Peru

The Republic of Peru is located in western South America. It shares borders with Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia and the South Pacific Ocean. It is not only a land of great historical significance, but also one of natural beauty. Discover the labyrinth city of Cuzco – the gateway to Machu Picchu, trek the perilous mountains of Cordillera Blanca and gape at the wonder of Peru’s many volcanoes.

Peru is extremely rich in terms of bio-diversity as it hosts the Andes and the Amazon, and is linked to the Pacific coast. The jungles of Peru are rich with varied flora and fauna. You can spot rare cats like the puma and the jaguar, different species of bears, and river dolphins in the Amazon. Explore the wilderness of the Iquitos, spot giant river otters at the Oxbow Lakes and go birding across the Amazon. Peru has 53 protected natural areas, so there is a lot to discover and keep the wildlife enthusiast satisfied.

Any holiday to Peru is incomplete without a thorough exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu - the lost city of the Incas. You can either follow the Inca trail and trek all they way to the top, or take a bus from Aguas Calientes to get there. It is still not exactly clear why the Incas built Machu Pichhu, some archaeologists believe that it was a city for the elite while others believe that it was a place for religious gatherings and ceremonies.

The Peruvian capital of Lima is also bound to be on your list as this is the most popular way to arrive in the country. The people of Lima, and Peru in general, are usually laid back, welcoming and willing to help tourists when in need. The city itself is a mix of contemporary establishments and colonial architecture.

Best time to travel

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Wildlife Highlights

  • Over 1,800 species of birds (120 endemic), and 500 species of mammals reside here
  • Sloth, capuchin monkey, howler monkey, squirrel monkey, pygmy marmoset and brocket deer near Oxbow Lakes
  • Many species of birds including various parrots, macaws, toucans, egrets and raptors near the Amazon River
  • Spectacled caiman and pink river dolphin in the Amazon River
  • Sperm whales and sharks in the Pacific Ocean
  • Endemic species including yellow-tailed woolly monkey, spiny rat, pygmy frog, etc