Going to backpack or travel in Peru? Visit Lima, Cusco or do the Inca Trail? Looking for cheap and good accomodation, hostels, airfares, car rental, guidebooks and travel gear? You will find it all at Go backpackin.com  Lonely Planet Library In such a relatively small territory Peru manages to pack in as much diversity as is found in the rest of South America in its entirety. From the coast's beaches and cliffs, to the arid desert of the plateau, the high peaks of the Andes and finally the steamy rainforest of the Amazon basin - there is a little bit of everything.                           Homepages           Click :             UK         EU        AUS   Backpack and travel in Peru Against this fabulous backdrop Peru can boast some of the most colourful wildlife and one of the most enigmatic histories found anywhere in the world. The Andes are the land of the condor, while the Amazonian forest contains the myriad creatures that make up that incredible eco-system, including pink dolphins, spider monkeys and the tropical caiman. Everywhere, whether coast, mountain or forest there can be found the evidence of the ancient tribes and civilisations that grew, lived and died here.   Most famous among these is, of course, the Incas. This amazingly sophisticated civilisation came to prominence in the 15th century and in just one hundred short years had established a culture that spanned the whole costa and even encroached on the most inaccessible peaks of the Andes. The most famous symbol of this age is of course, Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, located high in the Andes. The Incas were far from the only civilisation ever to live here though...   The Nazca plains are a case in point. The inhabitants of this arid desert region to the south of Lima carved themselves indelibly into the landscape, with their massive pictorial representations of animals and figures, some hundreds of metres across and only visible from the air. Perfectly straight lines criss-cross the desert, and famously these were once thought to be the runways for alien spacecraft - a not unbelievable theory when you see the elongated skulls of these people, created by binding their heads in infancy.   Go north to Trujillo and you'll find yet more evidence of ancient culture. The Chimu people who lived here some 1,700 years ago left behind the largest mud settlement ever found - a city some 20km sq, and filled with remarkable buildings. Although colonial rule didn't suit the Peruvian people, for obvious reasons, Peru and its cities were once the pride of the Spanish Empire, and this is borne out in the pristine colonial architecture you find in Lima, Trujillo and most noticeably Arequipa.   For the visitor Peru is just about perfect; history, culture and natural beauty in equal measure. One visit can never encompass the diversity you'll find here, which is the best excuse in the world to visit time, after time, after time. Transport...go there, travel in the country and after   Peru is home to some of the great rail journeys in the world, lovers of train travel will be pleased to hear. For convenience though, most travellers opt for buses and planes. The former covers the entire country with cheap though time-consuming routes; the latter a more expensive option but is the best way of getting about if your time is limited. Driving can be a risky business, but of course offers the greatest amount of freedom to those who dare.   Click here for transport possibilities   See & Do   With the numerous ancient civilisations that have inhabited the country, Peru has a wealth of unique attractions, not least the infamous Machu Picchu. The country is also home to some dramatic natural scenery and fascinating colonial towns.      Machu Picchu        Undoubtedly Peru's jewel, a trip to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. This mountain top Incan city is truly stunning and although everybody has seen it through postcards and eloquent descriptions of its majesty, nothing can quite prepare you for actually being here. What really sets this set of Incan ruins apart from all others is the remoteness of its setting. It actually disappeared from human knowledge for centuries, before being "discovered" by the inquisitive missionary's son Hiram Bingham (who followed local knowledge to the ruins). He at least excavated the ruins, opening them up to literally hundreds of thousands of tourists, who have since come to admire the magnificence of Machu Picchu.   Many people lament that the magic of the setting is being eroded by the hordes of tourists but in truth who can blame anyone for wanting to witness a genuine wonder of an ancient and enigmatic people? The complex is divided into the city and the terraces that were used to grow the sustaining crops of coca and hardy staples. Highlights in the city include the Torreon (also called the SunTemple) and the Three Windows Temple. There are many other relics however, and it is essential to pick up a guide so you can trace the numerous items believed to have religious or astronomical significance. If you're feeling reasonably fit take the climb up Huayna Picchu which stretches its bulk into the heavens above the city, from where you can obtain some superb views. For your postcard view of the city climb the hill on entering the site to the Funerary Rock - at dawn this is where people gather to see the sunrise.   There is an admission fee of USD10 to the site. You can access Machu Picchu by catching the daily train from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (otherwise known as Aguas Calientes) from where a mini-bus ascends to the site itself. An alternative way of getting to the ruins is to walk the Inca Trail, a four day trek to the site from Cusco. Organised tours can be joined in Cusco for around USD200. If you travel alone, you must stick to the marked routes and camp at the designated campsites. The number of trekkers who can use the trail each day is limited and you are required to obtain a permit in Cusco at least five days before commencing your trek. It costs USD50 per person. Naturally at peak periods competition is fierce and you are advised to book well in advance. The ticket includes admission to Machu Picchu itself.    Check Ho(s)tels: Cheap hostels in Machu Picchu   Mid-end hotels Machu Pichu Combi: Book Air + Hotel  together Tours: Cusco & Machu Picchu  Cuzco & Inka Trail to Machupicchu   Cuzco / Machupicchu   Inca Trail to Machupicchu    Inca Trail 2 Days  Machu Picchu 1 day  Machu Picchu Explorer    Lima       Peru's capital city was founded by the bloodthirsty Pizarro following his defeat of the Incas. In shape and form it is a classical Spanish colonial development. The modern centre is a 21st century city, but the buildings in the old town are a stunning example of Spanish New World architecture, full of elaborate stone work, verandahs and balconies. Visit the churches of San Pedro and San Augustin, erected by the Spanish in the early years of the settlement. The grand houses of the colonists are likewise excellent examples of architecture transplanted directly from Spain, Casa Riva-Agüero being possibly the finest though there are a few others open to the public that are worth visiting.   The cultural institutions of the city are the finest found anywhere in the country. Most concentrate on pre-Columbian times and in the NationalMuseum and the Rafael Herrera Museum of Archaeology (Museo Arquelogógico Rafael Larco Herrera) you can see art and artefacts from the Incas and the preceding cultures that inhabited Peru up to colonial times. The latter museum contains the largest collection of pre-Columbian art in the world, most notably the extensive range of pottery artefacts from the Moche period, including some rather risqué erotic pieces.   The National Museum of Archaeology brings your knowledge of the country up to the present day, while the GoldMuseum's collection of valuables would satisfy even the avarice of the conquistadors who sought El Dorado in the New World. Av. Bolívar 1515, Pueblo Libre. Open: daily 09h00-18h00. Admission: PEN25. Check ho(s)tels: Cheap hostels in Lima   Mid-end hotels in Lima combi:  Book Air + Hotel in Lima together Tours: Inca Trail   Lima & Cuzco    Ica Between Pisco and Nazca there is a little town in the middle of the desert which i called Ica. Just outside of Ica there is an oasis between the sandy duins which was built by the nazi's in the 2nd worldwar. Nowadays its a perfect spot to do sandboarding and there are several shops, restaurants and hotels around the oasis.   Check ho(s)tels: Cheap hostels in Ica     Nazca Desert    The NazcaDesert lies on the arid plateau south of the capital and was once home to one of the most sophisticated civilisations of its age. The Nazca lines, perfectly straight lines drawn through the desert, are their most enduring and baffling legacy. More spectacular still are the 200m wide designs depicting animals created in the same way on the desert floor. Amazingly these shapes can only be clearly discerned from the air. Explanations for their purpose have been as outlandish as landing strips for aliens, as believable as ritualistic tracks for the devout to follow, and as hum-drum as much trodden paths to watersources. In truth nobody knows.   Visit the Chauchilla graves to see a spine tingling relic of the ancients - exposed pits contain the mummified remains of the Nazca people. The arid atmosphere has meant that in many cases hair and clothing have survived intact, although grave robbers and looters have carried away much of what was originally contained within these tombs.   In the same region head for the city of Ica and its marvellous museum, for an explanation of the significance of the Nazca lines and the people it is believed created them. You can also find out about the Paracas people, who bound the heads of infants, elongating the skull to create a tapering effect.     Puno,  Lake Titicaca      The world's highest navigable lake, Titicaca forms part of the boundary between Peru and Bolivia. Located high in the Andes it is a unique eco-system. The floating islands of Unos in the middle of the lake have been well-documented but their unusualness never fails to amaze first-time visitors. These vast rafts, made of reeds and lashed-together boat hulls are home to an indigenous population of lake dwellers who spend their entire lives on the waters of Titicaca.   Puno is the nearest city and although somewhat bland in itself, its people are endlessly fascinating. Various indigenous mountain tribes have made their homes here and the result is a hotch-potch of Peruvian culture. The Unos islands are an hour away from the city by boat and welcome tourist visitors.   It is recommended that you spend at least one night by the lake outside of Puno or any other town. Away from artificial light after nightfall the clarity of the air at this altitude and the reflective qualities of the water mean you are treated to a spectacular natural light show as millions of stars are mirrored in the water of the lake.   Check Ho(s)tels: Cheap hostels in Puno   Mid-end hotels in Puno   Tours: Titicaca Lake: UROS/TAQUILE ISLAND (1 day)      Cusco       Once the capital of the Incas, Cusco was never completely colonised, at least architecturally speaking. The old town displays some intriguing glimpses of Inca architecture, which has survived 500 years of Spanish influence. The city was said to be deliberately shaped like a puma, although modernisation makes it hard to see nowadays.   One part that is easy to identify is the head of the beast, depicted by the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress. Its angled walls forming formidable diagonals are typical of Incan architecture, constructed from massive stone blocks which tessellate perfectly, held in place by their own weight. This was once the backdrop for a bloody and decisive battle between the conquistadors and the Incas, when Incan leader Manco used the fortress as his base for an uprising. Through superior weaponry the Spanish massacred the insurgents and consolidated their hold on the capital. The three tier curtain walls still stand but the defensive towers and outbuildings were looted by the Spanish for building material.   None of Cusco's other Inca relics are as impressive, but you should try to make the time to see the amphitheatre at Q'enko at least. The site, it is believed, was used for ceremony and ritual, although the assertion of local guides that the altar stone (still instantly recognisable for what it is) was used for ritual sacrifice is unproven - although the grooves on its surface do evoke disquieting conjecture.   Check Ho(s)tels: Cheap hostels in Cusco   Mid-end hotels in Cusco  Combi: Book Air + Hotel  together Tours: Amazon Adventure   Ausangate   Cusco & Machu Picchu   Cusco Imperial  Cuzco & Inka Trail to Machupicchu   Cuzco / Machupicchu   Full Cusco 5 days Inca Explorer   Inca Journey   Inca Trail to Machupicchu    Inca Trail 2 Days  Machu Picchu 1 day  Machu Picchu Explorer  Manu Manu Amazonia  Peru Discovery  Peru Mysteries  Rafting in Urubamba River    WONDERFUL INCA TOUR    Iquitos      Iquitos is the main city in the Peruvian Amazon and is located in the remote north-east near to the Amazon's confluence with a couple of major rivers. It is a charming enough city. You should make your first port of call the Amazonian Museum (Tel: +51 (0)94-231-072): it provides a slightly hit-and-miss collection of exhibits, but does the job of filling you in on the basic history and culture of the Amazonian Indians.   The museum is located on the riverside promenade Malecón Tarapacá, which is still the focus for the city's daily life. In the evenings this is where Iquitos's inhabitants have their pre-dinner stroll, and it's a pleasant place to while away a bit of time. The grand 19th-century mansions here are relics of the rubber barons, who made their fortune from the commodity during Iquitos's boom years. Rather less typical is the accurately named Iron House (Casa de Fierro) which was actually designed by Gustav Eiffel and formed part of Paris's 1881 world fair (which also featured Eiffel's more famous construction, the EiffelTower).   From Iquitos you can take river cruises along the Amazon itself or the other rivers such as the Ucayali or to one of several wildlife parks in the vicinity where you can get to grips, albeit in a slightly sanitised way, with the charms of the Amazon forest. Those seeking more adventure should head for the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve 120km south-west of Iquitos.   Check Ho(s)tels: Cheap hostels in Iquitos   Mid-end hotels in Iquitos Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve  One of the largest protected regions in the world the National Reserve offers the chance to experience the Amazonian basin in all its natural glory. This expanse of nearly 21,000 sq km of virgin rainforest encompasses wetlands, lakes, rivers and of course thick vegetation. It's remarkably diverse and the wildlife population more than matches the geography for sheer variety. As well as monkeys, countless birdlife and other familiar jungle creatures you'll see such seemingly incongruous creatures as pink freshwater dolphins and giant turtles, besides the fearsome caiman and crocodiles.   The region is still home to indigenous tribes including the Boras, Yaguas and Cocamas. Most of the villages are on the periphery of the reserve, making them relatively easy to get to. Others, like the Cocamas, are rather more remote requiring that you arrange visits in advance and allow extra time for travelling there. The usual way through the reserve is via canoe from Lagunas or Nauta, both a day's fast-boat ride upstream from Iquitos. Guides will take you on tours lasting anything from a few days to a couple of weeks. There are various tour groups operating out of Iquitos. If travelling independently ask Inrena for advice and recommended tour companies. Inrena: Pevas 350, Iquitos; Tel: +51 (0)94-231-230.     The Andes at Huaraz       Although it's a pretty non descript town (largely thanks to a massive earthquake which shook it to pieces in the 1970s) Huaraz is well acknowledged as the centre for all manner of mountain activities. Located in the far northern Peruvian Andes the town is literally ringed by snowcapped peaks soaring up to over 6,000m and it's no surprise that this has been called the Switzerland of South America. The HuascaranNational Park protects the region and contains Peru's highest peak - 6,800m high Huascaran. This is the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, the white mountains, an area of unparalleled beauty. In winter it is the province of extreme ski enthusiasts, while in the summer the peaks are given over to serious trekkers, hikers, mountaineers and climbers. Snow-melt rivers give opportunites for kayaking and rafting in the valleys.   If you like your firma with a bit less "terror", there is plenty to do and see elsewhere in the Cordillera. The lower slopes and valleys are great for mountain biking while the scenery hides some relics of Peru's ancient civilisations that are off the beaten tourist track. Most notable is Chavín de Huántar, 100km from Huaraz in the MosnaValley. This stone fortress it is believed was built around 2,500 years ago by the Chavín, Peru's most advanced ancient culture. What is left of the ruins consists mainly of a series of vaults, and some of these have been buried by landslides, but they hide enigmatic relics and carvings depicting the animalistic icons of the Chavín - including the Lanzón, a totem carving of the principal triumvirate of gods. Get here by mini-bus tour from Huaraz. Tours: Trekking Huaraz 05 Days     Arequipa      The second largest city in Peru, Arequipa contains arguably the best colonial architecture found anywhere in the country with the local white stone adding a beauty to the distinctively Spanish casas that were established here in the 18th century. Some of the houses have been restored and preserved and can be visited, others are still in private hands and not open to the public.   While here you should visit the "Museo Santuarios Andinos" at Santa Catalina. This museum contains a good collection of Inca artefacts but is most famous for being the resting place of the "Ice Maiden of Ampato". This 600-year-old corpse of an Inca sacrificial victim was only uncovered following a thaw on the high peak of Ampato in 1995. The objects placed by her grave have been perfectly preserved, as have her remains. A fascinating insight into the life (and ritualistic death) of the Incas.   Santa Catalina Convent, Arequipa      Most visitors to Arequipa will pay a visit to the Santa Catalina convent. This Dominican order was established in 1580 and only opened its doors to the world in 1970. It is nowadays an idyllic self-contained village, which you feel could have been transplanted from Southern Spain.   Red walled streets and courtyards (check out the arches linking courtyards, bearing instructions such as "Silencio!") are even named for places in the home country. Wandering around by yourself is a good way to explore but get a guide to hear the real story. There is still a small population of nuns here but they are never glimpsed by the public. Intriguingly when a nun dies in the convent she has a posthumous portrait painted by a resident artist, thus creating a permanent artistic record of all the nuns that have inhabited the convent since its inception.   Check Ho(s)tels: Cheap hostels in Arequipa   Mid-end hotels in Arequipa  Combi: Book Air + Hotel  together Tour: Arequipa / Colca Canyon Arequipa, Peru   Trujillo      Trujillo is famous for being the place where Peru finally proclaimed its independence from Spain. It is a fitting accolade - the city was originally named after the Spanish hometown of Pizzaro, the conqueror of the country in the 16th century.   The city nowadays is a charming small settlement, packed with the colonial houses of 18th- and 19th-century Spanish architecture. Wrought iron balconies and balustrades complement the brightly coloured buildings of the city, which look like they've been painted yesterday. However Trujillo is more famous for the older architecture that can be found just outside the city. The MochaValley, where the city is located, was also home to the Kingdom of Chimu, and the ancient city of Chan Chan, adjacent to the modern settlement, is the largest complex of mud houses ever discovered. The Huaca del Sol, not too far away, is an amazing 20m-high mud pyramid of great archaeological significance.   Head for the seaside town of Huanchaco in the morning for a slice of traditional Peruvian culture. Here the local fishermen head out in the dart-shaped reed boats known as "caballitos totora" (tortora horses), pushing them right off the beach into the surf. If you fancy a trip a bit further afield take a tour to the Lord Sipan tombs, two hours north by car. Only discovered in the 1980s this tomb of a Chimu ruler dates back to a couple of centuries before Christ and was packed with valuable treasures of the ancients, including gold, silver and gems. These are now on show at the museum in Chiclayo. Check Ho(s)tels:  Cheap hostels in Trujillo   Mid-end hotels in Trujillo Combi: Book Air + Hotel  together Check also hotels in: Ayacucho  Chiclayo  The Sacred Valley  Huaraz   Juliaca   Madre de Dios  Piura  Puerto Maldonado  Tarma  Check combi's: Book Air + Hotel together                                                                 Menu Air Ticket Search Engine Book Air + Hotel together Best Hotel Search Engine Best Hostel Search Engine Budget Search Engine Mid End Hotels Peru cities Top End Search Engine Car rental Search Engine Lonely Planet Shop Top10 roundtrips Backpack & Travel Gear Country/Area links Asia Australia New Zealand China Thailand Cambodia Laos India Indonesia Malaysia Vietnam Europe The Netherlands France Italy Spain United Kingdom Croatia Greece Germany Belgium Russia Latin America Argentina Mexico Peru North America United States Canada Alaska Africa South Africa Egypt Kenya Tanzania Topcity links Topdestination Amsterdam Florence Rome Barcelona Paris London Prague Berlin Lisbon Athens Brussels Vienna Moscow Buenos Aires Mexico City Capetown San Francisco New York Bangkok Beijing Sydney Bali                                                       Check out a selection of good hotels in Peru. Go the the pages for more information about the accomodation.  Arequipa: El Balcon El Balcon Arequipa is situated in a residential area, just a few blocks from the main attractions and the Plaza de Armas. Click here for more info Click here for more hotels in Arequipa Lima: La Castellana Located on Grimaldo del Solar Street, La Castellana Hotel Lima is set in the heart of Miraflores. Surrounded by boutiques, coffee shops, cinemas, theatres and restaurants the property is very close to Larco, the most important avenue of Miraflores.             Click here for more info Click here for more hotels in Lima Cusco: Jose Antonio Boasting comfortable accommodation and convenient facilities, this charming property welcomes you to enjoy your memorable holiday at Cuzco. Location Located in the heart of Cusco's archaeological centre, the Jose Antonio Hotel is few minutes away from the main square. This hotel is a kilometre from the city centre and 3 kilometres from the airport. Click here for more info Click here for more hotels in Cusco Machu Pichu: Hotel Machu Pichu Known for its great location and modern comforts, the Inn Hotel offers an ideal accommodation spot in Machu Picchu, for all types of travellers. Location Located in the charming village of Aguas Calientes, the Inn Hotel is only a few minutes away from the Puente Ruinas Train Station. Click here for more info Click here for more hotels in Machu Pichu   Puno: Hotel Trujillo Peregrino Hotel Trujillo is located in the city centre, close to Plaza de Armas. Rooms The hotel boasts well decorated bedrooms that are comfortable and come with modern amenities. Restaurant Guests can enjoy local cuisine at the onsite restaurant and unwind with a fine drink at the bar. Click here for more info Click here for more hotels in Puno         Travel sites & tools Weather report Worldwide Discount Backpacking Tours Travel News Country Maps Travellers Health per country Embassies around the world Shop National Geographic Teach English Projects Travel Chums Travel buddies Restless Generation Virtual Cities Universal Packing List Kodak EasyShare Gallery Travel Magazines Travel diaries and journals   Check out a selection of the best Tours in Peru. Go the the pages for more information about cities and their hotels. Cuzco & Inka Trail to Machupicchu  Cuzco City, ruins around the areas, Indian Market and the inca trail 04 days 03 nights, Inca Trail Park Regulations. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area managed by the National Institute of Natural Resources, INRENA.   Titicaca Lake: UROS/TAQUILE ISLAND  Titicaca Lake is considered the highest sailing river in the world. Puno was founded in 1668 and is the capital of the region, It's a typical city in the boundary. Each one of the towns in the outskirts of Puno still maintain a precise identity related to its aymara origins. Titicaca Lake is one of the greatest in the world. It's located at 3812m above sea level and it longs 175 km. Inca Trail 2 Days                          TOUR DETAILS Day 1: Early morning transfer from your hotel to the train station. Train from Cusco to kilometre 104 (start of the trek). Cross the Vilcabamba River and trek to Wiñay Wayna. Lunch. Visit Inca ruins and continue to Machu Picchu, arriving at approximately 4pm. We take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night. Day 2: Return by bus to Machu Picchu (arriving at about 7am). Guided tour of the Inca Citadel (2 hours). Free time to explore Machu Picchu and climb Wayna Picchu. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Train Aguas Calientes to Cusco     Arequipa / Colca Canyon                       TOUR DETAILS 1 Day.- Upon arrival transfer to the selected htl. Tour will take you to the white city and its Churches. The city is surrounded by a superb countryside ideal for a comfortable rest. It is the second city of the country and it is also know as the White City because their houses are built with a white volcanic material know as Sillar 2 Day.- Visit the Colca Canyon one of the deepest in the world, where the visitors may observe the Condor's flight, the pre inka terraces for agriculture and also the typical Colonial town of Yanque, Achom, Maca, Overnight in Chivay. L. D 3 Day.- After breakfast, very early in the morning, drive to the Condor's Cross, natural observation point from where the magnitude of the Colca Canyon and the spectacular flight of the majestic condor is appreciated. On the way back to Chivay, visit to the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs and the Hanging Bridge of Sifón that joins the town of Yanque with Coporaque. At the town of Yanque, visit its beautiful church and its characteristic stone streets among other attractions. To have spectacular views of the Colca Valley, we will drive to the observation points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque and also to the town of Maca. In the afternoon, return to the city of Arequipa, arriving at 18:00hrs. aprox. Overnight at selected hotel. 4 Day.- After breakfast, transfer to the local airport or bus station. Trekking Huaraz 05 Days                               TOUR DETAILS Day 1 Huaraz - Vaqueria You will be picked up from your hotel and you will pass through Yungay during the travel to the lagoon Llanganuco. After a break and a walk at the lagoons we continue our trip to Portachuelo.at 4750 mtr. From here we could observe at a cloudless day the snowy Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju and Huascaran, during our trip down to our next stop Vaqueria at 3700 mtr. This day is rather easy because we have had our transport. Day 2 Vaqueria - Paria Today start the real trek. After your breakfast you begin early in the morning downwards at the place Huaripampa where you could observe the typical farmer live of this place, afterwards we go up until the gorge Huaripampa passing the forest of Quenuales where we finish and have our camp. Day 3 Paria - Taullipampa After breakfast we start the day climbing for the gorge Tucto, until the mountain pass Punta Union op 4750 mtr. Where we can see the snow of Artesonraju, Quitaraju, Rinrijirca, Pucaraju and Taulliraju. We continue with a walk down to Taullipampa at 400 mtr where we have our camp. Day 4 Taullipampa - Llamacorral After breakfast we go downwards to the gorge Santa Cruz where we stop at Quisuarpampa for observing the Nevado Alpamayo, we continue our trek through the gorge and pass the lagoons Jatuncocha and Ichickcocha where we can find a various kind of the silver ducks. We make camp at Llamacoral at 3500 mtr. Day 5 Llamacoral - Huaraz Again after breakfast you will go further down way the gorge of Santa Cruz for three hours. We arrive at the place Cashapampa where Manu tracking 1 Day .- We leave Cuzo early morning. Visit thei nteresting pre - inca Tombs of NINAMARCA, Paucartambo, Colonial town, and then down to the cloud forest, here epiphytic plants such as Bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the COCK of the ROCK, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns ( one of hte oldest living plants ). Mosses and lichens, at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region .Overnight in our open air lodge " San Pedro " 2 Day. - Observe the ritual mating dance of the COCK of the ROCK ( Rupicola peruviana ) , Peru's national bird from a platform in the " Lek " After breakfast we continue in our overland transport * 1 down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward Pilcopata Town * 2 . A 30' bus ride to the port of Atalaya where we will board our covered outboard moptor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes towar our private reserve of " Erika Lodge " where we will spend the next two nights. Short walk around the lodge Optional 1: Descend with Mountain Bikes from San Pedro Lodge ( 1700 m.a.s.l. ) Cloud Forets to Pilcopata - High Jungle ( 700 m.a.s.l ) Optional 2: A 3 hour rafting trip down the Koshñipata river where we will have the oportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the Koñeq canyon. Continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Erika Lodge 3 Day.- The altitude range of this beautiful site, explains the high diversity of wildlife found around this lodge , so immediately after breakfast, we start walkng, our guide will talk about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals etc. Before returning for lunch we have the chance to swin in the clear water of natural pools of a stream close to the lodge to visit a small lake near to the alto Madre de Dios River, here we are going to have the chance to see the Hoazin a primitive bird, black caimans, many species of birds, insects etc, This will be our last night in this wonderful amazon jungle, overnight in the lodges 4 Day.- This day we will get up very early to board our boat , we will arrive after 5 minutes to a small "COLLPA ", which is a wall of clay in the riverbanks, where many species of parrots feed for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. After this green and so noisy spectacle, we continue by boat to Atalaya port and then the bus back to Cuzco arriving late in the afternoon             Our Partners Lonely Planet National Geographic Hotels.com Hostelword.com Viator Tours Kodak Travelocity          Link Partners Travel Cusco Peru: vacation packages, tourism and tours  Discount vacation travel packages to Cusco, Machu Picchu all the exciting destinations in Peru Machu Picchu Hotels, Machupicchu travel information and Machu Picchu Tours  Machu Picchu Complete listing Hotels, information, weather, faq's, maps, cheap prices and online reservations Cusco Peru hotels, tours, travel information  Comprehensive site for travel and tourism to Cusco, Machu Picchu and Peru. Find vacation package tours, Hotels booking, Inca trail hikes and travel information Cheap backpacker travel to Peru, visit Machu Picchu at low budget  This Web site was created to cover our clients requiments , you can find good quality of services for reasonable prices, we offer you a variety of packages designed exclusively for people with adventurous spirit who also look for comfort and security Iquitos Information, hotels, complete tours  A complete guide to Iquitos. Travel information, tours, hotels, history, weather, maps, photos and much more.