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It’s rare these days to find a destination where you can go from a downtown setting to literally being lost in the jungle in a matter of hours. But Peru does just that; a country which blends a diverse mixture of cultures, from the high plateaus of the Andes to the jungles surrounding the Amazon. And it’s wildlife is as colorful and vibrant as its cities and culture too.

Peru has the uncanny ability to reconnect us with nature while still providing modern conveniences and the luxury comforts of home. Ancient sacred traditions dating back centuries are not lost but are rather celebrated, and made accessible through modern technologies and advances.

Peru’s cuisine is as complex as it is delicious due to the large diversity of culture. Ingredients from steamy jungles to snow capped mountains merge to allow the adventurous traveler to tease their taste buds with new flavors.

But for all its diversity, this means attempting to tackle Peru on your own can be daunting. With so much to see and do you run the risk of missing a lot of what the country has to offer should you choose to do it alone.

So to really dive in, and make sure you don’t miss a thing, we recommend booking a tour. And the great thing for anyone wishing to travel within the next year, is that Luxury Escapes often offers 20% off the tour we chose.

The Wonders of Peru and the Amazon in a Luxury Adventure Tour

The following is what you can expect on a tour with Luxury Escapes through the wonders of Peru and the Amazon. From the destinations, to the accommodation, wildlife, and food.

Our time in Peru was outstanding, and this is an experience we can highly recommend.

This tour is the highlights of Peru on an exciting 14-day adventure, staying in first class accommodation and rural retreats with included flights and coach transfers across the country.

Explore colonial, modern and Inca culture in Lima and Cusco, learn about the ancient Inca at Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, experience the magic of Peruvian nature with visits to the Floating Uros Islands and stay in the Amazonian rainforest.

All this and more for only $3499 per person (twin share), valued up to $4359. ➡ Check Availability

Destination: Lima

Peru’s capital and largest city is the perfect place to begin your Peruvian adventure, and that’s a good thing since most international travel starts from here.

Lima brings together stunning cathedrals, opulent palaces, and Pacific beaches. It also introduces you to the first traces of Incan archaeological sites, a precursor of what is to come.

Attractions in Lima

➡ Plaza Mayor was built in the 16th century, this is the birthplace of Lima. The bustling square is home to many of Lima’s most important and popular landmarks, and there are many award winning restaurants serving Peruvian Cuisine.

➡ The Government Palace. Situated on the banks of the Rimac River and framed by beautiful palm trees, the palace is the residence of the President.

Tours can be arranged along with viewing the daily changing of the guards. Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro had the palace built when he founded the city of Lima in 1535.

➡ The Monasterio de San Francisco has survived centuries even in the wake of several earthquakes, and the church and monastery are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And it’s no wonder, with its beautiful interior which includes stunning murals and a library consisting of some 25,000 books spanning centuries. Don’t miss the opportunity to dig a bit a deeper and check out Lima’s largest catacombs.

Photo by Del-Uks

Monasterio de San Francisco Peru

Miraflores Lima, Peru

Larco Herrera Museum

Housed in an 18th century viceroyalty-era mansion, the museum offers visitors the chance to check out one of the finest gold and silver collections from Ancient Peru along with maybe making you blush a bit at its famous erotic archaeological collection.

Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins

Located along the coast, the site dates back over 2,000 years and was visited by pilgrims of many ancient Andean cultures, including the Incas.

The sacred site has become known as the Mecca of Peru. It is hard to believe how close in proximity it lies to downtown Lima.

Cusco & the Sacred Valley

It is the historical capital of both the Incan Empire and Peru. Navigate Cusco’s narrow cobblestone streets in the search of souvenirs and more exotic cuisine like Cuy (Guinea Pig).

Its higher altitude means you should slow your pace a bit so as to not get altitude sickness if you are prone. You’ll definitely sense the Andean culture becoming stronger here.

Cusco & the Sacred Valley

Sacsayhuaman

Sounding like “sexy woman” these ruins will be one of your first insights in to just how skilled the Incans were in producing their monumental structures in harmony with the landscape. You may even be able to witness a reenactment of Incan ceremonies.

Chinchero

Chinchero is a small Andean Indian village giving visitors beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. Rainbow lovers will love to know that it is thought to be the mythical birthplace of these colorful arcs.

This is a great place to take in a Sunday market that is far less touristy than others.

Machu Picchu

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is without a doubt the most recognized and celebrated archeological wonder in South America.

You could spend a lifetime experiencing the amount of history that abounds here but any traveler will feel blessed spending whatever time they are gifted with. It is such an emotional experience witnessing this incredible feat of human design and construction and you feel honored to walk in the footsteps of Inca Kings.

The backdrop of mountains along with untamed nature makes for the most idyllic setting one could ask for. It was definitely a highlight of my travels across the world.

Machu Picchu

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu

Maras, Moray, & Ollantaytambo

Impressive amphitheater-like terracing awaits you at Moray while shimmering white salt flats are almost unreal against the vibrant green mountains.

The Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo is so impressive many visitors say it rivals Machu Picchu.

Lake Titicaca

Dive into the world’s highest navigable lake in the world, although it may be a bit chilly. The famous Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed the Pacific Ocean in a balsa wood raft, studied the craft of making totora reed boats from the indigenous Uros people that call Lake Titicaca home.

Explore the Uros culture around Puno via their man-made floating islands scattered across Lake Titicaca. These islands are constructed from the same totora reeds they use to build their boats.

The craft of making totora reed boats from the indigenous Uros people that call Lake Titicaca home.

Lake Titicaca

Iquitos – Into the Amazon Jungle

Accessible only by air or water, Iquitos is the world’s largest city that has no road leading to it. It may seem off the beaten path as there is none, but it is a large metropolis in the jungle.

Hot and humid, being here brings out the explorer in you. It is here where you will get a taste of what true Amazonian jungle is like. Witness incredible wildlife like caiman, anacondas, numerous species of monkeys, vibrant butterflies, macaws, and much more.

Try your hand at piranha fishing or dive into shamanic healing through Ayahuasca, a legal powerful psychedelic brew made from local plants. ReNuPeRu Ethnobotanical Gardens provides more insight into the regions flora and its many uses in the modern world.

Towering walkways will get you closer to the canopy where you can see eye to eye with birds. Keep an eye on your belongings if you run into any squirrel monkeys – they almost stole our GoPro (pictured below!).

It is here where you will get a taste of what true Amazonian jungle is like.

Squirrel Monkey in the Amazon

Accommodation

A sampling of what kind of accommodation you can expect on a tour like ours.

Hotel Jose Antonio Deluxe

Situated in the Miraflores district of Lima, you’ll have access to Lima’s beautiful beaches where surfers and hang gliders abound as well as great shopping in the nearby Larcomar Mall.

Miraflores is by far one of Lima’s nicest areas to walk around. Beautifully decorated hotel with clean crisp rooms and very comfy beds.

Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay & Sonesta Posada Del Inca Puno

We’ve always been impressed by Sonesta Hotels traveling through the U.S. and now South America. Sonesta Posada Del Inca Puno offers beautifully manicured grounds with perfect views of Lake Titicaca.

Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay is just 5 minutes outside of Urubamba. It was a former 18 century monastery the has been remodeled to a luxurious hotel. Its gardens offer guests the chance to see a lot of darting hummingbirds.

Ceiba Tops Lodge

A refreshing experience to have luxury accommodation surrounded by a natural setting. Just a short walk to the Amazon river and incredible wildlife viewing day and night around the grounds. Say hi to their adorable pet tapir.

Peruvian Cuisine

No trip would be complete without trying Peru’s national dish, ceviche.

No trip would be complete without trying Peru’s national dish, ceviche. It is a cold cooked dish of fish in which corvine, or sea bass, is marinated in lime juice and accompanied by chilies and onion. You may see other variations including shrimp, scallops, and calamari.

Put your adventurous mouth to the test as you try fresh cuts of alpaca or the delicious cuy. At first cuy may look a bit ominous as it is usually served whole and since it is a guinea pig it may seem like you are eating a pet but the roasted mostly dark meat Andean region’s most popular sources of meat.

Be ready to be force fed yuca fries at most meals which seems to be a staple much like French fries everywhere else. Yuca is not to be confused with the ornamental plant yucca.

You’ll also have to make a toast to Peru and try their national cocktail, the Pisco sour. It is a brandy type drink mixed with egg whites and lime or lemon juice and can knock you back so sip gradually.

Check Tour Availability on Luxury Escapes

OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL GUIDES TO PERU. CLICK TO LOOK INSIDE ↓

Peru Amazon Travel Guide

Lonely Planet Travel Guide Peru

Peru Amazon Travel Guide

DK Eyewitness Peru

Peru Amazon Travel Guide

Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu

INSPIRED?! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

If you enjoy getting social, you can follow their journey on FacebookTwitterYouTubePinterest and Instagram.

Photo credits: Plaza de Armas de Lima by Del-Uks. Miraflores Lima by Vlad Podvorny. Ceviche by James.

    30 Comments

  1. Wow, looks amazing. Hiking up to Matchu Pichu has been on my bucket list forever. Did you do the hike or the train?

    • Hi Robin! Yes, Peru is amazing – such a magical place! This tour takes the train to Machu Picchu. We got some great scenery , including sections of the Inca Trail along the way :)

  2. Macchu Picu and the Inca trail and the Amazon are actually at the very top of my bucket list. It’s what I dream of, day and night, and I’m not exaggerating. One of these days, I will go there.

    • And fortunately, it’s one of those experiences which doesn’t disappoint! I hope you have the chance to visit at some stage soon Alice – I can highly recommend the Luxury Escapes Tour when you do :)

  3. This sounds like such an incredible tour – I’ve been wanting to do the Amazon but couldn’t figure out which country to choose – didn’t even think to combine this with Machu Picchu – definitely a win for Peru. Thanks for the heads up on the 20% off!

    • Absolutely Callie – yes there’s a lot of different options for the Amazon, we did Bolivia too, though you really can’t beat Peru, especially when you can combine it with other wonders of the world like Machu Picchu :)

      And you’re welcome on the info about the discount – can highly recommend a tour with Luxury Escapes.

  4. I’d love trying that ceviche!
    Peru seems to be a great place to visit, with an incredible nature and culture.
    Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos!

    • Ceviche is a must, and so good if you’re a fan of seafood! So glad you enjoyed the post Cadu, I hope you have the chance to plan a trip for Peru soon :)

  5. This place is the magical place for any traveler. I many time listen to this name and-and read many blog or post about this place. This place very wonderful. There many places for just adventure. I like do some great adventure work and that is the perfect place for me.

    • So glad you enjoyed the post Lisa, yes, we can highly recommend Peru!

  6. All our favourite words in one sentence. How could we not love it. Luxury, Machu Pichu and the Amazonian rainforest. Both of the destinations are in our bucket list but haven’t been able to visit the region yet. Hopefully soon! Fingers crossed!

    • I hope you have the chance to visit Peru soon Rishabh & Nirali! Sounds like it’s the ultimate destination for you … and from personal experience I can say it’s a region which doesn’t disappoint!

  7. We’re thinking about going to Peru later in the year. I know my daughter would love to visit Machu Pichu, so I’ll definitely keep this article around for accommodation reference.

    • Can highly recommend the tours with Luxury Escapes if you’re looking for an operator; but definitely the accommodation too if you’re organizing it yourself :) Have a great trip!

  8. About 15 years ago I had booked a 3 month tour in South America, however I decided spending those 3 months in hospital with phenomena would be more fun (NAWT). Anyways, I never got to experience it. I have however worked with some exceptional chefs from Peru who shared their secret to creating ceviche. Yarm…. I prefer scallop ceviche but sea bass is the business too. DROOLING thinking about it. It isnt as amazing as experiencing the food in the country itself, but, I like that I have that little gem of a recipe very much. :)

    Did you enjoy the alpaca? And the guinea pig? Too much like eating pets for my liking, but perhaps if they are loaded with spices and not served whole, I’d be okay.

    Haha… I think about food waaaaay too much. LOL! But loved this post and cant wait to actually cross this magical part of the world off my list.

    • Oh no! Sorry to hear you got struck down with phenomena Anna! And especially at the same time as you had planned a trip :(

      Hopefully you’ll have another opportunity to visit soon – in the meantime it’s fab to hear that Peruvian cuisine has made it’s way to you!

      The alpaca’s were adorable, and the guinea pig was surprisingly tasty if you can get your mind around the fact that you’re eating what we keep as pets back home!! Definitely need an open mindset, but an essential cultural experience if you’re a fan of food.

      So glad you enjoyed the post – check out the dates for the Luxury Escapes tours and maybe you could take one soon!

  9. I’d love to do this tour to see the wonders of Peru and the Amazon. We’ve only been to Ecuador and had a great time there. Peru would be the next step.

    • Ecuador is an amazing country too – in my opinion though you definitely can’t beat Peru! A great destination to work up to though – hope you have the chance to travel soon!

  10. Peru is on a list of countries I plan to visit in South and Central America. What I like about it is its diversity. Like you said you can experience the mix of modern and historical. Lima itself has so much to offer in the form of its cathedrals and palaces. I don’t really associate beaches with South American countries so I would definitely want to check those out. I am so excited about visiting Peru and checking out the Amazon Jungle and the famed Lake Titicaca. I have heard so much about Peruvian cuisine as well, so I would definitely want to give it a try.

    • I hope you have the chance to travel soon Simon – it’s one of those rare destinations which lives up to it’s magic reputation and doesn’t disappoint! Truly diverse, and yes, definitely embrace Peruvian cuisine!

  11. People always mention and write about Machu Picchu but there’s so much more to see in Peru. For the most part, people don’t give Lima enough time because they just pass through on the way to Machu Picchu. It’s definitely a place to see in its own right. I love that you were able to visit so many places on this luxury tour. Some luxury tours only take people to the “pretty” places but this tour looks like you’re getting to see the best of Peru.

    • Totally agree with you that there’s so much more to Peru than Machu Picchu – and I agree that people don’t spend enough time in Lima. It’s really quite a vibrant and fascinating city once you look beneath the surface and really spend proper time.

      We love our luxury travel these days, but are never willing to sacrifice proper immersion, we love seeing the off the beaten path places which make a country so special, and really exploring the nitty gritty as opposed to just the glossy “pretty places” as you say :) Otherwise it’s not really adventure right!!

  12. Kerstin explored Peru with the Ruta Quetzal when she was 16, and ever since we’ve wanted to go there together. This Luxury Adventure Tour is really interesting, since it includes almost all the sites that we’d like to visit. So thank you so much for sharing this! We’ll check out if they also offer 3 weeks long tours, or if we could add one or two more places to their initial 2 weeks trip. When do you think is the best time to travel to Peru? Kerstin went there in July, but it was pretty cold…

    • So glad to hear Kerstin had a great time on her first trip – Peru is a special country for sure!

      The Peruvian winter (May – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel, especially if you are planning to visit the Cusco area, which is included in the Luxury Escapes tour. December – March is the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.

      Their tours run from January – August though so you can choose the season you would prefer to travel in :) ANd you could definitely add on extra time in Peru after your Luxury Escapes tour – it’s definitely a country we couldn’t get enough of!!

  13. I love the pictures in this post, especially the monkey…hahaha. Cute, I think I would love to be able to go from downtown to a jungle in a few hours. Peru, is so high on our list as we think it would be a spiritual journey for us. There is so much info in this post I will need to pin it for reference. Usually, I like my quick trips but I think I like this 14-day adventure idea where a lot of the planning is already done. Especially for a place that mixes so many landscapes and environments. Id hate to try and navigate the Amazon by myself…lololol

    • Thanks Christopher! OMG he was the cutest lol but he lost cuteness points for engaging in a tug of war over our GoPro haha

      Peru is definitely a great choice if you’re after a spiritual journey – there’s a lot to discover and explore, and many ancient civilizations which are still celebrated today. I often love the quick trips as well, though this is definitely a country to spend some proper time in. Just too much to see and do!

      Hope you have the chance to travel soon, and haha don’t worry, there are very able guides to navigate through the Amazon for you :D

  14. Visiting Peru to hike Machu Pichu has been on my travel list for long. But your post gave me so many other options to try out. I love the fact that within few hours you can go from a downtown setting to a jungle. I love all your pictures especially the sheep one and the monkey peeping into your camera.

    • Can highly recommend a trip with Luxury Escapes (though do note that to get to Machu Piccu on this tour you take the train) – there are so many incredible experiences tied into the one trip, it’s definitely a memorable 14 days!!

  15. Good post about a beautiful country that I’m visiting right now.
    As for the jungle, Iquitos is beautiful but a bit overrated -the tourism is booming and backpackers are a-plenty. I much more enjoyed staying in Tarapoto, not so vibrant but somehow more authentic.

    • Thanks for sharing your experiences Anthony, sad to hear that Iquitos is becoming overrun with tourism – we actually felt similarly about Machu Picchu – an incredible site – but SO packed with tourists, and only getting worse as the years go by. You’re right though, so many incredible off the beaten path places in Peru – I’ll have to make sure we get to Tarapoto on our next trip, thanks for the tip!

      Enjoy the rest of your time in Peru :)

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