If you only have time to visit one country in South America, Peru should be at the top of your list. Peru has diverse cultures, exquisite culinary, impressive Incan ruins, complex history and an abundance of wildlife. Travel from the highlands of Arequipa to spot the Andean Condor down to the Amazon Rainforest, where you can cruise through tributaries of the Amazon River. Lima is a great starting point for any trip to South America, with plenty of international flights arriving and departing daily.
Many people visit Peru to see the impressive Incan ruins on Machu Picchu tours, which are deservedly a stand-alone destination. But, when visiting Machu Picchu, make sure to set aside time to discover Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. Meet the locals and tour other nearby Incan ruins and museums to learn about the famous Inca Empire. In the Sacred Valley, visit the open-air Pisac Market and purchase some of the colorful textiles, authentic alpaca sweaters, watercolor paintings and other fun souvenirs. If time permits, spend the night in the town of Ollantaytambo, a town that has been around since the Incan empire. From Ollantaytambo take the train to Aguas Calientes, the final town before Machu Picchu. If you planned on hiking the Inca trail, you would start your trek in Ollantaytambo.
Aside from Machu Picchu Tours, there are plenty of other excellent destinations in Peru, including, the Amazon rainforest. Combine Machu Picchu and the Amazon with a quick flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonaldo. Choose between an Amazon River Cruise or staying at an Amazon Lodge. Both options provide you with ample opportunities to discover the Peruvian Amazon. During your time, your local Peru guide will take you on daily excursions in search of wildlife including the caiman, macaws, monkeys, the sloth, capybaras, toucans and possibly the jaguar. Take the road less traveled and visit nearby villages where you can learn about their& practices and see how the locals live. A Peruvian Amazon Tour is both affordable and practical when you combine it with Machu Picchu.
From the capital city of Lima, visit Arequipa, the town sitting at the foot of El Misti Volcano in the southern deserts of Peru. Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with beautiful colonial architecture and cathedrals. Here you will find old world charm with the colorful buildings and Spanish-style plazas. Just outside of the city is the Colca Canyon where the large Andean condors soar.
The Essence of Peru Tour is a popular Peru Travel package and the perfect introduction to South America. Visit Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, Arequipa and more! Machu Picchu is sure to leave any seasoned traveler speechless. The journey from Cuzco down to the Sacred Valley, to Aguas Calientes and finally to Machu Picchu is an adventure in and of itself. Along the way, you will learn about the traditions and practices of the Incan civilization, a civilization of incredible history. Wake up early and watch the fog lift as the sun rises over Machu Picchu, take this moment in and imagine this once flourishing city coming to life.
All of our Peru vacations can be customized however you see fit. Visit Lake Titicaca and see the floating reed islands where the Uru people still live. Travel towards the desert oasis and arrive at Huacachina, where you can spend the day riding a dune buggy and camping under the stars by night. If you're interested in Northern Peru, our Chan Chan, Trujillo & Kuelap tour takes you to ruins that predate Machu Picchu. Visit the coast of Peru and go on a day cruise to the Ballestas Islands where you can even spot penguins! The opportunities are endless in Peru. From trekking through the Sacred Valley along the Lares Trek, uncover the lost city of Machu Picchu, or adding on Iguazu Falls to a multi-country South America tour, Peru truly has something for everyone.
From diverse salt flats to archaeological sites that inspire wonder and awe, Peru truly has it all. Whether you are looking to explore everything Peru is famous for, learn all about when Peru's Rainy Season is before you travel, or are simply looking to learn about how to avoid altitude sickness when visiting Cusco, SouthAmerica.travel is your Travel Experts and will be there every step of the way inform you and keep you happy and healthy.
Get started today and work with one of our Travel Consultants to customize a Peru Tour, however, you see fit. You can combine Peru with Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador or any other country in South America. These places are easy to combine into one Peru Travel Package.
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