Peru

Do you prefer a sojourn deep into the Amazon jungle by boat in search of rare wildlife, winding through the cobbled alleys of Cusco with colonial architecture and a thriving market scene, or a voyage back in time through the Sacred Valley? Perhaps an invitation for lunch at a local Hacienda or an ancient sacred ritual is in your future. Maybe head east to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake, to engage with locals living on floating reed islands. Further south, take to the sky and soar over the enigmatic Nazca Lines which to this day, still have no definitive explanation for their creation. Finish in bustling Lima which is great for city lovers, filled with hip bars and a fantastic foodie scene to delight your taste buds. There are a multitude of experiences on offer here – and that’s where we come in! We draw from our deep connections in Peru to guarantee unique experiences and authentic cultural connections, amidst incredible scenery and landscapes.

That moment you first set eyes on this enigmatic city shrouded in clouds and lush green mountains, your heart may skip a beat. Getting there is half the fun! You may wish to board one of the luxury train lines which navigate the Peruvian highlands towards the neighboring town of Machu Picchu Pueblo, your jump-off point for Machu Picchu. Alternatively, don a pair of hiking boots for an Indiana Jones inspired exploration on foot ranging from 1 to 7 days; traversing the ancient Inca Trail searching for hidden ruins en-route and retiring to luxury lodges each night (we wouldn’t make you camp in a tent like everyone else!). We guarantee you’re in for an adventure you’ll not soon forget. Bonus tip – see if you can find a llama, they may be waiting for a photo right in front of the ruins.

Authentic Handmade Textiles and Crafts – Interacting with local artisans, learning about their traditional handicrafts and bargaining for a special piece to take home is a cultural experience and so much fun! Our favorite items to purchase are alpaca wool famous to this region, fashioned into blankets, sweaters and other apparel, intricately woven textiles in a kaleidoscope of colors and designs, and unique hand-crafted silver jewelry adorned with semi-precious stones. You’ll also find wood carvings, paintings, ceramics and more. Dedicate a few hours to the local markets and your guide will introduce you to authentic locals with a story to tell.

The Iconic Amazon — The Peruvian Amazon has the largest number of birds and third largest number of mammals in the world while hosting an impressive 7,300 different species of flowering plants. Spanning the entire continent from Brazil to Ecuador, the Peruvian section of the Amazon encompasses a massive 60% of the country. Home to a tantalizingly dense number of brightly colored bird species (over 1,800) including the spectacular rainbow-hued macaws, toucans, parakeets and hummingbirds; you’ll also discover tiny poison dart frogs, pink river dolphins, tapir, a multitude of monkeys, and if you are lucky, the very rare and elusively shy jaguar.

Hidden Gem — OK, so they are not hidden from the air, but the Nazca Lines are an unexplained phenomenon. No one has solved the mystery of how these peculiar and somewhat controversial markings etched into the desert sands originated, what their purpose was or why they were created between 1500-2500 years ago. Located in southern Peru, you’ll need to hop aboard a small plane to gain a bird’s eye view and appreciation of how such wonders could have been created. Some say an ancient human civilization, some say otherwise… We will leave the conclusion to your imagination.

• We recommend 8 to 14 days to fully explore Peru. The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador perfectly complement a trip to Peru, for this we recommend adding an additional 5-8 nights.
• Visas are not required for most visitors, but inoculations may be recommended. We suggest you see a travel medicine specialist for advice.
• Road and flight infrastructure in Peru are very good, and most journeys are overland by mixture of plane, car, train and even boat!
• English is spoken in tourist areas and bigger cities. In smaller villages locals speak Spanish. Your guide will help you translate and learn the lingo!
• A guide will escort you throughout your journey. You’ll likely have qualified specialist guides in each city, allowing you to meet a local and learn their way of life along with the ‘must see’ places and experiences of their region.
• It is customary to try the local drink; a ‘Pisco Sour’ made with an alcohol called Pisco, syrup, egg white, lime juice and angostura bitters. Food in Peru has a delicious Latin influence; your taste buds will be inspired!

However, this brings more crowds into our favorite areas. Spring or Fall is shoulder season, providing sunny days with the occasional downpour. Summer is best avoided as heavy rains make way for flooding in some areas.

June to August:  The Peruvian winter affords the driest months in the Andean mountains, where you’re less likely to experience heavy rain. Clear blue skies and temperate weather make this an ideal time to travel. Lima can be foggy and overcast. This is peak travel season.

April and May, September and October: Shoulder season means less tourists while still enjoying favorable weather. We highly recommend journeying during this time. Expect occasional rains in the afternoons.

November to March: Summer brings hot weather and equatorial rains, often with flooding. This time of year is best avoided and the Amazon is now at its wettest.

From boutique hotels in the cities, to expansive properties located among mountainous landscapes and indulgent lodges along the Inca Trail veiled by jungle, your senses will be ignited as you set foot on each property, and we guarantee you’ll be humbled by the genuine warmth of local hospitality. Every property booked on a Rothschild Safari is vetted by staff and offer the highest standards in each category.