Peru Encompassed begins in the lively city of Lima, formerly known as the ‘City of Kings’. Lima is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Plaza de Armas, the incredible town square which leads on to the city’s grand cathedrals and palaces as well as the picturesque Malecon esplanade on Miraflores seafront, and colonial Barranco, the bohemian hub of Lima. 

For the foodies, Lima is quickly becoming one of the most iconic cities for its culinary scene. Here, you will be able to sample some of the most exciting and vibrant dishes prepared for you by world renowned chefs. Why not have ceviche by the sea or sip on a pisco sour in one of the many chic bars across town?

 

Say goodbye to Lima and welcome to the Peruvian Amazon! Fly to Puerto Maldonado then travel by road and boat to an authentic lodge that is immersed in the breathtaking surrounds. 

The Amazon astonishingly covers over half of Peru and is famous for being one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Whilst here, take full advantage of the various activities on offer from your lodge such as boat trips, jungle hikes and canopy walkways, the best ways to see the enchanting flora and fauna. You may even be lucky enough to see pink river dolphins, anacondas, monkeys, and toucans.

 

Venture from the depths of the Amazon to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, set dramatically in the Andes, close to Inca’s capital of Cusco and the iconic Macchu Picchu. The valley is famed for its jaw dropping scenery, fascinating villages, and the majestic Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo and was created by the Urubamba River (known as Willkamayu in the Inca language of Quechua, meaning sacred river). 

The valley is linked to various rivers which flow through the neighbouring valleys and gorges and is comprised of unforgettable archaeological remains and villages. During your time here, you will experience local life during a visit to Pisac Market and get the opportunity to marvel at the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress.

 

Arguably Peru’s most famous attraction and where you will be exploring next is the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu! Remarkably nestled 2430m above sea level in the Andean Mountain range, many questions remain unanswered about how this citadel was established. Theories have circulated and people believe it to have been built at the height of the Inca Empire to be used as either a prison, a defensive retreat, or even as the estate of the Inca emperor. Maybe Paddington will shed some light into this mystery…

 

Machu Picchu may be high in altitude, but its gateway city Cusco is even higher! Travel up to 3360m above sea level and explore the old capital of the Inca Empire. Alongside the clear and crisp air, Cusco offers a wealth of stunning architecture and archaeology, and of course spectacular views. The unique buildings cleverly combine both Inca Empire and Spanish colonial architecture, resulting in the unsurprising choice for the city to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whilst in this interesting city, wander around the colourful markets and take full advantage of the buzzing bars and delicious restaurants to have a well-rounded visit.

 

For the photographers reading, the next stop of this trip is a dream. Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and at 3812m above sea level, it is the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake creates the perfect picture due to its deep blue shimmering waters, the backdrop of Bolivia’s highest mountains and tiny floating reed islands. 

Start your visit here spending time with the local community to learn about their lives and traditions before departing on a cruise to Taquile Island and the Uros Islands.

 

After your cruise to the Uros Islands, travel west to Colca Canyon. Being one of the deepest canyons in the world, Colca Canyon promotes sensational scenery and is home to a variety of wildlife. Andean condors are the most notable in this region and are one of the world’s largest flying birds. Cruz de Colca (Condor’s Cross) is a highlight as it is set deep on the canyon, perfect for taking in the views and potentially seeing an Andean condor soaring majestically above.

 

Coming slightly closer down to earth, the next couple of days are spent in Arequipa, the Cuidad Blanca (White City). Arequipa is very rightly famed for its beauty as it is framed by three volcanoes and contains stunning colonial architecture, with many of the buildings being comprised of off-white volcanic rock that gleams in the sunlight. 

The city is perfect for exploring, with countless churches and museums to appreciate. Similarly to Lima, Arequipa’s food scene offers exciting dishes to sample, being most famous for their spicy regional cuisine, can you handle the heat?

 

Make your way back to Lima and drive to the coastal town of Paracas and check in to your waterfront hotel. The lively area has numerous bars and restaurants to watch the gorgeous sunset from. Over the few days you are here, travel to the Ballestas Islands and seek out the marine wildlife which includes sea lion colonies, the Peruvian booby and Humboldt penguins. Additionally, enjoy a scenic flight over the Nazca lines, large geometric patterns and animal shapes drawn into the Peruvian desert, only visible from the sky, the formation of these is a mystery to this day!

 

If the above entices you, then pack your marmalade sandwiches and kickstart your travels to this captivating country!

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