Peru

Mentioning Peru almost inevitably evokes images of Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire. Cuzco, the centre of Inca civilisation, is overlooked by the great ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where the Inca winter festival was held. To the west is Machu Picchu, Lost City of the Incas, never found by the Conquistadores, and accessible by train up the Sacred Valley, or on foot along the Inca or Salkantay Trails. However when you arrive it’s pretty easy to see what all the fuss is about, but spectacular as Machu Picchu and Cuzco are, the Inca era accounts for just a small fraction of Peru’s history, and the country contains many historic sites from previous civilisations, as well as fine colonial-era towns.

The Original Travel Latin America team know this, the third largest country in South America, extremely well after several research trips in recent years. Aside from arranging the inevitable trip to Machu Pichu, we can advise on the best itinerary to take in one of the most richly biodiverse countries on earth, with habitats ranging from Amazonian jungle to snow-clad Andes home to famous species such as the puma and condor. The mysterious Nazca Lines, high-altitude Lake Titicaca, and the bustling metropolis of Lima are amongst the country’s other attractions we can weave into any itinerary.