Llamas on Machu Picchu Terraces, Peru

What to Do in Peru

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Written by
Jennifer Richt

Published on: September 5th, 2017

Last modified: July 28th, 2023

Peru is a country steeped in history and culture, backdropped by the most breathtaking scenery. A trip to this South American wonder is an experience to be treasured for a lifetime.

If you're stuck for what to do in Peru, our Travel Designers can put together an itinerary perfectly suited to your needs and interests.

From luxury boutique accommodation to private expert guides with exclusive access to certain areas, we'll help you forge lasting memories.

Sail
The Amazon
Trek
The Inca Trail
Explore
Cusco
brazil-amazon-parrot

Sail the Amazon

Head for the waterways of the northern Amazon and spend a few nights on board a luxury expedition vessel. You’ll glide through the lush tributaries, venturing out into the rainforest in smaller boasts during the day.

Amazon River Travel

In the company of an expert guide, you’ll get to go on nature walks while monkeys swing overhead and bright birds watch from the tree tops. Best of all, this is one of the easiest parts of the Amazon to access: you can be there in just one short flight from Cusco or Lima.

Ecuador Amazon Squirrel Monkey
Belmond Andean Explorer train, Peru

Machu Picchu by rail

If style, class and comfort are top of your list when travelling, then there’s no better way to explore Peru than by rail. Hop on board a luxury train, either the romantic Hiram Bingham or the Vistadome, and travel to Machu Picchu, the misty lost city of the Incas. Along the way, you can stop at the Sacred Valley or Urubamba, just let us know what you’d like to include and we’ll structure your journey to include as much or as little as you’d like.

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The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is surrounded by mystery and your dedicated expert guide will make the ruins come alive for you, as well as allow you the space to explore on your own if you’d prefer. They will guide you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints.

Machu Picchu ruins, Peru

And if you’re heading from Cusco to mystical Lake Titicaca, settle into a carriage on board the Belmond Andean Explorer, for a luxurious overnight journey through spectacular scenery. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guides afford you the chance to really get up close to ancient cultures and the areas natural wonders, rather than just seeing them in passing.

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
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Trek the mountains

If you have a hankering for real adventure, we can arrange first-rate, private trekking experiences for you. Explore the Ollantaytambo Fortress, the salt terraces of Maras and the Inca ruins at Moray before hitting the Inca trail. This spectacular hike crosses epic mountain passes and ancient ruins on the way to Machu Picchu. We can structure our deluxe hikes to suit your preferences. With expert local guides by your side you can set your own pace and adjust the experience to focus on your interests.

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Traverse flooded forests, waterways, rivers and nature trails as you immerse yourself in the country’s most wild and beautiful places. Your knowledgeable guides will tell you about the flora and fauna and the fascinating history of the area and share with you some of the legends and beliefs of the Incas and how they are still important to the local Quechuan communities. A private trek means you have the full attention of your guide and you won’t have to worry about matching the pace of other hikers.

Ollantaytambo Fortress, Peru
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Explore the cities

A beautiful Unesco World Heritage site, the Spanish colonial city of Cusco is situated in a valley of the Andes Mountains. It boasts impressive Spanish architecture, top-class restaurants and a variety of activities for all ages. Admire beautiful churches built on top of giant Inca walls, visit grand central plazas and fabulous markets and wander down cobbled streets lined with colourful textiles.

cusco-market-peru

We will arrange a private guide to introduce you to the city, taking into account exactly where your interests lie, be it culture, food, art or history. You may even be keen to learn to prepare some classic Peruvian dishes at a private cooking class. They will help unlock the city’s hidden secrets for you.

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Peru’s capital Lima is trendy, interesting and a definite must for anyone interested in innovative culinary concepts. The city is home to a variety of top restaurants which offer interesting interpretations of traditional Peruvian dishes. We can assist with making reservations at the highest-rated restaurants. When you’re not relaxing at your luxury hotel, take time to visit the museums and admire the colonial architecture.

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Our top Peruvian example trips...

Whatever you want from your trip to Peru, our team of expert travel designers are here to help.