Peru Escapes
Peru is a country in South America that’s home to a section of Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city high in the Andes mountains. The region around Machu Picchu, including the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail and colonial city of Cusco, is rich in archaeological sites. On Peru’s arid Pacific coast is Lima, the capital, with a preserved colonial center and important collections of pre-Columbian art.
Often considered a destination for archeology lovers, the country offers more than epic ruins. Desert-like coast, rugged mountains and lush rainforests provide visitors a chance to explore diverse cultures and ecologies in pristine conditions. We think of Peru as a natural setting for Nature and Photo Safaris. Most travelers start with Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. If time permits the choice is between the Amazon Rainforests, Andean valleys or various excursions on the coast. Highlighted with special activities like trekking, outdoor sports, as well as culinary and arts related trips.
Coast (12% of the territory): a warm climate along the coastline that includes superb natural beaches, mysterious deserts, fertile river valleys and exotic dry woods.
Highlands (28% of the territory): a region of varied terrain and temperate climate, dominated by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes rising above 6,000 meters, the highest of which is Mount Huascaran, at 6,768 meters (22,206 feet). It includes deep canyons such as the Colca and Cotahuasi, the two deepest on the planet; and high plains like the plateau of Collao, on the shores of the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca, at 3,810 masl (12,500 feet).
Jungle or Amazonia (60% of the territory): a region of tropical climate, lush vegetation and abundant fauna that is part of one of the planet’s largest natural reserves. Peruvian Amazonia is the source of the Amazon River, the largest in the world.
Climate
Coast: There are two clearly-defined seasons on the coast: summer (December-March), when temperatures can reach 27ºC (80ºF); and winter (May-October), which is damp and chilly, with temperatures falling to 12ºC (53ºF). Although it rarely rains on the coast, mist and drizzle are common during the winter. The far north coast enjoys sunshine all year round, with temperatures reaching 35ºC (95ºF) in the summer.
Highlands: The climate is dry and temperate, with two clearly-defined seasons: the dry season (May-October), with sunny days, very cold nights and scant rainfall -the ideal time to visit the Andes; and the rain season (December-March). There is a sharp contrast in temperature between sun and shade, and temperatures can often vary widely during the same day, from 20ºC (68ºF) to 2ºC (35ºF).
Jungle: The area has a tropical and humid climate. There are two well-defined seasons: the summer or dry season (April to October) with sunny days and temperatures above 30ºC (86ºF), and the rain season (November to March), with frequent showers and high river levels.
LIMA
Peru’ capital is a bustling modern metropolis and culinary mecca. It is the perfect place to shop, dine at some of the world’s finest restaurants and visit museums and galleries showcasing Peru’s thriving contemporary arts scene and fascinating and complex colonial and pre-Colombian past.
MACHU PICCHU
Perched spectacularly on a sugarloaf mountain blanketed by lush cloud forest, this mysterious Inca citadel is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. No trip to Peru would be complete without Machu Picchu. Hike here or travel by train in old-fashioned luxury, to the citadel.
CUSCO
The former Inca capital — and thriving modern city — is another obligatory stop for travelers to Peru. Packed with museums, colonial and Inca architecture, not to mention booming Peruvian cuisine, the past and present rub shoulders in a city that is also the gateway to the Sacred Valley, that runs to from here to Machu Picchu.
LAKE TITICACA
The world’s highest navigable lake was the birthplace of Andean civilization, including the Incas, and is renowned for its ethereal natural beauty and colorful traditions. It is also the perfect place to get off the beaten path and discover some of Peru’s most unspoiled rural communities
THE INCA TRAIL
If Machu Picchu’s beauty is breathtaking, then what better way than to arrive at the mysterious citadel than by hiking several days through stunning cloud forest along the original roads of the Inca Empire? You can also journey along other more remote parts of the ancient Inca Trail, far from Machu Picchu. Options include camping, with a full support team including a chef, or hiking from lodge to lodge.
- Nazca Lines – These pre-Inca images of animals, carved into the desert floor are so big that the only way to really appreciate them is from the air. As you fly above them, you may ponder the unresolved mystery of why and how an ancient people invested so much time in creating these figures that they themselves could never fully view.
- Amazon rainforest Trails – This remote corner of the mighty Amazon rainforest is renowned as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. You may even lose count of the birds, monkeys and other species that you see here, while staying in some of the Amazon’s most elegant and comfortable lodges.
- Sacred Valley Experience – Dotted with ancient agricultural terraces, bustling markets and Inca ruins, this verdant valley connects the city of Cusco to Machu Picchu, and is full of opportunities to hike, mountain bike, do yoga, or mingle with the locals, or simply enjoy the beautiful views and decompress. The Valley is also the perfect spot to acclimate before heading to the City of Cusco, Lake Titicaca or going on a mountain trek.
- Canyon in Peru – The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest and most spectacular in the world. It is also home to many villages with colonial architecture, especially churches, and the best place in Peru to see wild condors flying majestically overhead and, sometimes, even below you.
- Cruise the Amazon – There may be no better way to experience one of the world’s greatest rivers, than in the exclusive comfort of a boutique luxury cruise. Get up-close to the wildlife and meet rainforest communities, all from the comfort of a world-class riverboat and with a menu developed by one of Peru’s most acclaimed chefs.
- Beach Lovers – Peru is one of the world’s great surf destinations with an entire coast of outstanding Pacific breaks. Some of the best are in the north, where an experienced local instructor can accompany you whatever your level, from newbie to advanced.
- Architectural Interest– Visit the Arequipa, Known as the “White City” for its celebrated colonial architecture, Peru’s third city has a relaxed, provincial elegance and stunning views of several towering volcanos. It is also home to some great museums and a mouthwatering regional cuisine, as well as being the gateway to the Colca Canyon.
- Treks & Expeditions – In the Huaraz area; we offer stunning routes in partnership and shared operation with what we consider to be one of Huaraz’s best trekking and mountain climbing tour operators.
- Jungle Trips – Manu National Park was established in 1977 and in recognition of its uniqueness was designated a ”World Heritage Site” ten years later. Manu is internationally acclaimed as one of the most bio-diverse areas on earth.
- Traditional Tours – Cusco has become the highlight of most people traveling to Peru and South America. The ancient capital of the Inca Empire and its surroundings has a combination of history, mysticism and authenticity that is rarely equaled by any other city in the continent. This magical touch has drawn the interest of artists, photographers, shamans and thousands of travelers every year.