Whether you travel just to Peru and back, or combine it with visits to other South American countries, don't underestimate the time you'll need to experience its rich seam of culture, from ancient Inca – most famously revealed in the Lost City of Machu Picchu – to Spanish colonial, as well as the immensity of its Andean peaks and vast Amazonian rainforest.
Although our travel experts can arrange any itinerary of your choosing, from 2 up to 21 days, we recommend a two-week private tour of Peru that takes in many of the country’s highlights – the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley – without the feeling that you are ever being rushed.
The tour begins with a stay at a gorgeous jungle lodge where you can experience the richly diverse fauna and flora of the Amazon, hopefully including a glimpse of giant otters.
You then travel to the city of Cusco, a colourful melting pot of indigenous cultures, and onto the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Amongst the sites you visit is the great Machu Picchu – and you also have the option of walking the Inca Trail, following in the footsteps of the original inhabitants of the Lost City.
You then head south by luxury train across the high plateau of the Andes to Puno, where you board a boat and cruise on Lake Titicaca. As well as seeing the floating reed islands of Uros, you also have the option of staying with a local family on Amantani Island.
This fabulous trip can be arranged at any time of the year but is perfect between about April and October.
