Paul Bird
Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Lima
Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, in colonial times Lima was considered the City of the Kings, and UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1988.
On first impressions Lima is often overlooked, but beneath the soaring commercial structures that crowd the skyline of Peru’s capital city, is an endearing historical centre that has preserved its glorious past despite the passage of time and the ravages of the Pacific sea air. Aside from the treasure trove of attractions in Lima’s historical centre, the financial district of Miraflores is home to many boutiques, beautiful parks, leading hotels and superb restaurants.
A little more about Lima
Among Lima’s highlights is the beautiful historic centre with the Plaza de Armas, which has served many purposes including impromptu bullfights, and buildings such as the Convent of San Francisco and the Casa Aliaga, a beautiful mansion that is currently the oldest continuously inhabited private dwelling in the southern hemisphere.
Of all the fine churches in Lima, few compare to the colonial-era splendour of Iglesia de San Francisco and its eerie crypt of catacombs that lie beneath the monastery’s foundations, making it a must-see for most visitors.
There are also numerous prestigious museums and private collections that offer an excellent insight into the country’s rich heritage, such as the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, home to over 3,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history. So whilst many see Lima as the gateway to the rest of Peru, the city is certainly worthy of a few days exploration.
Experiences
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Idea
Peru
Highlights of Peru
Encompassing the highlights of Southern Peru, this holiday through the land of the Incas is one of extremes; from one of the deepest canyons in the Americas, to the highest navigable lake in the world, it takes in dramatic scenery, indigenous communities…
Idea
Peru
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands
Encompassing the highlights of Peru, a stay in Quito and a Galapagos Islands cruise, this adventure tracks from colourful Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before moving to Ecuador’s historic capital city and the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Idea
Peru
Family Amazon & Inca Adventure
This family-focused adventure journeys between the thrilling Amazon Rainforest, heaving with mysterious mammals and camouflaged creatures, and the dramatic Inca sites and cities of Machu Picchu and Cusco, considering everything from pizza nights to gentle acclimatisation.
Idea
Peru
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands
Encompassing the highlights of Peru, a stay in Quito and a Galapagos Islands cruise, this adventure tracks from colourful Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before moving to Ecuador’s historic capital city and the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Idea
Peru
Family Amazon & Inca Adventure
This family-focused adventure journeys between the thrilling Amazon Rainforest, heaving with mysterious mammals and camouflaged creatures, and the dramatic Inca sites and cities of Machu Picchu and Cusco, considering everything from pizza nights to gentle acclimatisation.
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Roxy Dukes
If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Explore other regions
Machu Picchu
Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is one of the most…
Lake Titicaca Peru
At 4,000 metres altitude, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful…
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a fertile valley that follows the Urubamba River from Pisac in the east to Ollantaytambo…
Colca Canyon
This barren and largely inhospitable landscape is carved by the powerful Rio Colca as it snakes its path through an enormous volcanic…
Arequipa
Perched spectacularly on the flanks of El Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Pichu Volcanos and beneath the predominantly blue skies of southwestern Peru, Arequipa…
Cusco
Cusco is a stunning combination of ancient Inca and colonial Spanish influences. Attractive churches, monasteries and convents are interspersed with perfectly preserved…
Huaraz and Central Mountains
The city of Huaraz is known as "the Switzerland of Peru" due to the beauty of the spectacular Cordilleras Blanca and Negra…
Nazca and Southern Coast
Tucked away on the southern coast of Peru and overlooked by the enormous Cerro Blanco sand dune, this sleepy town was hastily…
Northern Peru
Northern Peru is a fascinating area of the country that very few tourists visit. It is rich and varied in terms of…
Peruvian Amazon
The sparsely populated Peruvian Amazon Rainforest blankets more than half of the country in northern Peru and is quite literally teeming with…
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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