Peru tours are full of wonderful things to discover...whether it's the mysterious and fascinating Nazca lines, or the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The warmth of Peru's people, the stunning scenery and diversity of landscape make any journey to Peru unforgettable.
Here are some of the most common places visited on Peru tours.
Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail: The "Lost City of the Incas," amongst the towering peaks of the Andes, is Peru's most famous and dramatic archaeological attraction. You can take a day trip by train from Cuzco. The adventurous can book a 4 day hiking trip.
Cuzco: The ancient capital of the Inca Empire is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. Stonewalled cobblestone alleys wind through a town filled with archaeological wonders and local culture. Make time to see the Tampumachay ritual bath, the Kenko which was the amphitheater of sacrifices, and the fortresses of Pucara. Surrounded by the majestic Andes, Cuzco is full of opportunities to go hiking, biking or rafting. Give yourself a few extra days when you arrive in Cuzco, as the high altitude takes some getting used to.
Nazca: Along the southern cost of Peru lays a stony desert in which an ancient mystery is set. The Nazca lines, a series of enormous geometric shapes and animal figures etched into the ground, are a compelling draw to many travellers. The origins of these mystical formations are still unknown.
The Amazon: Some of the best preserved and least expired parts of this massive rainforest lie in Peru. It contains the origins of the Amazon River and thousands of unique plants and rare animal species. The biodiversity is unmatched anywhere in the world. The most popular way to see the Amazon is by boat.
Lima: This is the highest capital in the world. There are more than twenty museums full of Incan artifacts. Visit the Cathedral on the Plaze de Armas and the Baroque Church of San Fransisco. Great examples of colonial architecture include Palacio Torre Table, Casa de Aliaga and Casa de Oquendo.
Peru tours are offered year round. If you want to avoid larger crows, consider traveling January through April. You can see many of the highlights above in ten to twelve days. If you want to try to see it all, then plan on spending around sixteen or seventeen days. If you have the time, you can add on a trip to the Galapagos in a twenty day trip. Price are not as expensive as one might think. You can travel with a reputable company that uses four star hotels for ten nights, starting at around $2,700 per person. Airfare to Peru is additional.
Sue Brages www.escortedsouthamericatours.com
