There are many traditional festivals in Peru and we recommend visiting at least once during your stay. With traditional costume, singing, eating, dancing and drinking abound, a good time is guaranteed for all involved. Andean regions have traditional activities and quite often include a ceremony with an Andean priest to bless the party! Each region has its different festivals and ways of celebrating and are a fascinating insight into local culture, wherever you are visiting!&nbsp;

Festivals

Greetings include a kiss on the cheek for women and handshake for men. Usually, this is accompanied with a good morning, good afternoon or good evening also.&nbsp;

Greetings

Peru has many private clinics offering a very good, yet expensive service. The chances of a stomach bug, altitude sickness or a mosquito-related illness are high, so it is always best to travel with a complete travel insurance which includes health care. &nbsp;
Local pharmacy chains are well stocked and carry a lot of recognised medications. Always ask for the generic option in a pharmacy as they will try and sell you the brand name for a medication which are usually three times the price.&nbsp;
All of the regular vaccinations are recommended such as typhoid, rabies, tetanus hepatitis A and B. Check with your local travel clinic before you travel.&nbsp;
Mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent in the jungle and coastal areas with dengue, malaria and zika all common. Bring insect repellent for jungle and coastal areas and use a mosquito net.&nbsp;
Water is treated and heavily chlorinated in the cities but is best avoided. In remote regions, the water source often cannot be defined. Bottled water is widely available as are the giant "bidons" of water if you are staying for a while. Water and badly washed vegetables and salads are the primary source of stomach infections and are better avoided by drinking bottled water. Giardia is common and stomach infections also. Bring your ciprofloxacin with you in your first aid kit as a precaution! In remote areas boil treat and filter your water.&nbsp;

Health and Insurance

We have already touched on the topic of Peruvian cuisine and its dishes are as vast and varied as the activities available in the country. Here are a few options to tickle the tastebuds.&nbsp;
Lomo Saltado&nbsp;
Strips of beef, tomatoes, onions and fried potatoes, stir-fried in a soy sauce and served with rice. Most restaurants serve it and it is a local favourite, originating from the coastal areas.&nbsp;
Ceviche&nbsp;
The national dish is raw fish and/or seafood, marinated in Peruvian lemon (much more acidic than the norm) with chilli. Best eaten on the coastal areas of course due to the ingredients this is an incredible dish served with corn kernels and an oniony side salad. Guinea Pig&nbsp;
The traditional dish of the highlands is surprisingly delicious if not fiddly to eat! -a lot of bones! There are two types which are oven cooked, or chacteado (flattened and fried) Guinea pig is served whole, with head and all&hellip;.do not expect any fillets with the "cuy"!&nbsp;
Aji de Gallina&nbsp;
A creamy yellow peanut and mild chilli sauce with strips of chicken is super- tasty. It is usually served with rice, a black olive and a boiled egg!&nbsp;
Papa a la huancaina&nbsp;
Similar to the above dish but with potatoes instead of chicken and served cold as a starter or a salad.&nbsp;
Caldo de gallina&nbsp;
Is a hearty chicken soup with chunky vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and other tubers. Often eaten for breakfast in the Andes, this really does warm the cockles on a cold morning!&nbsp;
Locro de Zapallo&nbsp;
This creamy pumpkin and mild chilli sauce with broad beans is a great traditional vegetarian option usually served with rice. Flavoursome and lighter than other options, it's truly delicious!&nbsp;
Torta de tres leches&nbsp;
This is milk, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, all in a soggy sponge cake. Often topped with cinnamon its an incredible option for the sweeter tooth!&nbsp;
Picarones &nbsp;
Picarones are the Andean doughnut! They are a floury batter mixed with pumpkin and friend up just like a doughnut and smothered in a honey-like syrup&hellip;.. Perfect for a cold Andean evening!&nbsp;
Mazamora&nbsp;
Mazamora is made from boiling up the purple corn and is a sweet purple accompaniment to the classic rice pudding or eaten on its own. It's a surprisingly tasty and relatively healthy dessert option!&nbsp;
Pisco sour &nbsp;
Is the national drink of Peru and made from Pisco, the local grappa with lemon, egg whites and sugar&hellip;mmmm&nbsp;
Inka Cola&nbsp;
Is the only drink that outsells Coca Cola in Peru. Its bright yellow, fizzy, tastes of bubble gum and is incredibly sweet as well as incredibly popular!&nbsp;
Chicha Morada&nbsp;
Has the same flavour as Mazamora but in liquid form! Made from the boiled purple corn and with added lemon and sugar, this is the perfect accompaniment to a ceviche, on a hot day.&nbsp;

Eating and drinking

Peruvian people are very friendly. They will go out of their way to help you and offer advice. &nbsp;
The people are generally conservative-minded, especially in the highlands. Quite often they will ask you to practice their English or find out where you are from. One of the main questions, for example, is "where is your husband?" which can be a "why are you travelling alone" or simply trying to pick you up but people will back off when you show no interest.&nbsp;
Peru is football bonkers. The world comes to a halt if the national team are playing, or the local team come to that! With Peru's recent qualification to the last world cup, passions have only intensified! It's the local pastime all over Peru and people can be seen playing in the streets all over the country. &nbsp;
Volleyball is the sport of choice mainly for women and a national pastime.&nbsp;
Bullfighting is common in some coastal areas, especially in the outskirts of Lima.&nbsp;

Culture

Peru has a thriving gay scene in Lima, Cusco and the jungle regions. People will usually laugh or make jokes, but it is rare that anything will go beyond that. Rural Andean areas are totally oblivious to minority groups and are generally accepting and humble people. Certain places may have a conservative attitude being a catholic society, but other than that, Peru is pretty much open-minded.&nbsp;

LGBTQ

Peru's currency is the Nuevo Sol and comes in denominations of s/. 10, 20,50 100 and 200 notes. The US dollar is also widely accepted especially for bigger purchases such as flights, hotels, tours etc.&nbsp;
ATMs are everywhere except in the most remote regions and emit both soles and dollars. They don't usually allow large withdrawal amounts, and every transaction has its associated charge.&nbsp;
Credit cards are widely accepted in stores, restaurants and hotels in towns and cities.&nbsp;
In smaller towns and even in Cusco, change is an issue, so try and break up big notes and carry small change on you where possible. Soles are preferred everywhere and you will be hit in the pocket on exchange rates if the quotes price is in soles so try and use the currency you are being asked for, which tends to be soles.&nbsp;
Money changers offer better exchange rates from dollars to soles than banks but try and use established money changers with a shop front as opposed to those standing in the street.&nbsp;

Money

There are all different types of accommodation options throughout Peru, depending on your budget. All of the major hotel chains are present in Lima, Cusco Arequipa and Trujillo. There are a number of top-end luxury hotels in Lima and Cusco with all the top-end facilities and prices but impressive original Inca stonework, offering something a little different from the norm. &nbsp;
There are also many interesting, quirky boutique hotels if you prefer a place with more character. These are usually set in Spanish colonial buildings and have a luxury edge to them. There is a flourishing backpackers hostel set up throughout the major touristic destinations of Peru and this is a great way to meet up with other travellers. These are set up with bars, and restaurants with the aim of keeping you there as long as possible, they will also help you set up day tours and treks with their in -house travel agencies, which are cheap as chips yet with a no-frills service. &nbsp;
Homestays in Andean communities are another popular option for a more authentic rural experience. &nbsp;
Family-run B and B&rsquo;s are also a cheaper, popular option and usually come with private bathrooms. &nbsp;
The Amazon has a plethora of eco-lodges along the river in Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata and are rustic yet comfortable. Just remember that electricity is usually switched off during the day while the solar panels charge up and visitors are out on day trips.&nbsp;

Accommodation

Most nationalities are given a 90-day visa on entry. Check with your local consulate for your specific country. You may stay up to 180 days each calendar year on a tourist visa. Your passport should have at least 6 months validity. There are many different types of visas available if you are planning to stay for a longer period of time.&nbsp;

Visas

Peru is a relatively safe place to travel in general. The capital Lima has many inner-city issues, but the main tourist areas are safe to be. The same logic applies as in any other country, avoid dark streets and try to be discreet when taking out cash at ATMs. &nbsp;
Violent crime is rare in Peru though petty crime is common in the cities. Bags laptops cell phones, etc. will disappear if left unattended. &nbsp;
Pickpockets operate in crowded markets and bus terminals as well as on buses and usually work accompanied.  &nbsp;
A common way of stealing is to distract you by throwing ketchup or mayonnaise, then the "friendly lady" who is cleaning you up, will have already taken your belongings from your pocket! Taxi drivers are notorious for changing the price in Cusco and Lima, always try and have the correct amount ready.&nbsp;
Women can travel safely in Peru in general, but will often attract unwanted attention if travelling alone, more- so with comments or whistles than anything else, but none-the-less annoying.  &nbsp;

Safety

<h1 style="text-align: left;">Best Machu Picchu Tour Packages</h1>
 This fascinating land of the Incas, lost cities of gold, The Amazon, The Andes and ceviche, is possibly one of the most visited countries in South America. The adventures don&rsquo;t stop there! There are mind-boggling geoglyphs in the Nazca desert, excellent beaches and surfing in the north, two of the deepest canyons in the world, the highest navigable lake in the world and of course, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/7-day-classic-peru-trip-lima-cusco-machu-picchu">Machu Picchu! </a>It&rsquo;s no wonder that Peru is a top travel destination! Peru borders five countries in South America with Ecuador and Colombia in the north, Brazil to the East and Bolivia and Chile to the south.
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Peru Travel information</h2>
The country is geographically constructed with the Andes as the backbone, the coastal region to the West and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-amazon-luxury-and-machu-picchu">the jungle </a>to the East, occupying 60% of the country, it is no wonder that Peru is one of the top 12 most biodiverse countries on the planet. Historically the<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/4-day-machu-picchu-special"> Incas </a>were the most famous Peruvian civilisation however there were many pre -Inca civilisations making the perfect base for the Incas to conquer and become one of the most difficult places for the Spanish to conquer on their arrival in the 1500s. The Spanish were interested with the many minerals including gold of course, which was the purpose of their invasion. Peru gained independence from the Spanish in 1821 and became an independent republic. With a population of 32 million, the ethnicity is a mixture of American indigenous, Afro Caribbean, European and Asian. Peru is world famous for its <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/9-day-peru-gastronomy-cusco-and-lima-food-tour">gastronomy,</a> with many native plants and vegetables as well as grains such as quinoa, Amazonian fruits and of course the humble potato. As a result, Peru has two restaurants in the world&rsquo;s top ten with Top Chefs Gaston Acurio and Virgilio Martinez leading the way in culinary art. Learn more about Peru top rated tours.

You can check our safety protocols in the following link: https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/notification/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-travel-alert

What are the health and safety protocols used during the trip?

We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.

Do I need travel insurance? What insurance do you recommend?

We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when traveling to the destination. In any case, a negative Coronavirus Molecular Test (PCR) is needed to enter the country.

What vaccinations do I need for the trip?

We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.

Which medications should I bring from home?

As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.

How safe is the destination?

We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.

Are flights included in the tour?

Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.

If I travel alone will I be charged a single supplement?

VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.

Is it safe to book with VA Expeditions?

Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.

Can the packages on the website be customized?

Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.

Do you offer only multiday packages or do you also offer day trips?

Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.

Can I purchase additional services after I have made my reservation and paid?

Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.

Can I travel with children? Are there age restrictions?

We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.

How big are the group sizes?

We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.

How far in advance should I book a package?

We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.

What documents do I need for my trip?

The official currency in Peru is the peruvian sol (PEN). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.

What kind of currency do they use at the destination? Are ATM easily accessible?

Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.

I have dietary restrictions. Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?

As a sustainable travel company, we are in constant search of how we can improve the sustainability of our operations, that is why we carry out the following activities to generate a fair and sustainable development in our areas of operation: <a href="https://valenciatravelcusco.com/pages/sustainability">https://valenciatravelcusco.com/pages/sustainability</a>

What does the company do for the sustainability of its operations?

Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.

Are tips included in the price? If not how much should I budget for tips?

Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature.&nbsp;
The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS / VALENCIA TRAVEL, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.

What general norms of culture should I take into account at the destination?

This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.&nbsp;

How much free time will I have during the tour?

For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the following number: +51 979 706 464

What number can I contact if I have an emergency during my trip?

At VA Expeditions we believe that every action we take should generate a positive impact on the communities and the environment of our entire production chain, which is why we carry out various activities focused on this objective. Please ask your travel specialist for more information on our sustainable programs.

What sustainable activities can I do at the destination?

All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: +51 979 706 464. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com&nbsp;

What kind of support will I receive during my trip?

This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.

How many guides will there be on my trip?

This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.

What happens in the event of a medical emergency?

The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.

What kind of pace can I expect on a tour?

How flexible is my itinerary already being at the destination?

Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your&nbsp; hotel.

Can I leave my main luggage somewhere safe during my excursions?

For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.

Are there bathroom /toilet facilities during the tour?

In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.

What is the internet /WIFI availability during the tour?

In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.

Will there be cell phone reception during the tour?

It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your&nbsp; program.

What is the highest altitude we will reach during the tour?

We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. Depending on your destination, at various points on your trip there will be places where you can fill your water bottle.

What hydration options do I have on tours at the destination?

Thank you very much for your interest! You can follow us on our networks:
&nbsp;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaexpeditions/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaexpeditions/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vaexpeditions
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaexpeditions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaexpeditions/

How can I keep up to date of your news and information?

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Peru

Peru Top Rated Tours - Machu Picchu Tour Packages  | VA Expeditions

This mecca for adventurers offers some of the best trekking in the world with routes like the Laguna 69, Huaywash, Santa Cruz trek and the Pastoruri glacier. Just remember to acclimatise well, to make the most of the astounding trekking in the area. The mountain views, glaciers and turquoise lakes are nature&rsquo;s way of making us step back and appreciating these natural marvels in all their beauty. If trekking and mountain climbing are on your list of highlights in Peru then a trip to The <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-cord-blanca-climbing-alpamayo-mountain-5947">Cordillera Blanca</a>, is a must!

The gateway to the spectacular <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-cord-blanca-climbing-alpamayo-mountain-5947">Cordillera Blanca, </a>Huaraz has become northern Peru's epicentre for adrenaline-fuelled activities and an outdoor lovers dream. In fact, what was not so long ago a sleepy town unknown to many on the backpacker circuit is quickly becoming a must-do stop on the way to or from Ecuador. With so many spectacular hikes in the surrounding areas it is likley to remain a top destination for trekkers and hikers for a while to come. If you love outdoor adventures, spectacular mountain scenery and camping under the stars, then Huaraz and the surrounding Cordillera Blanca is the perfect destination for you.

Huaraz

The most common activities in the Cordillera Huayhuash are trekking and climbing, the first being more popular. Recently, due to the construction of new unpaved roads, the access is greatly improved and you can now visit parts of the Cordillera Huayhuash even if you have only four days to spend.&nbsp; In 2002 the Peruvian government declared the Cordillera Huayhuash a national reserve and the region is administered by seven communities, each charging an entry fee for their respective area. From the melting of the alpine ice and snow, beautiful lakes, streams and rivers are born, which flow to both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.&nbsp;

Cordillera Huaywash

Mountaineers from all over the world have been defeated in their attempts to conquer this knife-edge summit of Alpamayo Mountain. Situated in the heart of Huascaran National Park, it is often described as the world&rsquo;s most beautiful peak and attracts mountaineers and climbers from all over the world. Its pyramidal form ends in a pointed summit which appears to actually&nbsp; touch the incredible&nbsp; blue Andean sky above the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-cord-blanca-climbing-alpamayo-mountain-5947">Cordillera Blanca</a>, the highest tropical mountain chain in the world. AlpamayoMountain is spectacular, both for those who admire it from below, and those who dare to climb it. The true definition of an Off The Beaten Track experience!

Alpamayo Mountain

The home of Peru’s highest mountain, The town of Huaraz and some incredible trekking and mountain climbing.

The Cordillera Blanca

In the Andes, people still live in the traditional way and have done so for thousands of years. The picturesque villages that dot the mountain sides decorate all the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-peru-express">Andean region </a>with their native agricultural crops, llama and alpaca farming, as well as the traditional dress of their community. This is where you find the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Salkantay, Ausangate and the impressive <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/5-day-inca-trail-express-to-machu-picchu">Cusco </a>region. The Cordillera Blanca is to the North of the Peruvian Andes and home to Peru&rsquo;s highest mountain Huascaran at 6768 metres elevation (see the Cordillera Blanca section); Arequipa and Colca Canyon, with their canyons and volcanos and the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca are also found in the Andean region at a whopping 3800 metres elevation!&nbsp; (See the Southern Peru section). The North of Peru also has its Andean region with impressive sites such as Kuelap, Cajamarca and Chachapoyas. All these fascinating areas of Peru are connected by the magnificent Andes, your only dilemma is to make sure you have time to see all the regions!

The city of Cusco and the &ldquo;belly button of the world&rdquo; according to The Incas, was the capital of the Inca empire. The narrow stone cobbled streets and Inca foundations of historical buildings, as well as their Spanish colonial counterparts built on top of them, form a fascinating insight into a mixture of cultures and civilisations. Today, the tourist Mecca of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/9-day-the-best-of-peru">Cusco</a> is a hot spot for excellent cuisine, a Pisco sour or two and a jolly good night out, in between those excursions to ruins and trekking trips. This perfect launching spot for a multitude of activities and destinations has everything; however, be careful if you visit, you may never leave!&nbsp;

Cusco

Machu Picchu is probably THE number one on the list when you visit Peru. There is a reason why thousands flock to this wonder of the world, every year. The history of the impressive Inca architects and their domination of the continent as well as the geographical location, combine to make this ancient city a truly magnificent place to visit. Whether you hike there on the Inca trail or take the train, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/16-day-discovery-peru">Machu Picchu</a> is one of the must-do activities in Peru, if not, in all of South America. After all it is a modern wonder of the world and quite rightly so!

The Sacred Valley was so-called by The Inca&rsquo;s and was the main food source of the Inca empire due to its unnaturally fertile lands. This impressive Valley has many historical sites and cultural activities as well as adventure activities in its towns and villages. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-luxury-travel-peru">Ollantaytambo </a>is stunning, Pisac is beautiful and the market is traditional as well as touristic; Moray will leave you mind-boggling about its purpose; and in the higher regions, the native communities of Chinchero, Chawatiri and Huilloc with their traditional dress and weaving techniques, offer fascinating insight into how the Andean people have lived for many thousands of years.&nbsp;

Sacred Valley

The Andean region forms the spine of Peru and is home to many traditional, ancient communities, who are descendants of the Incas.

The Cusco Highlands

The home of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/14-day-colours-of-peru">Lake Titicaca</a> in the Andean region and Tacna on the coast, the South of Peru has many incredible things to see and do. The stunning history and Andean Quechua / Aymara people, who still live along the shores of the lake and on its many islands, still maintain their traditions to this day. Some have even built their own floating islands! (The Uros people). <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-the-best-of-magical-peru-amazon">Arequipa</a> is in the south also with magnificent canyons such as Colca and Cotahuasi as well as the impressive volcanos of Misti, Pichu Pichu and Chachani.&nbsp;

This beautiful canyon with its traditional dress, patchwork scenery volcanos and hot springs offer a fascinating and stunningly beautiful insight into the local communities. The hiking is incredible, the views are spectacular and it is, of course, the best spot in Peru to see the Andean Condor gliding through the canyon, in all its glory. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-the-best-of-magical-peru-amazon">Colca canyon</a> makes the Grand Canyon look like child&rsquo;s play. Twice as deep, it takes more than a couple of days to explore. You can take hikes into the giant canyon or enjoy the view from the top, but whichever way&nbsp; you choose, it is culture and Andean ambience, guaranteed.

Colca Canyon

This fascinating lake on the border of Peru and Bolivia is the highest navigable lake in the world. The fixed and floating Islands and their distinctive cultures are a fascinating insight into the Quechua and Aymara communities living there. Myth with tell you that the first Inca came out of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-peru-express">Lake Titicaca</a> to recover a sword, which was then plunged into the ground in the city of Cusco, declaring it the capital of the Inca Empire. Jacques Cousteau will tell you there is the lost city of Atlantis in the depth of the waters along with giant turtle, incapable of breathing out of the water! This fascinating lake is surrounded by legend and myths.&nbsp;

Lake Titicaca

Arequipa is straddled between Cusco&rsquo;s rich history and the modernity of urban Lima, giving you the best of both worlds in one place. This is Peru&acute;s second largest city and is strategically placed btween the main hubs of Cusco and Lima so is the perfect&nbsp; stop off on the way. The area is is reknowned for <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/13-day-sacred-land-of-the-incas">Colca Canyon</a> and the Misti Volcano but Arequipa has so much more to offer. With incredible cuisine, astounding museums, its impressive central Plaza de Armas and one of the best places to buy vicu&ntilde;a wool, Arequipa is a large citywith a small town feel and the perfect place to explore&nbsp; in the South of Peru.

Arequipa

The home of highest lake and the deepestcanyon in the world, The south of Peru is a fascinating place of extremes!

The South

&nbsp;The white sandy remote beaches fill up in Summer season but otherwise are deserted making for some excellent chilled out vacation time. The surfy, party town of Mancora is the central hub but close by are some stunning remote fishing villages if you are looking for a more chilled out vibe. The north, is blessed with a number of incredible archaeological sites such as Chan Chan in Trujillo, Kuelap in Chachapoyas as well as Gocta, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the world! The cuisine is incredible along the Northern coast and possibly the best place in the world to try <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/9-day-peru-gastronomy-cusco-and-lima-food-tour">Peru&rsquo;s national dish,</a> ceviche.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Although not in the North of Peru being a few hours south of Lima, we will put Nazca in this section 😊 These gigantic geoglyphs in the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/13-day-sacred-land-of-the-incas">Nazca desert</a> may have been the native people trying to communicate with their gods, mapping the night time skies, alien landing sites or whether they were a calendar to record the seasons; the mystery surround these lines geoglyphs and trapezoids is fascinating. What is a fact, is that you can only see them from the air! These are not only impressive but an incredible insight in pre- Inca civilisations living in the desert region of Peru.&nbsp;

The Nazca Lines

Is the central surf mecca of a number of beaches hogging the Northern coast of Peru. This is the lively party town of the area, but the more remote fishing beaches such as Lobitos, Punta Sal, Zorritos and Vichayito are some of the most beautiful, pristine beaches you could hope to see along Pacific coast. The waves are a surfers paradise and the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/9-day-peru-gastronomy-cusco-and-lima-food-tour">seafood</a> is a &ldquo;foodies&rdquo; daydream. Further north there is The Manglares Natural Reserve to go nature spotting in these aquatic forests, as well as the giant sea turtles and the whales off the coastal areas. This part of Peru is hot and sunny all year round!&nbsp;

Mancora

Totally off the beaten track in the north of Peru, exists a pre-Inca archaeological site called Kuelap. The Chachapoyan culture, known as the &ldquo;cloud warriors&rdquo; built this site in approximately 6th century. Although this site has a cable car, it is still rarely visited due to its tricky location in the cloud forest and an uphill climb to get there. However, this incredible site is a must-see with its conical buildings and temples decorated with geomorphic designs are mind-blowingly beautiful. Don&rsquo;t&rsquo; forget to check out Gocta close-by, for the highest waterfall in the world!&nbsp;

Kuelap

The North of Peru boasts some of the best surfing in the world and is blessed with all year round sunshine!

The "North"

Home to indigenous communities untouched by civilisation. Home to 1400 mammal species and 1500 bird species and 1500 reptilians it&rsquo;s no wonder that people flock here to see some of the rarest species. This rainforest spans more than Peru, but places like Tambopata and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/16-day-discovery-peru">Puerto Maldonado</a> in the south and Iquitos, Tarapoto and Pucallpa in the North are incredibly blessed with their native species and remote untouched communities. The area is divided into the lowlands and the &ldquo;seja de selva" which are the higher elevation parts of the rainforest and reaching the foothills of the Andes.&nbsp;

Visiting Peru&rsquo;s Manu National Park is like going back to the origins of life. As one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-the-best-of-magical-peru-amazon">Manu National Park</a> ,is an unexplored paradise with untouched&nbsp; indigenous cultures and incredible animal and plant species. Manu National Park is home to more than 4,000 animal species and 20,000 different plants, and the Manu National park covers an incredible 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres). You can see the famous otorongo (jaguar) resting on a tree, or meet the wonderful Machiguengas people who have welcomed you into their sanctuary; seeing Manu is a privilege that very few of us get to see.

Manu National Park

Puerto Maldonado is a city in southeastern Peru in the Amazon rainforest 55 kilometres (34 miles) west of the Bolivian border, located at the confluence of the Tambopata and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/14-day-colours-of-peru">Madre de Dios</a> rivers.The eco-lodges in the Amazon offer some of the best ways to see wild species in their natural habitats of this part of the Amazon basin. The parrots on a clay lick, the giant river otters on an Oxbow lake and a jaguar sunning itself in the banks of the river are only some of the wildlife species on offer in this part of the Amazon. Sailing down the river on a slow boat to the lodge offers excellent caiman spotting opportunities and a visit to a local herbal shaman will let you know some of the natural cures and Amazon potions of this super ecologically diverse area of Peru.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Puerto Maldonado/Tambopata

Iquitos is Peru&rsquo;s premier jungle destination and the gateway to the great Amazon rainforest. There are endless exciting activities to keep an adventurous traveler busy in Iquitos. Whether it be delving deep into the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-amazon-luxury-and-machu-picchu">Amazon</a>, or hanging out in the city of Iquitos, it is a place where boredom doesn&acute;t come into the equation. Butterfly enthusiasts rejoice, Iquitos has one of the best butterfly farms on the continent; The Amazonian Manatee Rescue Centre is the place to get to know these graceful endangered species up close and personal; have an interractive experience with indigenous jungle communities; see one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, Iquitos is unique, bold, beautiful and different!

Iquitos

60 % of Peru is part of the Amazon and the Amazon basin and is the most biodiverse rainforest in the world.

The Peruvian Amazon Region

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