Guided Trips

We guide you to the best trips worldwide

photo credit: stevendamron

The mountains of the west coast of South America, the Andes, dominate the countries of Chile and Peru. They are arid and incredibly high – not where one would expect to find one of the world’s great civilisations. Yet this area is one of the most fascinating holiday areas in the world. A journey through the Andes takes you up and back – right to the time of the Incas.

Let us take our trip from south to north, starting in southern Peru, near the Chilean border; we will visit Nazca, a small, coastal town, near the better known town of Ica. The main attraction at Nazca is best seen from the air and there are regular flights available. On a plateau outside the town, covering some 300 acres are the Nazca Lines. It is believed that they are in the form of an ancient calendar marked out by the ancient tribe and predate the Incas. Whilst in the Ica area, we can sample the excellent local wine. This is the main wine producing area of Peru.

Travelling inland, our next stop will be Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru. It is ringed by volcanoes, the main three lying in the Valley of the Volcanoes. It is possible to climb the volcanoes – although it is a fairly stiff hike. A by-product of the volcanic activity in the area is the hot springs, which can be enjoyed at Chivay or Huancarama.

The city itself has many beautiful sites and is well worth a tour round. It boasts one of the first convents to be established in South America. Built in the 16^th century, it is still an active convent and local church.

Travelling north again will bring us to Cusco, a good centre for some of the most exotic sites in Peru. Firstly to Lake Titicaca, the centre of the ancient Inca religion. Here the Incas believed they originated from the sun god and where gifts were thrown into the waters each year to celebrate. This huge, freshwater lake is one of the deepest and at the highest altitude of any mountain lake. Because its water comes from the surrounding mountains, it is always very cold, so swimming is not an option!

The other main excursion from Cusco is the most famous, dramatic and taxing site in South America – Machu Picchu. Built at an elevation of 8,000 feet on a rocky outcrop in the Andes, this Inca city was never found by the Conquistadores and survived until its abandonment by the inhabitants. Because of this, it is largely intact and is an outstanding example of Inca culture. Visitors can see a whole way of life – houses, temples, shops, burials, even a recreation area.

There are regular excursions to Machu Picchu by car or bus – it is now a popular tourist site. Intrepid walkers can approach along the Inca Trail, which involves four days walking in the footsteps of the ancients. The approach along the Sacred Valley is well worth the effort!

To complete our tour, a trip eastward brings us to Lima, the capital of Peru. Situated on the coast, Lima is a pleasant and friendly city, with plenty of tourist facilities. One can choose from relaxing on the beach or exploring the historical sites around the area. Although not as extensive as Machu Picchu, Lima was an important Inca site in its own right and can combine the modern with the ancient in the real Peruvian manner.

If visiting prior civilizations most impressive structures is a holiday must for you, then why not travel to the breathtaking châteaux of the Loire valley in France.