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We offer insights into our favourite travel destinations within this historic and breathtaking country, as well as must see and do experiences…
Commonly seen as the gateway to experiences such as the Inca Trail and sites such as the Sacred Valley, it can be easy to overlook Cusco as a destination of its own! However, both within and just outside the city’s walls lie many sites to be discovered. Wander through the Plaza de Armas, where locals and tourists alike gather for coffee. See the sacred site of Sacsayhuaman or visit the sobering Coricancha, which was once the centre of Inca worship. Enjoy a fresh breakfast from San Pedro Market and at night, sample Peru’s finest cuisine before dancing the night away. Cusco combines the best of it all; history, nightlife, stunning architecture- just to name a few!
A handmade bridge made from woven grass, once an integral part of the Incan road system; Q’eswachaka spans across 35m and is suspended 18m above the canyon’s river.
The Incan women braided small, thin ropes of grass, which were then braided again by the men into large support cables, much like a modern steel suspension bridge.
Handwoven bridges have been part of the trail and roadway system for over 500 years. Treasured by the Incas, any tampering with the bridges was punishment by death.
Just a hop, skip and a jump away, the Sacred Valley begins. Also known as the Urubamba Valley, the area is home to countless Inca relics and sites. You can also find some of the most breathtaking trails in the world here. If ruins are your thing (if not, they will be after this!), then you will love this area. Explore the abandoned fortress of Pisac once used to defend Cusco and see the Maras salt mines. Marvel at the ingenuity and scale of the agricultural systems used by the Inca at Maras and Ollantaytambo. But the pièce de résistance of the Sacred Valley- and the likely reason you are considering visiting, is Machu Picchu. Accessible from both Cusco and from other towns within the Sacred Valley, this is an absolute must see on your South American adventure…
The Utcabamba Valley is home to the Gocta Waterfall. Discovered in the early 2000’s by German economist Stefan Ziemendorff who was hiking through the region. Stefan made his way through a blind narrow gorge when he came across a towering two-tier cataract not listed anywhere on his map. Of course locals in the area knew about the waterfall; but due to its location deep in the forest many superstitions surrounded it; therefore almost no one actually visited it.
Because the waterfall is technically two in one; depending how you measure it; it’s anywhere between the third and sixteenth tallest waterfall in the world. A visually stunning spectacle; nature lovers can’t afford to miss this impressive waterfall.
Getting to the waterfall requires crossing the extensive rainforest that surrounds it. The trek there and back takes roughly 5 ½ to 6 hours from the starting point of Caserío de Cocachimba. Along the trail you come across 22 further waterfalls that are even more impressive during the rainy season.
We’ve only covered three, but Peru is home to a vast array of hidden gems you can’t afford to miss on your next South American exploration. Pack your bags, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
An adventure in the Amazon is on many a bucket list and a childhood dream of many. Explore the best of this captivating rainforest from eco-lodges that don’t compromise on luxury, all whilst situated deep within the jungle. Get lost in the wilds of the incredible Peruvian Amazon with an incredible array of activities. Visit local villages, swim with pink river dolphins, or go bird watching- the choice is yours! The Amazon rainforest covers nine countries and is home to more than 30,000 plant species and a diverse array of wildlife. Immerse yourself in a wild world; spot sloths high up in the trees and jaguars lurking in the shadows.
Peru is one of the best places to visit the Amazon jungle. It is more accessible than the Brazilian Amazon and there is plenty to see. There are many ways to see this incredible and unique ecosystem– explore on tour, reside in the treetops in luxury accommodation or navigate the waters of the Amazon on a cruise.
For those looking for to get the adrenaline pumping and their own little slice of paradise, adding a day or two in Huacachina is an absolute must. The area boasts some truly impressive dunes- perfect for dune surfing, tackling in a dune buggy, or for the fainter of heart, enjoying the sunset from! It is also home to some incredible pisco vineyards. A small desert oasis town, Huacachina is a haven for both thrill seekers and those looking to unwind.
Stretched across kilometres of arid desert and best seen from above are the mysterious Nazca lines. Forming geometric shapes such as lines, waves and rectangles, and more intricate figures like hummingbirds and spiders, the lines are the subject of much debate. They are thought to have been created in early Nazca society, which flourished between 1 AD and 700 AD. These giant geoglyphs range from as big as 48 km long and to as small as a few metres. The purpose of the lines remains only theorised.
A four-day trek that features spectacular scenery and passes through charming villages, this famous trail finishes at the incredible Machu Picchu. Spend your days hiking through challenging but stunning terrain, taking in views of snow-capped mountains, lush forests and ancient ruins. On the final day, wake up early to enjoy a breathtaking view of the ancient citadel as the sun rises and clears the surrounding fog. One of the most awe-inspiring man-made structures on the planet, make sure Machu Picchu is on your list if you’re travelling to Peru.
An icon of both Peru and Bolivia, this spectacular lake is nothing short of otherworldly. Both the biggest lake in Peru and situated at the highest altitude, it is also home to the Uros Islands, a fascinating example of architectural ingenuity. The islands were originally built as a refuge for the Inca people in a time of political uncertainty. Each island is made of ingenousiously crafted woven totora reeds. Today they are home to approximately 1,200 Uros people and act as an incredible gateway in a rich cultural history…
The hidden city of Chachapoyas is high in a remote cloud forest in the Andes. We think this is one of Peru’s best hidden treasures. The most important site in Chachapoyas is the historical city of Kuélap. 3000m above sea level, this ancient city features over 550 structures. It is estimated that more than 3,500 people inhabited the city. Many believe that Kuelap was constructed specifically for its defensibility; as its elevated location and stonewalls provided the perfect location to deter invaders.
Another must see site in Chachapoyas is the Laguna de los Cóndores. Fairly unknown to travellers; only 150 visit it each year. Over 500 years old, the lake gets its name from when explorers found it and saw these magnificent birds of prey flying around the lagoon. The lake also goes by the name “The Lake of Mummies” due to the site being one of two Inca burial sites. 200 mummies were found and re-located to the Leymebamba Museum. The site has been integral in the understanding of Inca ritual practices, with many burial sites being uncovered there.
Surrounded on three sides by towering mountains and boasting original charm is the city of Arequipa. Known as the ‘white city’ for its buildings made of sillar stone, Arequipa boasts everything from gastronomic delights to historical scandals. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, where nuns once held wild parties and lived raucous lives. See the ‘Ice Maiden’ in person, a 15th century mummy called Juanita. Relax in the lush gardens of the many plazas and enjoy evenings sampling each of the local picanterias.
The second deepest canyon in the world (deeper than the Grand Canyon!), the Colca Canyon is as beautiful as it is seemingly bottomless. Discover towns that have flourished in the bottom of the canyon, and see condors soaring at impossible heights. If you’re a fan of trekking, the canyon is an absolute ‘must-trek’, with options for 1, 2 or 3 day hikes. However, no matter how long you stay we promise you it will never be enough!
If you’re looking for a rainforest experience that is off the beaten track, Manu National Park is it! Recognised as one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world, this park offers over 1000 types of birds, 200 species of mammals and many more interesting and exciting creatures. It is well known for its jaguar presence, as well as its caiman and macaw presence– this park really does have it all! If you’re interested in witnessing this stunning ecosystem for yourself, make sure you plan ahead because permits are strict.
A journey back in time, you can’t miss out on a visit to the vibrant streets of Trujillo. Situated close to the Chimu capital of Chan Chan and other pre-Incan archaeological sites, spend your time learning the rich history and strolling past the colourful buildings of this city.
Offering a range of diverse landscapes and bustling cities, Peru really is the place to be! To start planning your trip, contact our South American Travel Specialists today…
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