In this section of our website we take a look at the main destinations that Peru InsideOut offers its clients. Beyond flagship destinations like the unmissable trip to Machu Picchu, the beauty of Cusco and the Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley, we also offer alternative destinations such as the Ballestas Islands off Paracas; the White City of Arequipa and the Colca Canyon; Puerto Maldonado in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest and the stunning dunes of Huacachina.
Of course we also stop at the sacred lake of the Incas: Lake Titicaca! Here we give our clients the chance to meet indigenous communities such as those of Amantani, Taquile and the Uros Islands. We travel all the way to Nazca to bring you the best of the Nazca Lines and its museums and archaeological remains. We also invite you to discover cosmopolitan Lima, with its museums, nightlife and gourmet restaurants. Lima is establishing itself as one of Latin America's most fashionable capitals and is a world well worth discovering.
We also offer unusual destinations such as Cabanaconde in the Colca Canyon, Anapia on Lake Titicaca, Laguna de Moron near Paracas, and Pikillaqta in the Sacred Valley. These latter destinations can be reached on private visits. Finally, major destinations in northern Peru are also available, such as Chiclayo and Trujillo, which hide unique archaeological treasures such as the Lord of Sipán or Chan Chan, to name just a couple. Next year we plan to expand our reach with Iquitos, Huaraz and the beautiful Ayacucho!
The Lost City of the Incas – think the unimaginable: discover Machu Picchu!
Machu Picchu's architecture is one of the world's great examples of the use of natural materials, with giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to be cut straight from the surrounding rocky slopes. Machu Picchu, which means “Old Peak” in the Quechua language, is one of the most important cultural sites in Latin America, sitting at 2,430 meters above sea level, and in 2007 was recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World thanks to its origins.
Cusco, the “archaeological capital of the Americas”
Cusco sits at 3,300 meters in the Watanay Valley, once a giant glacial lake, “Lake Ballivian.” The city center retains numerous squares, streets and buildings from the pre-Columbian and colonial eras, of great importance for their age. The city of Cusco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
For trekking lovers, Machu Picchu can also be reached by hiking the Inca Trail, one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, dating back more than 500 years. The Trail begins in the Sacred Valley and ends at the Lost City of the Incas, deep in the rainforest.
Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas lies 15 km north of the Inca capital of Cusco, at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The Sacred Valley was the main hub for the extraction of natural wealth in the Inca Empire and one of the most important grain-producing areas in Peru.
The White City
Rooted in the Andean traditions of the Altiplano, Arequipa lies in the southwestern part of the country and is Peru's second-largest city. Set at 2,325 meters above sea level, Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanoes: the conical El Misti (5,822 meters), Chachani (6,075 meters), whose peak is always snow-capped, and Picchu Picchu (5,425 meters).
Home of the mighty Andean condor
Located 180 km north of Arequipa, in the Chivay district, the Colca Canyon is the result of the erosive forces of the Colca River. The canyon stretches for around 70 km and reaches a maximum depth of 3,191 meters, making it the second deepest canyon in the world, surpassed only by its neighbor, the Cotahuasi Canyon (160 meters deeper).
Ballestas Islands, a natural paradise
Off the Paracas peninsula lies a small archipelago – the Ballestas Islands, rich in wildlife and with breathtaking scenery, also known as the “poor man's Galápagos” or the “mini-Galápagos of Peru.”
Situated on the Ica River, Ica lies about 300 km south of Lima, along the desert coast of southern Peru on the Pan-American Highway. Ica is the capital of the Ica region. The area was long inhabited by various indigenous peoples, long before the Spanish conqueror Gerónimo Luis de Cabrera proclaimed its founding in 1563.
Discover more →The mysterious Nazca Lines
The Nazca district is one of five provinces that make up the Ica region. Located between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the southern coast, in the valley of the “Rio Nazca,” Nazca sits 520 meters above sea level and enjoys a dry, sunny climate.
Discovering the highest navigable lake in the world
Lake Titicaca lies between eastern Peru and western Bolivia. It's the highest navigable lake in the world (around 3,810 meters) and the largest in South America. 196 km long and about 56 km wide, with an average depth of 107 meters, its waters are cold and an intense blue.
The City of Kings
Lima is the capital of Peru: a historic city that is also modern and vibrant. The population reflects an ethnic blend, and its cultural heritage stems from the fusion of pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern elements. Lima is the country's largest city, with more than 8.5 million inhabitants. In 1988, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the cultural diversity that defines Peru.
The pearl of the north
Chiclayo sits slightly off the traditional tourist circuit despite being Peru's fourth-largest city and the capital of the northern Lambayeque region. Chiclayo is a sought-after destination for tourists interested in Moche culture and its archaeological sites and treasures, in particular that of the Lord of Sipán, also known as the “King Tutankhamun of the Americas.” Other destinations make a visit to Chiclayo well worth it, including the forest of the Pómac nature reserve, the colorful “Modelo” market selling souvenirs, fruit and clothing, and the beauty of Pimentel beach, a great spot for surfing.
Chachapoyas means cloud forest and is a colonial town located in the Amazon region of northern Peru. It's well worth visiting this remote part of the country, as there's so much to discover, including the beautiful Yumbilla and Gocta waterfalls. Kuelap, the most impressive ruins in South America, and Karajía, sarcophagi carved into the rock, are two gems well worth seeing. Or you could visit the Leymebamba Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Chachapoya people.
Discover more →Puerto Maldonado is worth a visit if you want to explore Peru's Amazon jungle. The jungle is easily accessible from the town of Puerto Maldonado, which makes an excellent starting point for rainforest adventures. Sailing up the Tambopata River takes you to the spectacular Tambopata National Reserve, where you can see capybaras, jaguars, caimans and monkeys. A visit to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick lets you admire the parrots, and you can take a night boat trip to see the animals in the half-light. Puerto Maldonado is a short flight from Cusco, making it the ideal place to begin your Peruvian jungle adventure.
Discover more →Manu National Park is a breathtaking, exhilarating place to begin your cloud forest tour, reachable via an 8-hour bus ride from Cusco. The Pantiacolla Mountain Range is excellent for hiking and exploring the surrounding lakes. But it's not all hard work: you'll also have the chance to relax in hot springs and visit colorful orchid farms. The flora and fauna of Manu National Park are the star attraction, letting visitors see the giant otters, caimans, river turtles and monkeys that live in this region.
Discover more →Iquitos is a remote village in Peru accessible only by plane or boat. Despite this, thousands of visitors set off on a trip to Iquitos every year to explore the Peruvian Amazon. It's a destination that appeals to those who enjoy a tour slightly off the beaten track, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the unspoiled wonders of the Amazon rainforest. Add a tour to Iquitos to your Peru vacation to extend your stay and discover more about this extraordinary culture.
Discover more →The beaches of northern Peru offer a great way to unwind after visiting the historic ruins and stunning cities this wonderful country is known for. If you haven't yet heard of Máncora, Vichayito, Tumbes, Punta Sal and Zorritos, you're in for a treat: these beaches make a delightful addition to your tour of Peru. With luxury accommodation and beautiful beaches, you can soak up the sun and enjoy the natural beauty of the Piura region. Try your hand at kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing or scuba diving, or enjoy a boat trip and some fishing. There's plenty of fun for the whole family.
Discover more →The highest tropical mountain range in the world
Huaraz is the base for exploring the Cordillera Blanca, with more than 30 peaks over 6,000 meters, including Huascarán, Peru's highest mountain. Iconic treks such as Laguna 69 and the Santa Cruz Trek offer views across glacial lagoons and Andean glaciers.