What defines Peru is its incomparable and immense diversity. The country has more than 200 protected natural areas that are home to thousands of species of birds, trees and butterflies; its historical legacy includes 5,000 archaeological sites and 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; its landscapes range from coastal deserts to snow-capped peaks to the Amazon jungle; its cuisine features a world-famous blend of flavours; whilst its vibrant festivals and traditions, still very much alive, offer a daily glimpse into the country's rich past.
Lima is a city that combines the cosmopolitan with the historical. Certain areas appear frozen in time - its main square retains the original balconies from the colonial period. The city also boasts magnificent museums, modern neighbourhoods (take a bike ride in Miraflores) and spectacular beaches nearby. Let's not forget that Peru is the culinary capital of South America: ancient recipes blending with contemporary flavours.
The largest region in Peru marries both urban energy and natural beauty. Let's start by visiting its capital, Iquitos, with its historical main square, museums and stunning seaside resort Quistococha, a beach in the middle of the jungle. Now to the Peruvian Amazon, which boasts breathtaking nature reserves, unique ecosystems and indigenous communities, such as the Kukamas and the Yaguas.
To soak up the nature, you better not miss the Madre de Dios region. This area is home to three natural sanctuaries: Manú National Park, which is home to Peru’s national bird, the cock-of-the-rock; the Tambopata national reserve, where you can take a boat trip along the meandering clay cliffs; and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, which is home to nearly a thousand birds and more than 20,000 plant species.
Arequipa has it all. Founded in 1540, and known as the "White City", this metropolis combines history, adventure, landscapes, cuisine, art and, its most impressive natural attraction, the Misti volcano.
And if you need to a moment to sit down and reflect after exploring the historic centre (which features more than 500 colonial mansions), be sure to try the delicious shrimp chowder or ocopa arequipeña, the city's emblematic dish.
Visiting Puno is like taking a trip back in time: in this city, everything is linked to the history of ancient Peru. And while its sites are countless, Lake Titicaca is the most important: this vast body of water is the highest navigable lake in the world, it's floating islands home to a range of ancient communities.
In Cusco, every corner is full of history. Peru's capital during the Incan Empire, the city retains traces of the splendour of this ancient civilisation, like the famous twelve-angled stone.
Cusco is also the gateway to one of the wonders of the world: the imposing and revered historic Machupicchu Sanctuary, a cultural and natural world heritage site.
The immense dunes shelter the cultural and historical heritage of ancient civilisations. Ica has a multitude of magnificent beaches, ideal for practicing water sports and observing spectacular marine flora and fauna. But our favourite place is the Huacachina Lagoon: an oasis in the middle of the desert with every service and entertainment imaginable.
Support and useful information