Antarctica Holidays

Steeped in a rich heritage derived from the gold-worshipping Incas, Peru is dotted with astounding monuments and citadels that bear witness to the legacy of this ancient tribe. Undoubtedly the most famous of these ruins is the magical site of Machu Picchu, flanked by steep terraces and nestled amongst dramatic peaks at the gateway to the Amazon valley.

The country is split by the Andes, and is essentially divided into three separate areas; the narrow coastal fringe to the east bordering the Pacific, the jagged peaks of the Andes that feed rushing rivers through fertile valleys and the lush depths of the rainforests within the impressive Amazon basin.

Lima & Nasca

The nation's capital, Lima, is a jumble of contrasts. Perhaps one of the best illustrations of this is the ancient adobe pyramid Huaca Pucllana, improbably nestled amongst the buildings of an affluent city suburb. The regenerated and modern area of San Isidro and Miraflores are the best places to stay in Lima, and the latter boasts numerous boutiques and restaurants perched along the coastline of the city. Many beautiful old houses are hidden just steps away from the bustling pavements while charming Spanish squares and churches dot the old town. Drive a few hours south of Lima and you will come to the infamous Nasca lines - huge looming images of animals and geometric patterns etched into the earth. They are best seen from the air in a sightseeing flight to fully appreciate their enormity. The area of Ica is also incredibly fertile and is where the increasingly popular Peruvian wines are produced.

Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Cusco is an incredibly pretty town with its red roofs, whitewashed streets and lively picturesque plazas edged with little shops, restaurants and cafes. Situated at an astounding altitude 3400 m above sea level, Cusco is enclosed by mountains and is overlooked by Sacsayhuaman. This remarkable fortress comprises tightly knit stones that zigzag to form the jagged teeth of the panther at the heart of the Inca culture. Cusco is the natural starting point for visitors to Machu Picchu via a scenic train journey. Take in the colourful market town of Pisac, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and the beautiful patchwork terraces of the Sacred Valley that edge the Urubamba River. From Ollantaytambo the train meanders through progressively deepening green foliage before reaching Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. A coach then completes the journey to the ancient citadel and a truly an unforgettable sight. For those who believe in earning the view from the Sun Gate the Inca Trail is a good 5-day trek connecting the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.

Arequipa, Colca Canyon & Lake Titiaca

Arequipa is Peru's second city, overlooked by a stunning backdrop of volcanic peaks and is known to many as the 'White City' due to it's defining architecture. An appealing place to stay in its own right, Arequipa is also ideally located for those wishing to reach the 1 km deep gorges of the Colca Canyon, where at Cruz del Condor the magnificent birds rise and fall with the thermal currents. From here it's also easy to access the town of Puno and the immense Lake Titicaca. Acting as a natural border to Bolivia it is the world's largest high-altitude body of water at over 8500 sq km and plunging to a depth of 284 m. Traditional Indian villages line its shores although the lake's most inventive inhabitants live on the Uros Floating Islands, crafted from numerous layers of tortora reeds.

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