Peru holidays

What can you find in Peru that you won’t find elsewhere?

Peru is full of historical and natural beauty. There are the obvious destinations, such as Cusco, the splendid capital of the one-time Inca Empire, as well as iconic Machu Picchu, a true feat of architecture perched dramatically nearly 8,000ft above sea level. Then, veer off-the-beaten-track to discover the domains of ancient civilisations such as the Chavin, Moche and Nazca peoples, the latter responsible for the mysterious designs you’ll find etched into the desert. Witness the natural variety on display in the sweeping Cordillera Blanca, the world’s most extensive range of tropical mountains, clad in both snow-white ice and lush Andean forest. Then there’s the long desert strip that runs along the coast, home to wildlife-rich reserves, rippled sand dunes, remote vineyards and even some excellent surf breaks.

Who are Peru holidays best for?

Peru’s compelling landscapes have so much to offer adventurers; in particular, avid hikers who may have dreamed of trekking the Cordillera Blanca or traversing the picturesque Huascaran National Park, named after the highest peak in the country. Beyond the beautifully intact Machu Picchu and enigmatic Nazca lines, hiking is one of the sure-fire ways of unravelling Peru’s more remote ancient terraces, stone temples and cobbled Inca towns. Budding archaeologists can revel in pre-Columbian civilisations who left traces of their culture scattered throughout the sacred green valleys, towering mountains and vast sandy deserts – all scenic backdrops to the country’s plethora of historical gems.

What are the best ways to discover Peru?

With so much on offer, a truly tailor-made approach brings out the best experiences in any Peru holiday. In nine days, you can discover the three essential highlights: Lima, Cusco and Lake Titicaca. A two-week trip allows enough time to delve deeper into the high Altiplano, revealing indigenous communities whose traditional way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. If Machu Picchu is at the forefront of the agenda, we recommend staying in an eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the cloud forest. From here, explore the mysterious citadel and then retreat amid 12 acres of gardens, waterfalls and orchids. For those with more time on their hands, consider habitats ranging from Amazonian jungle to snow-clad Andes, home to famous species such as the puma and condor, and which make this one of those special countries where everything is under one roof, so to speak. The mysterious Nazca Lines and the upper reaches of the Amazon are amongst the country's other attractions we can weave into any luxury holiday itinerary.

Special things to do in Peru:

- Visit Cabo Blanco, a small fishing port and old haunt of Ernest Hemingway’s.

- The Peruvian capital Lima is the centre of a wonderful resurgence in Peruvian cuisine, centred around the trend of ceviche - marinated raw fish with lime juice (much better than it sounds!) - and Pisco sours, a cocktail to rival caipirinhas and mojitos as Latin America's favourite tipple. We know the best places to sample the best in town.

- One thing previously missing from Peru's luxury holiday armoury was a decent coastal option to provide a full house of beach, city, mountains, desert and jungle, but the emergence of Mancora as a hip new surf and social scene hangout means visitors really have got the perfect combo.