I bet you know about Machu Picchu, First name / friend…

 

But do you know what else Peru has to offer?

 

Rainbow-colored mountains and lush Amazonian jungles
Surf towns and ancient ruins along the Pacific Coast
Colonial cities, cloud forests, and vibrant local culture

 

Machu Picchu is iconic (and absolutely worth the hype), but it’s just one part of what makes Peru so extraordinary.

 

From high-altitude adventures to culinary capitals, jungle lodges to historic towns, Peru offers an incredible range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences––often all in a single trip––and a plethora of stays that will leave you slack-jawed.

 

Let’s explore why it deserves a top spot on your list ✨

 

 

Peru’s landscapes stretch from sea level to sky-high peaks, and the weather varies by region. Planning your itinerary around the right season is key. Here’s what you need to know:

 

 

Trips to Peru’s iconic destinations—especially Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and Lake Titicaca—are best booked at least 6–9 months in advance, particularly if you’re eyeing boutique lodges, small-group adventures, an intimate cruise on the Amazon, or scenic train journeys.

 

Less lead time is possible, but planning early ensures access to the best routes, stays, and guides.

Start your trip in Peru’s cosmopolitan capital. With dramatic coastal cliffs, colonial architecture, and one of the best food scenes in the world (hello, ceviche and pisco sours!). If you know me well, you know how much I loved Anthony Bourdain, and the food in Lima was some of his favorite, which should alone tell you something.

 

 

 

The ancient heart of the Incan empire…and your gateway to Machu Picchu. But don’t rush through. Explore colorful markets, archaeological ruins, and charming villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo before heading to the Lost City. 

 

Where to stay: Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel or Explora Valley Sagrado

 

 

Straddling the border of Peru and Bolivia, this is the world’s highest navigable lake. Visit the floating Uros Islands, where local communities live on islands made of reeds, and enjoy boat rides through tranquil high-altitude waters.

 

 

 

Immerse yourself in Peru’s lush rainforest and glide into the heart of the Upper Peruvian Amazon, where the Andes yield to dense jungle. Spanning over 5 million acres, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the largest protected flooded forest on Earth. Spot macaws and pink dolphins, or ride along with National Geographic on an intimate encounter with the immensity of the jungle,

 

 

 

Arequipa charms with its architecture and volcanic backdrop. From here, explore Colca Canyon—twice as deep as the Grand Canyon—and look out for soaring condors riding the thermal winds.

 

Where to stay: Cirqa, Relais & Chateaux or Puqio

 

Peru’s northern coast blends beachy bliss with historical intrigue. Think surf towns like Máncora, the mysterious Nazca Lines, and the massive adobe city of Chan Chan, one of the largest pre-Columbian ruins in the Americas.

 

 

Want to see the country rolling by slowly? Experience vibrant cities and spellbinding natural wonders, traversing the Peru railways in peerless style. The Andean Explorer, offers a choice of one- or two-night journeys. From Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, traverse the highest plains of the Andes before arriving at the reflective beauty of Lake Titicaca. Continue towards the city of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Peru is well priced for a trip of this range and depth. Most of the trips we design start around $500 per person, per day, and scale depending on how you like to travel.

 

For a family of four on a 10-day trip, you’re looking at around $20–25K minimum, excluding international flights. All of this is tailored, so these numbers are simply a starting point to help you get your bearings.

So yes, Machu Picchu… but also so much more.

 

If you'd like to see what Peru looks like for you, we’ll map it out together.