Culture & heritage
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
The 15th-century Inca citadel on a ridge high above the Urubamba River, reached by scenic train and bus from Cusco.
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Overview
Why visit Peru?
Peru is the place to see Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel set on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, and the journey there is part of the adventure. Most trips start in Lima, fly to Cusco, the old Inca capital, and descend into the Sacred Valley before taking the scenic train to Machu Picchu.
Beyond the classic route, you can visit the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, hike to the striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain, or head south of Lima to the desert oasis of Huacachina. Lima itself is one of South America's great food cities, with plenty of vegetarian choice.
Altitude is the main thing to plan for: Cusco sits at about 3,400 metres, so we schedule a gentle first day, start in the lower Sacred Valley where possible and save strenuous hikes for later. Eight to ten days covers the highlights; book early, as Machu Picchu entry is limited each day.
Things to see
Top attractions in Peru
The sights we build itineraries around. Tell us which ones you want, and we will plan the days for you.
Culture & heritage
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Urubamba Valley
Inca terraces, fortress ruins and Andean markets along the Urubamba River, lower and gentler than Cusco for your first nights.
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Culture & heritage
Cusco Plaza de Armas
Cusco
The heart of the old Inca capital, framed by the Cathedral, the Jesuit church of La Compañía and colonial arcades.
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Adventure
Rainbow Mountain
Near Cusco
A demanding high-altitude hike to striped mountainsides of red, gold and turquoise, for fit and acclimatised travellers.
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Culture & heritage
Uros Floating Islands
Lake Titicaca
Visit communities living on islands woven from totora reeds on Lake Titicaca, and ride in a traditional reed boat.
Discover : Uros Floating Islands
Adventure
Huacachina Oasis
Ica
A palm-fringed lagoon ringed by giant sand dunes, where dune-buggy rides and sandboarding end with sunset over the desert.
Discover : Huacachina Oasis
Landmark
Miraflores Clifftop Malecón
Lima
Lima's green clifftop promenade above the Pacific, with ocean-view parks, paragliders overhead and the city's best restaurants nearby.
Discover : Miraflores Clifftop MalecónGood to know
Planning a trip to Peru
Do Indians need a visa for Peru?
Indian citizens generally need a visa, but holders of a valid visa or residence permit for the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia or a Schengen country can usually visit Peru as tourists without one. We confirm the current rule for your passport before booking.
How do we cope with the altitude?
Take the first day slowly, drink plenty of water, eat light meals and try the local coca tea. Starting in the Sacred Valley, which is lower than Cusco, helps. Travellers with heart or blood-pressure conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Do we need a yellow fever vaccination?
Not for Cusco or Machu Picchu, but it is recommended if you visit the Amazon. India asks travellers arriving from Peru to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate, so we advise getting vaccinated before departure.
Is vegetarian food easy to find?
Yes, especially in Lima and Cusco, where many restaurants offer quinoa dishes, vegetable soups and Andean potatoes, and a few serve Indian food. In smaller towns we let restaurants know in advance.
Let's plan your next holiday
Plan your Peru holiday
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