Highlights of Peru ToursA glance at what to expect while touring Peru.

Peru Introduction

Peru is located just south of the Equator in west-central South America on the coast of the South Pacific Ocean. To the North, Peru is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia, with Chile to the south and Brazil and Bolivia to the east. Peru is a mountainous country, wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon jungle. Such diversity of landscape creates the ideal backdrop for a broad range of activities and experiences.

Peru is perhaps best known for the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, which would be stunning anywhere, but are spectacular in their setting against the Andean mountains. While in Peru, visit the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, enjoy unspoiled beaches, take a train ride from Cusco to Puno for amazing views of Lake Titicaca, (the highest navigable lake in the world,) or venture into the rain forest to witness over a thousand species of birds and butterflies, as well as other wildlife.

Things to See & Do in PeruArcheology:  There are hundreds of ruins where you can see 10,000 years of history including the Nasca Lines, the pyramids of the North. Arequipa, also known as the White City built of volcanic rock, and Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America. The list goes on and on for a look into the past.Architecture: Well preserved colonial architecture can be found in all of Peru’s larger cities. Wildlife:  There are over 1,800 different species of birds in Peru. Visit Tambopata National Reserve, Manu and Bahuaja-Sonene National parks to encounter some of the world’s most flourishing plant life and fascinating wildlife, including endangered river otters, tapirs, maned wolves, caimans, monkeys, jaguars, ocelots and 1,200 species of butterflies.Active adventures: Paragliding, fishing, trekking, mountain climbing, mountain biking surfing, white water rafting and kayaking are all popular in Peru. 

Peru Travel Information Allow 7 to 14 days for your trip to Peru depending on how much you want to

see. You can visit Peru year round, for better prices and less crowds, consider April,

May, October or November. Atlas Cruises & Tours suggests going on escorted Peru tours with a group, or at

least a hosted vacation where your hotels, some sightseeing & transportation are pre-arranged for you, even if you do not want to be part of a larger group. One of the reasons is to get to many key sights in Peru, you have to fly, so why not have your luggage, flights and important details already arranged. Not all areas have four star hotels. Reputable tour companies ensure you stay in safe, clean properties. Also, when you get away from the cities, not everyone speaks English, so why not have someone who knows the area well to guide you and explain the history & culture of Peru.

If you are traveling with children, there are itineraries from reputable tour companies designed with families in mind.

If you prefer travel on your own, you can customize a trip with your own driver/guide.

In some regions, particularly Cusco and Machu Picchu, you can experience altitude sickness. Tour operators plan their itineraries to allow time for your body to adjust. Make sure and drink lots of water.

A yellow fever shot is only required if you plan on visiting the Peruvian amazon.

Peru Travel - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you recommend Peru for younger people?A. Although tour companies do see a range of ages in their groups, Peru does tend to attract lots of younger, active travelers.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Peru?A. Peru is a safe destination, and as they say there are safety in numbers which is why you should choose an escorted trip. Take the usual precautions when traveling of not flashing a lot of jewelry or cash, and not wandering off at night unless you know where you are going.

Q. You sometimes use flights to get around Peru. How big are the planes?A. For Cusco & Lake Titicaca, you will usually take regularly schedule LAN flights with up to140 passengers. Small planes are used over to view the Nazca lines.

Q. What are the physical demands for touring Peru?A. Discuss your itinerary with a travel professional, as some trips are more demanding than others. Take Lake Titicaca or Machu Picchu for example. These areas do require a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Another good idea is to check with your doctor about traveling to high altitudes.

Peru Popular Tour Itineraries

10 day vacation starting from $1,899 pp

8 day vacation starting from $1,569 pp

8 day Highlights of Peru – tour extensions available to the Peruvian Amazon, Easter Island and Galapagos Islands.

Peru Tour Options

On an 8 day tour Visit Lima Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu

On Longer tours you can add: Lake Titicaca The Nazca Lines The Galapagos Islands Peruvian Amazon Easter Island

As you can see from the popular tour maps on the previous slide, on an 8 day Peru tour, you cover quite a bit of area, since transportation between some of the regions is by plane vs. motor coach, you get to see more.

Visual Tour of PeruJoin Atlas Cruises & Tours on a visual tour of what you would see on a typical 8 day tour of Peru. We will share some highlights and information on Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

We also include other interesting sites, should you choose to spend more time in the region.

Lima

Most Peru tours begin and end in Lima. You will usually spend 2 nights at the beginning of the trip and 1 additional night at the end.

Discover Lima’s colonial sights, including the expansive Plaza de Armas (top photo,) as well as its impressive cathedral & government palace. See the Church of San Fransisco (bottom photo.) Lima is also popular for its beaches in the summer & is celebrated as the Food Capital of the America’s.

Cusco/Sacred Valley

Take a 1 hour flight from Lima to Cusco and head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The Sacred Valley is situated between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Explore the massive Inca fortress of Ollantayambo (pictured left) and visit Pisac, famous for its market where you can bargain for local goods.

In Cusco, see well preserved colonial architecture. By simply strolling the cobblestone streets, layers of history are revealed. Spanish colonial buildings sitting directly atop ancient Inca walls line the plaza, and the city is surrounded by ruins including the impressive Sacsayhuaman.

Machu Picchu

After a couple of days in Cusco, board the Vistadome train for your journey up to the great citadel of the Incas.

Considered the most spectacular setting of any ruin in the world, Machu Picchu is the highlight for many on a Peru tour.

Visit the ruins of this once great fortress built in the 15th century. See the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage site – the great Temple of the Sun (center photo,) the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and Intihuanta.

Lake TiticacaFor trips longer than 7 or 8 days, you usually would be driven to Puno, and then take a flight to Juliaca to see the amazing Lake Titicaca.

What you can’t appreciate in the photo to the left, is that it is the world’s highest lake, at an elevation of over 12,500 ft. According to Incan legend it is the birthplace of the Sun god and is a sacred place for those that live on or around the lake.

On your cruise of the lake, explore the floating islands constructed out of reeds by the Uros Indians who still live on along the river. (bottom photo)

Arequipa

Dating back to the 16th century, Peru’s “White City” sits at the foot of the Mount Misti volcano in the western Andes. The beautiful historic center is a showcase of colonial-era Spanish architecture, built from pearly white volcanic rock and declared a World Heritage Site in 2000.

A cultural oasis, travelers enjoy the Spanish-influenced cuisine as well as views of the magnificent nearby Inca terraces, and visits to two of the world’s deepest canyons, the Valley of the Volcanoes and several beaches.

Chiclayo & TrujilloFounded in 1560 as a rural Indian village, Chiclayo is Peru’s 4th largest city. The main square feature colonial architecture, stylish cafes and a 19th century cathedral. The Mercado Modelo marketplace offers a wide range of specialties including local healers and shamans. Chilayo’s main attractions are the nearby ruins and archaeological sites. In particular, the treasures found in the tomb of the Lord of Spian, one of the leaders of the Moche culture, rivals those found in King Tut’s tomb.

Founded in 1534 & now Peru’s 3rd largest city Trujillo (top photo,) is located in North Peru near the Pacific Coast. It’s city center features colonial architecture, churches and mansions with wrought-iron window railings. Nearby, Chan, Chan is a great archaeological site to visit. Other notable sites include archaeological remains from the Moche period, including El Brujo and the temples of the Sun and Moon.

Chan Chan / Sacsayhuaman

Chan Chan, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of the Chimu kingdom & the 2ndlargest pre-Columbian city in South America. There were over 10,000 building thought to hold 40,000+ residents. Located 305 miles northwest of Lima, this is often included as a day trip from the city of Trujillo.

Sacsayhuaman, made of huge stone blocks reaching up to 28 ft., and weighing more than 600,000 pounds, is another ruin in Peru worth a visit. It was used as a fortress during Pizarro’s conquest. It is believed it took over 20,000 men to build. This site is usually included on your way to or from Cusco, even on the shorter 7 or 8 day trips.

Colca Canyon

If you spend 2 nights in Puno, the 2nd day you will usually drive through the Aguada Blanca National Reserve and then visit Colca Canyon. Other tours stay near Arequipa and visit Colca Canyon as a day trip.

Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and is home to the world’s highest active volcano. It’s a great place for hiking and river rafting.

Keep an eye out for the Andean Condor, among the world’s largest birds.

Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands

Usually on longer tours of 10 days or more, instead of heading towards the lake region, some tours depart Lima for a drive to the city of Ica, set in the middle of dune-filled deserts. From Ica is where you take a flight to marvel at the mysterious ancient drawings. Scholars believe they were created by the Nazca culture that inhabited the area between the years of 400-650 AD There are about 300 large ancient geoglyphs etched in the Nazca Desert some measuring as large at 660 ft. across. No one is sure why they were built.

Another excursions from Ica is the Ballestas Islands, often called the Galapagos of Peru. Board a motorboat for an expedition to a wildlife wonderland. Observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins and countless bird species.

Follow Us!        

www.atlastravelweb.com

800-942-3301

Atlas Cruises & Tours has been in business for over 25 years. We’re always ready to share our passion and expertise in creating the vacation of your dreams, with value added

exclusives, & that personal touch you should expect from a travel agency.