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Amazon BasinEast of the Andes, the Amazon basin boasts astonishing biodiversity. The sparse vegetation of the Andes gives way to elfin high altitude forests, dripping cloud forests and finally the vast moist rainforests of the tropical lowlands. From Iquitos in northern Peru, the Amazon River provides river adventures but, sadly, poor wildlife viewing. The best wildlife is to be found in the rainforests of the south east, possessing the greatest diversity of animals and plants anywhere in the world and providing good sightings and well-run lodges. MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVEEstablished in 1973, Manu was so feted by the world's scientists and conservation organisations that in 1987 it was gazetted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are three vegetation zones within the reserve: lowland rainforest, mid-range cloud forest and the high Andean puna, all with their own distinctive plant and animal life. Regarding fauna, the reserve contains around 1000 bird species including 28 parrots, giant river otters, 13 species of monkey including the rare woolly monkey, and cats such as ocelot and jaguar among the 200 mammal species found there. LLAS PIEDRAS RIVER & ALTO PURUS NATIONAL PARKEast of Manu, the Las Piedras river winds it way through some of the most remote and pristine rainforest in the world. At its head, the 6.7 million acre Alto Purus National Park and Communal Reserve was set up to protect a huge area of forest, home to the nomadic Mashco-Piro tribe. Shunning strangers, little is known about their customs and lifestyle - they remain one of the world's last 'uncontacted' peoples. Recommended itinerary: Peru's Amazing Amazonian and Andean Attractions TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVEThe 3.7 million-acre reserve, a diverse mix of rainforest, oxbow lakes, palm forests and savannah, contains a wealth of plants, insects and animals, and the world's largest macaw clay lick. Recommended itineraries: |
Travel by canoe to a remote lodge in the Amazon; explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas; marvel at Machu Picchu; savour a great rail journey; and experience the vistas and peoples of Lake Titicaca. Find out more... A breathtaking Manu overland journey starting in Cusco, travelling over high Andean passes, descending to Manu’s puna then on through lush cloud forests to the base of the Andes and the mighty Amazon basin. Find out more... We include the vast Amazonian rainforest, the cloud forests and ruins of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the condors of the Colca Canyon, an optional overflight of the mysterious Nazca Lines and the marine wildlife of Paracas: a tally of all that is best in naturally diverse Peru. Find out more... Spend 4 nights deep inside the Tambopata National Reserve, including 2 nights close to the world’s largest macaw clay lick. Then hike the famous Inca Trail to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We have designed a holiday which combines the top two ‘must see’ destinations in South America – the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru, and the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. Visit colonial Arequipa, the condors of the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the colonial and Inca sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu. Find out more... Search for rare spectacled bears, explore Peru's only marine reserve, visit Cusco and the mysterious Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, and marvel at the world's largest known macaw clay lick in Peru's Amazon rainforest. Find out more... In this fast-paced itinerary for travellers wanting to experience the major highlights of Peru, we include the rich marine wildlife of the Paracas National Reserve, the mysterious lines and designs of the Nazca Lines, the rich biodiversity of the Amazon basin, Cusco and the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the pre-Inca cultures of Lake Titicaca, and Andean Condors in the Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world. |
Having travelled a very considerable amount to various exotic locations it is a true surprise to step back in wonderment in what a country such as Peru has to offer. [The tour] gave us a treasure trove of different surprises and delights every day. Mr C B, Suffolk. |
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