Peru holidays
Straddling the high peaks of the Andean mountains between the rich waters of the Pacific Ocean and the vast Amazon rainforest, Peru offers much for the discerning traveller. The unquestionable highlight is the captivating site of Machu Picchu; nestled beneath the peak of Huayna Picchu, surrounded by luxuriant cloud forest and often shrouded in mists, this Incan citadel has enchanted visitors since it was first rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
With its warm and friendly people ever eager to introduce you to the country’s vibrant culture, a colourful history with stories of ancient Incan Kings and Spanish conquistadors in search of gold as well as the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu in their magical Andean setting, Peru is a country that never fails to enthrall.
Whilst it is undoubtedly Machu Picchu that draws visitors to Peru, there is much more to discover.
- The capital Lima, on the Pacific coast, is home to striking colonial architecture and many of the country’s best museums.
- Cuzco, the ancient heart of the Incan Empire, is situated high in the Andes and once acclimatised to the thin air it is a delight to explore this city of cobbled streets and colonial buildings built on original Incan foundations.
- And nearby, the Sacred Valley of the Incas enjoys an exquisite setting on the Urubamba River with traditional Indian markets, pretty Andean Villages and ancient Incan ruins.
- For those with a little longer to explore, there are plentiful attractions: picturesque Lake Titicaca, the charming colonial city of Arequipa, the incredible wildlife of the Amazon rainforest, the mysterious Nazca lines or the Islands of the Galapagos in neighbouring Ecuador.
