Peru Gap year holidays

Peru travel information

The mountains of the Andes effectively divide Peru into three natural regions – a semi-desert coastal area with natural valleys and irrigated plantations, the highlands (Sierra) where half the population live and still practise subsistence farming, and the Amazonian lowlands of the east with a tropical climate and rich rainforests. Peru's most famous sites are undoubtedly the magnificent Machu Picchu and the Inca capital of Cusco where there are rich archaeological sites, architecture and collections to be explored, but much older civilisations have also left their mark, further to the north.

Tucume is the site of a 26-pyramid archaeological complex and a rich Moche burial, the treasures from which may be seen in nearby Lambayeque. Other riches are to be found in Trujillo, Cajamarca and Chachapoyas, while Lima, Lake Titicaca, and the reserves of the Amazon Basin offer yet more variety of Peru's richly diverse natural and cultural heritage.

Peru Holidays and Tours

Peru holidays and tours are a fantastic opportunity to discover one of the most exciting and beautiful countries on the South American continent. With a stunning variety of landscapes and scenery, including expansive stretches of golden coastline, the dense tropical Amazon Rainforest and the majestic Andes Mountains, there is so much to uncover on Peru holidays and tours to Peru. Peru trips can range from short 3 and 4 day tours along the ancient Inca Trail to overland tours encompassing all corners of the country as well as the unique Galapagos Islands.

Peru eco tourism gives you the chance to get the most out of your Peru holidays by engaging with local communities and cultures and visiting the people and places benefiting most from eco tourism in Peru. Experience the highlights of Peru on a Peru trip which will take you through the country’s most spectacular landscapes whilst giving you plenty of time to soak up life in the vibrant cities and towns. Or why not design your own tailor made tour to Peru? Which will allow you to create a bespoke Peru holiday whether you’re on a budget, in search of luxury, or looking for a romantic honeymoon destination. A Peru and Galapagos Islands tour is truly a once in a lifetime holiday, perfect for Peru honeymoons.

Inca Trail tours

Inca Trail tours are a must for anyone on a Peru holiday, they give you an unrivalled insight into the ancient world of the Incan Empire and a chance to visit one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Americas, Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail holidays transport you to a bygone era from where you can experience a lost civilisation. There are a wide variety of Inca trail tours and holidays on offer ranging from 3 and 4 day Inca Trail trekking holidays to longer Peru tours that include time spent walking the Inca Trail as well as taking in other parts of the country. If your dream is to hike the Inca Trail then you’ll need a relatively good level of fitness and a few days spent acclimatising before you set out to stave off any potential altitude sickness. The rewards are priceless, you’ll pass through a wide variety of Andean environments including high mountains with spectacular views, alpine tundra and exotic cloud forests all whilst walking the Inca Trail.

Then, arriving at Machu Picchu early on your final day of hiking the Inca Trail, you’ll experience a stunning sunrise over this ancient hidden city. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more relaxed Peru and Inca Trail holiday, and hiking the Inca Trail itself isn’t for you then why not join a Peru tour which includes a visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu. The need to preserve this unique piece of Peruvian heritage has prompted the Peruvian government to place a restriction on the number of people allowed to hike the Inca Trail each season. This means that it’s important to book your Inca Trail tour as early as possible to ensure you reserve your space on an Inca Trail holiday.

Adventure holidays in Peru

Peru is a superb destination for adventure holidays with the broad diversity of environments providing the ideal setting for a whole host of Peru adventures. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fuelled Peru adventure holiday or to experience the people and culture first hand, adventure travel in Peru has something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit the vast Colca Canyon, keeping your eyes peeled for the iconic Peruvian Condor, sail across the sparkling Lake Titicaca and explore the winding roads of Cusco all on an adventure holiday in Peru. For those keen to experience real Peruvian culture and stay with local families, an adventure holiday in Peru that combines all the highlights with a local homestay is a unique opportunity. Alternatively, trekking and mountain biking holidays in Peru are a fantastic way to experience the landscape and take in some spectacular vistas across the Andean Mountains or enjoy the classic Inca Trail tour.

As well as Inca Trail tours and treks, adventure holidays in Peru can encompass anything from white water rafting in the Apurimac canyon to Peru mountain biking holidays through the imposing Andes and beyond. High energy, multi-sport adventure holidays in Peru are perfect for those in search of a real challenge with a combination of active days and fun nights including trekking, mountain biking, rafting and canoeing. Adventure travel in Peru can be as fast-paced or relaxed as you like and with so much to take in and absorb you’re sure to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime on your Peru adventures.