Travel & Cruise Guides and Tips | Fine Travel New Zealand

Holiday in Peru, the Land of the Incas

Written by Fine Travel | 13/04/15 22:30

Visit Peru and take a step back in time. Each footfall resonates with the sounds of long ago.

The Inca civilisation originated in the highlands of Peru in the early 13th century. Man’s oldest occupation in the America’s traces to the sacred City of Caral-Supe. The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Spanish didn’t conquer the last Inca stronghold until 1572.

Did you know the potato is originally from Peru? Proud Peruvians say, Soy mas Peruano que la papa (I am more Peruvian than the potato).

But Peru isn’t only history.

Peru is the sixth largest producer of gold in the world. Cotahuasi Canyon in the Arequipa region is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Peru claims 1,625 types of orchids and is a surfer’s paradise. At 4 km long, Chicama boasts the world’s longest left-handed wave, and Mancora the world’s largest left-handed point-break.

Any trip to Peru is a journey of discovery and delight.

If you are captivated by the Incas, our Legacy of the Incas tour is sure to enchant. Until discovered by Hiram Bingham, the citadel of Machu Picchu (known as the Lost City of the Incas) had been lost to the Amazon jungle for hundreds of years. Wander and explore these amazing ruins surrounded by soaring peaks at your own pace.

In Ica, wine capital of Peru, board a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Scholars believe these geometric etchings were created by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 AD, but are puzzled why they can only be seen from far above the Earth. Relax and enjoy a cruise to the Ballestas Islands.

Travellers on our Mysteries of the Incan Empire tour have the unique opportunity to stay overnight in both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Imagine following in the footsteps of this ancient people as you discover the Kenko Amphitheater and Puca Pucara in the Sacred Valley. At the ruins, join in a Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman to thank Mother Earth and ask for good health and safe travels. Then visit an Inca home and traditional Indian market for a taste of the way of life and cuisine.

Peru has so much to offer every visitor.  Lima presents world-class restaurants, museums, fascinating Spanish colonial architecture and the remnants of colonial mansions with sumptuous Moorish-style balconies.

Beautiful Lake Titicaca is situated at over 3800 meters above sea level in the Andes. Titicaca is famous for a population who live on the Uros, a group of approximately forty-four artificial islands made of floating reeds (totora) which abound in the shallows of the lake. A tour at Titicaca is definitely an unforgettable experience.

Peru today has a rich and varied folklore and a wide diversity of both music and dancing, combining indigenous genres and spirit. There are over 3,000 popular festivals including patron saint feasts, processions and carnivals. Come to Peru and dance as if no one was watching!

 

Ancient Peruvians were outstanding handicraft artisans with highly developed technical skills. This heritage is still seen in the coastal, mountain and jungle towns, in a variety of quality woven goods. Silver filigree, carved gourds, Ayacuchan altars, Huamanga stone and wood carvings, Chulucanas pottery and Monsefú ponchos are artful offerings to Peru’s lucky visitors.

The magical beauty of Peru will remain with you long after you’ve returned home…with a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Submerge yourself in a South American holiday in beautiful, mystical Peru with one of our luxurious and unique tours. You choose, and we’ll see to the rest. Can’t you hear the music of Peru beckoning in the background?

Let us take you there with any one of Fine Travel’s South American adventures and immerse yourself in Peru’s culture, history and beauty.