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.

Day 1: Arrive to Peru & Fly to Cusco

Machu Picchu may seem like a far away, unreachable destination, but on the contrary, it’s very accessible. Even if you don’t have much time, you can easily organize your trip and check it off your travel list for 2012 in just a weekend! International flights arrive in the airport in Lima, the hectic and vibrant capital of Peru. From there, you can catch a connecting flight to Cusco. The flight is only a little over 1 hour to reach the magnificent former capital of the Inca Empire where you can spend the night and relax.

Day 2: Visit Cusco

In Cusco, you’ll revel in the myriad luxury hotels, delicious restaurants, and most of all, the impressive architecture. From the grandiose Cathedral and tall, resplendent church of La Compania de Jesus on the main square, to the marvelous Inca stonework of the Korikancha temple and 12 Stone Wall, Cusco is one of the highlights of any Peru vacation. It is best to spend at least one day in Cusco to get acclimatized to the altitude and visit its many wonders before you start on your Machu Picchu travel adventure.

Day 3: Machu Picchu & Overnight in the Sacred Valley

Rise early and catch the train to Machu Picchu for one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of your life! You can take the train around 5 a.m. in Cusco and reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, in about 4.5 hours. From here, Machu Picchu is only a quick 20-minute bus ride away. The train and bus ride themselves make for an incredible journey through the beautiful highlands of Peru.

You’ll arrive in the morning at the ruins and have the entire day to explore the site. If you wish to learn more about the history of this majestic fortress and its former inhabitants, it’s best to hire a guide who will provide you with all details and insights you can ask for because there are no informational signs on display among the ruins. Tours generally last around 2 hours, leaving you time afterwards to explore the ruins on your own. Don’t forget to hike up to the Sun Gate, the highest point of the archeological site, for the most beautiful views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean range.

Once you’ve had your fill of the ruins, just hop on a bus down to Aguas Calientes and catch a train back. For a full Machu Picchu holiday experience, stop in Ollantaytambo and spend the night in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, once the mighty empire’s agricultural breadbasket. You can also visit the impressive Inca fortress that still sits in this small village and relax in the beautiful Andean countryside before returning to Cusco.

Day 4: Return to Cusco & Fly to Lima

In the morning, you can take the train to Cusco and fly back to Lima to catch you flight back home. If you have some time to spare, make sure to hop into town and take a look at Lima’s modern Miraflores district for some shopping, or the historic district to admire the colonial architecture. International flights often depart at night so you may even have time to try some of the delicious restaurants in town. We recommend Astrid y Gaston for a full Peruvian gastronomic experience, or the restaurant at the Huaca Pucllana ruins.

Read more about how to get to Machu Picchu or contact one of our travel advisors to start planning your trip today!

There are several ways to travel from Puno and the magnificent Lake Titicaca region to the ancient city of Cusco, former seat of the glorious Inca Empire. Although not the shortest or cheapest travel option, the train is without a doubt the most wonderful.

PeruRail, the local train company, operates the only trains between these two major Peru travel destinations. The 10-hour ride through the majestic Andean range and spectacular green landscape that characterize Peru is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The journey started early in the morning so we were required to be at the station at 7:30 a.m. From there we boarded the most beautiful train I had ever seen, called the Andean Explorer. The renovated wagons were formerly part of the world-famous Orient Express train company and they still retain their classic, elegant charm with wooden interiors, dim lights, and cozy chairs. We were seated by a welcoming staff, and as the train departed for its long journey, we were offered a hot beverage and breakfast treat to start the day.

10 hours may seem like a long time but they were gone in the blink of an eye. We were kept entertained during the entire trip from Puno to Cusco, first with a colorful traditional music show in the bar wagon. Most of the passengers, and me alike, were eager to admire the stunning landscape through the observation car, with its large windows and opened back. The train travels at a leisurely pace which allowed us to admire the scenery. I felt like I was being transported back to the 19^th century in the heart of the American Midwest during the Gold Rush.

Around noon, we were asked to seat again and enjoyed a delicious several course gastronomic meal. From starters to dessert, all dishes were absolutely fantastic, freshly prepared and inspired by traditional Peruvian cuisine. After a quick nap and time gazing in awe through the windows, the bar opened and we learned how to make the notorious national drink of Peru, the Pisco sour.

After some more music and even a glamorous fashion show, the train made a quick halt in a local handicrafts market in the middle on the countryside, surrounded by mountain and green fields. The market itself is a bit touristy, right on the train tracks, but it’s also the sole means of survival for the local population so everyone made a point to buy a little something. They had beautifully woven textiles, hats, and alpaca sweaters, as well as hand-made jewelry and other handicrafts.

After hopping back on the train, we tranquilly continued our journey toward Cusco, enjoying tea time and a small snack around 4 p.m. We made it to Cusco around 6 p.m., right in time to enjoy a relaxing evening in the city. This Peru vacation experience was one of the most unforgettable, and definitely worth the splurge!

The train travels every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from April to October; and every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from November to March. Travelers can depart either from Cusco or Puno.

I recently had the chance to visit the Peruvian highlands for the first time, and the experience was richer than I ever imagined. After a breathtaking 12-hour train ride from Lima to Huancayo, the cultural and geographical heart of Peru more than 10,730 feet above sea level, my friends and I took a few days to explore the Andean countryside and enjoy its rural charms.

The Andean highlands of Peru provide some of the most stunning views and authentic cultural experiences in the country.

Beyond the incredibly friendly people and spectacular green and golden landscape of the Mantaro Valley, we also got to indulge in the most iconic Peruvian foods, directly from the origins of their source. As well, learning about the Andean handicrafts gave a fascinating insight into the old traditions that have been passed on generation upon generation. So whether you find yourself in the Andes in the northern city of Chachapoyas, Huancayo in the center, or Cusco in the south on your way to an Inca Trail hike or Machu Picchu holiday, be sure to experience some of these outstanding cuisines and arts.

Food

Noodle and grain-based soups, both vegetarian and meat options, are extremely popular starters throughout Peru.

Hot soups – In many areas, clean and fresh water is difficult to come by and the days and nights can get seriously chilly depending on the season. Therefore, the locals really enjoy hot soups as part of their meals because the water must first be boiled, and they make for warm, cozy dishes. Whether you are coming in from a tiring day of trekking in the mountains or exploring the streets on a Cusco tour, a bowl of hot soup is sure to relax your entire being, not to mention a delicious starter with which to whet your appetite.

Papas a la huancaina – Peru is known for its literally thousands of varieties of potato types. Of the many potato dishes, one of the most popular in the country is papas a la huancaina which originated from the cold Andean regions. Potatoes are first boiled, then either served whole or in slices depending on their size. The defining characteristic is the savory, mild, bright yellow cheese sauce that is poured over them. The taste of the first bite took me back a bit, but soon I devoured the entire appetizer plate and wished for more!

Fresh river trout is an indulgence many love to enjoy away from the coast.

Trout – Although the Peruvian coast is known for its diverse seafood dishes, the internal highlands have varieties to call their own as well. The crisp mountain rivers provide fresh fish for the local populations. A particularly popular  dish is trout, which should not be missed on any  trip to Peru and the Andes. We didn’t get to stop by the famous trout farm in Ingenio just outside of the town of Concepción, but the trout ceviche (raw seafood “cooked” by being marinated in lime juice and spices, largely considered the national dish of Peru) I had from a street vendor in the Cochas Chico village was definitely tasty.

Cuy – One of the most unique foods to be tried on a Peru vacation and particularly the Sierra is cuy, which means guinea pig. The little creatures sell for about $10 per plate—a bit more than a typical meal otherwise, but the taste is worth trying at least once. It really does remind of chicken, but with more tiny bones. A cuy body filet is prepared grilled and usually accompanied by white rice and/or a side salad.

Handicrafts

The artisanal work that comes out of central Peru is some of the most skillful to be found.

Gourds – The village of Cochas Chico just a short 15 minutes outside of Huancayo is known for its skilled gourd carving arts. Many of the gourds are grown and dried in the nearby area, but others are imported from other areas of Peru, each with their own distinctive shapes and sizes. It was amazing to watch elderly artisans (including a man of 70 years!) flawlessly sketch on the dry mate burliados, and with such incredible detail! Scenes are usually of the pastoral and agricultural lifestyle and includes celestial motifs, farm animals, and land workers.

Silver – San Jeronimo is a tiny village, but its vibrant silver works speak for themselves. From delicate jewelries to decorative knick knacks, the crafts definitely tempted my wallet. If you first need some time to think about your purchase, you can also later buy at the artisanal markets back in in Huancayo.

Wool weavings – Small and tranquil little Chupaca has a weekly Saturday market that brings plenty of colorful characters and handiwork crafts from around the area. I managed to snag a good deal on a white woven cap and 3 pairs of thick, handmade wool socks for incredibly low prices. They should keep me sufficiently warm on the rest of my Peru travels!

Far from our Lima office, we decided to put their travel know how to the test. Relying solely on their Peruvian travel expertise (no guide books allowed), they enjoyed a fantastic few days visiting Arequipa, testing hotels, regional cuisine, beverages, and taking in the beautiful scenery (not a bad assignment!). They returned from their excursion with wonderful memories and were eager to share their newest firsthand travel experiences and knowledge with all of our customers and anyone thinking about traveling to Peru.  Here are some of their top picks. Enjoy!

Arequipa

MUST SEES:

• The Juanita Mummy Museum
  

“When I first heard the story about Juanita, a young girl who was sacrificed to the gods in the 1400s and then was discovered on the Ampato Mountain in 1995, I was truly fascinated. Unfortunately, the Ice Maiden, as she is commonly referred to, is only on display from May to December. There is so much else to see in the museum that it was worth the visit, but I hope I will get to see the famous Juanita mummy next time I visit Arequipa!” -Jennie, Travel Advisor

• The Santa Catalina Convent

This interesting convent is so big that it’s known as “a city within a city”. It certainly felt like it! There are so many sections in this convent that you could wander around for the whole day seeing how the famous “wealthy” nuns of this monastery lived in the 16^th century. -Jennie, Travel Advisor

• Andean Camelids

Distant cousins of camels and dromedaries, Andean Camelids have been (and still are) the main source of food and clothing in the Andes. You’ll witness countless herds of these beautiful animals while in the region.

One familiar species, the alpacas, are often used for their meat as it’s delicious and healthy (an extraordinary combination!). The majority, however, are bred for their wool which is considered one of the best in the world due to its light, warm and hypoallergenic qualities.  -Miguel, Tour Operator

• Local Volcanoes

“Misti is our protector, he watches over the White City,” our guide whispered as we all tilted our heads back to gaze at the massive snow capped volcano looming over us. El Misti is an active volcano that sits a mere 17 km away from Arequipa. In fact, Arequipa is surrounded by not one, but three volcanoes:  Picchu Picchu, Chachani, and El Misti. Adventurous spirits with more than a little courage can climb to the top of the volcanoes for amazing views and rich plant and animal life. Unlike most of us, Arequipeños do not fear their volcanoes. El Misti still continues to be seen as Arequipa’s protector and provider. -Spencer, Travel Advisor

WHAT TO TASTE:

• Colca Sour, Alpaca, and Cheese Ice Cream

Arequipa has many specialties, but my three favorites were the colca sours (pisco sours with a colca twist, made with an Andean cactus fruit called “Sancayo”), alpaca meat, and cheese ice cream. The cheese ice cream, which isn’t actually made of cheese, (thank goodness!) got its name for looking like cheese. This is something you should not miss whilst in Arequipa. -Jennie, Travel Advisor

Colca Canyon

MUST SEES:

• Andenes

From Arequipa to Colca Canyon, it’s about a four hour bus ride, passing by numerous high mountains. On the way to the canyon, while riding along the valley, we enjoyed looking at the many Incas terraces.  These terraces also called “Andenes,” were built to farm a variety of crops including potatoes, grains, and corn.  It is believed that at least 80% of these terraces were built by ancient local communities such as the Ollaguas and Cabanas over 1000 years ago.-Silvana, Travel Advisor

• Cruz del Condor

Condors can weigh up to 14 kilos and be over three meters long.  Cruz del Condor is the best spot from where we could marvel at these large birds. While there, we lost track of time searching out the condors. -Silvana, Travel Advisor

• La Calera Hot Springs

Located in the Colca Valley between Arequipa and Colca Canyon, you can soak in La Calera Hot Springs while taking in the mountain scenery around you. Definitely a must see and a great way to unwind! -Jennie, Travel Advisor

WHAT TO TASTE:

• A sample menu of region specialities

By Carina Wetzlhuetter, Operator

Starters:

Rocoto Relleno: Stuffed rocoto peppers with a very tasty and spicy sauce.

Ocopa : A special sauce that has its origins in Arequipa and consists of yellow chili pepper, fresh cheese, peanuts, and black mint. Accompanied with potatoes.

Entrees:

Cuy : Yes it’s guinea pig! A very popular dish all around Peru, and common in Arequipa. Don’t worry,  if desired you can order it without the head!

Alpaca: The deeper you go into Colca Canyon, the better the Alpaca – a soft Alpaca steak, made from the traditional recipe of the great-grandfathers of the local inhabitants of the valley. This meat will give you the ultimate Peruvian cuisine experience.

Desert:

Queso helado: Cheese ice cream.  This may not sound very tempting, but I can promise that it does not contain any kind of cheese. This is a very typical Arequipenean ice cream with a soft flavour of cocoa as well as cinnamon.

All members of our staff are not only considered experts in their field, but are also driven by a common passion for travel and an enthusiasm for adventure. They most certainly love sharing their experiences and helping others to create similar magical memories.  Contact us and we’ll help you plan your next dream vacation in Peru.

Just like most countries in the world, the majority of countries in Latin America require travelers to have a passport valid up until at least 6 months after they enter the country. So before you even start booking your trip to South America, make sure you have a passport and that it is valid for this duration of time. It can take up to 6 weeks to get a new passport, so don’t wait until the last minute (although there are some emergency procedures for specific cases).

Now, for country specific regulations:

Peru

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa to visit Peru. Touristic stays of up to 183 days are allowed in Peru. You will generally be given a 90-day stamp upon arrival at the international airport, but if you wish to stay longer and travel in the country, you can just ask the immigration officer for a 6-month stamp.

The airport in Lima—so far the only international airport in Peru—charges an international tax of approximately $30 USD upon departure from the country. However, most international airlines now include this fee in the flight ticket, but if it is not included when you purchase your flight, you’ll be required to pay it before you leave.

Argentina

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not require a visa to visit Argentina, and touristic stays of up to 3 months are allowed in Argentina. Touristic stamps are valid for several entries in the country within their period of validity, making it easier to travel cross country on your Argentina vacation. But, be aware that all citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia will be charged a reciprocity fee upon entry in Argentina. As of 2011, the tax amounts to $100 USD for Australians, $70 USD for Canadians, and $140 USD for Americans.

Brazil

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must have a visa to visit Brazil. Make sure to contact the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country in order to obtain your visa prior to travel. Check out the list of Brazilian embassies and consulates in the world and find the one closest to your home. Procedures take approximately 2-3 weeks, so it is important to submit your visa application about 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. But don’t do it too early either because your visa is only valid 90 days after its issuance.

US citizens need to fill in an e-application form, print it, and make an appointment with the Brazilian embassy using the online scheduling system. You’ll need to bring the form with a passport, picture, and travel documents. Find here the online application form for Brazil visas. Disregard the security warning that will pop up when you click on the link as this is a secure site and the error message only comes from the Brazil channel which is not automatically recognized by international internet browsers yet.

Nationals of the United States will need to pay a $140 USD reciprocity fee to enter Brazil; the fee is $65 USD for Canadians. Citizens of European Union countries are exempts from any visa requirements and entrance fees.

Chile

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa for touristic stays up to 3 months in Chile. However, if you are from the USA, Canada, or Australia, you will need to pay a reciprocity fee of respectively $131, $132, and $61 USD.

For more information about visa and passport requirements and to start planning your exciting trip to South America, contact one of our expert travel advisors.

Every 5 years, all in-country Peruvians are required by law to participate in their democratic presidential elections. To win, one candidate must earn 50% of the popular vote. This rarely happens the first time around, as the vote tends to be split among a large number of diverse candidates.

This year, with election results partially in, it appears the top two candidates (most likely Ollanta Humala and Keiko Fijimori) are slated for a runoff election on June 5 to see who will replace the current president, Alan Garcia. Garcia did not run in this election because presidents are not allowed to serve consecutive terms.

The new president will be housed in Palacio Gobierno in Lima’s historic center.  Originally built by Francisco Pizarro—founder of Lima—in 1535, the building has withstood numerous earthquakes and fires, and underwent its last major renovations in the 1930s. This imposing building now has more French design elements than Spanish and hosts an impressive changing of the guard everyday at noon.

The Palacio Gobierno sits in front of the Rimac River on the north side of the Plaza de Armas, Lima’s central square. This area is a must-see during a Lima tour, as in addition to the Palace, the square also contains the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Municipal Palace.

In addition to beautiful colonial architecture, Lima has many other delights to offer its international visitors during their Peru vacation. Just around the corner from the Plaza de Armas is the Monasterio de San Francisco. The building itself is lovely, but the real attraction is the catacombs underground. As Lima lacked a cemetery until the 19^th century, the bones of its deceased were buried underneath churches. Archaeologists have excavated more than 250,000 bones from this site, which are now arranged according to type, and highlighted during daily tours (given in both English and Spanish).

Travel to the popular district of Miraflores to see modern apartment buildings lining the cliff-side coast, and dine at one of the numerous restaurants that serve up both fresh ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice) and stunning sea views. Be sure to sip on a pisco sour, the classic Peruvian cocktail, in one of the bustling bars by Parque Kennedy, and you might see a double-decker bus filled with partisans of one of the presidential candidates singing and chanting their way through the city.

But perhaps the best thing to do in Lima is simply stroll along the streets and soak up the culture—especially dynamic during this busy election period. With campaign posters strewn along the streets, candidates’ names painted on the sides of concert houses, and t-shirts declaring the political preferences of the wears, this is an interesting time to be in the capital (though we should note it is actually illegal for foreigners to participate in any sort of Peruvian rally or demonstration, so admire from a distance!)

The popular Cusco may be the heart of the former Inca Empire, but Lima is the beating heart of today’s vibrant Peru. Home to 9 million people, seat of the country’s government, and home to Peru’s only international airport, Lima is definitely worth a visit.

To learn more about Lima or to book a Lima City Tour to compliment your Peru vacation, please contact one of our expert Peru travel advisors.

Previously, if one wanted to visit Peru’s lovely Paracas National Reserve or the Islas Ballestas, it required a 4-hour bus ride down the coast from Lima. Then, to see the mysterious Nazca Lines, travelers took another bumpy land-route 3 hours further to the town of Nazca.

Those wishing to continue their Peru vacation onto Cusco had to return to Lima for their internal flight, or submit to a long and arduous bus trip across the Andes.

Thankfully, the new flight paths eliminate these inconveniences.

Travelers can now take a 30-minute flight from Lima to Pisco. From Pisco they can enjoy the nearby Paracas Bay and its famously rich marine wildlife. Many choose to book a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands (sometimes referred to as Peru’s Galapagos) to admire the resident Humboldt penguins along with one of the largest sea lion colonies in the world.

Also, short-distance flights that skim over the Nazca Lines now operate out of Pisco itself. This is a slightly more expensive but much more convenient option than traveling all the way to the town of Nazca, which has little to offer other than its airport.

An aerial view is the best way to experience the legendary Nazca Lines, which are massive geoglyphs of animals, humans, and geometric shapes constructed by the Nazca civilization sometime between 400 BC and 700 AD. Despite being studied by modern-day experts, no one knows why these massive designs were constructed.

For more suggestions or information on a Paracas and Nazca Tour contact a Peru For Less travel advisor.