Machu Picchu
Take the train to the ancient Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel set high in the Andes Mountains, above the Urubamba River valley. For the more active Machu Picchu can be accessed by doing the famous Inca Trail.

Cuzco & the Sacred Valley
Explore Peru’s Andean Highlands, an area which is rich in history and culture, being the heartland of the Inca Empire when it was at its peak. Visit the amazing Inca sites of Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo in addition to the jewel in the crown, Machu Picchu.

Peruvian Amazon 
Explore the wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon from the comforts of a luxury lodge or small ship cruise.

Arequipa & the Colca Canyon
Surrounded by three volcanoes the pretty white city of Arequipa is filled with baroque buildings constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone. Visit the nearby Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world and home to the magnificent Andean condor.

The mysterious Nazca Lines
Located in southern Peru these mysterious geoglyphs etched into desert sands cover an area of nearly 1,000 sq. kilometers.  There are about 300 different figures, including animals and plants.

Peru is suitable all year round to visit most areas of interest, though the best season to travel if you are considering hiking the Inca trail is in the winter months Jun – Aug.

A moderate wet season occurs during the summer months Dec – Mar and typically most of the remainder of the year you can expect clear blue skies and temperate climate.

Naturally though, in the rainforest it rains year round – however the rain stops almost as soon as it starts.

Over the years having visited Peru many times, I have seen huge changes in the infrastructure for tourism which has only made this beautiful country even more appealing. There are more hotel options than ever before and a wide range from basic and cheerful, right up the glorious hotels such as La Casona in Cuzco, built from the 16th century mansion of the ruling Spanish conquistador family in the region. The transport system and facilities for travellers have also much improved, although I am glad that there have never been roads built right through to Machu Picchu. There is something so romantic and adventurous about only being able to make your way to the site by train journey, or by foot on the Inca Trail. The town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu has seen the most change I feel, with what was a community of very poor local Indians, to now being able to see those are in employment, the children go to school and are being educated and there are lovely and colourful markets which help fund the local community. My very favourite hotel here is the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel which is a stone’s throw from the main square and accommodation is in white-washed casitas superbly decorated, with your own terrace.

A visit to Machu Picchu, no matter how many times you go, is one of those awe-inspiring, thought provoking experiences that you will never forget in your lifetime.

A recent visit to the Peruvian Amazon was a real highlight – I like to travel in “comfort” these days and was a little skeptical how this could be achieved in the Amazon! However, after a short flight to Puerto Maldonado and a road transfer to the (very) small port, we took the 2 hour boat trip up the Madre de Dios to our wonderful lodge, the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. Situated in its own reserve and surrounded by the tropical jungle canopy, there are private cabanas laid throughout the property each featuring soft crisp white beds, hammocks and a porch and most importantly, private bathrooms with flush loo and shower!

Full or half day excursions are offered each and every day with excellent guides taking you on hikes, canoe rides, canopy climbs and fishing trips. The jungle is home to many varieties of wildlife and hundreds of species of avifauna in their own habitat and it is so sad to leave!

There are so many other wonderful experiences in Peru, and many reasons to return again.

Chris Lyons, Director

Currency Nuevo Sol

Language Spanish and Quechua are the official languages of Peru

Why we love it The cultural traditions, people and history enchanced by such diverse
landscapes as the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the coastal plains. A visit to Peru means stuffing your suitcase full of treasured handicrafts that you have had fun bargaining for at one of the many markets, an endless supply of photos and video, a sudden fondness for the local beverages Coca Tea and Pisco Sours, and many reasons to return. The bustling red-roofed city of Cuzco is a destination worthy of several days exploring the colonial and Incan sites, followed by heading to the mysterious Incan ruins of Machu Picchu – lost in history and undiscovered by the Spaniards. En route make sure you include an overnight or two in the Sacred Valley – a soulful place of beautiful scenery and of course the Pisac Markets! For the most adventurous take the route the Incas used and walk the Inca Trail to enter Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun. For archaeologists or history buffs a visit to Northern Peru will be a treat as important ruins are still being unearthed even now! For the adventurers at heart we recommend heading to the Colca Canyon, arguably the deepest in the world and the Colca Valley – dotted with towns founded in colonial times and home to the majestic Andean condor.

Weather Peru is suitable all year round to visit most areas of interest, though if you are planning to hike the ‘Classic Inca Trail’ then it does not operate Dec-Mar. A moderate wet season occurs during the summer months Dec – Mar and naturally in the rainforest areas it rains a lot – though people visit year round as it usually rains for 2-3 hours of the day and the remainder of the day is sunshine.

Social customs & quirks Peruvians are an incredibly gracious and friendly towards visitors and will gladly pose for a photograph with their llamas or children, but please be sensitive and ensure that you ask first. As this is the real world, generally one or two Soles (a matter of cents to us) should be given. Peruvians have quietly preserved the traditions and cultures of the ancient Inca civilisations and here you will still get the most real experiences with locals who live their lives in much the same way for centuries. Music is a large part of society and you will enjoy the unmistakable sounds of the zampona long after you have left Peru.

Festivals & events Festivals in Peru are incredibly elaborate and colourful events with much parading through streets, dancing and costumes. One of the most important is the Incan Inti Raymi festival – Festival of the Sun – which takes place in Cuzco on June 24 in accordance with the winter solstice or more essentially celebrating the Sun’s new year. It is a spectacle spanning several days and includes live concerts, expositions, street festivities and parades.

Health* There are currently no health requirements entering Peru, although there are recommendations for Yellow Fever vaccination and/or Malaria precautions dependant on the areas to be visited. Please note that some areas in Peru are at high altitude and we recommend ensuring that you allow rest days on arrival to those areas.
Please contact your health practitioner for full and current details.

Visas* NZ passport holders can obtain a tourist visa on arrival

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.