A Peru Vacation Offers Unforgettable Experiences And Attractions There is so much to visit and explore on a Peru vacation. Peru is a destination onto itself, and is about the size of France, Spain and Germany. While a large country, getting around in Peru is not that difficult given the network of local flights available. We can arrange a Peru escorted tour or create a totally customized experience for you.
A Peru Vacation Itinerary A comprehensive Peru vacation would include two to three weeks to see the principal highlights: the lofty colonial city of Cusco; the artisan market in Pisac;Machu Picchu; mythical Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on earth, and its floating reed islands; the Peruvian Amazon featuring some of the most extraordinary bio-diversity on earth; the Nazca Lines; colonial Arequipa, the Lord of Sipan tomb in Chiclayo, and more.
Before planning a visit, it's important to take time to learn about what's available. For a country with 3,000 varieties of potato, there's much to consider!
When to visit
The mountains and jungle are best after the rains, between May and September. January is hot and a good time to visit the coast.
Luxury: Peru for the Upscale Traveler
Peru isn't all jungle lodges and long bus rides. Peru offers five-star hotels, spa treatments, helicopter tours, golf courses and gourmet dining options. In fact, there are a number of newer accommodations that have opened that have much to recommend them.
Cusco is an old colonial settlement with curving streets lined with artisans' wares. Cusco attracts visitors to its world known gastronomy and fine dining scene, including timpo (beef stuffed with lamb and other foods and served with peaches and pears during carnival season) and Chuno Cola (a flavorful beef soup).
< QUICK Tip > At 11,000 feet elevation, consider staying at the oxygen-enriched rooms at the Monasterio to acclimate, which is a short walk to the main cobblestone square of Plaza de Armas. Built in 1595 as a monastery,the Monasteria offers 126 rooms and is in high demand, but only up to 60% of the rooms can provide oxygen.
Lima, the capital, is located in the center of the country and contains a third of its population. It is considered South America's cuisine capital, one of the continent's top cities for culinary diversity.
At 11,000 feet and nearly twice the depth of our Grand Canyan, Colca Canyon is a tremendous experience where one can view giant condors. At the all-inclusive Las Casitas del Colca, a working farm with just 20 casitas, one can enjoy horseback riding, cycling, fly fishing and walking.
To the south, the Paracas Reserve is dubbed the "Galapagos of Peru" because of its array of bird species. While Peru's Amazon region offers a wide array of wildlife viewing opportunities. Read about Aqua Expeditions cruises in the Peruvian Amazon, which is an ideal add-on to a vacaton in Peru.
For those seeking adventure, most popular is the four-day trek through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Passing valleys, ruins, cloud forest and orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns the trek leads to the magical ruined city of Machu Picchu, the country's most visited site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
But for those less inclined, you can also enjoy a stay in the Sacred Valley and enjoy many activities adn sights. Available are mountain biking, rafting, wildlife treks and hikes in the Amazon jungle.
< QUICK Tip > It's best to spend two nights in Machu Picchu, to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise, and some of the hiking trails in the area.
< QUICK Tip> The Hiram Bingham is a luxury train that transports up to 84 guests between Cusco and Machu Picchu. We recommend travelers consider this luxury experience as part of your Peru vacation. The train departs from Cusco in the morning, arriving mid-day following a champagne brunch. It departs for the return trip in the early evening.
One can visit Machu Picchu's sister city in southern Peru, Choquequirao. It's harder to get to but largely free of tourists.
Peru and Culture
Peru's ancient culture is apparent on any Peru trip, but those seeking it out will enjoy exploring Inca and pre-Inca cultural relics, including the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, the Chan Chan ruins, Lima's Peruvian Gold Museum, Machu Picchu, the Valley of the 26 Pyramids of Tucume, Cusco and Lake Titicaca. The riches available to the visitor on a Peru vacation are immense. Those planning family travel will find Peru a very welcoming and exciting experience.
Are You Ready To Visit Magnificent Peru?
Whether you select from Peru escorted tours or a customized trip, we have the contacts to make your best of Peru vacation sensational. To reserve your Peru vacation package, contact one of our South American travel experts who can make all the necessary arrangements. Or call us at 1-800-850-3224.
