Non Member Travel - Peru

Peru holidays

Peru Holidays

Introduction

It’s not just the altitude that will leave you breathless in Peru. From the majestic Andean peaks to the dramatic Pacific coastline, Peru combines the legacies of its lost civilisations with modern day indigenous Indians and scenery ranging from The Amazon to snow capped mountains. Why not stay in a jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado or trek the Inca Trail near Cuzco? Alternatively, view the mysterious Nazca Lines from the air or admire the gracious condors of the Colca Canyon. Whatever you choose, nothing is more than a few hours by rail, road or air.

WHEN TO GO

Weather

Heavy rain in the mountains and jungle from December to April. It never rains in Lima nor on most of the coast.

Festivals

Peru celebrates as many as 3,000 festivals each year. Many are held in homage to a patron saint and are part of the Christian calendar, with Easter being a particularly important time. But traditional Inca festivals live on, and the Andean communities still honour Pachamama, the earth goddess, either purely or as a hybrid with their Christian faith. One of the most impressive festivals is Inti Raymi, a spectacular annual ceremony in Cuzco to mark the winter solstice and harvest each June. The central event is acted out on the esplanade below the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán on the edge of the city, and the entire city breaks out in festivities lasting for days. Other notable events include Puno Day on 5 November, which features flamboyant costumes and street dancing in the town of Puno, near Lake Titicaca.

Machu Picchu, Peru

If this beautiful site is not on your list of places to visit before you get too old, it should be!

This is a truly magical site perched high in the mountains. A day trip or overnight stay near to the site is possible from Cusco, or you can trek there which takes 4 days.

Cusco, Peru

This is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, blending pre-Inca, Inca and colonial architecture. There is a wealth of places to visit, things to do both in and around the city. Cusco is also a real party town if you wish to eat, drink and be merry. Restaurants, bars and clubs are everywhere giving you an immense choice.

Trekking, Peru

Inca trail, Lares, Salcantay, Choquequirao, day walks around Cusco and much much more. The opportunities to walk in the footsteps of the Incas while admiring impressive snow capped mountains, archaeological ruins and highland villages are endless.

Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru

Just 45 minutes from Cusco is a beautiful and very historic valley full of fantastic things to do and see set amongst breathtaking scenery. You can take a day trip to the valley or stay overnight in one of the pretty Inca villages.

Outdoor sports, Peru

White water rafting, surfing, kite surfing, mountain biking, bungee jumping, paragliding, horse riding and other adventurous activities are on offer around the country. Let us know what you would like to try.

Nazca Lines, Peru

One of the most impressive and unusual things to do while in South America is fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines just a few hours south of Lima. Theories abound to explain these huge shapes in the desert, but who really knows the truth. Find out for yourself.

Paracas, Peru

Off the coast of this small fishing village are the Ballestas Islands where you can take a morning boat trip to see penguins, sea lions and sea birds of all kinds up close and personal.

Lake Titicaca, Peru

The city of Puno is the jumping off point for a visit to the highest navigable lake in the world and home of the extraordinary floating Uros Islands. You can choose from day trips or staying overnight on one of the islands on the lake. From Puno it is also easy to continue your trip into Bolivia if you wish.

Amazon jungle, Peru

The jungle can be visited in both the North and the South of Peru. The most popular areas to visit are the Manu and Tambopata jungle reserves as both of these reserves can be reached easily from Cusco. In both areas you stay in jungle lodges and can enjoy close contact with the abundant flora and fauna that surrounds you.

Arequipa, Peru

Peru’s second city and a beautiful one at that. Ringed by snow capped mountains and with the two deepest canyons in the world on the doorstep this is a must for travellers. You can take a trip out into these canyons for a couple of nights and enjoy a close view of the biggest land living bird, the Andean Condor.

Lima, Peru

Despite having a bad reputation Peru’s capital has a long and distinguished history and is in reality a very exciting city to visit. With our help you can get the most out this bustling, slightly crazy place and witness the stark contrasts that exist in Peru.

The North, Peru

The North of Peru has a variety of little known treasures which many people simply have never heard of. The third highest waterfall in the world (771m) has recently been recognized by the scientific community, the largest ancient mud city in the world (Chan Chan), the oldest city in the Americas (Caral), ancient ruins of pre-Incan people, beautiful beaches and much more.