Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru Holidays

Discover the home of the Inca Empire, a land steeped in ancient culture but also teeming with wildlife. Journey with our experts to explore Peru, from the Amazon basin and arid coastline to the snow-capped Andean peaks.

Peru brings together all that makes South America special, from colourful textiles and dense rainforests to colonial architecture and Andean communities. In the highlands you will find soaring snow-capped mountains and Inca remains. In the Amazon, a plethora of remarkable species.

To say that it is diverse is an understatement. Peru has 84 of the planet’s 104 recognised ecosystems and contains more than 20% of the known plant and animal species in the world. The coast is home to the capital city of Lima with its mix of colonial buildings, pre-Inca ruins and world-class cuisine. Further south is a desert landscape with huge sand dunes and the famous Nazca lines. Probably no other country in the world has such an astonishing archaeological heritage as Peru.

Highlights of Peru

Explore Peru

  • Colca Canyon
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Sacred Valley
  • Arequipa
  • Cusco
  • Huaraz & Central Mountains
  • Nazca & Southern Coast
  • Northern Peru
  • Peruvian Amazon

Experiences

Discover some of our suggested activities to include on your Peru holiday

Three Lagoons at Huayhuash Trek, Peru
Peru

Hike to the Llanganuco Lakes

Trek to the mesmerising turquoise Llanganuco Lakes at the foot of Huarascan mountain in the high Andes.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sand boarding, Peru
Peru

Dune Sandboarding

Speed down the huge dunes in the desert oasis that lies outside of Huacachina atop a sand board.

Hummingbird, Nazca Lines, Peru
Peru

Fly over the Nazca Lines

Experience the Nazca Lines, the pre-Columbian geoglyphs that are etched into desert sands, from the air to marvel at one of humanity’s greatest mysteries.

View from Taquile Island, Peru
Peru

Sail on Lake Titicaca

Set sail on the highest navigable lake in the world and visit the communities on Isla Taquile.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Misti Volcano, Arequipa, Peru
Peru

Travel to Colca Canyon

Hike amongst green valleys and remote villages while looking out for the giant Andean condor that inhabit the region.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Rafting, Amazon, Peru
Peru

White Water Rafting

For a real adventure, go rafting over the rapids of Rio Colca in one of the world’s deepest canyons.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Andean Cock of the Rock, Peru
Peru

Wildlife Watching

Head to prime locations to seek out cocks-of-the-rock, green jays, speckle-faced parrots and spectacled bears.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Amazonian Boat, Brazil
Peru

Cruise the Amazon

Sail on the world’s mightiest river during an authentic Amazon cruise that navigates far off the beaten track.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Villena Rey Bridge, Miraflores District, Lima, Peru
Peru

Explore Miraflores

Stroll around the city, uncovering its plethora of local eateries and artisan markets, or amble along the 6-mile boardwalk that hugs the coast and try beginners’ surfing.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Peru
Peru

Discover the Inca Empire

Built on Inca foundations, the historic city of Cusco combines stone arches with colonial plazas and is inhabited by locals who still wear their traditional, colourful garments.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Mountain biking, Sacred Valley, Peru
Peru

Sacred Valley Mountain Biking

Brave a mountain bike and journey through the twists and turns of the undulating valley landscape.

Suggested read: blog

Monastery of Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru
Peru

See the Santa Catalina Convent

Step back in time during a visit to one of Peru’s most fascinating religious buildings, the citadel within a city that was once home to nuns.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Stand up paddle boarding
Peru

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Take to the calm waters of the Amazon Rainforest to embark on a stand up paddle boarding adventure atop inky black rivers.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need inspiration?
Browse our Peru holiday ideas.

Booking a tailor-made trip gives you the flexibility to customise your journey, travelling when and where suits you. Browse our Peru holiday ideas to start planning your next journey.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba £££££

  • Peru

Burrowed in the Sacred Valley of the Incas close to the village of Yucay, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a colonial-style property set at the base of striking green mountains within 100 acres of private land. The Mayu Spa, complete with a healing garden, plunge pool, and dry sauna, offers a series of physically and spiritually soothing experiences from a privileged spot in between an organic orchard and an enchanting peppertree forest amidst the evergreen mountains of the Sacred Valley.

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Belmond Sanctuary Lodge £££££

  • Peru

A high-altitude hideaway that is just a stone’s throw from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge boasts an unrivalled position that affords its guests the opportunity to beat the crowds to the gates of one of the world’s most elusive ancient archaeological sites. Perched in the shadows of the Lost City, the lodge is a welcome sanctuary of rest and revitalisation following long days spent exploring the ruins and trails.

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Inkaterra Machu Picchu £££££

  • Peru
  • Boutique

Tucked away in 12 acres of private Peruvian cloud forest, Inkaterra Machu Picchu is an estate built to replicate a traditional Andean village. Occupying a riverside location and set amongst stone pathways, terraced hills and waterfalls, the village accommodation is surrounded by a plethora of stunning bird species that includes the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock.

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El MaPi £££££

  • Peru

A contemporary property with lofty ceilings and panoramic windows, El MaPi is a down-to-earth accommodation nestled within the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo. Completely restored by a renowned Peruvian architect, El MaPi blends classic features with modern aesthetics and utilises restored furnishings and recycled materials as part of their sustainability practices.

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Frequently asked questions about Peru

Can I walk some of the Inca trail? Is this the most beautiful walk?

How long will I need to acclimatise?

I have heard about some great train rides. Can I include these in my trip?

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.

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
  • 1 800 571 2985

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
  • 1 800 571 2985

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

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Local woman weaving textiles, Peru
Local woman weaving textiles, Peru

ECOAN: Andean Ecosystems

We support projects right across the planet. For example, in Peru, Steppes Travel supported an eight-month project run by ECOAN – an NGO focused on preserving the fragile Andean ecosystems. The project developed women’s textiles associations in the fragile high-altitude ecosystems of the Vilcanta Mountains.

When planning your trip speak to our experts about how you can also support the destinations you are visiting.

 

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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