It would be understandable to assume that after seeing Machu Picchu, one might as well fly home. But Peru has myriad fascinating and stunningly scenic attractions set in widely varying environments, ranging from high-altitude valleys sculpted by centuries-old terraces to unique floating islands in otherworldly Lake Titicaca. Although I’ve now had several sojourns to Peru, each of which lasting two weeks or more, I discover something new and wonderful on every visit.

My most recent tour of the country included several classic destinations, notably the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu, as well as notable places newly arrived on the luxury travel circuit, such as Arequipa. This combination makes the itinerary I undertook a fine template for a first-time visit to Peru, and for those who have been before, it surely holds a surprise or two. Before the pandemic, certain top sites in Peru suffered from overtourism. Fortunately, even now that the country has reopened and COVID-19 regulations are nonintrusive, the hordes have yet to return (at least, not as of this writing). Now is an ideal time to visit Harper members’ favorite country in South America.