Choosing the right tour can be difficult and will depend on your available time, interests and budget. Once you start researching the fascinating country of Peru in great detail, you will soon realize the amazing opportunities that this country presents. While a tour of Machu Picchu and a visit to Cusco are high on a traveller’s radar, there is so much more to Peru than is apparent at first glance. Of course, those who wish to visit Machu Picchu often opt to hike the 500 year-old Inca trail, a once in a lifetime challenge that is often difficult albeit extremely rewarding. The Sacred Valley alone allows wonderful opportunities to get to know Peru in more detail with day trips to Moras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Chinchero and Pisac. Then there are the jaunts to the Peruvian Amazon Jungle via the Manu National Park, Iquitos, and Puerto Maldonado. And let’s not forget the stunning natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands, the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca. When you add the city tours of Lima, Ica, Arequipa and Nazca, you will have a world-class destination that rewards you with history, culture, and color. It is no wonder this country ranks high on many bucket lists – now it’s time for your Peruvian adventure to begin.
Tours to Machu Picchu
Travel to Machu Picchu. Discover the Lost City of the Incas!
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 meters above sea level (7,972 feet), and in close proximity to Cusco. Machu Picchu (“old Peak” in Quechua, the language of Incas) was voted one of the new Sever Wonders of the World in 2007. The city was abandoned, though, at the time of the Spanish Conquest in the sixteenth century, and brought to the attention of the world by Hiram Bingham, an explorer, in 1911.
Tours to Cusco
Travel to Cusco. Live the legend of the Inca Empire.
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is still the focal point and the heart of Inca culture. Modern-day Cusco (elevation: 3,300 metres, 10,826 feet) contains buildings, plazas, and streets from both the Inca and colonial eras. The atmosphere in Cusco is magical and you will undoubtedly be captivated by its lovely Plaza de Armas, chic bars and restaurants, and joyous people who travel here from across the globe to live the legend of the Inca Empire! (**A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.)
Tours to Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, located just 15 km (9 miles) north of Cusco, was once the primary location for agriculture and the extraction of natural minerals for the Inca Empire. The Valley enjoys good weather, lush vegetation, and fresh water from the Vilcanota river (now also referred to as the Urubamba). Many of the most important Inca ruins are located in the Sacred Valley: the fortresses of both Ollantaytambo and Pisaq, the agronomic laboratory of Moray, and the Salinas of Maras. On the cultural side of things, there are rather inviting artisan markets in both Pisaq and Chinchero, too.
Tours to Titicaca Lake
Lake Titicaca, situated between western Bolivia and south-eastern Peru, is the largest lake in South America (196 km long, 122 miles) and the highest (navigable) lake in the world (approx. 3,810 metres above sea level, 12,500 feet). It was here that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo emerged from the depths of the lake, according to Incan history, to first form the Inca Empire. The word Titicaca combines words from both the Quechua and Aymara languages. The exact origin of the name, though, is unknown.
Tours to Nazca Lines
The enigmatic Nazca Lines are the most outstanding achievement of the Paracas and Nazca cultures who populated the arid Ica desert between 900 BC and 800 AD. The Nazca Lines are the largest geoglyphs in the world and due to their size are only visible from an airplane. Located mainly in three areas - Nazca, Cahuachi and Palpa - the Nazca Lines consist of more than 800 geoglyphs and cover approximately 450 sq. km. The most famous Nazca Lines are: the condor, the spider, the monkey, the hummingbird and the pelican. Even today scientists dispute on the original meaning and use of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Thanks to the tireless work of Maria Reiche they have become known worldwide and are a must destination when you visiting Peru!
Tours to Amazon Forest
Peru has the largest portion of Amazon forest apart from Brazil. We organize Amazon tours in Puerto Maldonado along the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers; the Manu National Park has been declared a UNESCO site and encompasses the highest level of biodiversity in the world; and the largest park in the country, the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve near Iquitos.
Tours to Arequipa
Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, situated in the south western part of the country. Sitting at 2,335 meters above sea level (7,661 feet) and surrounded by its three guardians volcanoes: El Misti, Chachani and Picchu Picchu. Arequipa’s architecture and historical integrity was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2000. Arequipa´s buildings express a combination of Andean characteristics and European style. Thanks to the volcanic ash used principally for the construction of buildings during colonial times, Arequipa is called the “White City”. On arrival this is noticeable in the Cathedral of Arequipa, the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Claustro de la Compañia.
Tours to Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon, at a depth of 3,191 metres (10,500 feet), is considered the second deepest canyon in the world. Responsible for this great amount of erosion is the Colca River, which - over time - has created this very deep and very stunning canyon. The word Colca means warehouses. This harkens back to much earlier times when locals stored their products this way. Astonishing treks take place in the canyon, as well as simple and unassuming excursions to spot Andean condors soaring near the rim of the Canyon.
Tours to Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands, located in the Paracas National Reserve, are a must-see in tours of Peru. Oftentimes referred to as “the Peruvian Galapagos”, the Islands offer visitors an opportunity to see an astonishing array of wildlife: Humboldt Penguins, sea lions, Guanay Guano birds, the Blue-footed Booby, and the Tendril are a few. Too, La Candelabra, a gigantic geogliph, can be seen on the way out to the Ballestas Islands. Visitors to the Islands often combine that excursion with a visit to the Paracas National Reserve as well.
Tours to Ica
Located in the middle of the arid Ica desert, Ica is approximately 300 km south of Lima. In this region flourished two of the mainstream ancient Peruvian cultures: the Paracas and the Nazca. Nowadays, Ica is well known for the production of Pisco and its attractive Huacachina Oasis.
Tours to Lima
Peru`s capital was founded by Francisco Pizarro the Spanish conqueror in 1535. With over 8.5 million inhabitants it is the biggest city in Peru. Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the cultural diversity that makes Peru a distinctive country. Lima has always been a strategic location for ancient and modern civilizations as shown by the historic archaeological sites such as Caral or Pachacamac. Lima’s Colonial architectural style is exceptionally rich and this can be seen in churches and convents, such as Santo Domingo, San Agustin, San Francisco and La Merced. Energy and dynamism thrives in Lima’s cultural nightlife.
