Inca Trail Hikes
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Tours In Cusco City
Tours to Machu Picchu by Train
Jungle Trips
Trip to Arequipa
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PERU TOURS INFORMATION - TRAVEL TO PERU - TRIPS TO PERU Peru is a Culture, Flora and Fauna, Travel to Peru, Trips to Peru, Cusco City Tour, Inca Trail 5D/4N to Machu Picchu, Salkantay trek 5d/4n, Lares Trek 4d/3n
Government: Constitutional republic Peru is a country in South America, situated on the western side of that continent, facing the South Pacific Ocean and straddling part of the Andes mountain range that runs the length of South America. Peru is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. Peru is a country that has a diversity and wealth which make it very unique in the world. The main attractions are their archaeological patrimony of pre-Columbian cultures and the center of Inca's Empire, their gastronomy, their colonial architecture (has imposing colonial constructions) and their natural resources (a paradise for the ecological tourism). You have to see it to believe it, to open your eyes and all of a sudden awaken in Machu Picchu, magical city, that has just been internationally voted as one the new Seven Wonders of the World. It is a dream come true that every living soul should experience, along with planting a tree, writing a book, and having a child... visit Machu Picchu (and discover Peru). Perú is a magical spot which involves one of the richest biodiversities of Earth, and is a melting pot of different cultures who together are forging the promise of a better future PERU IS CULTURE, NATURE AND ADVENTURE. 1.- CULTURE - ARQUEOLOGY 10,000 years of history can be seen in one of the largest networks of archeology found in the world – and the largest in South America. Progress reached by the ancient Peruvians in the areas of arts and science never ceases to amaze. Take, for example, the city of Caral, the oldest in the Americas. Then, there is Machu Picchu, Incan citadel and newly elected Wonder of the World. While Peru inevitably evokes images of Machu Picchu and the Inca empire, the country is also riddled with archaeological sites which are a legacy of even more ancient times, when great civilizations bequeathed a legacy of their art, customs and rituals, their wisdom and skills. 2.- NATURE Flora and Fauna Peru is a country privileged to host a great diversity of animal and plant species with which humans have achieved Peru is doted with a rich diversity of animal and vegetal species, and Man has lived alongside them in a harmonious co-existence for thousands for years. Species such as the condor, serpent and puma were worshipped by the ancient highlanders, who crafted their images into pottery and monuments during the rise of early civilizations, in homage to their beauty and power. Other species served as food or as raw materials for Man's creations. Some animals even forged a relationship of interdependence that has lasted for thousands of years, a relationship maintained by Peruvians living outside the major cities. Peru's territory has also long kept hidden thousands of species that continue to amaze scientists from all over the world. The most startling are the native species, due to their unique characteristics and beauty, and above all the way they have managed to adapt to Peru's difficult climate and geography. ORCHIDS In Peru, the Orchidaceae family features some 3,000 species, most of which grow in the tropical jungle on the eastern slopes of the Andes: the cloud forest region. There, amidst the exuberant vegetation produced by nearly 5,000 mm of rainfall a year, orchids multiply, forming veritable natural gardens. In the far northwest of Peru, in the departments of Tumbes y Piura, one can find several attractive species of orchids such as the Cattleya maxima, with large, violet flowers. To the east, the department of Amazonas features vast stretches of cloud forest which are a haven for a series of striking orchids such as the Masdevalia. Huánuco is the gateway to the tropical jungle and an ideal place for orchid lovers: cloud forests and dense vegetation which hide hundreds of plants, including the Epidendrum which grow on tree branches, amongst rocks or on ground-based moss.The Cordillera Blanca mountain range and the Callejon de Huaylas valley in the department of Ancash add to a breath-taking landscape the chance to spot interesting varieties of native orchids, including the wakanku (Masdevalia amabilis).The Chanchamayo Valley in the department of Junín is home to an ideal series of circuits for orchid fans. Finally, the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary is home to more than 200 orchid varieties. The finest include the wakanki, which in the Quechua language means "you will weep" (Masdevalia vetchiana), and wiñaywayna, "forever young" (Epidendrum secundum). The best way to study orchids and at the same time take in the spectacular countryside is to hike the Inca Trail, which links Qorihuayrachina (on the outskirts of Ollantaytambo), with the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. BIRDWATCHING Perú, a true paradise of birds. Discovering the endemic species, budget megadiversity and quality birdwatching. This is the best-known Peruvian birding route, with Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Abra Malaga, Manu and Tambopata, only to name a few. It is characterized as a very good route for cultural experiences. Key features include Polylepis forest specialists, Macaw-licks, Hummingbird feeders, Titicaca Grebe and many, many more. These birding resources have been known for a long time and are likely the ones that will bring the birder to Peru the first time. But there is more to discover in the south; new areas and possibilities are opening up. San Fernando, near Nazca, has the possibility to become an alternative to Paracas and Ballestas. The wildlife is certainly outstanding. Apurimac with Bosque Ampay and nearby Polylepis forests make it quite interesting to complete the circuit back to Lima on a new tarmac road over rolling high-altitude plains full of Vicuñas. Las Piedras river is accessible from Puerto Maldonado and a budget alternative to Tambopata and Manu with a few lodges. The road via Abra Malaga to Quillabamba gives access to both lowland and subtropical birding on minor roads and via river. In Puno, the remote Sandia community and neighboring valleys close to the Bolivia border, hold both the endemic Green-capped Tanager and many Bolivian birds that are harder to see in Bolivia . Infrastructure for tourism is almost nonexistent, so this is something for the more experienced adventurer. PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS Peru, in a bid to conserve its natural surroundings, flora and fauna, has designed a series of mechanisms aimed at conserving the country's biological diversity. These efforts are channeled through the National System of Natural Protected Areas (SINANPE) and the state natural resources entity (SERNANP). To date, Peru features a total of 63 natural areas or conservation units, covering approximately 14.04% of the country's territory. Wildlife With 84 of the earth's 104 known life zones, Peru is rich in wildlife diversity. The Amazon basin is home to pink dolphins, jaguars, giant river otters, primates, 4,000 types of butterflies and one-third of the world's 8,600 bird species. Close to 20% of the worlds birds and 10% of the world's reptiles live here.Peru has converted 13% of its territory into Protected Natural Areas 3.- ADVENTURE - TREKKING. Peru is a paradise for hikers. Virtually all of the highlands, including valleys, plateaus and ridges. To trek Peru is to journey through incredibly beautiful Andean countryside with a backdrop of everlastingly white mountains and crystal clear lakes, to walk along the Qapac Ñan (Inca Trail), that network of roads built by the Incas to unite their empire, and to see the culture of communities that adorn the pathways. There are trekking routes that take you on adventures through the White and Huayhuash Ranges in Áncash as well as many others in the department of Cusco that will lead you to Machu Picchu. Peru is a veritable paradise for hikers. Practically the entire highland spine of the country, including valleys, plains and massifs feature trekking circuits varying in degrees of difficulty. Only a handful of these circuits have been commercially "discovered" as trekking routes. The rest remain relatively unexplored, awaiting all those who wish to retrace the magical roads through the Peruvian Andes, with its extraordinary network of pre-Colombian trails and more than 12,000 lakes. It is a land which features the world's deepest canyons, glaciers and snow-capped peaks, forests and thundering waterfalls, picturesque villages and above all, the most hospitable people imaginable. Some trails are so steep they lead into breath-taking gorges, zig-zagging through the mountains, others straight as an arrow, fading into the distant desert horizon; hidden and invisible amongst the thick undergrowth of the Amazon jungle. The trails of Peru offer endless possibilities, and many ideal combinations for hikers of all levels of experience THE BEST TREKS ARE Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Trekking to the Cordillera la Blanca - Ancash Trekking to the Coolca Canyon - Arequipa Trekking is a great way to see the country. The most widely known route is the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Other popular routes include Cordillera Blanca, Colca Canyon, Ausangate Trek, Salcantay Trek. Lares Trek, Vilcabamca and other. Folklore The diversity of Peru's people and cultures is reflected in a rich tradition of festivals, dance and music. In the Andes, the plaintive wail of the flute and beat of the drum accompany songs depicting indigenous life while dancers masked as devils and spirits are a marriage of pagan and Christian beliefs. In the jungle, ceremonial music and dance are a window into tribal life. And along the coast, a blend of elegant Spanish sounds and vibrant African rhythms reflect the Conquest and later slave labor of the New World. Handicrafts Peru is famous for a lot of different, really nice and relatively cheap handicrafts. Keep in mind that buying handicrafts support traditional skills and helps many families to gain their modest income. Look for:
Do not accept any handicrafts that look like (or actually are) precolumbian pottery or jewelry. It is illegal to trade them and there is the possibility not only of them being confiscated, but of being prosecuted for illegal trading, even if the actual artifacts are copies or fakes. Dealing with the police from the criminal side is messy and really unpleasant. Buyer beware: Watch out for fake (Bamba)Alpaca wool products many items sold to the unsuspecting gringo are actually synthetic or ordinary wool! That nice soft jumper in the market for US$8 or so is most certain to be acrylic. Even in places such as Puno there is no easy way to tell if it is made from Alpaca, sometimes it might have a small percentage of Alpaca mixed in with other fibres. Baby Alpaca is not from baby animals but the first shearing and the fibre is very soft and fine. Generally Alpaca fibre has a low lustre and a slightly greasy hand to it and is slow to recover from being stretched. Shop and compare; real Alpaca is expensive. History Peru was once part of the great Incan Empire and later the major vice-royalty of Spanish South America. It was conquered in 1531–1533 by Francisco Pizarro. On July 28, 1821, Peru proclaimed its independence, but the Spanish were not finally defeated until 1824. For a hundred years thereafter, revolutions were frequent; a new war was fought with Spain in 1864–1866, and an unsuccessful war was fought with Chile from 1879 to 1883 (the War of the Pacific). TOP TEN TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF PERU Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Inca Trail "The Archaeological Capital of America"; it constitutes the biggest tourist attractiveness in Peru, and the most visited one. Cusco, was the biggest city and capital of the Inca Empire and then taken by the Spanish conquerors; today it has an architecture that fuses the Inca with the Spanish style. Their town conserves with pride its customs and traditions. It is also the forced step to know the mystic and enigmatic sacred citadel of the Inca Machu Picchu that the Spaniards never knew and was discovered by the occidental culture in 1911. Cusco, as Machu Picchu, for its historical value, and for its beauty is considered Cultural World Heritage Sites. The Sacred Valley of the Incas, beautiful places and the Inca Trail are waiting for you. Arequipa - Colca Valley Widely known as the "Ciudad Blanca" (White City) for its beautiful colonial homes, churches and monasteries constructed of a white volcanic stone - sillar - that is unique to the zone. The city center, which was recognized by the UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, is surrounded by a beautiful countryside. You may also visit the nearby Colca Valley and Colca Canyon, Valley of the Volcanoes, natural areas as Salinas and Aguada Blanca and the Mejia Lagoons. Arequipa is an ideal destination for those interested in colonial architecture, living culture and in spectacular outdoor natural beauty, biodiversity and outdoor adventure. Chiclayo Chiclayo was a simple village of Indians and mestizos in the road between Lambayeque and Zaña in colonial times. It had the good fortune, however, of being in the center of an important Pre-Incan archaeological area, the site of recent spectacular archaeological discoveries such as The Lord of Sipán in Huaca Rajada, The Lord of Sicán in Batán Grande and the pyramids of Túcume. The Museo de Tumbas Reales de Sipán (Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum) and Sicán National Museum, housing a collection of incalculable worth, has made these discoveries accessible to all. Chiclayo has thus become Peru’s second destination, after Cuzco, in terms of archaeological and historical interest. Chiclayo, also known for its highly-regarded sorcerers and healers, is located on Peru’s northern coast . Huaraz & the Cordilleras The Callejón de Huaylas - sometimes called “the Switzerland of South America” - offers spectacular Andean landscapes, snow-capped summits and turquoise blue lagoons in the beautiful Cordillera Blanca (White Mountain Range). Both the nearby Chavín de Huántar - the cradle of Peru’s oldest civilization - and the magnificent Huascarán National Park have been named World Heritage Sites. This gorgeous region, only a short drive north of Lima, is also a paradise for adventure sports. Iquitos - Amazon River An ideal place for those lovers of the nature & biodiversity tourism and the ones who want to feel an intimate contact with the virgin nature of the Amazon forests; from the city you will be able to go into housings located in full jungle, and for the most adventurous and fearless you can arrive to the Reservations and National Parks as Pacaya Samiria or Allpahuayo Mishana, with exuberant flora and fauna, and you can take contact with Amazonian aborigines. Lima The capital of Peru is a great metropolis; in general it is the entrance door to the country. You will be able to enjoy and know its historical center with beautiful colonial constructions declared Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the best museums in Peru, some pre-Hispanic archaeological locations as Caral the new Cultural World Heritage Site (June 2009), and a great variety of cultural shows, folkloric, centers of amusement, luxurious casinos and game houses, and rich culinary tradition. Nazca- Nazca Lines A unique place in the world, full with mystery and mysticism, wonderful forms of immense figures and lines, of spectacular perfection, work of a very old Peruvian civilization, the Nazca Lines, Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Also you can visit the pre-Inca archaeological complex as Cahuachi, Estaqueria, Chauchilla and the aqueducts. Paracas An excellent ecological destination for the nature lovers and birdwatchers, the Paracas National Reserve declared Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it also offers cultural historical attractiveness and it is a good alternative to pass relaxed moments excellent for the nautical sports as windsurf, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and more, visit the Ballestas Islands. Puno and Titicaca Lake Located in the Andean highland and beside the Titicaca the highest navigable lake in the world inhabited by the Uros, Taquile and Amantani Islands. Earth of the legendary Aymara town, and the Tiahuanaco Culture. It is the folkloric capital of Peru. It offers excellent alternatives for the archaeological, living culture and nature & biodiversity tourism. Trujillo The capital of the spring, city of old colonial lineage, very near Chan Chan, capital of the Chimú nation (XII Century), one of the biggest cities build with mud in the world, declared Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, archaeological pre-Inca locations as Huaca La Luna and Huaca El Sol, and new discoveries in El Brujo and the Lady of Cao. An excellent destination for the archaeological historical tourism. THANKS TO VISIT AND ENJOY PERU THE PRIVILEGED DESTINATION.
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