With a civilization older than the pyramids and unimaginable biological riches, Peru is a siren call for culture vultures, naturalists and adventurers of every hue.
Extending from the arid Pacific coastal deserts to the steaming Amazon, and from the Equator to a few degrees shy of the Tropic of Capricorn, Peru is huge. The Peruvian Andesare the country’s backbone, containing the largest concentration of snow peaks in the Americas with more than a thousand peaks over 16,000 feet, crowned by the giant 22,000-foot Huascaran. The variety of terrains and climates makes Peru one of the planet’s mega-diverse countries—a paradise for naturalists, hikers and foodies alike.
June to September is the ideal time for family holidays in Peru – coinciding nicely with the school summer holidays, when days are warm, dry and sunny, and nights are cool in the Andean highlands.
Wake early to arrive for sunrise from the high terraces overlooking Machu Picchu, as the clouds gradually part to reveal this stunning citadel surrounded on all sides by steep mountainsides and lush vegetation.
Discover stunning panoramic views and the traditional communities of the world’s highest navigable lake from the summit of one of the islands that dot breathtaking Lake Titicaca high in the Andes.
Look out for pink river dolphins and giant fish along the Amazon River towards the pristine Pacaya Samiria National Reserve or south amid the rich biodiversity of the Tambopata Reserve and Manu National Park.
Wander through the narrow cobbled streets of Cusco admiring the mix of Inca and colonial architecture and explore the rural villages, traditional markets and Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley.
Explore the ancient Inca pathways of the mighty Andes towards Machu Picchu, staying either in comfortable camps or rustic lodges, scaling high mountain passes for an exhilarating challenge!
Peru is a wonderful mixture of experiences from history to culture and tradition, from stunning natural wonders and ancient archaeological sites to unique flora and fauna. Peru is well known for its hiking possibilities but why not consider also exploring its...
Head south of Lima to discover the intricate designs of the mysterious Nazca Lines from the air, and explore the birdlife and mammals of the Ballestas Islands off the southern coast of Paracas.
Discover the remains of sophisticated ancient cultures that pre-date the Incas north of Lima along the coast and inland with an expert historian, exploring vast adobe cities and mysterious remote ruins.
Luxuriate in natural thermal hot springs in the Colca Canyon after an intrepid day spent exploring small villages and deep canyons, from which you’ll get the opportunity to see majestic condors at close range.
Peru’s biodiversity is matched only by the wealth of its indigenous cultures. Humankind has occupied Peru since the last Ice Age, and major archaeological remains date back to before the Egyptian pyramids. Indeed, it is said that 90% of Peru’s significant archaeology is yet to be discovered. Today, while peoples such as the Aymara and Quechua have integrated to a greater or lesser extent with modern life, cultures like the highland Q’ero and the Amazonian Matses still live more or less as they have done for centuries. Peru’s colonial legacy provides a fascinating and sometimes problematic overlay to traditional ways.
Travel in Peru has traditionally followed a well-trodden circuit. The so-called ‘gringo trail’ leading to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu—with deviations on occasion to Lake Titicaca, the Nasca Linesand/or Arequipa and the Colca Canyon—is still magnificent if you can escape the crowds. Here you'll find superb accommodation options that make the most of their immediate surroundings, from superbly appointed Andean mountain lodges to lavish boutique hotels occupying former Inca palaces.
However, this represents a mere fraction of what this marvellous country has to offer, and the rewards of straying beyond the beaten track are considerable. Central and Northern Peru, as well as much of the Peruvian Amazon, remain virtually unexplored by the modern traveller. Uncovering the stupendous archaeology of Chachapoyas, hiking or climbing among the heavenly peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and exploring remote Amazonian waterways offer untold riches to our more intrepid guests.
Until recently, leaving the gringo trail meant sacrificing creature comforts. Today though that has changed. On a trek through the Andes, we can create superb private camps, complete with proper beds, hot water, a gourmet chef and a therapist to massage away the aches and pains of the trail. By using top-drawer expedition guides and a combination of chartered boats, floatplanes and helicopters, we can take you to parts of Peru others shrink at. If the heart of an explorer beats strong within you, yet you demand creature comforts, then an adventure to deepest, darkest Peru with Explorations will not disappoint.
Client testimonials
Our trip to Belize was wonderful! Thank you very much for the effort and thought that you put into it which made it such a pleasure and relaxing trip.
Family Holiday to Belize
The Explorations Company provides the kind of service that I simply didn't know still existed!!
A holiday to Ecuador
Once again, Nicola, your guides were wonderful. So kind, fun, knowledgeable – he made the tour fun for all of us – especially the kids. Finch Bay is BEAUTIFUL.
A holiday to The Galapagos Islands
We really had an amazing time, thank you for organizing such a nice trip. We look forward to our next one!
Family Holiday to Peru
It was a great surprise to find wine chilling in our room which we drank with our friends as we watched the sunset over the ocean, what a great way to spend a birthday!
A birthday treat in Costa Rica
From touches like staying in some incredible places that we would have never know about with help from Louise, to a fun packed day for our daughter’s 11th birthday (zip lining, horse riding & white water rafting).
A fantastic 2-week family adventure in Costa Rica
Thank you so much for organising everything – you have been incredible and I will certainly recommend your company to anyone who will listen!
Family Holiday to Costa Rica
Please accept our sincere thanks for all the work and planning that went into making our trip pleasant & memorable. The organisation and planning was very well done and its execution flawless.
Grand Tour of Chile, Argentina & Ecuador
I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for an absolutely fabulous vacation to Ecuador and Galapagos islands.
Family holiday to Ecuador & Galapagos
Take the first step on your extraordinary journey into Peru
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.
100% Tailor Made
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
Priceless Knowledge
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
Making a difference
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...