Ultimate Peru: the Nazca Lines to the Amazon

Peru's capital city is perched along the cliffs of the Pacific coast and offers a mix of beachside activities, boho neighbourhoods to peruse, and its fair share of remarkable architecture. Visit the fascinating pyramid at Huaca Pucllana, Museo Larco, which houses Peru's most important collection of Pre-Columbian artefacts, and peruse the Mercado Indio. For the ultimate view of Lima, paraglide off the nearby cliffs, or learn to surf in the bay below. When it comes to nightfall, you'll be spoilt for choice. This is the city with a National Pisco Sour Day after all...

A striking landscape where the desert melts into the Pacific Ocean, Paracas National Reserve provides equal portions of adventure, views and childlike wonder. Explore the sandy 'scapes on four or two wheels and, after dark, watch as the sky is spangled with stars. Down on the coast, soak up the rays, speed across the water on a jet ski or kite surfer, or set sail in a catamaran as the sun drops. Delve below the surface with a snorkel and flippers - the water is astonishingly clear. Then there are the Nazca Lines. 2,000-years-old, they remain a mystery to this day, and the best way to see them is on a small-plane flight overhead, where you can often spot the twelve most famous figures. And before you get there, leave time to marvel at the giant Paracas Candelabra carving too...

In the midst of a muddle of mountain peaks, Arequipa is a hub of history. A guided (or solo) wander through the streets will take you past the city's many museums, as well as the impressive Basilica Cathedral, the famous Tuturutu Fountain in the Plaza de Armas, and the Santa Catalina Convent - the views are astounding. Outside the city, venture into the countryside for few hours of scenic hiking and mountain biking.

The second deepest in the world, Colca Canyon is an adventure in itself. All you'll want to do is explore, whether that's trekking until you drop (preferably at one of the incredible viewpoints), or discovering trails of your own on horseback or mountain bike, all the while keeping your ears pricked for the call of an Andean condor. Get to know the people who call this region home, perhaps even sharing lunch and listening to their fascinating stories. And after all that, a soak in the thermal springs is just the ticket.

Sitting at over 3,800 metres-above-sea-level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake on Earth. Scattered across the water, there are over 60 floating islands built by their residents, the Uru people. Spend time with this incredible community who live mostly technology-free, enjoying a ride in one of their reed boats and learning how the islands were built and now sustained. Then, explore the waters at your own pace by kayak, stopping off at the tiny islands along the way, and end the day with a sunset sail.

Surrounding Cusco, there are miles of wrinkly mountains and rainbow-hued peaks), waterways and Incan ruins. This area is the Sacred Valley and if adventure is on your lips, you'll enjoy exploring by quad bike or bicycle, hiking, ziplining, and even paragliding... You get the picture! They valley is also an open-air museum of sorts, where you can marvel at the ingenuitive agricultural terraces at Pisac, the superbly-preserved temples of Ollantaytambo, and the sprawling Maras salt pools, which are still mined today.

Of all the destinations in Peru, Machu Picchu is perhaps the most well-known and a true bucket lister. There are multiple ways to reach this ancient citadel, including a train ride, day trek, or the Inca Trail, which will take you through valleys and jungles before revealing Machu Picchu on the fourth day. Wander round the impressive Incan fortress, its temples, palaces and homes, all amazingly-preserved and marvel at the Intihuatana Stone (a sun dial indicating their deep knowledge of astronomy) and Royal Tomb as your guide shares Machu Picchu's history. You could even climb the stone steps of Huayna Picchu for an incredible view from the top.

Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is an emblem of Peru's past - it was even designed in the shape of a puma. Explore the city on foot, admiring Incan ruins and Spanish architecture (and learn about the temples and palaces that once stood in their place). Most of the city's highlights, markets and museums are within walking distance of the main Plaza de Armas, which is a whirl of activity and history on its own. And be sure to stop at a local restaurant or two to get a taste of Peru's delicacies - then learn how to make a few dishes yourself.

With a selection of fantastic eco-lodges and a whole lotta wilderness, the Tambopata National Reserve is an unforgettable corner of the Amazon. There are around 1,200 butterfly and 670 bird species, as well as larger wildlife like sloths; spot them hiding amongst the trees as you hike or wander along the dizzying canopy bridges. The real magic for many is, however, on the water. Enjoy tranquil sails along lakes and rivers where caiman lurk, giant otters swim playfully and a plethora of macaws gather at the clay licks. Oh and did we mention the sunset cruises?