Most Popular Peru Vacation Destinations

Machu Picchu Travel

The 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu was rediscovered just over 100 years ago by Hiram Bingham, an archeologist from Yale. The citadel, located high in the Andes Mountains, is an ancient site that holds a lot of intrigue. While the initial purpose of Machu Picchu is still unknown, to this day the site is a popular tourist destination for visitors around the world arriving to partake in the mystery and search for personal enlightenment. Recently the Peruvian government placed regulations to limit the amount of visitors daily in order to preserve the ruins. We highly recommend booking your trips to Machu Picchu in advance to ensure entrance, limited to availability.

Lima

Lima the capital city of Peru, and the country's largest city, is located on the Pacific Ocean. Once a city ran by Spanish conquistadors, today Lima is home to several structures filled with history including the National Museum, filled with pre-Columbian treasures, the Museo Larco, home to the finest collection of gold and silver collection from ancient Peru, and the Plaza Mayor. In addition to its rich historical past, Lima is quickly becoming a world renowned culinary destination. The flavors of Lima (and the entire country of Peru) derive from indigenous and colorful ingredients that are combined into dishes influenced by Spain, China, Japan, France, Italy and even Africa.

Cuzco

Cuzco in Peru is the rumored capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu. A city filled with history, Cuzco is the very definition of Andean culture: a blend of pre-Columbian and colonial history mixed with contemporary culture. The city is lined with cobblestone streets and colonial and Renaissance churches and mansions laid out centuries ago. Cuzco tours include the main highlights of the city: the historic center Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuaman (an ancient fortress), and Oorincancha, or the Temple of the Sun.

Amazon (Tambopata National Reserve)

With an abundance of wildlife (millions of species of rare mammals, birds, and reptiles) the Peruvian Amazon is a perfect Peru family vacation. Only 30 minutes outside of Cuzco, along the Tambopata River, is the Tambopata National Reserve one of the most pristine and unspoiled areas in the Amazon Jungle. While in the Amazon, adventure travelers are likely to encounter six-foot river otters, colorful macaws, the elusive pink dolphin, and a plethora of exotic flora and fauna. During their stay, Yampu travelers will have the unique opportunity to visit a community of native Indians living off the land along the Tambopata River

Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines located in the Peruvian desert are another ancient mystery of Peru. The ancient line-drawings, that are only discernible from a plane, draw ancient geometric and animal shapes into the surrounding desert plateau. Today the symbolism and origin of these lines are still unknown but offer visitors an intriguing mystery.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and home to the floating islands of Uros, a local Indian tribe. The Uros Isles are made entirely of reed, a hay-like natural material that is also used to construct the boats that navigate the waters called Yampus. Taquile, an ancient island located in the waters of Lake Titicaca, mimics a land lost in time where, apart from a few solar electric panels, t here is only llama power. Titicaca tours can easily include Bolivia as the lake forms a natural boarder between Peru and Bolivia.

Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley Peru Tours are a great opportunity to visit local villages. Located at the foothills of the Andes is home to the indigenous and colorful village of Pisac and its famous Indian Market. The local vendors here travel daily down from the high Andes Mountains to vend their exquisite and handmade textiles before returning home at dusk. Following the Urubamba River in the valley, Peru travel tours can guide you to Ollantaytambo, the site of ruins that feature impressive terraces running up steep hillsides to a stone throne carved for an ancient leader.

Colca Canyon

Located in Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the popular Grand Canyon. The Colca Canyon drops over one kilometer from the cliff's edge to the bottom of the river and is one of the best locations to see the beautiful Andean landscape and to spot the wild condor. Named the 'White City' after its volcano, this quaint Andean town is filled with Spanish architecture. Main attractions include the Catalina Convent, unchanged since 1580, the famous Cathedral and the Colca Canyon - second deepest canyon in the world.

Inka Trail Treks

The Inca Trail is the trail the Incas used to connect the four corners of the Tawantinsuyo, or the Inca Empire. The ancient trail was the main facilitator of an efficient and sophisticated communication system used by messengers or 'Chasquis', to relay important information every 10 miles. Today Inca Trail hikes are a popular goal for avid hikers but must be planned in advance as regulations limit the number of travelers on the trail at one time.

Arequipa

Named the 'White City' after its volcano, Arequipa is Peru's second largest city and a quaint Andean town filled with Spanish architecture. The city is well known for its brilliant white buildings that were constructed from volcanic stone. The main Peru trips in Arequipa include the Catalina Convent, unchanged since 1580, and the famous Cathedral built in Spanish times.

Trujillo and Chiclayo

The cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo are located in northern Peru. Both rich in history evolved from ancient cultures in existence even before the Incas, they are great destinations for Peru family vacations. The cities grandly blend ancient history with colonial architecture. The main attractions include the Moche pyramids, clay cities and the "Lord of Sipan" site, known as the richest discovery in the Americas.

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