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.

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!

Then to my excitement, I learned that a certain type of eatery is particularly well-liked by Peruvians: chifas. These are Chinese restaurants, not to be missed on your Peru vacation if you really want a specific idea of Peruvian culture, that have been popularized since the mid 19th century when hoards of people from southern China’s Guangdong and Macau regions immigrated to Peru to work as laborers. Since I was born in Hong Kong and raised by a mother who never let me forget the fact, I was beyond eager to see just how authentic chifa dishes are to the Canton specialties I was used to.

The barbecue meats in Lima's Chinatown (Barrio Chino) are quite true to taste and texture.

BBQ meats: I found out that not only is Lima full of more than 6,000 chifa restaurants in all of its districts, that there is even a Barrio Chino (Chinatown) near the historic city center sure to stand out in your Lima trip! The short street had all the atmosphere of a Hong Kong market street down to the details of hanging meats in the windows and mooncakes for sale behind the counter. As it happened, then, my very first Peruvian meal was actually a taste of home! The small plate of barbeque duck meats and roasted sausages we ordered was absolutely identical and authentic to what I had eaten all my life and earned my expert eating seal of approval.

Wonton soups in Peru's chifa restaurants are on a playing field of their own.

Sopa wantan: The next two times I had a chance to eat out, I just had to try sopa wantan (wonton soup), arguably the most common starter seen on any chifa menu. Wontons, marinated seasoned ground pork or beef enveloped within a flour wrapper, are staples of any Guangdong diet. Both times when I received my hot bowl of soup and meat dumplings, they looked true enough to form. However, while the soup was always satisfyingly savory, the wontons themselves only disappointed. Apparently in Peruvian chifas, wontons are just pieces of carelessly wrapped white chicken breast rather than rich morsels of red meat. This appetizer is not entirely deniable, but it certainly lacks the spirit and character of a true Canton wonton soup.

Lomo saltado, or stir fried lean beef, is a true example of Peruvian and Cantonese Chinese tastes.

Lomo saltado: The name itself is Peruvian Spanish and so is the dish. Second perhaps only to chaufas (stir fried rice), lomo saltado can be found at any chifa. At its essence, it is composed of marinated beef strips, some light vegetables, French fries, and with a side of white rice. The uniquely delicious mixture of these elements, particularly the inclusion of French fries, makes lomo saltado both distinctively Cantonese in style but entirely Peruvian in flavor. That is to say, although this dish is not authentic to the culture that inspired it, it is unquestionably the ultimate example of Asian fusion cuisine great for rounding out your Peru trips.

Why not use your South American vacation to rejoice in the good and bad of the old year and get a vigorous jump into the fresh one? Who knows, you might even get to check off a few New Year’s resolutions ahead of time!

The mainly Catholic Christmas traditions of the continent below the equator, where the seasons are inverted with those of the northern hemisphere, have flair of their own. Generally, the major festivities with friends and family are held on Christmas Eve. After mass at the local church, neighborhoods ring with traditional music and food-filled parties (centered on an immense turkey) that continue until the early morning. Fireworks are also shot off in the dark of night. On Christmas Day however, much of South America is closed for rest. That means you get to explore your destination in a unique atmosphere of peace and quiet!

Here are our top suggestions for the best places in South America to spend your holiday season.

Doesn’t Paraty, Brazil look like the perfect place to spend your holidays and launch into the New Year?

Paraty, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro might steal the spotlight the rest of the year, but come New Year’s Eve, it’s Paraty’s time to shine. The ocean waters are pristine cerulean, the nearby jungle gives way to an exotic escape, and the fully developed region has all the modern comforts and indulgences for ending 2011 in style. Travel to Brazil for the ultimate New Year’s where dozens and dozens of nightlife options, from the trendiest clubs to the finest restaurants, await. When you begin to seek some new sights, just venture up and down the brilliant Brazilian coast to other beachside corners such as Ubatuba and Trindade.

Wake up to the dawn of a new year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Full of life, laughter, and soul, Buenos Aires is the cultural capital of Argentina and arguably the entire continent. Its nickname as “The Paris of South America” draws from its cosmopolitan air, charming wide avenues with sidewalk hangouts, and chic population. It’s the ideal place to spend the end of the year surrounded by fashion and style. But to party where the Argentines are on New Year’s Eve, you’ll have to take a short trip to one of the nearby beaches, particularly Punta del Este. Dress in your fanciest, drink, and dance at some of the glitziest clubs and bars in the area. Learn to dance the tango, a must-do on any Argentina trip, and then spend the rest of the first day of the new year resting as the locals do.

Although a great milestone for celebrating the holidays, Machu Picchu is great any time of the year.

Machu Picchu, Peru

This may seem a most unconventional location for spending your holidays, but that’s exactly what makes it so amazing! Machu Picchu is great at any time of the year, but what better place to spend Christmas and ring in the new year than by gazing at and wandering the grounds of the more than 600-year-old Inca citadel? The archeological site is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, and as such, regularly tops lists for being the ultimate travel destination. It will likely give you the inspirational boost you might be looking for! If seeing the ruins isn’t enough for you, then also look into climbing Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that lurks in the background of most Machu Picchu photographs. However, you probably won’t be the only ones hoping to get here during the holidays, so make sure to book your Machu Picchu travel packages as soon as possible in order to snag a ticket.

The massive fireworks display of Valparaiso, a colorful Chilean town along the Pacific coast, makes it the ultimate celebration spot.

Valparaiso, Chile

Although the capital city, Santiago, might be your first stop in Chile, the real place to be for Christmas is Valparaiso just 1.5 hours by vehicle. On New Year’s Eve, the streets of Valparaiso come alive with a major carnival and spectacular, out-of-this-world fireworks display, guaranteed to add some “oohs” and “ahhs” to your Chile vacation. Almost a million audience members have been known to come out to see the presentation, so get there early if you want to find a good spot to watch the show. The next day as you are regaining your energy, relax on the hot beaches and go for a dip in the Pacific Ocean.

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.

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!

Float down the Amazon River for 3 or 4 days from Yurimaguas to Iquitos, Peru to see the rainforest from a whole new angle.

Peru: Yurimaguas to Iquitos – Iquitos is the world’s largest city reachable only by air or water, so why not indulge yourself with the latter option for a more relaxing Amazon vacation? For typically 3 to 4 days, enjoy the sights of flora and fauna along the Amazon riverbanks and the edge of the Pacaya-Samiria National Park as you float from Yurimaguas to the most elusive city in Peru. Be sure to bring along your own hammock so you have your own space to laze around in the afternoons and sleep at night. Also, keep an eye out for the new government-proposed promotional touristic circuit that may include the unparalleled Madre de Dios River as the link between the Peruvian Amazon’s 5 regions, making it easier than ever before to embark on a well-rounded Peru vacation.

Be sure to bring your own hammock for relaxation and sleep.

Brazil: Belém to Manaus – Manaus is the capital of the Amazonas state in Brazil, the South American country which hosts the largest share of the rainforest. On your next trip to Brazil, don’t merely fly into Manaus; earn your visit by boating there over a period of 5 days from the eastern city of Belém. As you sail westward, you will be blessed with the sights and sounds of the Amazon Rainforest all the while with comforts such as air conditioning. A worthy Amazon town to stop in along the way is the charming Santarem and its traditional market.

Sail down the Amazon River in Ecuador and visit the breathtaking Yasuní National Park along the way.

Ecuador: Quito to Coca – This 4 or 5 day excursion down the Napo River is popular because it conveniently starts from the country’s capital city. A highlight is a visit to the immense Yasuní National Park, Ecuador’s largest protected area and a place overflowing with exotic plants and animals, earning it a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve honor. Travelers will also get a chance to see a parrot clay lick, engage in birdwatching, and glimpse into the traditional daily lifestyles of the native villagers whose ancestors have lived on the riverbanks for centuries. If you are looking for a peaceful Ecuador holiday, this might be your perfect option because compared to its neighbors, the Ecuadorian rainforest is one of the lesser visited and most free from crowds!