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Cusco
Many travelers use Cusco as just a starting point for visiting Machu Picchu, but it has much more to offer. In addition to the architecture, cosmopolitan restaurants and shops of Cusco there are a number of nearby attractions, such as the ruins at Sacsayhuamán, Q'enko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, and of course Machu Picchu.
Getting to Cusco is relatively easy. There are numerous daily flights from Lima to Cusco and many wonderful accommodation options.
The train to Machu Picchu departs daily from Cusco and travelers can see Machu Picchu as a full day trip or spend the night in the area of the ruins and return to Cusco the following day. Rates are highest and accommodations book up early for the June to August period. April and May are a great time to travel, after the rainy season and before the crowds, or try September and October before the rainy season begins.
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Machu Picchu
Named in 2007 as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was built by the Incas sometime around 1460. This mystical, mysterious place is the most visited site in Peru and is world renowned not only for its architecture, but for its spectacular mountain location overlooking the Urubamba River.
Trains run from Cusco and the Urubamba Valley to the ruins. Tours are offered as a day trip from Cusco, but we recommend spending a night there to see all this site has to offer.
In addition to the famous ruins there are a number of hikes in the area offering great views of the ruins and the surrounding mountains.
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Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a series of complex designs depicting animals, birds and geometric shapes drawn in the dry desert sand of the Nazca Desert. Created sometime around 700AD, the drawings bring thousands of tourists to the region. Day tours operate from Lima by bus for the fly over tour of the site, but we recommend a 2 or 3 night excursion to combine it with a visit to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands.
The National Reserve is known for its large number of sea lions. It's possible to see dolphins and if you're lucky, whales. The Ballestas Islands are home to over 150 species of marine birds including the Humboldt Penquin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans.
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The Inca Trail
The classic Inca Trail is a 4 day trek to Machu Picchu. Trekkers travel by bus to the starting point at Km. 82 and end at Machu Picchu, with a train back to Cusco. For those fit enough, the trek is the ultimate Machu Picchu experience and a chance to approach the ruins at sunrise from above for a well earned view of a lifetime.
Book early since the number of trekkers permitted on the trail is limited. June to September is peak season, so booking 4 to 5 months in advance is recommended.
The best weather is during the dry season, from April to October. January and March are very wet and the trek does not operate in February due to the weather and maintenance of the trail.
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Amazon
The Amazon Basin is one of the world's largest and densest nature areas, and much of it lies within Peru. A short flight from either Lima or Cusco will take you to some of Peru's most important ecological areas including Tambopata & Manu National Park and Iquitos.
The Tambopata Reserve, in the Southern Peruvian Amazon Basin is reached by flying from Lima or Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and then by boat. Programs include excursions for all ages and levels of difficulty. Activities include Amazon trailwalks, rainforest by night hikes, birdwatching, visits to an indigenous community, and seeing the famous Scarlet Macaw clay licks. We recommend at least a 3 night stay.
Fly to Iquitos from Lima or Cusco to explore this area beginning on the Amazon River and ending at your deluxe Amazon lodging. Packages are available for as little as one night but we recommend at least 3 to see all this region has to offer including the spectacular canopy walkway.
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Puno and Lake
Titicaca
Puno is the city historically connecting Cusco with La Paz, Bolivia. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, it can be reached from Cusco by air to Juliaca and ground transportation from there. Here you can enjoy excellent trout fishing, tour the famous floating islands of the Uros Indians and visit the nearby archaelogical sites.
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Currency:
Nuevo Sol
Language:
Spanish & Quechua
Gateway
airport:
Lima (LIM)
Travel time
from:
- ATL 6.5 hrs
- MIA 5.5 hrs
Time zone: (GMT -5)
Eastern Standard Time.
DST is not observed.
Voltage: 220 V
Dialing code:
51+city code+number
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