In 2012, Peruvian park agencies will focus on developing Manu National Park as a destination for ecotourism.

What is ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that places emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel to natural areas. Among its key objectives, the ecotourism ethos seeks to minimize human impact, maximize conservation, and when applicable to increase the direct and indirect socio-economic benefits to the human populations that inhabit the affected environments. This philosophy is particularly important in Manu National Park, especially as it continues to grow and develop as a tourist destination.

Manu National Park

Located where the Andes and the Amazon River meet in southwestern Peru, Manu National Park comprises 1.5 million hectares and is the country’s largest protected area. In 1977, Manu was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and in 1987, a World Heritage Site. One unique trait of Manu is the range of elevations or altitudes within the reserve. From the river lowlands located at 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level, the mountainous rainforest areas and puna (grasslands) rise up to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters) in some places. This characteristic creates distinct ecological zones and microclimates, resulting in the astounding natural bounty of flora and fauna in Manu.

This tiny critter is one of 140 species of amphibians that populate Manu National Reserve.

Efforts to catalogue Manu’s diversity of species have turned up mind-blowing numbers: over 15,000 species of plants have been identified, including 250 varieties of trees. The number of bird species is around 1,000, more than the total number in the U.S. and Canada combined.  Among the 200 species of mammals are 14 types of monkeys and rare species like the giant otter and the giant armadillo. Manu is thus the perfect location from which to appreciate Peru’s animal diversity.

Crikey, a caiman! With so many species of plant and animal life in Manu, you never know what you’re likely to see if you keep your eyes open.

These exceptional attributes have made Manu an alluring site for researchers and nature travelers alike. As international attention continues to increase in the coming years, organized efforts to protect and responsibly develop Manu are of obvious importance, and the recent meeting of officials and tour operators was an important first step.

Currently, primary access to Manu is through Cusco, whether by air or ground, making it a fantastically exotic destination to add to your Machu Picchu travel packages. Tours of Manu feature a visit to the famous Cloud Forest, and can be customized to include trips to the clay lick where parrots and macaws congregate as well as jungle hikes. See our Amazon tour page, read our blog on Amazon destinations, or speak with one of our expert travel advisors for more details.

The idea for the event came about after French racer Thierry Sabine got lost in the Libyan desert of North Africa during an unrelated competition. During this time, he saw the potential that Europe and Africa’s dramatic geographies have for hosting an international rally race. However, political situations have made the intercontinental event too dangerous in some locations, so since 2009, Dakar has been moved to South America indefinitely.

The 14-day Dakar Rally brings together the top motorsports racers in the world to see who can race through the South American continent the fastest.

While many of us were still recovering from the previous night’s festivities on January 1, 2012, the top racers around the world were just getting ready to embark on a 14-day journey through the most desolate and extreme environments on the continent. In the last 3 years, Dakar had always been a roundtrip path between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Chile. This year, the rally started in Mar del Plata, Argentina and will continue upwards before ending in Lima, Peru.

Try to catch a glimpse of the racers as they blast through Argentina, Chile, and Peru’s top destinations, but be careful to stay off the road!

The motorsports event is regarded as a true rally where authentic off-road vehicles, as opposed to modified commercial automobiles, roar through the countryside conquering severe terrain. Dakar 2012 racers—who compete in 4 classes namely car, truck, motorcycle, and quads—will cover up to a staggering 500-560 miles (800-900 kilometers) per day for a total of 5,281 miles (8,500 kilometers). Because of the countless tests of nature that the vehicles endure, many of the motor industry’s top brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagon, Hummer, Honda, and Yamaha like to sponsor and showcase that their products are as well-built and dependable as advertisements claim.

The harsh desert along Peru’s Pacific coastline is forecasted to be one of the biggest challenges in the second week of the race.

If you have free time on your Peru holidays, following Dakar through its first time in the country will surely add some unique thrills to your vacation memories. The group of 465 vehicles will arrive in the capital city of Lima on January 15, 2012 after passing through popular destinations to the south such as Arequipa, Nazca, and Pisco. In fact, is it speculated that two of the most difficult sections will be the 152 miles (246 kilometers) between Arequipa and Nazca, and the 171 miles (276 kilometers) between Nazca and Pisco (famous for being the birthplace of Peru’s iconic grape brandy) due to the rough conditions and intense dune sizes of the coastal Peruvian desert.

Also, if you hurry, you can even catch the Dakar 2012 competitors as part of your Chile vacation. From January 7 to 9, the rally will pass through beautiful sections of northern Chile such as Antofagasta, Iquique, Copiapó, and Arica.

Machu Picchu built by the mighty Inca Empire has stood for over 600 years in the Peruvian Andes and probably won’t be going anywhere soon, but we can't say the same for this flight sale!

We don’t know about you, but we’re already thinking ahead in order to make our travel resolutions become realities in the upcoming new year. To help you get one giant leap further in the vacation planning process, we’re excited to announce that LAN Airlines, South America’s most premier, is hosting a massive flight sale!

Call it what you will, perhaps an early holiday present from the travel gods, but this promotion is truly something to be excited about. For the next 2 weeks only, flights originating in USA cities such as Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to all the major South American countries we serve including Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador are up to 50% off.

Start your 2012 with some adventure and make your way to South America by taking advantage of LAN Airlines’ most recent flight sale.

And there’s no better time than now to finally go on that South America trip you’ve always talked about. The Amazon Rainforest which spans over 40% of the continent, and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls which stretches across the border of both Argentina and Brazil have both recently been named as 2 of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The iconic white Christ the Redeemer statue hovering over all of Rio de Janeiro is proudly regarded as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Finally, the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu high up in the Peruvian Andes has just surpassed the 100 year anniversary of its discovery. What more are you waiting for?

Be sure to book today (or at the very latest by December 12, 2011) and travel between March 1 and June 30, 2012 so that your unforgettable Machu Picchu vacation and relaxing Argentina holidays can help you start 2012 on the right wandering foot. Contact us to see how Latin America For Less can help you take full advantage of this promotion. Email us directly at travel@peruforless.com to speak to one of our expert travel advisors and let us know what you’re seeking for your perfect South America vacation!

The 2 South American spots featured in the list are the majestic Iguazu Falls–straddling the border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay–and the immense, lush Amazon Basin–covering over 40% of the continent including parts of Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Although the current list based on the first count of votes is provisional, it is very likely definite. The official announcement of the winners will occur in early February 2012.

The mighty Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, a gigantic complex of waterfalls, is truly a sight to behold. Aptly named “Great Waters” in the indigenous Guarani language, the falls comprise over 275 cataracts of various heights and widths gathering together to create a thundering explosion of water. They are surrounded by a magnificent tropical forest teeming with exotic birds, butterflies, and other exciting species. Now is the time to hop on a plane and travel to Iguazu to get a glimpse of this unique natural wonder.

The largest rainforest and most biologically diverse area in the world, the striking Amazon Basin stretches over 40% of South America. Nowhere in the world will you find such a variety of beautiful flora and fauna to discover. A trip to the Amazon is sure to leave you awed as you explore the depths of the forest and meet inspiring local communities.

Beautiful view of the Tambopata River in Amazon, Peru

Organized by the global movement New7Wonders, the list was determined by a panel of experts who based their decision on several criteria:

• Unique beauty of the site
• Diversity & distribution
• Ecological significance
• Historical legacy
• Geo-location (even distribution of all contestants between the different continents)

Members of the panel in charge of the decision are all recognized for their expertise in matters of ecology and include members of international organizations such as UNESCO, authors, film makers, journalists, and scientists.

New7Wonders is a Swiss-based non-profit organization founded in 2001 by Canadian Bernard Weber, world-famous film director and author. The goal of the association is to protect the world’s natural and man-made heritage.

Relax alongside sea lions in the Galapagos

Although they didn’t make the cut this time, several of the 28 finalists were also in Latin America and definitely deserve to be mentioned—and seen! Among the contestants, you’ll find the gorgeous Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and the impressive Angel Falls in Venezuela.

One of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Costa Rica is like heaven on earth for most travelers. Magnificent sandy beaches, tropical waters, and lush national parks filled with exotic flora and fauna, are only a few of the country’s many attractions. This year, Costa Rica is evern more in the spotlight as it has been ranked in the top “happiest places in the world” by both the New Economic Foundation and the Gallup World Index of The World Happiest Countries.

Costa Rica, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, offers variety to suit every vacationer's dream.

If this is not reason enough for you to visit Costa Rica, maybe you’ll want to enter the race to win an all inclusive week-long trip for your family. Recently launched by the Costa Rica Tourism Board, this gigantic ad campaign titled Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness is sure to make many very happy travelers. From October 6, 2011, to February 5, 2012, all citizens of the United States and Canada are welcomed to enter the run and get a chance to win a spectacular Costa Rica vacation!

The winners will have the opportunity to choose between a selection of themed-vacations, from adventure, family, and culture, to romantic and nature. Check out Costa Rica’s official Facebook page and to learn more about this exciting contest.

Check out some of the best Costa Rica destinations!

What would you like to see on your Costa Rica holiday? This extraordinary country has something to offer to each and every visitorone. Whether you like relaxing on the beach and basking in the sun, or you enjoy wildlife and hiking in sumptuous natural reserves, you can’t find a more delightful destination. Even if you’re not part of the happy few that will win a free trip, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Is this isn't paradise, what is?

Playa del Coco: This tiny country nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean is home to many of the world’s most stunning beaches. Playa del Coco, located near the Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste region, is among the most well-known beaches in Costa Rica. It’s the ideal spot for sports activities such as surfing, diving, andor sport fishing. But it’s also perfect for those who like to take it easy on their vacation, as they’ll delight in the great variety of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and clubs available.

Monteverde Cloud Forest: As the Nnumber one destination for eco-tourism in Costa Rica, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Natural Reserve is dotted with spectacular wildlife and untouched forests. Located above the charming small towns that line the coast of Costa Rica, Monteverde is a world of nature and exotic species. This the perfect place for nature hikes in search of monkeys, birds, and many more species. The best way to explore the reserve is start from the small village of Santa Elena, where travelers will find an array of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities available.

Costa Rica absolutely teems with exotic wildlife.

Manuel Antonio National Park: Located just south of Quepos on the Pacific Coast, and about 132 kilometers from the capital, San Jose, the magnificent Manuel Antonio National Park is probably the greatest in the country for all nature lovers. Expansive white sandy beaches, crystalline waters, and evergreen forests make the park one of the most popular attractions in Costa Rica. Hundreds of species of birds and mammals can be witnessed in the various natural habitats that comprise the reserve. Visit some of the park’s 12 islands and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot some dolphins or even a whale!

For nature lovers and lovers of beauty, there's no better place to find happiness than in Costa Rica.

Come discover the Andes and much more on your next South American vacation.

Have you been waiting for that ultimate flight deal for your trip to South America?

LAN Airlines, one of South America’s premier air carriers, has just announced its new promotion offering a staggering 25% off selected major roundtrip flights between the USA and destinations such as Buenos Aires, Cusco, Santiago, and more! This rare sale means you and your loved ones can come enjoy the unforgettable sights and experiences of South America during over 8 months of valid travel dates. That’s an extremely generous window allowing you to plan today for the perfect escape from the winter blues by exploring the Chilean metropolis’ colorful colonial streets, a Valentine’s retreat in the romantic Argentine capital, and summer holiday discovering Inca secrets at Machu Picchu.

This amazing deal isn’t going to last, so contact us now to see how Latin America For Less can help you take full advantage of this promotion. You may also reach one of our expert sales advisors directly by emailing travel@peruforless.com; they can assist you every step of the way in preparing for your ultimate vacation to South America!

There's no better time to visit Cusco and the nearby Machu Picchu ruins, the pride and glory of Peru's heritage.

This is part 2 of our two-part series of posts about exactly which locations will be affected by this initiative. Read part 1 to see the 5 locations to be receiving the largest shares of support.

6. Lake Titicaca, Puno – US$ 14.5 million

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigatable lake in the world and with that comes a unique culture. The lake straddles the border of Peru and Bolivia where the original Copacabana lies. Puno on the Peruvian side is where travelers go to get a feel for the lake region and its people. From boat rides to floating islands made of reeds to various museums and galleries in the town of Puno itself, this is a very distinctive break from the mountains, jungles, and deserts of the rest of Peru. The investments in this area should help develop these opportunities even more.

The floating reed islands of Puno on Lake Titicaca are some of the most unique accomodations to visit or even experience during your trip to Peru.

7. Northern beaches of Piura and Tumbes – US$ 6.6 million

If sun and splash is your idea of fun, the sandy beaches of Punta Sal, Organos, Colán, Máncora, Cabo Blanco, Zorritos, and countless others between the cities of Piura and Tubes are perfect stops for your Peru vacation. The wild waves of the Peruvian Pacific draw some of the best surfers from around the world. The water shines cerulean blue all year and the rays never relent. It’s no wonder the government wants to show this area off!

8. Cusco – US$ 6.4 million

In addition to the lure of nearby Machu Picchu, Cusco has its fair share of things to boast about too.  Cusco is regarded as the oldest city on the continent and the capital of the legendary Inca Empire. In just 20 years, the population has boomed triple fold as a result of both tourism and natural growth. The San Blas neighborhood offers a bit of hippie flavor in contrast to the touristy kitsch on main roads. Then the glorious beauty of the city’s Cathedral and Plaza de Armas will leave you speechless, especially at night when illuminated with golden lamps. Sure, enough money flows into Cusco every day, but the new government investments will be put to good use.

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo in Cusco's historic center is one of the most iconic symbols of the colonial city.

9. Arequipa – US$ 4.8 million

Arequipa is Peru’s second most populated city and is dominated by Volcano Misti in its background. A number of markets, cathedrals, and other remnants from eras gone by are available for exploration. These sights are some of the most beautiful in the country because the White City, nickname Arequipa received because of its white buildings made of volcanic stone, is considered the epitome of mixed Spanish colonial and indigenous culture. Many visitors also come to check out the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Condors flying around in the open skies are quite magnificent to witness, and investments hope to bring more people to see them.

Volcano Misti loom over the Arequipan landscape in this glorious landscape of southern Peru.

As part of a two-part series of posts, let’s see exactly which locations will be affected by this initiative.

1. Amazon River in Loreto – US$ 24.7 million

The mighty Amazon Rainforest covers over 60% of Peru’s territory and so much remains unknown and deserves to be discovered and shared. The Loreto region is the country’s most northern area and includes Iquitos, the most populated city on earth reachable only by air or water, and a popular gateway for exotic jungle adventure excursions. Investments will help to develop the resources and activities that exist because of the Amazon River, hopefully drawing more visitors to visit this isolated but incredible section of the rainforest.

The Amazon River in Peru's northern Loreto region holds countless secrets just waiting to be discovered.

2. Lima – US $24 million

The heart and soul of the Spanish Empire during their conquest of South America was Lima, today the capital of Peru. The metropolis is home to over 8 million people and an extremely long list of cultural centers, museums, restaurants, bars, and urban parks for the traveler who just can’t get enough. With so much to offer for anyone of any background and any interests, funds to promote Lima might never be enough.

The colorful streets of Lima's city center are only some of the colonial delights in this both traditional yet rapidly modernizing capital city.

3. Kuelap – US$ 22.7 million

The immense golden fortress walls of Kuelap were built by the pre-Columbian Chachapoyas culture in the 6^th century. This gigantic complex contains over 400 buildings! The Andean people in this Amazonas region were eventually conquered by the Incas, but at their height, they created an incredible city for themselves. Situated on top of a ridge overlooking the Utcubamba Valley, this is one of the most unique and scenic archeological sites in the entire country. However, it is still relatively unknown to travelers. With this new investment, the government hopes this will change in due time.

4. Moche Route – US$ 22 million

The government has invested heavily on this project in recent years, and if things go as planned, the path will become the next most popular destination in Peru after Machu Picchu. The pre-Inca Moche culture lived in the valleys of Peru’s north coast some 1,500 years ago. They left thousands of treasures and relics, many of which are still being discovered. The “Moche Route” comprises the destinations that showcase the best of this ancient culture’s legacy. Running in the Lambayeque and La Libertad regions and including cities such as Chiclayo and Trujillo, the route contains a number of archaeological sites, museums, and beaches. Among them are the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, the pyramids of Tucume, the Huacas (sacred sites) del Sol y la Luna, and Chan Chan ruins in La Libertad. Tours that serve this circuit typically occur over 3 days.

5. Paracas / Nazca – US$ 16.6 million

These two towns are just a few hours south of the chaotic capital city of Lima but they couldn’t feel further away. Paracas is the hub for trips out to the extremely ecologically diverse Ballestas Islands, and the UNESCO-sanctioned Paracas National Reservation where visitors can roam over Peru’s pampas desert lands. Sea lions, penguins, and numerous bird species are the draw here, and funds are expected to contribute to the conservation and preservation efforts. Further south in Nazca are the infamous and mysterious Nazca Lines carved by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 A.D. These can be better seen from the sky.

The Paracas National Reserve is only one location in the state of Ica that will benefit from the government's newly dedicated focus and support of national tourism.

Check back tomorrow to see the other 4 locations in Peru that will be receiving some tourism financial support in the near future!