Explore the hill-top temples and pyramids of the Incas, with sacred fountains and mysterious sacrificial stones – take the train through a dramatic canyon to Machu Picchu, a lost city buried in tropical forest.
Cycle, horse-ride, hike or raft through the beautiful fertile countryside of the Sacred Valley, visiting villages where people still weave their bright traditional clothing, tend their herds of llamas and harvest their crops by hand.
Discover the legacy of the conquistadores in atmospheric Cusco, a city crammed with amazing churches, museums of gold and weaponry, animated indian markets selling everything from pigs’ heads to pottery – and loads of cafés and clubs.
Dive into the Amazon jungle – from your rustic wooden lodge, climb a canopy tower, and venture by canoe or trail to spot monkeys, macaws and alligators.There are many activities on offer and special programmes both for teenagers and younger children including kayaking, biking and tattooing!
We’ve been there
"A family holiday in Peru is a living pageant for children and adults alike. I have been amused by kids who moan about a short walk to school breathlessly scampering up huge Inca staircases leaving their parents with their expensive gym memberships way behind." Laura Forsyth, Travel Consultant.
Where do you sleep?
1 night Lima; 3 nights Cusco; 1 night Sacred Valley; 1 night close to Machu Picchu; 1 night Cusco (all tourist class hotels); 3 nights at a jungle lodge;1 night Lima.
A bit more time?
Take the luxury train to Lake Titicaca, boat out to the Uros reed islands and stay with a family on Taquile Island or the Llachón peninsula: or go sandboarding in the desert near Nasca.
What do you eat?
There is a choice of more or less whatever you like in cosmopolitan Cusco, from Incaburger snack-bars to sophisticated ‘fusion’ restaurants. In the jungle simple and nutritious menus take advantage of fresh local produce.
Weather watch
The snow-draped Andes mountains and the green valleys between them are best seen in the sunny months of Jun to Sep, though the Easter holidays - when crops are ripe in the fields, and the less-busy October half-term are also great times to visit Peru.
Top Tip
Go shopping at the huge artisan market in Pisac - there is a marvellous display of wonderful Inca-inspired bags, jackets, jewellery and ceramics.
Did You Know?
The Amazon basin, half the size of Europe, contains one fifth of the planet’s fresh water. In the 16th century, the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana reported encounters with wild women warriors on the banks of the river, which was named Amazon in their honour. Nobody has seen them since. | 
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