Peru the land of the Incas

Travel to 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. Located on the central West coast of South America, Peru is divided into three main regions - a narrow desert belt on the coast to the West, the wide Andean mountain range in the center and the Amazon River basin to the East. Travel within Peru is modern and convenient. A valid passport is usually all that is required to enter the country. Entertainment and live music are easy to find everywhere on a Peru tour. Clubs with contemporary Latin or Coastal criolla-style music are popular in Lima. Restaurants and hotels in Cuzco and other cities offer floor shows with folk music and dancers. Or visit a "Peña", a lively club with colorful performances and audience participation!

Peru tours aim for nature and ecology as major priorities. The Peruvian Amazon has been named one of the world's ten "bio-diversity hot spots" with an unusually high number of flora and fauna species. There are nine national parks, seven national reserves, three national and historical sanctuaries, two reserve zones and an increasing number of forest reserves, preserving the precious natural environment for future generations.

Peru tours allow you to learn about the first Pan-Andean civilization, Chavin (1500-400 BC), which featured stone temples riddled with labyrinthine galleries at altitudes over 3,100 meters above sea level. Discover the mystery of mud-brick/adobe citadels and pyramids built near the sea by the Mochica dynasty (200 BC-700 AD) as well as their royal tombs such as that of the Lord of Sipan, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century.

Follow in the footsteps of the fierce Chachapoya warriors (1000-1400 AD) along 25-meter-high ramparts in the Kuelap fortress or peer into the imposing tombs of their ancestors that lie near where the mountains plunge down to the forest. Stroll around Cuzco, the capital of the Inca empire (1300-1500 AD), the greatest pre-Colombian civilization in South America. Cuzco and its environs features colossal constructions such as the Machu Picchu citadel, hailed as the eighth wonder of the world.

Peruvian Cuisine - a wonderful and varied ethnic mixture.
With rich coastal waters and one of the largest fisheries in the world, seafood is typical. Pisco Sour is the national drink (made with white grape brandy that is a "must"for visitors to try) and Peruvian beer is excellent!