PERU
With the Andes, Cuzco, Machu Pichu, the Amazon, Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, condors and a cuisine that is being talked of as one of the most exciting around, Peru has so much to offer. The Andes offer very fine walks, including the iconic Inca Trail, and the spiritual heart of the Incan nation – the Sacred Valley. It is possible to include most of the highlights in a two week trip so speak to us about Peru holidays.
Machu Pichu & Cuzco
The Inca Citadel of Machu Pichu is probably the premier attraction in South America in its lofty position high up (2492m) in the Andes. It is instantly recognisable and likely to be on every visitor’s wishlist while the journey to reach it is all part of the attraction – on foot or by train? As the centre of the Inca Empire, Cuzco is full of architectural treasures from Incan and colonial periods. The atmospheric streets around the Plaza de Armas are ripe for exploring on foot and there are a number of fiestas and carnivals. The nearby Sacred Valley is the Incan heartland and home to fascinating sites, local markets and beautiful vistas.
Lake Titicaca, Amazon and condors
At the northern end of the Altiplano lies Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. The sky is immense, the mountains sharp and a visit out to the islands a highlight. Arequipa, surrounded by volcanoes, is a delightful city with attractive colonial core and the jumping off point for the Colca Canyon. Claimed to be the deepest in the world this impressive sight is also home to the legendary, and endangered, condor. As if these contrasts were not enough drop eastwards from the Andes into the steamy Amazon – one of the most bio-diverse regions anywhere on earth. Here you can explore the jungle by boat and on foot from a wide choice of lodges and National Parks such as the famous Tambopata or Manu.
Active Peru
The Inca Trail is the best known of the Peruvian treks and can be completed in a short 4 day version or you can opt for one of the longer, and less busy routes such as Salcantay. There is much more walking & trekking than just this however with the Cuzco region, the Colca Canyon and the area around Huarez, the Cordillera Blanca being the most developed. There is plenty of whitewater rafting, for all grades, around Cuzco and other options such as cycling or surfing are also popular.
Peruvian Food
Currently getting the international recognition it deserves Peruvian cuisine has been an exciting fusion of cultures (Spanish, indigenous, Asian and African) and tastes long before the fusion cooking became popular – you will eat well here no matter where you are. Ceviche is the classic seafood dish but there is a lot more besides, novoandina is the Peruvian nouvelle cuisine and in the mountain areas the best known traditional dish is cuy (guinea pig) and chips!
- Be aware of the altitude. Do not let it put you off travelling to certain areas but make sure that you bear it in mind when planning your itinerary so leave time for acclimatisation.
- Peru can be fairly easily combined with Ecuador but make sure you have enough time to do the country justice.
- Trekking Permits for the Inca Trail can sell out very early for the peak summer months – book early.
- Think about visiting during the great festival – the Incan Inti Raymi at Cuzco.
- If you fancy walking in the Andes, even to Machu Pichu, but are put off by camping then consider the comfortable Mountain Lodges of Peru.
- The stunning Incan remains of Machu Pichu
- The variety – deserts, jungles and mountains
- Atmospheric Cuzco
- The Amazon Rainforest
- The big skies and bright stars of the altiplano and the blues of Lake Titicaca
- The extraordinary Nazca lines.
- Visa Required: No
- Population: 30 million
- Capital City: Lima
- Currency: Nuevo sol
- Classic Dishes: ceviche, cuy (guinea pig)
- Local Tipple: Cusquena beer (£1..00)
- You can visit year round however if you are looking to trek/walk in the Andes then May to September is the driest period.
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by TMS
