The drawcard for many is that it is home to the legendary and mysterious Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel sitting atop the world in the Andes Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Other iconic sights include the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail, offering adventurous trekking through stunning landscapes dotted with archaeological sites. Peru's capital, Lima, is a vibrant metropolis that combines colonial architecture with modern attractions, offering world-class cuisine celebrated for its fusion of indigenous and international flavors. The city’s historic center, museums, and lively neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco are must-see spots.
Other reasons to have Peru on your bucket list include the enchanting Amazon Rainforest, nicknamed the lungs of the Earth, which covers a significant part of the country and offers ecotourism experiences such as jungle lodges, wildlife tours, and river cruises. The Andean highlands are another highlight, with colorful villages, traditional festivals, and striking mountain scenery. Then there is the town of Arequipa, known as the "White City," cloaked in stunning colonial architecture and nearby volcanic landscapes, while Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, offers boat trips to floating reed islands inhabited by indigenous communities. For lovers of anything weird and inexplicable, there is the city of Trujillo perched on a coastal desert. It’s home to the mysterious Nazca Lines, massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor that look like a giant has been busy decorating the earth with animals and shapes— best viewed from the air. Peru’s coastline is a hotspot for adventure sports, think surfing, mountain biking, paragliding, and sandboarding.
True foodies in Peru can satisfy their hunger pangs with a cuisine influenced by Spain, Africa, China, and Japan. Known as having world-class gastronomy, Peru also offers the chance to wrap your lips around some odd but wonderful dishes such as roasted guinea pig, fermented potatoes, Amazonian grubs, offal such as flame-grilled skewers of beef hearts, and for the adventurous not worried about where their food comes from, there is the dish of ‘criadillas de toro’, with the main ingredient being a bull testicle. From street food to high-end restaurants, Peru offers a feast for the eyes, if not the stomach.
From its capital, Lima, to Paracas and Cusco, Peru is a magnet for those looking for the perfect destination in a unique country with some of the most outstanding accommodation.
Hotel Sol y Luna, Urubamba
Hotel Sol y Luna in Peru is a secluded and luxurious resort nestled in the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas, near Cusco. Oozing elegance in its traditional Andean architecture, the hotel features individual accents in each of its private 43 casitas (stone houses). Hotel Sol y Luna features beautifully designed rooms and suites that reflect local culture through handcrafted retro Spanish furnishings, vibrant Peruvian textiles, marble bathrooms and bathtubs, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscapes. It offers guests a spa, sauna, gym, outdoor swimming pools, and gourmet restaurants serving exquisite Peruvian cuisine made from local ingredients. With a tranquil atmosphere, it’s an ideal retreat for relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, and it's easy to reach nearby archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Personalized services include guided tours, horseback riding, and visits to local markets, ensuring a rich and immersive experience. Staying here will immerse you in the world of nature with an intricate mix of avant-garde and primitive Peru.
Tinajani, Puno Region
Getting to Tinajani from Juliaca Airport is a unique experience that will leave you gobsmacked. It’s a couple of hours' drive across vast mountain plains where llamas busily cavort, driving through weather-beaten villages along dusty roads, past a hidden waterfall, while formidable hawks with massive wings soar in the blue sky. Then, the dynamic red ancient rock formations littering the Tinajani Canyon come into view. You are 14,600 feet above sea level in the southern Andes, known as the ‘Valley of the Giants’, looking at a wondrous vision of a luxury tented camp sitting in a 200-hectare nature reserve. This exclusive, all-inclusive safari-style tented camp is designed for travelers seeking adventure, comfort, and elegance. The camp immerses guests in the stunning landscape of the Peruvian highlands, providing an authentic yet luxurious experience in a remote, pristine environment. Each tent is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings, featuring plush furnishings, modern amenities, and spacious interiors that evoke a sense of opulence while maintaining a rustic charm. The accommodations include comfortable beds, stylish decor, private en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor decks that offer panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.
Titilaka Lodge, Lake Titicaca
Perched on the stunning south-eastern shore of Lake Titicaca on a private peninsula, Titilaka Lodge is surrounded by the pristine lake on three sides. It offers an unparalleled luxury experience that combines comfort, exclusivity, and the breathtaking natural beauty of what is considered to be ‘the cradle of Andean civilization’. The guest rooms and suites are blissfully indulgent, offering endless views of the lake’s tranquil waters and the mountainous backdrop. Dedicated to providing authentic cultural experiences, guests can take advantage of guided visits to nearby islands, including the famous Uros floating islands and Taquile Island. Birdwatching, hiking, and boating with expert local guides make this an extraordinary adventure. A premier all-inclusive hotel, Titilaka Lodge is where you will be indulged with dishes from extraordinary Andean cuisine and can sip wine as the sun sets on this remarkable landscape.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
