Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trail’s arduous slopes to explore the age-old ruins. The country’s attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years – all imbued with the nation’s rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as ‘the centre of the world’.
The remote city of Iquitos lies on the banks of the Amazon River in North East Peru and is only accessible by plane or a mammoth 3600-kilometre boat journey up the river. As a result of the rubber boom in the 20th century, it is a melting pot of ethnicities, culture, and architecture, surrounded by unadulterated rainforests on all sides. The town is considered one of the best places to experience the adventure of an Amazon River cruise, and jungle treks that allow visitors to observe the colourful fauna and flora.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve covers more than two million hectares, making it one of Peru’s largest protected areas. Bordered by the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, the reserve encompasses flooded forests, lagoons and winding waterways that support an exceptional variety of wildlife. More than 1,000 animal species and hundreds of plant species have been recorded here, including pink river dolphins, giant South American turtles and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the reserve by riverboat, trek through the rainforest and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Swimming with pink river dolphins is a popular experience, while the El Dorado Lagoon in the Yanayacu-Pucate Basin is known for its rich wildlife and scenic waterways. Pacaya-Samiria offers an immersive experience of Peru’s Amazonian wilderness.
