Peru

Peru is blessed with a rich and ancient past, making it one of South America�s most popular travel destinations. Thousands of archaeological sites are all over the country, ranging from 10,000- year-old camp sites of early hunters to the monumental stone walls of 16th century Inca Cuzco.

Although the Incas are by far the best known of Peru�s cultures, it was the pre-Inca civilisations such as Moche, Chavin and Nazca that set the foundations for the rising of the Inca Empire.

Peru�s museums are filled with relics of its ancient history. More than just history, Peru boasts outstanding and varied scenery including majestic Andean peaks, the Amazon Basin and the coastline.

When to go:

May to September is the best time to travel to Peru, the days are cool (14-18�C) and clear with low rainfall. However, as this is the most favourable time to visit, there will be a lot of other travellers about. January-April is Peru�s wettest time. The jungle is hot and humid with sporadic rains all year round. The Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is held in June.

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Staff Experience

The experience that I had at Machu Picchu was something that is hard to put into words...

I personally recommend taking the 4 hour train ride from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes and staying overnight to make the most from your time in Machu Picchu. The train ride is very scenic and comfortable and you can relax knowing you don�t have to rush your visit.

The following morning from Aguas Calientes you take a bus up to the ruins. It�s best to go early when there are fewer tourists. The ride is 30 minutes and follows a zig-zag path to the top of a steep cliff and from here it is a short walk to beautiful vistas and unbelievable ancient construction work.

An early morning visit allows you to view this spectacular site only interrupted by the waking birds and the grazing llamas eating their breakfast of grass grown in ancient soil!

Jane Bittman, Adventure World

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Inca Discovery with Viva Expeditions 15 Days / 14 Nights From $3,195 Explore the cultural heartland of the Incas, and the myths and mysteries surrounding this ancient civilization. After some time to explore Lima, the colonial capital of Peru, a short flight takes you up into the Andes to Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas. FIND OUT MORE	Lost Civilizations with Viva Expedition 23 Days / 22 Nights From $5,365 From the colonial capital of Lima on the Peruvian coast right through to the cultural capital of La Paz in the Bolivain Highlands this tour of Peru and Bolivia will take you back to a time to when the region was ruled by ancient civilizations. Abounding in natural beauty and alive with a vibrant and colourful culture this journey through Peru and Bolivia will be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. FIND OUT MORE
Essence of Peru 8 Days From $1,653 Take in South America�s highlights. Starting in Lima, the capital of Peru, journey over the mysterious Nazca Lines and explore the spectacular views of the Cruz del Condor. This tour takes in all the must-see's of Peru. FIND OUT MORE	Small Group Journey - Highlights of South America 20 days From $6,773 Adventure World presents our most popular tour of South America. Travel with a group to the major highlights of this fascinating continent. We start the tour in Santiago before flying to the City of Gold, Lima. Next it is into the Andes to Cuzco, the heart of the Incan Empire. FIND OUT MORE
Highlights of Peru & Bolivia 14 days From $2,999 A comprehensive tour of the cultural heart of South America. Visit the �White City� of Arequipa, the vast Colca Canyon, colonial Lima, the markets and ruins of Cuzco, Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas and Sun Island, Lake Titicaca. FIND OUT MORE	Galapagos & Inca Encounter 13 days From $4,637 A combination of two exciting destinations, with the emphasis on history, scenery and nature. Travel to Lima and on to Cuzco to visit the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Continue to Ecuador�s beautiful capital, Quito, for the tour�s highlight � the unique and enchanting Galapagos Islands on the MV Santa Cruz. FIND OUT MORE
Splendours of South America - for Independent Travellers 21 days From $5,626 This tour covers South America�s highlights. Starting in Lima, the capital of Peru, journey into the depths of the Peruvian Amazon jungle and explore the wilderness. Visit the remarkable Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. After an overnight cruise on Lake Titicaca to Sun Island, continue to Iguazu and its spectacular falls. FIND OUT MORE	Highlights of Peru 12 days From $2,427 Visit the White City of Arequipa, the vast Colca Canyon, colonial Lima, the markets and ruins of Cuzco, the Lost City of the Incas � Machu Picchu, and finish in Puno on this comprehensive tour of the cultural heart of South America. FIND OUT MORE
Inca Route - Lima to La Paz 8 days From $2,114 Follow the footsteps of the Incas with this comprehensive tour that introduces you to the culture and history of the Incan Empire. Highlights include Lima, the beautiful ancient city of Cuzco, Machu Picchu The Lost City of the Incas, Lake Titicaca, and La Paz � the highest capital in the world. FIND OUT MORE	Essential Peru 3 days From $209 Peru�s capital, Lima, is an ancient Spanish colonial city, referred to as the �City of Kings�. It is a bustling vibrant place with a mix of traditional and modern-day cultures. Or discover the enchanting city of Cuzco, sacred capital of the Inca Empire. FIND OUT MORE
Machu Picchu 2 days From $724 Lost in history, the magnificent Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by American Explorer Hiram Bingham. Enjoy exploring these remarkable ruins with this overnight excursion. FIND OUT MORE	Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley 3 days From $881 Cuzco is the departure point for visits to the Sacred Valley, where one can visit the colourful Pisac Markets, Ollantaytambo and the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu. FIND OUT MORE
Luxury Machu Picchu 5 days From $3,531 Travel to Machu Picchu in style on the Hiram Bingham train, the most luxurious way to journey between Cuzco and the magnifi cent Lost City of the Incas. Discover the delights of Cuzco while staying at the wonderful Hotel Monasterio, a converted monastery dating back to the sixteenth century. FIND OUT MORE	Trekking the Inca Trail 5 days From $1,085 Spellbinding mountain scenery, unforgettable Inca sites, and a cornucopia of flowers and hummingbirds awaits you. Stroll down the Royal Road into the famous Lost City of the Incas. FIND OUT MORE
Arequipa - Colca Canyon 6 days From $1,324 The South of Peru offers spectacular sights. Take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, visit the marine life of Paracas and Ballestas Islands and view the rim of the Colca Canyon, home to the rare condor. FIND OUT MORE	Tambopata Reserve 3days From $430 Part of this huge reserve area was designated a national park in 1996. The 1.5 million hectares straddle highland cloud forest and lowland rainforest. A more in-depth look at the Amazonian nature and wildlife. FIND OUT MORE
Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands 2days From $743 Near the coastal city of Nazca is found one of the greatest mysteries of mankind. An enormous mosaic of giant stylised shapes drawn by the pre-Inca Nazca culture � all decipherable only from the air. Also enjoy a scenic boat ride to the Ballestas Island Reserve, home to one of the largest sea-lion colonies in the world. FIND OUT MORE	The Inca Trail with GAP Adventures 7 days From $1,089 Spend a week retracing the steps of the ancient Inca civilization, highlighted by the spectacular Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. All departures are Guaranteed. FIND OUT MORE
Project Peru 11 days From $2,029 Volunteer Tour! Experience real life in the Peruvian Andes by participating on this specially designed, independent volunteer tour. Work alongside a local host family to permanently improve their health and standard of living. No experience necessary. FIND OUT MORE	Project Cuzco Kids & Peru Amazon 6 days From $579 Volunteer Tour! Spend 4 days volunteering at a drop in center for street children alongside staff and other international volunteers. Or spend five days volunteering at a center for the rehabilitation and conservation of wild animals. FIND OUT MORE

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Peru

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