About Peru

In terms of natural beauty, Peru is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Talking about Peru invites you to describe the awesome geographical area, from beaches to snow-capped mountains, has bestowed the country with both cultural and ecological treasures. Within Peru’s borders are found 84 of the 104 eco-systems in the world today, and Peru is also recognized as one of the eight most diverse countries on Earth. Peru is also blessed with a rich and ancient past, chronicled by the thousands of archaeological sites that are left from the mighty Inca civilization.

The most important and world-known attraction, Machu Picchu, has been recently designated by National Geographic as the Destination of the Year which means that now more than ever, Peru is in every traveler’s bucket list!

Extraordinary off-the-beaten-path locations that offer to the world travelers the opportunity to partake on unique journeys while discovering, enjoying and experiencing Peru’s best kept secrets, from the tropical beaches of the north coast to the desert of Chiclayo and Trujillo, home of the Moche Empire, to the lost city of Choquequirao, to Huanchaco fishermen’s cove, famous for its totora reed boats called Totora Horses.

All of us at Peru Holiday Adventures invite you to be our guest and discover the vibrant diversity of this natural, cultural and historical wonder!

Exploring Peru

Loreto. Nature at its best! This is one of the two most important regions in Peru converging into the great Amazon River and considered a nature and biodiversity paradise. Take a direct flight from Lima to Iquitos and embark on an adventure of a lifetime either cruising the rivers of the Amazon region or exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve or the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve, from the TreeHouse Lodge, one of the most fantastic lodges in the area.

Amazonas. Home of the Chachapoya Culture, this region is a must for those with an interest in archaeology and off-the-beaten-path historical places. The Amazonas is also a great place for nature lovers, birdwatching and orchids, and visitors interested in community tourism and voluntourism. Some of the most important attractions in the area are: Chachapoyas Ancient Ruins, Kuelap Fortified Citadel, Huamanpata Nature Reserve, La Chorrera Waterfall.

Cajamarca. rich in history and archaeology, this region is great for agro and religious tourism, birdwatchers, relaxation and health, hiking and walks in a very natural environment.

La Libertad. Home of the Chan Chan Citadel and several ancient Huacas (Temples), La Libertad is a great destination for archaeology enthusiasts, but also for birdwatchers, nature lovers and surfers. Yes, surfers. The Huanchaco beach in Trujillo is one of the most popular Peruvian beaches for surfing enthusiasts.

Lambayeque. A tomb containing the intact remains of Lord of Sipan, a member of the Moche royalty, was discovered In 1987 and since then, this region became popular as the home of powerful rulers and kings. Visiting the Huaca Rajada, also known as the Lord of Sipan Archaeological Complex and located in Chiclayo is a trip to a glorious past.

Piura. Being so close to the equatorial line, Piura offers beautiful light-tanned beaches to enjoy never ending summers.

San Martin. Without any doubt, the region of San Martin is a great place not just for archaeology and local traditions enthusiasts, but also for those interested in nature and adventure sports who enjoy waterfalls, wildlife, bird watching, hiking, rafting, and kayaking and adventure sports

Tumbes. Located in a privileged location, its beautiful coastline offers a variety of ecosystems, such as estuaries and mangrove swamps, the Pacific tropical rain forest in the Tumbes National Reserve and the dry, equatorial forest  in the Amotape Hills National Park. It’s a wonderful place for sun lovers, nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and adventure sports.

Lima. The capital city of Peru is much more than the main gate to Machu Picchu as it has a great variety of attractions, historical places, ancient ruins, world-class museums, and it is also considered the gastronomic capital of the world. When visiting Peru, you may want to consider embarking at least in a Lima City Tour which will take you through Miraflores, the Historic Center and the Lima Cathedral. If you have a little bit more of time and want to learn more about Peru, we recommend a visit to the Larco Museum or the Barranco District, both located within the city limits. Other popular attractions within the city of Lima are: the Magic Water Circuit, La Dama Juana Folkloric Dances Show, the Gold Museum, the Archaeological Museum, Cooking Classes, and many more.

In the surrounding areas, a visit to the Pachacamac Archaeological Complex and a Peruvian Paso Fino Horses show can be a special treat and certainly a highlight of your Peru Vacation.

Ancash. Located in the Northwest coast and highlands of Peru, Ancash offers a very diverse geography, with beaches and very steep, snowy mountains in the Andes Mountain Range, including Huascaran, the highest peak in Peru. Due to its altitude, locals call Huascaran “the mirror of the sky”. Ancash is also home to the archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar.

Callao. Located only 12 km from downtown Lima and home to the Lima International Airport as well as the El Callao Port, the province of Callao should be actually considered the entrance gate to Peru. As of today, there are more than 30 international airlines flying daily in and out the Lima International Airport. The port El Callao is home to the main cruise terminal in the country. The most important cruise lines including Peru in their itineraries are Avalon Waterways, Celebrity, Crystal, Holland America, Oceania, Princess Cruises, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises, Voyages of Discovery. Shore excursions to Machu Picchu are really popular among cruise’s travelers. In terms of local attractions, Palomino Island is only 45 minutes away and teems with animal life, including the South American sea lion, pelicans, guanay cormorants, red-legged cormorants, Peruvian boobies, and patillos.

Huancavelica. Used by the Inca Civilization as a military center and later during the colonial times as an important source of silver and mercury, Huancavelica boasts a past that is rich in history, culture, and traditions. This is a great destination to enjoy beautiful and therapeutic hot springs, adventure sports and community tourism.

Huanuco. Considered by Peruvians as the gateway to the Amazon, Huanuco is ideal for nature lovers, bird watching, and hiking. Thanks to its location at an altitude of 6,200 feet above sea level and a close to perfection weather, Huanuco is home to the Tino Maria National Park where a great variety of protected flora and fauna can be found.

Junin. This region offers one of the most diverse topography in Peru, from the rain forest in the jungle lowlands, the cloud forest and deep canyons in the Mantaro Valley, to the high plateaus with snowy and ice covered peaks and high glacier valleys in the Junin Plateau. Junin is also home to the Chinchayqucha Lake, a birdwatchers paradise.

Pasco. Even though the capital city and other major cities are located in the Andes Mountain Range, most of the region consists of high jungle ecosystems making it the ideal place for adrenaline lovers as activities such as rock-climbing, hiking, mountain biking, among others, are available in the area.

Ucayali. Describing this region in just a few words, we have to say that Ucayali is absolutely living Amazonian culture and nature! Just like the many indigenous communities living in the Amazon basin, the inhabitants of Ucayali continue embracing their ethnic customs and traditions. The region is a fantastic destination for visitors interested in living local traditions, culture,  folklore, and community tourism, as well as for nature lovers, birds and orchids watchers.

  • Ica: Nazca Lines, Paracas Bay
  • Cusco: Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Pisac, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park
  • Arequipa: The Colca Canyon, Chivay, The Cross of the Condor
  • Madre de Dios: The Amazon, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata National Reserve, Lake Sandoval, Manu National Park
  • Puno: Lake Titicaca, Uros Floating Islands, Taquile Island, Silustani
  • Ayacucho
  • Tacna
  • Moquegua
  • Apurimac