Peru
Peru can be divided into three distinct geographic regions: the coastal desert, where most of the major cities are located; the Andean Highlands, where mountain peaks soar above 20,000 feet; and the largely undeveloped Amazon jungle, with isolated villages, unique wildlife and an astounding number of bird species.
Where Should I Go?
Machu Picchu
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the misty lost city of the Incas is the most visited site in all of South America and one of the most beautiful ancient sites in the World.
Cusco
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco is the bustling ancient Inca capital city home to about 300,000 people located even higher in the Andes than Machu Picchu (11,500ft.). Cusco is the base for most trips to Machu Picchu.
Manu National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting Andean grasslands, cloud forest, elfin forest, Amazon rainforest and more species of plants and animals than any other area in the world.
Amazon Basin
The largest tropical rainforest in the World is pristine and untouched and home to 30% of the Earth’s species and accounts for more than half of Peru’s territory.
Lake Titicaca
At 12,500 it’s the world’s highest navigable lake and hailed as the birthplace of the Inca civilization.
Paracas National Reserve
Where the desert meets the sea, Paracas is one on the world’s most biologically productive and valuable marine reserves famous for its vast colonies of seabirds and marine life.
Colca Canyon
The world’s deepest canyon is 11,155 feet deep and 62 miles long.
Nazca Lines
A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the awesome history and mystery of the Nazca Lines whose massive designs depict people, fish, birds and other, more abstract figures, ranging in size from about 300 feet to several miles in length.
Lima
The capital city and gateway to Peru is a giant coastal city with a historic city center, craft markets, and excellent Peruvian cuisine, famous for being the former center of the Spanish territories in South America.
When Should I Go?
The climate of Peru is very diverse. The north-south extension of the country and the presence of the Andes mountain range produce a large variety of climates and microclimates. In general, the climate on the coast is subtropical and the region receives very little rainfall. The Andes have a cool climate with rainy summers and very dry winters. The eastern lowlands are warm and rainy with a short dry season from June through August.
