DISCOVERY OF PERU
Land of the incas
Peru, land of the Incas, is full of mythical sites such as Lake Titicaca, the Cordillera Blanca or the Colca Canyon. It is also a country rich in biodiversity, as it is home to condors, llamas, hummingbirds, pink dolphins, Humboldt penguins, and many more. Surprising archeological treasures await you in Peru, including the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu, the treasures of the Inca Empire in the Sacred Valley, the mochicas on the northern coast and the Fortress of Kuelap in the Chachapayos Province. Peru also has some fascinating colonial cities, including Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Trujillo… not to mention its world-renowned gastronomy and unique folklore, which are the result of an encounter between African, Western and pre-Colombian civilizations. Whether traveling alone or in a group, towards the North or the South, and regardless of budget… an exciting change-of-scenery is guaranteed!
PERU HIGHLIGHTS
Must seen destinations
Gaëlle Montcharmont |
Cradle of the Inca Empire with former Incan capital, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and the famous Machu Picchu, this region is one of the highlights of Peru. “Cuzco” literally means “navel” in Quechuan, figuratively signifying the “center” [of the world], and is loaded in history that illustrates the Inca genius, namely through some of its ancient constructions, including Saysayhuamán, Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pukara or the Temple of the Sun. A few kilometers away, on the road from Pisac to Ollantaytambo via Chinchero, Moray and Maras, the Sacred Valley is home to numerous treasures. With its fortified towns, terraced farming built along the mountain slopes, small Andean villages with ancestral traditions, colorful traditional markets and luscious green landscapes, the Sacred Valley offers a mystical and historically rich experience. |
AdobeStock | Alekosa |
Located at 2,430 meters above sea level in an extraordinary setting, the Inca citadel, former residence of Emperor Pachacutec, is without a doubt Peru’s number one attraction. Created by the Incas during the peak of their civilization, the numerous terraces, ramps, or carefully assembled stone walls, have been remarkably well preserved through the centuries. Situated in an area which is both mountainous and occupied by tropical forest, Machu Picchu is located on the upper flank of the Amazon River and therefore benefits from an extremely rich and diverse flora and fauna. |
AdobeStock | SB |
Considered to be the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca sits between the Peruvian and the Bolivian border at an altitude of over 3,800 meters. The lake is considered in Incan mythology to be the birthplace of the world. Famous for its floating islands called Uros, named after the Indians who once lived on them, these small islands built of reed are inhabited by the Aymara community that carry on the traditions of their predecessors. Terraced farming and charming walkways abound in the Taquile and Amantani islands whose inhabitants, still very close to their cultural and ancestral heritage and traditions, will create an unforgettable experience for you through their organized community-based tourism. |
Public Domain |
The city of Nazca inherited its name from the civilization of the same name which occupied the region for several centuries before being conquered by the Incas. Famous for its enigmatic geoglyphs which were “drawn” directly into the ground and labeled a UNESCO World Heritage Site, their origin and meaning continue to intrigue specialists. Some of these geoglyphs represent living creatures; others stylized plants or imaginary beings… Some are complex geometrical figures that stretch over several kilometers. It is assumed that their function may have been related to astronomy. |
AdobeStock | Aliaksei |
Peru has a rich historical and cultural heritage inherited from its colonial past, as one can witness through a few of its cities, such as Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo or Chachapoyas. The historic center of Lima, City of the Kings, founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro, is one of the most important colonial heritages in the whole of South America, with its Plaza Mayor, San Francisco Convent and Barranco’s Bohemian neighborhood. Arequipa, The White City, at the foot of the Misti volcano, is renowned for its historic center, Plaza de Armas and its famous Santa Catalina Monastery. |
Shutterstock | Ostill |
Stretching from the north to the south-east and following the Andes mountainscapes, the Amazon forest with its unparalleled biodiversity is referred to as the “lungs of the planet.” From Puerto Maldonado in the south or from Iquitos in the north, the Peruvian Amazon offers visitors a unique experience. Whether hiking, boating in pirogues, or walking along the networks of suspension bridges, travelers observe wildlife, discover medicinal plants and taste exotic flavors while meeting the local communities, all of which make this journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience. |
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Gaston-Sacaze Peru will manage your trip from Lima where Stephane, Aurelie and their team will be in direct contact with you!
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