Peru should be your next travel destination – and not for Machu Picchu

Metro

8 hours ago

While most of us are familiar with Machu Picchu, the country that lays claim to this wonder of the world has only recently come to the fore of global travel consciousness.
Drawn by the ancient Incan citadel, a growing number of travellers are waking up to the wealth of attractions that Peru has to offer.
Blending indigenous, Spanish, and international influences, the rich cultural fabric of this South American destination rewards visitors with breathtaking landscapes, wondrous wildlife and fascinating history — plus top-tier hotels and some of the finest cuisine in the region.
Here, Metro makes the case for Peru, with six reasons it should be next on your holiday hit list.
Kicking off with the obvious big ticket item, this stone fortress is perched some 2,500 metres above sea level, shrouded in clouds, and ringed by a crown of mountain peaks.
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Regarded as one of the world's most important archaeological sites, Machu Picchu is UNESCO-protected and was chosen as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' in a worldwide internet poll in 2007.
Cut through the queues and get to the heart of it by joining a Mountain Lodges of Peru walking journey to this historic icon.
The prestigious locally owned and operated Andean Lodge travel organisation offers a unique route paired with expert guides to facilitate the best possible experience, traversing uncrowded trails and traditional communities before reaching the jaw-dropping ruins themselves.
For proximity to these ruins, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is your check-in of choice.
Sitting in the shadows of the Lost City, the luxury lodge resembles a quaint Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and only 83 whitewashed suites tucked into the lush cloud forest.
The idyllic eco-resort also offers the perfect pre or post-Machu Picchu experience: a traditional Andean sauna.
Constructed from bamboo and fresh eucalyptus leaves, hot stones are heated in a fireplace at its centre, over which more eucalyptus leaves are placed. Guests sit in candlelight, inhaling the vapours.
Post-sweat, you can jump into the natural spring water pond outside for a refreshing dip.
Winning the 'world's leading culinary destination' title for six years running, Peru and its food – a fusion of tradition and exciting ingredients – has exploded onto the world stage.
And at the centre of this explosion is the country's capital, Lima.
Legitimately a global gourmet hotspot, the 'World's 50 Best Restaurants' guide puts Lima in the same league as New York and London after featuring it more times than any other city.
To experience the lauded fare firsthand, book a table at Kjolle.
The first solo restaurant from celebrity chef, Pia Leon, who rose to fame as the head chef of Central (named the 'World's Best Restaurant' in 2023) a tasting menu here is truly money well spent if you want a celebration of Peruvian produce and its culinary history.
For a double whammy of haute hotel and haute cuisine, base yourself at the prestigious Hotel B.
Easily the coolest check-in in town — and Lima's only Relais & Chateaux property — this restored colonial mansion turned 20-suite, boutique hotel is set in the bohemian, artsy district of Barranco.
True to its location, the hotel houses a unique art collection with over 300 original installations.
Food-wise, the in-house restaurant focuses on native ingredients and local delicacies (including crispy guinea pig). After dinner, head upstairs to the rooftop terrace bar and sink a few pisco sours while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.
For a grassroots look at the culinary aspect of the capital, book a spot on Viator's Food & Art: Lima Colours and Flavours Walking Tour.
A half-day walking tour through the city's Chorillos and Barranco neighbourhoods takes in top sights and local markets, with pit stops to sample delicious, authentic Peruvian snacks and staple dishes.
Situated in southeastern Peru among dramatic Andean panoramas, the culturally rich city of Cusco is one of Peru's most popular destinations.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain town is a medley of ancient Inca temples and monuments, colonial architecture and modern buildings. A destination in itself, it's also a great base for exploring nearby Inca sites such as the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Base yourself at Inkaterra La Casona, a 16th-century, former colonial manor (one of the first Spanish buildings in Cusco) that is now a 5-star hotel located steps from the main square.
The 11 suites are set around a Spanish courtyard, replete with antique furniture, pre-Columbian textiles and original murals. Each room features plush touches such as freestanding tubs and heated floors to soothe tired feet after a day of trekking.
A small yet perfectly formed spa offers bespoke treatments. Top tip: the 'De-Stress' treatment comes highly recommended.
A small dining room and terrace serves a delectable menu showcasing local ingredients, including slow-roasted merlot lamb shanks and Andean trout.
For an immersion into Cusco's best street grub, snack and sightsee on a Curious Monkey Food Tour.
Locally owned and operated, this small group tour offers a tasty lesson in the culture and traditions of Peru. Over half a day, expert guides connect you with food vendors, from the oldest empanada stand in the city, to a lauded, local Peruvian coffee and chocolate emporium.
Come evening, meat-lovers should beeline to Cusco's best steakhouse, Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse where a selection of meats — including 20 hour slow-cooked pork ribs and delicious alpaca — are presented on volcanic hot stone platters and marinated in drool-worthy sauces.
While Machu Picchu gets all the hype (and the tourist traffic), there are ways to get off the tourist trail to visit small, relatively unknown Incan temples, that you'll likely have to yourself.
Peru is set for a record-breaking tourist year in 2025, and it pays to plan ahead. Viator offers a horseback tour that takes in four temples in the nearby Sacsayhuaman Archeological Park.
The half-day guided adventure follows a portion of the Inca Trail and traverses spectacular Andean countryside and temples. You'll learn about religious sites and Andean culture from your guide, and even join in an ancient ritual to experience the mysticism of the Andes yourself.
History lessons and cultural encounters aside, exploring near-deserted temples on the back of a horse will make anyone feel like Indian Jones.
Machu Picchu is the most visited site in South America and the iconic Inca Trail to its boundaries is, by proxy, heaving with tourists.
Annually, millions upon millions flock to the mysterious citadel via the well-worn hiking trail. It's crowded, pricey and hectic. For those who want to experience the dramatic and unspoiled Peruvian Andes without jostling for elbow space, look no further than the Lares trail.
Mountain Lodges of Peru offers the ultimate crowd-free multi-day alternative to reaching Machu Picchu on their Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu experience — a journey that takes guests through the ancient history, living culture, and magnificent landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Expert guides tailor your experience from a daily list of activities and cultural exploration options as you wind through remote communities, farms and friendly faces.
Next, as the afternoon hits, you will settle into one of the eco-lodges that sit along the route. Here, your luggage awaits you, along with a specially prepared dinner made using fresh ingredients, alongside spacious beds and personal hot tubs with views overlooking the landscape. It's post-hike pampering at its absolute best.
For nature lovers, a journey to Peru is not complete without exploring the Amazon.
Winding through countless jungles, it is the world's largest rainforest. No river is bigger in volume than the mighty Amazon; its banks are home to some 40,000 plant species (with 16,000 types of trees alone) and over 5,000 animal species.
It's this immense biodiversity that makes the Peruvian Amazon an absolute must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. And you don't need to have the prowess of Bear Grylls to do it.
Delfin Amazon Cruises offers visitors the chance to sail the waters of the Amazon on three and four-night cruises on its 42-passenger ship, the Delfin III. More Trending
If you've always wanted to see this storied jungle, this is the way to do it — with great food, expert naturalist guides, activities such as piranha fishing, and a private cabin where you can rest and refuel.
Skiffs carry passengers out on jungle hikes, bird-watching expeditions and even river swimming and kayaking.
All the while, guides will help you spot everything from endemic pink river dolphins and piranhas, to sloths and jaguars. No machete or mosquito netting required.
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