With so much to discover down every river, over every summit, and around every bend – Peru is made for the explorer in all of us.
From majestic, iconic sites to more inconspicuous spots – this is a country that’s as diverse as it is beautiful. Only in Peru can you experience enigmatic art etched into the land, ancient Andean amphitheatres, exceptionally rare marine life, and landscapes that are both grand and intricate.
Come on a journey of discovery so rich, it’ll leave you wide-eyed in wonder at what you’ve found.
Few people get to experience the magic of Peru quite like this. Quin’s Peruvian journey of discovery led him to legendary sites like Machu Picchu and the Amazon, as well as unsung gems in Ica, Huacachina and Lima. He encountered parrots and anacondas, and even caught a few piranhas.
Undeniably the most exciting slice of the Amazon rainforest in Peru and the best way to see it is Iquitos – the main port city on the Amazon River, the longest and mightiest river on the planet – should be at the top of your list. Equal parts town and jungle, and teeming with things to do, it’s greatest challenge to visitors is fitting everything in.
An incredible animal sanctuary accessible only by boat, this island is located on the banks of the Amazon River and houses approximately 46 monkeys of 8 different species and sloths. On the island you can see countless resident birds. They have volunteer programs.
An absolute must for nature lovers, this protected area will introduce you to monkeys, tapirs, jaguars and coatis, all in their natural habitat. It’s one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet where you can spot everything from giant otters to river dolphins.
Take a walk over the treetops… if you dare. At a height of over 35 metres, this canopy walk extends 500 metres from one end to the other, allowing you to experience the rainforest from above.
Experience a slice of the Amazon’s cultural history by visiting The Yaguas. This remote local tribe has been around since the turn of the last century, many still speaking in their native tongue and hunting their meals with blow darts, a feat they often demonstrate for visitors.
Peru’s ‘desert miracle’ truly lives up to its reputation. Home to magnificent sand dunes, ancient art, delectable Pisco and hidden pockets of lushness, Ica’s remoteness is more than offset by its treasure trove of once-in-a-lifetime scenes.
If you’re looking to spend a few days in an oasis isolated from the rest of the world, Huacachina is the spot. It’s a tiny town built around a desert oasis and surrounded by sand dunes.
One of South America’s oldest vineyards, Tacama is as famed for its panoramic views as its wine production . Sip on some of the region’s best sparkling wine and Pisco while taking a tour that showcases the incredible vista of the Ica Valley and surrounding desert.
A small fishing village that doubles as the best place to watch Peru’s marine life, Paracas is breathtaking in every way. With stunning rock formations and wildly colourful sunsets, Paracas is a feast for the eyes.
How often is it you get to experience art from over a millennium ago? The Nazca lines are geoglyphs etched into desert land. Their enigmatic shapes are thought to be the result of ancient ritual practices to bring on rain.
From Veronica peak (which is an incredible 5,682 metres high!) to the archaeological sites of Maras, Moray, Quarries of Cachicata, and quaint villages alongside the banks of the Urubamba River – there’s so much to explore in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The circular paths of Moray are an archaeological sight to behold. Thought to have been amphitheatres or areas of agricultural research, these Andean paths go as deep as 45 metres and will pique the curiosity of every history buff.
Not the sweet tooth type? We’ve got just the spot for you. The Maras Salt Flats produces some of the best salt in the world, in exactly the same way they did in Inca times. Come witness the stunning region and observe the ancient labor practices before taking home some of Andean salt for yourself.
