We have the only all-color guide and the most extensive one to Peru. Larger than Spain, France and Germany combined, Peru offers astonishing variety in its landscape, from the endless desert coastline, to the cool mountain waters of Lake Titicaca, the glaciered pinnacles of the Andes or the rainforests filled with wildlife. The author shows how to explore them all, through guided tours or on your own, on brief excursions or week-long treks. Peru was home to the Inca empire 500 years ago, but this was just the last of a succession of pre-Columbian civilizations going back thousands of years. In.

Peru is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries on the planet. Of the 117 life zones on earth, 84 can be found here. Because of this, Peru's flora and fauna is some of the most unusual on earth. Scientists are only beginning to grasp just how many species exist and how many are still likely to be discovered. Large areas of rainforest and mountains remain unexplored. It was only in the past few decades that research began on the canopy tops, the upper levels of the rainforest, which have opened up a whole new world of plant and wildlife. As far as history goes, there is more here than anywhere else in the Americas. Most have heard of the Incas and Machu Picchu, but there were many large civilizations here long before the Incas: the Chav n, Chimu, Moche, Wari, Nazca and Paracas. Each group left their mark on the country in some way and their achievements, artifacts, and architecture are more impressive in many ways than that of the Incas. Highlights of the Southern Coast: * Wine and Pisco tasting OCo Sample the world's largest Pisco-producing region and some of the finest wine Peru has to offer. * Islas Ballestas OCo See seals, frigate birds, and Humboldt penguins in the poor man's Galapagos. * Santa Catalina Monastery OCo Walk through the secluded city within a city, one of Peru's most revered Catholic landmarks. * Nazca Lines OCo Take a gut-wrenching flight in a five-seater plane for the best view of the Nazca lines. The Nazca Lines, 22 km/13 miles north of Nazca, were made by removing the darker sun-baked stones and piling them on either side of the line, exposing the lighter soil. Why the lines were made is still open to much debate, but scientists have a fairly good idea of who made them. The Paracas and Nazca peoples are believed to have created the lines between 900 BC to 600 AD. It is also believed that the Huari settlers from Ayacucho made some additions in the seventh century. There are literally hundreds of lines and geometric shapes that stretch for miles, but the animals such as a monkey, dog, spider, whale, and several birds, including a hummingbird with a wingspan of over 100 yards, are the most well-known. There are also images of a tree, hands, and what is thought by some to be an astronaut. * Adventure OCo Trek Colca Canyon, climb El Misti, or raft in Cotahuasi. This guide includes full details on where to stay and eat in Southern Peru, plus what to see and do. Also included is an extensive introduction to Peru as a whole, with information about the history and culture of the country, the cuisine, the arts, the people, the flora & fauna, the parks & reserves, and the 20 top adventures."

Mystical, timeless, and full of adventure: embark on the trip of a lifetime to the jewel of Peru with Moon Machu Picchu. Inside you'll find: Strategic trekking guides, including two to four days on the Inca Trail, five days on the Salcantay, and an Inca Jungle Trail itinerary, plus focused coverage of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lima Unique experiences beyond the beaten path: Explore seldom-seen ruins like the Ollantaytambo Temple and visit remote Quechua-speaking villages. Go horseback riding on a caballo de paso in the Sacred Valley, mountain biking to the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuamán, or set up camp on the riverbank after a day of rafting on the Río Apurímac. Sample coca tea and authentic local delicacies, or shop for handmade Peruvian weavings, pottery, and jewelry Essential planning information on agencies, tour guides, and porters, food and accommodations, packing suggestions, finding the best airfares, and getting around by bus, train, taxi, car, or motorcycle rental How to visit Machu Picchu respectfully, with tips on sustainability and helping the local economy, minimizing your impact, and avoiding over-tourism, with insight from Lima resident Ryan Dubé A guide to hazards, precautions, and gear, including how to avoid altitude sickness Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background information on the landscape, wildlife, plants, culture, history, and local customs Handy tools including a Spanish phrasebook, visa information, volunteer and study opportunities, and tips for seniors, families with children, visitors with disabilities, women traveling alone, and LGBTQ+ travelers With Moon Machu Picchu's practical advice and insider know-how, you can forge your own path. Exploring the rest of the country? Try Moon Peru. Doing a tour of South America? Try Moon Colombia or Moon Patagonia. Special ebook features: Easily navigate listings with quick searches, plus website links and zoom-in maps and images Personalize your guide by adding notes and bookmarks

This is the most up-to-date book on visiting Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley available, period. V!VA is the one guide you'll need to get the most out of your trip to Machu Picchu and the Inca empire. Written by Cusco experts, in this book you can:Explore Machu Picchu using the self-guided tour and color map. Go beyond sightseeing and truly understand the ruins and Inca culture.Trek the Inca Trail or one of the many Inca Trail alternatives while having a minimal impact on the environment.Immerse yourself in Cusco life by using the extensive informtion on studying spanish, volunteering, working and living.Taste local Peruvian cuisine in world famous restaurants, or track down cheap, good eats while live Andean music fills the streets.Find all the nuts and bolts you need to navigate your way from the streets of Lima to the gates of Machu Picchu.Stay safe with the most up-to-date guide available, continuously updated by the VIVA community on the www.vivatravelguides.com website.