Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountain Range and down to Amazon Rainforest, Peru is a wonderful country brimming with cultural, historic and national treasures.

I followed the route of our fantastic Classic Peru private tour, beginning in the bustling metropolis of Lima and taking me all the way to the picturesque ‘White City’ of Arequipa. Along the journey I travelled from vibrant Cusco through the stunning Sacred Valley to extraordinary Machu Picchu, staying on the shores of shimmering Lake Titicaca and the edge of the expansive Colca Canyon.

The best time to visit Peru varies by region, but the dry winter months from April to October tend to be the most popular for visiting Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. A fantastic holiday just of its own, Peru is also easily combinable with other destinations across Latin America, including the incomparable Galápagos Islands.

Once the heart of the Inca Empire, Peru offers an incredible diversity of culture, food, history and natural wonders. There is so much to discover when travelling in Peru, from enigmatic ruins to traditional communities, vibrant cities to lush jungle, and laidback beach towns to magnificent mountain scenery.

On a private tour you have the complete freedom to visit the places you want within the timeframe and budget of your choice. Explore at your own pace on a made to measure tour, with the fantastic benefit of guided sightseeing allowing you to really get to know the country. Home to luxurious hotels offering impeccable service in unbeatable locations, tailor your Peru tour with upgraded accommodation to make this a holiday to remember.

Almost impossible to pick just one! From the fascinating Larco Museum in Lima to spotting soaring condors over the Colca Canyon, and from incredible ceviche at Lake Titicaca to enjoying a pisco sour overlook the evening lights of Cusco.

However, the biggest highlight has to be the incredible one day Inca Trail hike to the awe-inspiring site of Machu Picchu. This rewarding hike follows a steep climb to the impressive site of Wiñay Wayna before joining the Inca Trail to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) for a spectacular first view over Machu Picchu – a truly unforgettable experience.

When staying in Cusco, many of the hotels boast incredible settings in historic buildings so be sure to check whether your hotel offers a complimentary tour of the grounds. For instance, I stayed at Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel which offers a daily free afternoon tour showcasing the history, local art and cultural significance the property - including an original Inca wall.

For more inspiration take a look at our Peru Holidays pages.