Peru is legendary among world travellers wanting to see fascinating cultures and well preserved relics from ancient civilisations. Stunningly endowed in history and beauty, boasting a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Peru is one of the most enchanting countries in South America.

Explore the enigmatic lost city of the Incas, 'Machu Picchu', perched high in the Andes mountains, hike the classic Inca Trail, wonder the cobbled streets of Cusco, an enchanting city of colourful markets, great museums and architecture from the colonial and Incan eras. Take a train across the altiplana landscapes to the shores of Lake Titicaca, discover the mysterious Nazca Lines and hike the deep valleys at Colca Canyon. Indulge in a culinary adventure in Lima, the hottest gastronomic city in Peru, and visit the pristine Amazon rainforest where you can choose from remote jungle lodges to cruising on small luxurious expedition vessels. Vibrant cultures abide within a country bursting with a variety of memorable travel experiences.

Climate

Peru is bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the southeast by Bolivia, in the south by Chile, and in the west by the Pacific Ocean. Peru is an extremely biodiverse country with habitats ranging from the arid plains of the Pacific coastal region in the west to the peaks of the Andes mountains vertically extending from the north to the southeast of the country to the tropical Amazon Basin rainforest in the east with the Amazon river.

The combination of tropical latitude, mountain ranges, topography variations, and two ocean currents (Humboldt and El Niño) gives Peru a large diversity of climates. The coastal region has moderate temperatures, low precipitations, and high humidity, except for its warmer, wetter northern reaches. In the mountain region, rain is frequent in summer, and temperature and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The Peruvian Amazon is characterized by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, except for its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.

Best time to travel: Mar - Nov (next best: Dec - Mar)

Wildlife

Because of its varied geography and climate, Peru has a high biodiversity with 21,462 species of plants and animals reported as of 2003. Peru has over 1,800 species of birds (120 endemic), and 500 species of mammals and over 300 species of reptiles. The hundreds of mammals include rare species like the puma, jaguar and spectacled bear. The Pacific holds large quantities of sea bass, flounder, anchovies, tuna, crustaceans, and shellfish, and is home to many sharks, sperm whales, and whales.

The cloud-forest slopes of the Andes sustain moss, orchids, and bromeliads, and the Amazon rainforest is known for its variety of trees and canopy plants.

Amazon Cruises Peru

Sail the waters of the mighty Peruvian Amazon on a luxurious cruise and journey into areas only visited by a privileged few. Knowledgeable and experience naturalists will take you into the Peruvian rain forest and the Pacaya Samira Reserve to spot pink dolphins, sloths, howler monkeys as well as indigenous people living in the local villages.

Enjoy the comforts on board and exclusive menus created by one of Peru's top ten chefs, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Cruising the Amazon River's largest tributies through the remote Pacaya-Samiria Reserve is definitely a highlight of Peru. Daily activities include jungle explorations by skiffs and on foot. Explore the pristine wilderness areas of the Amazon, with unique bird and wildlife sightings as well as visits to remote local villages, accompanied by naturalist guides.Contact us and let Southside World Travel create the best travel experience for you.