A Taste of Peru...
A Magical Exploration of Ancient Peru
TOUR DATES
Dates:
20 April – 7 May 2011
20 August – 6 September 2011
Private tours also available
Over 18 days we take our time to immerse ourselves in the wonders of Peru. Spending a minimum of one full day at each major site to explore and enjoy your surroundings ~ and you will want all the time you can get to really absorb Peru’s culture and history.
A tour to Peru is a journey of a lifetime. The country is split between the impenetrable Andes Mountains rainforest, and the arid coastal plains. But it is this inaccessibility that has proved to be its fortress, shielding its indigenous culture, environment and history. In many parts of the country the Spanish language is second to the indigenous language or Quechua, and English ranks a distant 3rd. But it is Peru’s UNESCO World Heritage listed cultural and environmental wonders that catapults Peru to any serious travelers Top 10 list.
From the bustle of Peru’s capital, Lima, we follow the desert coast line south to the mysterious Nazca Lines ~ where we swap our bikes for a seat on a scenic flight.
Leaving the arid coast we start climbing in to the hills to the ancient capital, Cusco and the Sacred Valley. You will be given plenty of opportunity to explore the streets and monuments of this historic, thriving city. We spend time touring local landmarks, visiting traditional markets and cobblestone villages.
For many, the highlight of the tour is our time spent at Machu Picchu ~ listed as one of the World’s New Seven Wonders (built in c.1450 AD) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regardless of its ‘tags’, this is truly a spiritual place, perched on a lush rainforest peak, hidden in the clouds, close to the heavens- an iconic image. Unlike most tourists who travel by train to Aqua Calientes, we have the unique experience of motorcycling through mountainous rainforest over a 4,325m/14,157ft pass, to a small village on the other side on the mountain ~ for a short train ride the following day.
Returning to Cusco we trace the river valley, but climb even higher to the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca (also South America’s second largest lake). We will leave our bikes for a day to cruise on the lake and visit the isolated people who live on the amazing floating reed islands known as the Isle of Uros.
Crossing the high arid plains, we enjoy the hot natural springs of Chivay, before ascending across the highest pass of our journey at 4,900m/ 16,075ft! Then descend in to Peru’s second largest populous area (that lies under the ‘eyes’ of volcanoes), the architecturally lovely Arequipa.
From Arequipa we fly to Lima and guests will have the opportunity to extend their visit to explore Lima, a cruise on the Amazon, or farewell Peru, taking wonderful memories with them.
For private tours please contact us.
