During your time here, you notice a striking blend of architecture in both classic Spanish and modern styles. With its Spanish mansions, monasteries, baroque churches, and renowned museums, Lima’s city centre is a World Heritage Site, rich in old-world charm.
By contrast, the nearby districts of Barranco and Miraflores boast a more modern, cosmopolitan feel. Come here to browse through the elegant boutiques and art galleries, taste the tantalising food in the city’s high-end restaurants, or take relaxing walks through the leafy-green parks.
Visit local artisans at work in the bohemian district of San Blas. Stroll through the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, and be sure to explore the imposing cathedral on the northeast side, which took 100 years to build.
A short walk from Plaza de Armas, you find San Pedro market. Breathe in the vibrant sights and rich aromas as you wander past the food and juice stands, or stop to haggle for the best price with one of the friendly vendors.
If you’re looking for more thrill-seeking adventures, ride through the Valley on horseback, brave the Urubamba River rapids on a white-water raft, or trek along the feted Inca Trail.
Dubbed one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’, Machu Picchu boasts a wealth of finely-crafted dry-stone temples, monuments and other cultural artefacts. A must-see, this World Heritage Site is the highlight of any trip to Peru.
Even the journey to Machu Picchu promises to take your breath away. Take a train here from the Sacred Valley or Cusco, and marvel at the sheer beauty of the scenery as your train twists and turns through mountains along the Urubamba River.
For something a little more challenging (and perfect if you love the great outdoors), find your way to Machu Picchu on the celebrated Inca Trail. During your trek, take in gorgeous mountain views and sub-tropical jungle as you trace the footsteps of an ancient civilisation.
As the birthplace of the Incas, the area around the lake is jam-packed with Andean culture, history and tradition. For a glimpse of how the locals live, visit the floating islands of Uros, Taquile and Amantani to immerse yourself in their culture and discover the legends of the Inca Empire.
While the city’s baroque buildings are remnants of the Spanish colonial era, many are made from sillar, a white volcanic stone. This lends the area a unique charm, and a style all of its own.
At its most breath-taking, Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in Arizona! From high above, you see villages dotted all over the rugged landscape. One of the highlights of your time at Colca Canyon is the sight of the majestic condor, a bird with a long life and a mythical status in the Andes. Get here early in the morning to see the condors swooping and floating through the valley at close range.
Because the Amazon covers such a wide area of Peru, the jungle is accessible from two points. The most popular gateway is Puerto Maldonado, a south-eastern river town and the capital of the Madre de Dios Region. Puerto Maldonado comprises the Tambopata National Reserve and Madre de Dios Reserve, while Manu National Park is also close by. These parks offer plenty of opportunities to see wildlife up close for a true jungle adventure.
Sitting in the Great Plains of the Amazon Basin in northern Peru, Iquitos is another gateway to the Amazon wilderness. Despite being Peru’s sixth-most crowded city, it’s impossible to reach by road. As a result, the best way to experience its surrounding jungle is on a cruise.
As you sail along its twists and turns, the river takes you deep into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Bursting with wildlife and home to ancient tribes, this protected area is long thought to be the jewel in northern Peru’s crown.