loreto with its 12-cornered stones, the cathedral, the Museum of Colonial Art, the archaeological park of Saqsaywaman (the fortress-temple), the nearby funerary shrines of Kenqo, and the water-worship site of Tambomachay.
Also known as Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the Peruvian Andes, beneath the world-famous site of Machu Picchu and not far from Cuzco, the unofficial Inca capital. This fertile valley is fed by a network of waterways and encompasses a wealth of archaeological sites, including Ollantaytambo, renowned for its extensive Inca ruins; Tipon, which features ancient agricultural terracing and a working irrigation system; and Pisac, with its ancient vestiges and colourful weekly market.
Perched high up in the Andes, Machu Picchu Pueblo is a riverside town known for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins. This cloud-forest town is encircled by towering forested cliffs and boasts an endless array of hotels, restaurants, markets and labyrinthine streets. Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, serves as an excellent base to explore the renowned ancient archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Visitors can enjoy various other activities, including having a relaxing massage after a long day of exploring, taking a stroll through lush rainforest to the Mandor Waterfalls, embarking on an adventurous hike up the Putucusi Mountain or soaking in the relaxing thermal baths with the Andes as your backdrop.
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Spanning vast areas of savanna and rainforest, the Tambopata National Reserve rests in the Amazon Basin of southeast Perú, and is known for its spectacular displays of wildlife and variety of fun outdoor activities. Perhaps the most famous drawcard of the area is the mass of rainbow-coloured macaws which feed on the salted walls of the reserve’s lakes, in their thousands. Home to more species of birds and butterflies than any place of similar size on earth, as well as monkeys, otters, jaguars, and tapirs, the rainforest provides a wonderful experience for animal lovers. A selection of hikes and guided tours are on offer, giving visitors the chance to meander along canopy walkways or explore the jungle by night.
