PERU TOURS

Only discovered in 1911, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ stood remarkably preserved for centuries on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba (Sacred) Valley and has baffled historians and archaeologists for decades with its quirky details, including staircases, terraces, fountains and towers, as well as some staggering engineering feats, not least how the huge stones were transported up such steep hills.

Few visions are as spectacular as those associated with this Incan treasure, and it is imperative that you stay long enough to watch a stunning sunrise, when the mist slowly clears and the sun releases Machu Picchu from the shadows of the night.

To get a better understanding of the Incan culture, however, a tour that includes the Inca Trail is an insightful choice. Wending through the incredible Peruvian valleys, the traditional Inca Trail takes in stops at the Inca ruins of Patallacta, the small village of Wayllabamba and the Incan tambo of Runkuraqay, among many others.

With Machu Picchu marking the fitting end point to the Inca Trail, traversing this notorious route allows you to admire these remarkable sites against the backdrop of a beautiful Andean landscape, which appears to evolve amongst the eerie mist and clouds.

Peru’s history goes farther than the Incas, however, as represented by the extraordinary Nazca Lines, a series of fascinating ancient patterns which form recognisable shapes, including a monkey, a spider, a humming bird, a dog and fish. 

Like Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines were only brought to international attention relatively recently in 1927 yet are thought to date back to 400-650AD. Though best viewed from a flight, many of the images can be seen from the foothills on the Pampas du Jumana.

Though only 13 per cent of it is located in Peru, the Amazon Rainforest actually covers 60 per cent of the country’s land and is a breeding ground for tremendous biodiversity. The Manu National Park, which is a 45 minute flight from Cuzco, is the largest National Park in Peru and is distinguished by its relative inaccessibility, which has ensured immaculate preservation.

Located further south to straddle the borders of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and is situated on the shores of Puno. Significant for its size – 8,300 square kilometres – and the fact it is the highest navigable body of water in the world at 3821m above sea level, Lake Titicaca is worth visiting just to witness the vast expanse of the turquoise water set against the hilly backdrop.

To experience Lake Titicaca fully, however, an overnight stay on one of the six islands – Uros (floating islands), Amantani, Taquile, Isla del Sol, Isla de la Luna and Suriqui – represents remarkable peace and tranquillity as you relax beneath the star-peppered cloak of darkness.

From the magic of Machu Picchu, to the serenity of Lake Titicaca, to the mystery of the Nazca Lines, Peru is a land of unimaginable beauty, history and culture with little compare.

Book a Peru holiday in 2013 and prepare to take an enchanting step back in time…