Tour guides Peru

5 ideas for guided tours in Peru

• Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

  

  Arequipa still bears the mark of its long history as the home of Spanish colonists. Wandering its streets is a pleasure, and its most famous landmarks are well worth exploring.

  Start with the lively Plaza de Armas, where the country’s largest cathedral stands proudly, its walls built from white volcanic stone. Inside, admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, visit its museum, and climb to the rooftop for a 360° view over the city.

  Just steps away lies the world’s largest monastery, the Santa Catalina Convent, founded in 1549. Entering feels like stepping into a quiet village within the city, with lush gardens and stunning buildings framed by vivid red and blue walls. Arequipa is also the perfect starting point for an excursion to the Colca Canyon.

  It takes about four hours by road to reach Chivay, followed by another hour along dirt tracks before arriving at the valley and the start of hiking trails. The scenery is breathtaking, and if you look to the sky, you may be lucky enough to spot the soaring Andean Condor.

• Lake Titicaca

  

  Straddling the border with Bolivia, Lake Titicaca stretches for 190 kilometers and is the highest navigable lake in the world, reaching over 4,000 meters in places. The main departure point for excursions is Puno, famous for its Virgen de la Candelaria Festival, which gathers nearly 50,000 dancers from surrounding villages every May.

  There are several ways to explore the lake and discover its many facets:

  – Uros Floating Islands: a group of 80 small islands built from the totora reeds that grow in the lake’s waters. They can be reached in about 25 minutes from Puno. For a quieter and less touristy experience, visit the Titinos islands.

  – Taquile Island: to reach this agricultural island, head to the rolling Capachica Peninsula and spend a night or more in the beautiful village of Llachon. From there, take a boat to Taquile and wander along the trails until you reach Mulsina Pata, which offers a sweeping 360° view.

  – Sillustani: just 30 kilometers from Puno, this hilltop site is home to circular burial towers dating back to the 13th century. Beyond its historical importance, the place has a striking sense of serenity and peace that leaves a lasting impression.

• Cuzco and the Sacred Valley

  

  Set out to explore the wonders of ancient civilizations in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you’ll find Cusco, the magnificent. This former Inca capital sits at 3,400 meters above sea level and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Plan to stay a few days to soak in its flavors and colors.

  Begin with a stroll through the San Pedro Market and the charming San Blas neighborhood, with its narrow streets and white-stone houses. These are the places where you’ll feel the city’s true spirit. Throughout the day, the Plaza de Armas takes on different moods, and right beside it stands the immense Baroque Basilica of La Merced.

  Inca ruins are scattered throughout, the most impressive being the Sacsayhuaman Fortress perched above the city. It offers the best panoramic view.

  Less than an hour’s drive from the city center, you can explore the Sacred Valley on day trips. Head to Pisac to see its archaeological ruins, visit Chinchero and its weaving workshops, or explore the Maras salt pans, where saltwater from the mountain is channeled into more than 4,000 terraced pools to evaporate under the sun.

• Machu Picchu

  

  Who hasn’t heard this almost magical name and dreamed of going there one day? Rest assured, the legendary treasure of Machu Picchu will not disappoint you – it might even exceed every expectation.

  This lost city, perched high above the Urubamba Valley at more than 2,400 meters, dates back to the 15th century and the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacutec. The easiest way to reach it is by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the final stop after about four hours.

  For the more adventurous, the Inca Trail offers a trek of three to five days. Another option is to start from Ollantaytambo, a charming village halfway along the route.

  The site is vast, and visitor numbers are limited, making it a joy to wander among the remains of this historic empire, surrounded by lush forest. Highlights include the Intihuatana Pyramid, the former royal residence, the Temple of the Sun, and the long stone wall dividing the agricultural sector.

  Information on-site is scarce, so we strongly recommend hiring a local guide in Peru to help you uncover the hidden stories and secrets of this ancient religious sanctuary.

• Lima

  

  Chances are you’ll arrive in or depart from Lima during your trip to Peru. Take the time to stop and spend a few days here — you won’t regret it. You’ll see traces of ancient civilizations alongside the legacy of Spanish colonization.

  The old town is marked by its Baroque monuments, its cathedral, and the San Francisco Monastery around the Plaza Mayor. The Larco Museum offers a deep dive into the city’s past. In the Miraflores district, relax in the pleasant gardens of Parque Kennedy, where countless cats roam, then head to El Malecón, a clifftop promenade stretching 10 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean.

  It’s a popular spot for paragliders. Continue on to the bohemian, artsy district of Barranco, entering by way of its famous Bridge of Sighs, the Puente de los Suspiros. And when evening comes, explore the city’s restaurants — Lima is world-renowned for its exceptional gastronomy.