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An old girl with a new heart
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A dazzling kaleidoscope of colour
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Forgotten cities and nomadic deserts
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More than just safaris
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Exploring God’s own country
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Peru's archaeological rock star
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Fiestas, Frida and Maya mystery
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The hospitable gateway to Africa
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The country at the top of the world
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Adventures at the end of the earth
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The wilderness at the end of the earth
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Hidden treasures for those that look
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The Land of Kings
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Everything in one perfect package
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Safari and beyond in the Rainbow Nation
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Ancient civilisation and endless beaches
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Mountains, safaris and spice islands
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Tropical beaches and beautiful temples
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The islands that changed the world
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Unforgettable encounters
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Mosques, mausoleums and madrasahs
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Head-spinning contradictions and character
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Landscapes and legends
As the Urubamba River descends from Cusco, eventually connecting with tributaries of the mighty Amazon, it has carved out a sweep of valley whose beauty defies imagination. Little wonder then that the Inca chose this stunning and fertile location as their spiritual and agricultural heartland. Scattered with ruins, towns and villages where Quechua is still commonly heard, the Sacred Valley is much more than a mere stop-off before Machu Picchu. Spend some time here and get a real understanding for Peru's origin story.
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Lima
Peru's unfairly overlooked capital
Peru's sprawling capital city is often overlooked by time-poor visitors en route to more photogenic locations, but dwell a while and you'll find a complex city with onionskin layers of history and excellent museums, a proud contemporary culture, genuinely diverse neighbourhoods, and a world-leading food scene...Read more -
Cusco
Capital of the Inca
Seat of the Inca Empire, Cusco is the epicentre for Peru's tourism industry, drawing millions of visitors en route to Machu Picchu and adventures in the Sacred Valley...Read more -
Machu Picchu
Peru's archaeological rock star
If you're coming to Peru you'll almost certainly visit the ruins that have come to define the entire country...Read more -
Arequipa
Peru's elegant White City
Peru's second city is an elegant, refined counterweight to Lima's unbridled freneticism...Read more -
Colca Canyon
Flight of the condor
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon but a fraction of the width, the Colca Canyon cuts a dramatic scar across Peru's southern Andes...Read more -
Lake Titicaca
Shimmering heart of the Andean universe
A tranquil expanse of turquoise water seemingly at the roof of the world, Lake Titicaca was revered as the birthplace of Peru's original civilisations and the centre of the indigenous cosmos...Read more -
Puerto Maldonado
Accessible Amazonian adventures
Puerto Maldonado, in Peru's southern Amazon, is the most accessible entrance to the jungle...Read more -
Iquitos
The jungle city
Famous for being accessible only by air or boat, Iquitos lies in Peru's distant north-eastern Amazon with a distinct frontier vibe to match...Read more -
Chavín de Huántar
"Birthplace of South American culture”
If you have an interest in Andean civilisation, Chavín de Huántar is vastly more significant than the famed Machu Picchu, but with a fraction of the crowds...Read more -
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Chiclayo
...Read more -
Chachapoyas & Kuelap
...Read more -
Huaraz
...Read more -
Arica
...Read more -
Manú National Park
...Read more -
Choquechaca
...Read more
Classic Peru & Machu Picchu
The classic route to Peru's most popular highlights
Approx. 6 days
Lima (1 days) → Cusco (2) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Lima (1)
View route
Lima (1 days) → Cusco (2) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Lima (1)
Machu Picchu & Amazon Cruise
Small-ship luxury cruise with Machu Picchu
Approx. 9 days
Lima (1 days) → Iquitos (3) → Cusco (2) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Lima (1)
View route
Lima (1 days) → Iquitos (3) → Cusco (2) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Lima (1)
Machu Picchu & Amazon Lodge
See Peru from rainforest eco-lodge to mountain empires
Approx. 9 days
Lima (1 days) → Puerto Maldonado (3) → Cusco (2) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Lima (1)
View route
Lima (1 days) → Puerto Maldonado (3) → Cusco (2) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Lima (1)
Highlights of Peru
A grand tour of Peru's mountain civilisation
Approx. 12 days
Lima (1 days) → Arequipa (2) → Colca Canyon (1) → Lake Titicaca (2) → Cusco (2) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Lima (1)
View route
Lima (1 days) → Arequipa (2) → Colca Canyon (1) → Lake Titicaca (2) → Cusco (2) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Lima (1)
Qhapaq Ñan Trek to Huanuco Pampa
Explore Peru's grand route of the Incas
Approx. 12 days
Lima (1 days) → Cusco (1) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Cusco (1) → Huaraz (5) → Huaraz (1) → Lima (1)
View route
Lima (1 days) → Cusco (1) → Sacred Valley (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Cusco (1) → Huaraz (5) → Huaraz (1) → Lima (1)
Active Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Trek
Explore Peru's grand route of the Incas
Approx. 8 days
Lima (1 days) → Sacred Valley (1) → Sacred Valley (1) → Choquechaca (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Cusco (1) → Lima (1)
View route
Lima (1 days) → Sacred Valley (1) → Sacred Valley (1) → Choquechaca (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Machu Picchu (1) → Cusco (1) → Lima (1)
Iguazu Falls & Andean Highlights
A grand tour of Peru and Brazil
Approx. 15 days
Lima (1 days) → Puerto Maldonado (3) → Sacred Valley (2) → Machu Picchu (1) → Cusco (2) → Iguazu Falls (2) → Rio de Janeiro (3)
View route
Lima (1 days) → Puerto Maldonado (3) → Sacred Valley (2) → Machu Picchu (1) → Cusco (2) → Iguazu Falls (2) → Rio de Janeiro (3)
Things to do in Sacred Valley
Our recommended experiences and activities
Sacred Valley
Meet a thriving indigenous culture
Peru is a predominantly indigenous society, which long predates Hispanic influence. Get off the tourist trail in the Sacred Valley and you’ll encounter a distinctive culture of traditional music, festivals and intricate crafts.
Sacred Valley
Take a private tour of the Sacred Valley
The glorious Sacred Valley connects Cusco with Machu Picchu and is dotted with ruins, agricultural terraces, and historical towns, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moras, Moray, as well as many lesser-visited spots. Get under the surface with a full-day private tour and explore the ruins, villages and bustling markets, all set amidst incredible landscapes.
Sacred Valley
Meet Andean culture in the Sacred Valley
Despite the Spanish colonial influence, Peruvian indigenous culture thrives in the Sacred Valley. The village of Ollantaytambo has been inhabited since the 13th century, and nearby Pisac has a vibrant (if somewhat touristy) market. A good guide will help you branch off the tourist trail for a better perspective.
Where to go in Peru
Our recommended places
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