Peru is a hugely varied country with a great deal to offer the traveler no matter what your interests.
Here however we try to give a brief overview of some of the highlights to be experienced on Peru tours in the south of the country.
Machu Picchu
Perhaps a little obvious but the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a must-see on any tours of Peru. This magnificent site surrounded by majestic mountain scenery is a New World Wonder and rightly so!
Cusco
The historic mountain city of Cusco is full of impressive Inca walls and foundations with wonderful Spanish colonial architecture built on top. This charming city of attractive plazas and pretty streets, surrounded by rolling mountains where many Inca sites are to be found, is also the stepping off point for Machu Picchu tours and for access to the Sacred Valley.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
This stunning valley not far from Cusco is home to traditional towns and villages, long rooted markets and impressive Inca sites amid towering surroundings. The towns of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo are among the main highlights here, both for their Inca remains and the towns themselves.
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon (pictured) has formidable scenery on an awe-inspiring scale. This canyon is one of the world’s deepest and one of the best places in Peru to see the captivating sight of the Andean Condor in flight. Life in many of the delightful villages here has remained unchanged for centuries.
Arequipa
The white city of Arequipa has perhaps the most beautiful plaza in Peru. Set in the UNESCO preserved historical center below the imposing peaks of the volcano Chachani, white volcanic rock architecture includes many churches, colonial mansions and the wonderful Santa Catalina convent.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is a broad expanse of shimmering water dotted with the amazing floating Uros Islands and Taquile, an island which is almost a living museum where textiles is the main past time and traditional dress is worn by all.
Hiking in Peru
A country with the Andes running through it is bound to have a great deal of world class trekking. Whether it is the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trail or the traditional Lares trek, there are numerous options for those seeking the great outdoors.
The Amazon Rainforest
The Tambopata Reserve is one of the most accessible areas for Peru jungle tours. This vast tropical wilderness has huge numbers of birds, insects and animals to be found among an amazingly broad range of trees and plants making the area one of the most diverse on earth.
The above is just a snapshot of some of the highlights of southern Peru but is by no means all that tours of Peru have to offer. There are many other sites, destinations and activities that could be added to this list without even venturing to the north of the country!
