The awesome top sights of Peru will leave you all punch-drunk – the rich mix of scenic grandeur, extraordinary ruined temples, colonial cities and exotic wildlife cannot fail to inspire your senses and imagination. Climb up through the desert past volcanoes and herds of fluffy vicuña, and plunge down into the isolated and dramatic Colca Canyon, among the deepest in the world, long cut off from modern development. Spot condors lording over the plunging chasms, above tiny traditional villages and amphitheatres of ancient terraced farmland. Take to the water on bird-filled, mystical Lake Titicaca, and visit the floating islands of the Uros indians, where everything – including homes, boats, a church  nd a school – is built from reeds.  Embrace the vibrant life of Cusco, ancient mountain-capital of the Incas, a city where gorgeous museums and churches jostle on the pavements with restaurants, bars, and markets. From here, take the train down towards the jungle and hill-top Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City, once buried under the tropical forest which surrounds it.  We've been there "Whether you’re into active adventures or spotting llamas, learning about the Incas or practicing your Spanish, Peru is an ideal holiday destination for families of all ages, surely there is something for everyone here." Sarah Beard, Manager, Group Tours department. Where do you sleep 1 night Lima; 1 night Arequipa, 2 nights Colca Canyon, 2 nights Puno (Lake Titicaca); 3 nights Cusco; 1 night close to Machu Picchu; 1 night Cusco; 1 night Lima (all tourist class hotels) A bit more time? Head for the Amazon jungle - comfortable lodges in a forest full of wildlife are just a half hour flight  and a couple of hour's canoe ride from Cusco. What do you eat? There is a good variety in cosmopolitan Cusco, from Incaburger snack-bars to sophisticated ‘fusion’ restaurants. Less choice elsewhere but always international and regional options. Weather watch The Andes mountains and Lake Titicaca 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. Top tip You can climb up the high mountain peak, Huayna Picchu, which you can see on photographs towering above Machu Picchu.  There is a steep trail to the top, from where the view back down is spectacular.

What you say: "We always thought Machu Picchu would be excellent, but never imagined it would be as inspiring and incredible as it actually was in real life. The condors were awe inspiring, and even arrived exactly on time. We loved getting close to the real Peru, how often do you wake up with a llama outside your hotel room?" Anthony & Christian Stainer, both aged 15.