Essential Peru

Journey through the spectacular landscape of Peru; tackling coastal desert, snow-capped Andean peaks, the altiplano and cloud forest. Along the way you’ll visit world-renowned highlights, including the mysterious Nazca Lines; Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, where you’ll spend the night in an island homestay; and the 9,843ft (3,000m) deep Colca Canyon. We’ll also encounter traditional culture, condors, llamas, and a warm welcome from the Peruvian people.



Please note: the departure on 18 June 2023 coincides with the Inti Raymi Festival in Cuzco. Translating to the Festival of the Sun, it is the most important of all Andean festivals; Cuzco is filled with colourful processions and festivities. For full detail, check out our Essential Peru - Inti Raymi Festival Departure itinerary.

The properties selected for this Peru exploration are a blend of three-star quality and comfort, often within easy walking distance of the local attractions. Our Lima hotel is a welcome escape from the city bustle, while our Cuzco hotel is centrally located in the historic centre. A highlight of this tour is our 'live like a local' Amantani island homestay, which allows us to experience Andean warmth and hospitality. Below are some of the standout places we stay:



Lima: El Tambo 1







El Tambo 1 (uno) is our three-star Lima hotel in the lively tourist district of Miraflores. It has a restaurant and lovely small bar near the courtyard garden, where you can enjoy a drink. El Tambo has easy access to local sites, such as Kennedy Park, the Larcomar Shopping Center and the Miraflores clifftop promenade where you can enjoy great views of the Pacific Ocean.



Ica: Hotel Villa Jazmin







Surrounded by dunes and pisco distilleries, Hotel Villa Jazmin is an oasis of comfort in Ica. After a day of touring in the desert sun, Villa Jazmin invites you to relax by the pool and enjoy a cold drink from the bar (we recommend a pisco sour made with locally produced pisco – highly recommended).



Cuzco: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha







Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha is built around two 18th-century manor houses and is located in the heart of historic Cuzco, three blocks from the main plaza. The hotel and rooms feature local décor and textiles reflecting local Andean designs.



Amantani island: Homestay







Our trip includes an unforgettable homestay with a local family on Amantani island. This wonderful community project has guests staying with multiple families; the hosts share in the proceeds, which benefits both the Amantani community and the visitors who enjoy and learn from this unique cultural experience.



Colca Canyon: Hotel Pozo del Cielo







Experience the charm of Hotel Pozo del Cielo as we visit Colca Canyon and the surrounding communities. With an inviting ambiance, panoramic views and warm hospitality, this comfortable hotel welcomes us with cosy rooms, a relaxing bar and a restaurant serving Peruvian delicacies.



Worth knowing



On our way from Nazca to Cuzco, we overnight in Abancay. Our Hotel de Turistas Abancay hotel is basic, yet functional for a restful overnight stay.

Amantani homestay: The rooms are basic but clean and the beds have sheets and plenty of blankets to keep you warm. Toilets and washbasins are located outside.

Single rooms can be booked for single supplement, subject to availability at the time of booking. This supplement covers single rooms throughout the trip, except for the homestay on Amantani island.