Tag: Peru

Peru
Latin America

Your Ultimate Guide to a Week in Peru

on December 16, 2021

The majesty of the Amazon, the mystery of cloud forests, the beauty of Pacific shorelines. Peru is a land of intricate ecosystems and archeological marvels. Planning a Peruvian adventure is quite a feat, and embarking with a lay of the land can help you make the most of your travels. In this guide, we’ll journey through the destinations, history, and flavors that form the tapestry of Peru.

Discovering Peru’s Flora and Fauna

Pack a field guide, hiking shoes, and a pair of binoculars! Peru is home to vast landscapes and incredible opportunities to observe wildlife. Rainforests, deserts, coastlines, glaciers: no matter where your journey takes you, there’s much to discover.

Along with its Pacific shorelines and the mountainous peaks of the Andes, the Amazon rainforest forms nearly 60% of Peru. You’ll find an abundance of wildlife throughout Peru’s various ecosystems, including jaguars, spectacled bears, and humpback whales. And if you’re a birding enthusiast, you’ve come to the right place! From quetzals and macaws to the Andean condor, keep your eyes peeled! Peru is home to 1,800 species of birds, and over 100 species are endemic.

Peru also celebrates an array of beautiful plant life, from tropical ferns to cacti. The orchid specifically draws visitors from around the world: in fact, Peru is home to about 10% of all the world’s orchid species. In the land surrounding Machu Picchu alone, it’s estimated that over 300 species of orchids bloom. Their gorgeous foliage and colors truly add an enchanting air to the historic site.

There are so many ways to explore Peru, from boat excursions and train voyages to canopy tours and kayaking adventures. Remember that wherever you set off to, you’ll likely encounter challenging terrain, mist, and heavy rainfall (also, remember that in Peru, spring and summer run from September to March, and autumn and winter from March till September!). Among your travel essentials, be sure to pack sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and layers that include weather-friendly garments.

And we must of course highlight the smiling faces you are undoubtedly looking forward to during your trip to Peru: the camelids! Camelids refer to a family of several species, and in Peru you’ll find llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Over the centuries, Peru’s camelids have held an integral role in both commerce and everyday life, providing transportation and fibers for textiles. In addition to many a photo opportunity, you’re sure to find many a souvenir themed around these local cuties.

Peru Dazzles with Design and Innovation

Throughout your travels in Peru, you’re sure to be amazed by Peru’s natural beauty, as well as its architectural jewels and handcrafted artistry. From archeological sites to traditional textiles, you’ll find exquisite design woven into every detail.

The Inca fortress Ollantaytambo, for example, is an archaeological marvel. Located in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is believed to have once been a sanctuary for Inca royalty. You’ll find stones carved with great precision, agricultural terraces and storehouses, and an aqueduct system that still works to this day. Considering the site’s altitude and terrain, the building of this Inca refuge is quite a feat, indeed. Visit the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo on our 10 Day Classic Peru

Then of course, there’s Machu Picchu. This awe-inspiring destination, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflects the architectural ingenuity of the Inca empire. Machu Picchu’s temples, terraces, and irrigation systems have astounded travelers from all over the globe. With remarkable design, great mystery surrounding the site’s origins, and magnificent scenery, it’s no wonder this wonder tops many a travel list.

And Peru’s design achievements are not only relics of the past. At the Uros Islands, you’ll discover an entire community built on design and creativity. Known as the floating islands, the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca are literally built out of totora, an aquatic plant found in the region. Even the island’s dwellings and fishing boats are crafted from the totora plant. Much of Peru’s historic design seems to seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape, and this fascinating locale reflects that same attention and care.

The artistry of Peru is also beautifully reflected in its textiles. From tapestries to clothing, the vibrant textiles of Peru are truly a sight to behold. At Lima’s National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, you’ll find thousands of textiles dating back to 2500 BC. And at Awana Kancha in Cusco, you can observe demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques – plus spend time with some very adorable camelids.

Exploring Peruvian Cuisine

Between its coastal locale, abundant rainforests, and rich agricultural history, you can certainly look forward to incredible cuisine in Peru! Here’s a gathering of produce you’ll find integrated throughout every menu, plus beloved local dishes to add to your foodie itinerary:

You must, of course, dive into some ceviche during your travels! Ceviche’s name comes from the Quechua word “siwichi”, which means fresh fish. Peru’s national dish is bright and refreshing, featuring fish marinated in citrus juices and combined with onions, chili peppers, and herbs. You’ll often find ceviche served alongside sweet potato, plantain chips, or corn.

If you’re a fan of the mighty potato, you’ll totally dig Peru’s culinary offerings. Peru is home to over 1,000 varieties of native potatoes in an array of beautiful colors. You’ll find them in dishes like causa – a tiered dish of mashed potatoes with layers that include other delicious ingredients like tuna or avocado. Depending on when you travel, you may also discover local festivities surrounding this acclaimed tuber: in Peru, National Potato Day is celebrated on May 30th. And if you’re all about dessert, here are a couple of iconic sweets to look out for. Suspiro a la limeña is a creamy dessert with notes of vanilla and cinnamon and topped with meringue, while picarones are sure to bring joy to any donut aficionados in your group. The fried, ring-shaped treats can be made from sweet potato, squash, or pumpkin, and are served drizzled with honey. Both of these desserts date back nearly 200 years in Peru, and are a delightful finale to any meal.

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Ancient Machu Picchu, Peru

on January 17, 2020

Machu Picchu is located in the South American country of Peru. The site sits in the south of the country and can be found outside the Peruvian cities of Ollantaytambo and Cuzco. Machu Picchu is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was almost completely unknown to the western world until Hiram Bingham’s rediscovery of the site in 1911. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, House of the Priest, Sacred Plaza and the intricate carved rock likely used as a sundial.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user Gordon Meyers using the hashtag #gate1travel. This incredible view was captured in Machu Picchu, Peru. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Peru trips here! 

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Peru, Mysterious Sites and Fascinating Culture

on October 1, 2019

There are few places where nature, culture and history merge together as effortlessly as they do in the South American country of Peru. The past here was shaped by geography and lost cultures that can still be seen in Peru’s most famous landmarks, of which you will see on tour. Most travelers think of Machu Picchu when they think of Peru, but this warm and welcoming nation is overflowing with mysteries and wonders far beyond the famous Incan site. From the lush and biodiverse world of the Amazon to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru has something for all types of traveler. When you journey to this magnificent country with Gate 1 Travel, our local Tour Managers bring them all to life for you. Peru has it all and it’s time to see it for yourself.

Historic Cities and Ancient Sites

If you think of Machu Picchu as the pinnacle of Peru, then consider Cuzco and Lima as the country’s historic foundations. No visit to Peru is complete without exploring these two cities. Cuzco began as the capital of the Inca Empire and has remained the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America. This “Imperial City” is lively, rich in culture and contains much of the ancient Incan and Spanish traditions to this day. Explore this city’s many stunning sights and even shop for local handicrafts.

Perhaps the city’s most distinct of its Incan origins can be found at Koricancha, or the Temple of the Sun. In pre-colonial days, the floors and walls of this Inca place of worship were covered in gold but much of it was paid to the Spanish as ransom to save the life of Inca leader Atahualpa. Continue to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman that is located on the northern outskirts of the city and took over 7 decades to complete. The three-tiered walls of this citadel were engineered with some of the biggest blocks ever found in Incan construction and were built so tightly, mortar was not even needed.

Lima, on Peru’s Pacific coast, was founded by famed conquistador Francisco Pizarro as the capital of the Spanish Empire. Its European style makes it a delight to explore. The highlight of the city has to be the splendid Plaza Mayor. The square contains the Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, the official residence of the President, and the 16th-century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was laid by Pizarro, who is also laid to rest here. Lima is also known for its food scene. The city offers up foodie delights simmered in the technique and spices of all who have shaped the city. Be sure to test some of the local delicacies including ceviche, pollo a la brasa and perhaps a pisco sour cocktail.

 To the south, the white-stone buildings of another colonial city shimmers in the Peruvian sun: Arequipa. The city, nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca, or the White City, contains architecture created from a white volcanic rock called sillar. Its lightly colored buildings make for a magical site along with the three dramatic volcanoes that guard it. Visit the 16th century structures in the Plaza de Armas, or city’s square, including a massive cathedral and the Santa Catalina Monastery. Also browse the San Camilo Market and take in the sights of local produce, colorful textiles and delicious fruits.

Legacy of the Inca

Fascinating as Peru’s colonial cities are, nothing in the western hemisphere compares to the country’s ancient sites. One of its most mysterious lies in a desert far from the heights of Machu Picchu, just outside Nazca City. The Nazca Lines, only visible in full from the air, were drawn in the sand centuries ago. Geoglyphs, or large designs on the ground, of monkeys, fish, hummingbirds and lizards adorn the landscape, some of them as large as 660 feet across. The designs cover around 170 square miles total and depict both natural creatures and ones from the imagination. These figures on the high plateau of the Nazca Desert have puzzled scholars for generations as well as enticed visitors.

Just outside Cuzco, the Urubamba region, also known as the Sacred Valley, holds even more of Peru’s mystery. This fertile stretch of land, fed by the Urubamba River, has hosted farmland and ancient ruins for centuries. Explore Ollantaytambo, perhaps the best-preserved fortress in the entire country. Here, you get a truly authentic glimpse of an Incan settlement, thanks to its original layout, terraces, temples and houses. Visit nearby Chinchero that contains a popular market that overflows with locals and travelers eager to find local goods and produce, such as textiles made from alpaca wool and Peruvian souvenirs.

High in the mountains above the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu straddles a mountain and is only accessible by foot or by train. Upon arrival, view more than 30 acres of meticulously built buildings, terraces, and stairways, all wonderfully preserved. Each building was constructed with an inward inclination, a method intended to help cities withstand earthquakes. This technique is very impressive considering the site was built around the 1450s. Explore the ancient citadel and view the imposing Temple of the Sun, House of the Priest and the Sacred Plaza. View the intricately carved rock that was likely used as a sundial by the ancient people. Be sure to take lots of pictures on this day of exploring Machu Picchu.

Natural Beauty in its Purest Form

Cultural, historic, and architectural wonders aside, Peru’s natural world is one of the most impressive on earth. The Amazon and its namesake river flow through so much of the continent that they play host to the greatest variety of plants and animals anywhere on earth. It’s a privilege to explore this magnificent place, and a thrill to experience it all from a forest lodge that we can only access by boat. Enjoy visits to riverside villages, sightings of pink dolphins, and thrilling walks on rainforest trails.

To the south, Lake Titicaca serves as a natural border between Peru and Bolivia. In the shadow of the Andes, this unique body of water is the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet. Some members of this ancient Uros tribe still live on floating islands on the lake. The islands are sturdy platforms that have been woven together from the totora reeds that grow in the lake. Entire communities exist on these islands, which were originally constructed so that tribes could escape from invaders simply by floating away.

From the highest heights to the lowest depths, another body of water, the Colca River, has carved one of the world’s deepest canyons into the Peruvian plain. At 13,650 feet, the Colca Canyon is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. Keep an eye out for the Andean condor while here. These rare birds ride the thermal air that rises up from the canyon floor, and they are a breathtaking sight.

See Peru with Gate 1 Travel!

No one knows Peru as well as we do. Our expert Tour Managers hail from the very country they’re introducing you to. Their insider knowledge and connections are invaluable in ensuring you get the most from your visit, whether they’re taking you to meet locals in their homes or sharing bargaining tips with you as you explore Peru’s rich and lively markets. Our 30 years of experience in the region lets us offer you more ways to discover the magical wonders of Peru.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Peru!

If you thought Machu Picchu was the only reason to visit Peru, think again. From rich cultural centers to remarkable ancient sites, there are endless wonders to explore. Best of all, Gate 1 Travel introduces you to this rewarding region in the most affordable way.

Learn more about our value-packed Peru itineraries here. Then call us at 1-800-682-3333to reserve!

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Wonders of the Salt Pools in Maras, Peru

on August 9, 2019

The Salt Pools of Maras, Peru are quite a unique and interesting experience for travelers to the country. The site is actually comprised of a canyon filled with geometric salt pools that have been harvested and in use since the days of the Incan Empire. The individual pools are fed by a local stream which are then opened and damned. The salt is then collected by a process of evaporation once the pool is filled with water from the stream. There’s nothing else on earth quite like it!

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @thebinstergram using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture was taken in Maras, Peru. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Peru trips here! 

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Down the Path to Cusco, Peru

on May 31, 2019

Cusco, Peru is one of the top tourist attractions in the entire world and this picture shows you why. Beauty, history and nature converge in this former capital of the Inca Empire and it continues to impress visitors from all over the world. At Saqsaywaman, where this photo was taken, you will discover ancient ruins of the citadel and its stone walls that fit tightly together without mortar. This incredible city is a must for any traveler’s bucket list and Gate 1 Travel has you covered.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @thetravelingredhead88 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This natural scene was taken in Saqsaywaman in Cusco, Peru. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Peru trips here!

Travel Tips

Our Top 12 Most Popular Tours of 2018

on May 14, 2018

Gate 1 Travel is letting you in on a little secret. Today we are sharing the top 12 best performing tours thus far in 2018 because you deserve to know! These tours vary greatly in destination but they all excel in showing you must-see sites, beautiful cities, unique cultures and natural beauty all in one escorted tour! We are giving you a countdown of our top 12 tours in hopes of giving you some inspiration when it comes to planning your next unforgettable adventure. Journey with us from Ireland to Vietnam to the United States with a whole world in between and enjoy our list.

12. 9 Day Enchanting Ireland
Enchanting Ireland is right. Ireland is a beautiful country known for a warm culture, lush greenery and excellent sites to see. While on this tour of Ireland you will see some Blarney_Castleof the can’t miss spots including the city of Dublin, where you will enjoy a city tour, visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and have free time to explore. Also enjoy the Killarney area where you will drive through the world-famous Ring of Kerry and see sites on your way. On this tour you will also see Blarney Castle, Waterford, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. If you have been wanting to visit Ireland, there is no better time than the present to go green.

11. 8 Day Essential Vietnam
Vietnam is a country that is so incredibly different from anywhere else that it’s popularity is no surprise. Your tour of Vietnam will most likely begin with a visit to Ho Ch Minh City, formerly Saigon, where you will have the chance to take an optional excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoy a optional half day tour of the city or explore the city on your own at your leisure. You will also visit the incredible Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see caves, grottos, islands, stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls, to name a few! You will also have a full day in Hanoi to either explore the city leisurely or take some optional tours that include the Museum of Ethnology and a Cyclo Ride/Water Puppet Show. This genuine country will win you over and you will enjoy every minute of it.

10. 8 Day Classic National Parks, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Grand Teton
What better way to see what the world has to offer than by visiting parts of your own country? Although our country doesn’t have a history as old as some others, we do have amazing sites, national parks, natural phenomenon and plenty of great cities with their own special elegance. On this tour you will see 3 national parks, stay in 6 different locations and have the experience of a lifetime, all in 8 days! Visit Rapid City, the gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills and iconic Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and home to “Old Faithful”, hot springs, thermal features, rock cliffs and more! You will also get to visit Grand Teton National Park, with its dense forests and rich wildlife and then continue to Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s time to see what the United States has to offer and explore some of our greatest treasures.

9. 15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam
This excellent tour gets you seeing two of the greatest countries of Southeast Asia and experiencing some of the greatest sites they have to offer. In just over two weeks you will Vietnam HalongBay_1109_dt_16304888experience 7 different cities and add two different countries to your list! While on tour, visit Siem Reap, home to some of the most famous sites in the world; Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Travel to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy leisure time or take some optional tours to get to know this fascinating city. While on your Cambodia & Vietnam tour you will also see the city of Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, the ancient town of Hoi An, Hue; home to a wealth of palaces, temples, museums and libraries, Halong Bay and Hanoi. This tour covers so much of these two amazing countries that it is a truly unmissable experience.

8. 13 Day Turkish Treasures
Welcome to the true crossroads of Europe and Asia; Turkey. This country has history that dates back to B.C. and has ancient sites to see that are some of the oldest on earth! On your journey to Turkey you will tour the city of Istanbul and see the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market. Traverse the ancient city of Cappadocia with its surreal rock formations, rock-cut temples and plenty of hot air balloons in the sky, with an optional have your own hot air balloon ride! This extensive tour also includes visits to the classical city of Troy, the port city of Izmir, the resort town of Antalya and Ankara the modern capital of Turkey. Learn about the country and sites you have read about in books like The Illiad and venture to this country today.

7. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Central Europe
Central Europe has so much to offer in such a small area of the world. On this tour you will visit 5 major cities with a few stops along the way, and potentially add 5 new countries to your list. You will travel to the medieval city of Krakow, Poland, a city that was greatly affected by WWII and see the Jewish Quarter and Ghetto of the city as well as taking a solemn visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Experience the former center of the Hapsburg Empire; Vienna, Austria, where you will view Schonbrunn Palace, Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament and more. This tour will also bring you to more unforgettable places such as Warsaw, Czestochowa, Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. If you enjoy history, culture, music and experiencing unforgettable places, this tour is perfect for you.

6. 11 Day Affordable Croatia & Slovenia
Croatia is a travel location that is increasingly popular for good reason! This seaside country has excellent cities by the water and a neighboring country of Slovenia that you will not want to miss. This tour includes stops in 7 towns and cities with optional tours to see even more. This extraordinary tour takes you to Dubrovnik, the walled and cobbled-street city that you have probably seen on Game of Thrones, as King’s Landing, and in many pictures. Also explore the lake-side city of Bled, set among the Julian Alps and one of Slovenia’s most popular resort towns. Opatija, Zadar, Split, Krka National Park, Vodice, Zagreb and Ljubjana, Slovania are all included on this fully-packed tour. Come see why so many people are visiting this country and discover many of your own reasons!

5. 11 Day Enchanting Italy
Italy is always a great idea and this tour covers places you have always wanted to visit. If Venetian canals, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Michelangelo’s David, and Pompeii are things you have dreamed about, this tour covers it all and so much more. Visit and stay in the city of Florence, where David, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Signoria Square await you. Take a tour of ancient Rome, home of the Colosseum, excellent food and a tiny country called Vatican City. This tour will also take you to Venice, Tuscany, Pisa, Assisi, Pompeii, Sorrento, Bay of Naples and more! If a friendly culture, excellent food and beautiful sites are on your travel list, you will surely cross them off with this tour of Italy.

4. 8 Day Essential Greece
This country, in the heart of the Mediterranean, is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world; the Acropolis, Olympia and Delphi. This tour has an unbeatable DelphiAthenaprice and gets you all around Greece in just over a week! You will likely arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis. Take a tour of the archaeological site of Olympia and see where the games were first held in 776 B.C. Visit the excavated site of Delphi, enjoy the coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal and take an optional day tour to Hydra, Poros and Aegina Islands. Discover this ancient country that is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization on this unforgettable tour.

3. 12 Day Danube River Cruise with Prague
A river cruise through Europe is an excellent way to see many destinations while returning to the comfort of a ship between each. Being on a cruise means that while you are busy sleeping or enjoying the ship, you are being whisked away to a new and exciting destination. On your river cruise you will sail along the Danube river and visit Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany, you will also see the Czech Republic on this specific tour. Visit the essential Danube village town of Melk, Austria where you will walk along medieval cobblestone streets leading to 16th century houses and wine taverns. You will also visit the city of Prague on this tour, where you will see the world-famous Astronomical Clock. The Town Hall, Jewish Quarter and many more sites. Other stops on this tour include Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen and Regensberg. It’s time to experience Europe in one of the most unique and special ways; on a European river cruise with Gate 1 Travel!

2. 10 Day Affordable Peru
Seeing Machu Picchu is on the bucket list of many travel enthusiasts. If you are one of these enthusiasts this tour was made for you. Visit the city of Lima, the capital of Peru and its excellent landmarks including the Palace of the Archbishop, the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. You will, of course, experience the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, Cuzco, which contains some ruins of its own and will be your gateway to touring the incredible Machu Picchu. This tour also visits Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Uros Islands, Puno and more! This exceptional tour brings you to some of the most photographed and visited places in the world and is affordable as well. Get out your hiking gear because Peru awaits.

1. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Morocco
If you have not been to Morocco yet, it is a must-visit! This up and coming country has been hugely popular this year thanks to its unique culture, vast array of things to do and excellent pricing! This tour offers many essential locations in Morocco including Fez, an OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAancient city with breathtaking views that you can decide to discover on your own or join the optional city tour. You will also visit Marrakesh where you will visit the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Minaret, the Medina and the Bahia Palace. On this Moroccan tour you will also visit Rabat, Erfoud, Rissani, Ouarzazate and Casablanca. There’s no better time than now to start seeing the world and all its beauty and culture. What better way to explore, than to enjoy our most popular tour of the year to beautiful Morocco?

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The Mystery of Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru.

on January 26, 2018

The history of the Incas is a fascinating and incredible one. Their history and legend is so great that they left their biggest mystery behind in the form of Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru. The Incas exact use for the area is still unknown, but it remains a popular area to visit, an excellent place for exploring and a great spot to take in the spirituality of the area.

This week’s #g1photofriday was submitted by Instagram user @ibcakewalk using the hashtag #gate1travel. This historic view was taken while in Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Peru tours here!

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The Beautiful Colors of Sacred Valley, Peru

on December 1, 2017

The handmade textiles, ornate blankets, traditional food and beaded jewelry of Peru’s Pisac Village Market leave an eye-pleasing impression on the passerby. The Pisac Village is located in Peru’s Sacred Valley and is a hub of colors that you do not want to miss! Whether you are shopping for yourself, for people back home or trying the local fruits, the market has everything you want!

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This week’s #g1photofriday was submitted by Instagram user @mysterious_travels with the hashtag #gate1travel. The colorful view comes from the Pisac Village Market in Sacred Valley, Peru. Be sure to tag photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured! Check out Gate 1 Peru tours here.

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Capture the Breathtaking Views of Peru – Machu Picchu

on August 12, 2016

“Truly a breathtaking experience that a simple photo just doesn’t capture, but certainly tries to” – Nicole S. on her photo from Machu Picchu. Peru is one of our top destinations for inspirational content, and this photo certainly does some justice for the the awe inspiring views of Machu Picchu.

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This week’s #g1photofriday was submitted by Instagram user @loveandnature2 with the hashtag #gate1travel. Be sure to tag photos on social media with #gate1travel or submit  on our traveler photos page! Check out Gate 1 Peru tours here.

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This Can Only Be Peru

on May 16, 2016

Breathtaking Ancient Cities, Colonial Wonders, Magnificent Natural Beauty

As peak experiences go, there are few that beat Machu Picchu. This spectacular ancient site straddling Andean slopes takes the breath away; not just for its sheer beauty but also for its mystery. How exactly did the mighty Inca Empire haul these colossal stones to this saddleback ridge? And what purpose did the city serve … a royal retreat, a spiritual sanctuary?

We may never know. But one thing is certain. Peru is overflowing with mysteries and wonder far beyond the heights of Machu Picchu. And when you journey to this magnificent country with Gate 1 Travel, our local Tour Managers bring them all to life for you, from fortresses of stone to historic cities rich in culture to a warm and welcoming people.

Cities Awash in Colonial and Incan History

If you think of Machu Picchu as the pinnacle of Peru, then consider Cuzco and Lima as the country’s historic and cultural foundations. Indeed, no visit to Peru is complete without exploring these two cities. Cuzco may have a decidedly colonial atmosphere—with its low-slung red-roofed houses, expansive Plaza de Armas and Gothic-Renaissance cathedral—but it began as the capital of the Inca Empire. If you need proof, look no further (literally) than the ground at your feet. When Spanish conquistadors took the city, they razed its buildings and replaced them with what we see today. But the original Inca foundations remain, making for a fascinating architectural blend.

Perhaps the city’s most distinct emblem of its Incan origins can be found at Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun. In pre-colonial days, the floors and walls of this Inca place of worship were awash in gold. Unfortunately, much of it was paid to the Spanish as ransom to save the life of Inca leader Atahualpa. Gate 1 shows you these important sites during a city tour.

Lima, on Peru’s Pacific coast, was founded by Francisco Pizarro as the capital of the Spanish Empire. Its European ambiance makes it a delight to explore. The architectural star of the city’s main square is the Basilica Cathedral. Pizarro himself laid the first stone of this splendid neoclassical-colonial church and is buried inside. The Archbishop’s Palace is adjacent; its ornate façade features a pair of dramatic enclosed balconies. Lima is also known for its food scene. Even American chef Todd English has called it Latin America’s culinary capital. The city offers up a rich gastronomy simmered in the technique and spices of all who have shaped the city: indigenous foods have been infused with Spanish flair, of course. Asian flavors were brought here with a wave of immigrants, too. And Creole spices were introduced by Caribbean workers. Peruvian cuisine is so “hot” that it’s gone global; even the Chilean sea bass at your local grocer is most likely from Peru.

To the south, the white-stone buildings of another colonial gem shimmer in the Andean sun: Arequipa. The city, nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca, or White City, was constructed from a white volcanic rock called sillar. Its bright buildings surely make for a magical visit. For a splash of color, the Santa Catalina Monastery boasts vivid facades and the local outdoor market brims with multi-hued produce and textiles.

Mysteries of Empires

Fascinating as Peru’s colonial cities are, nothing in the western hemisphere compares to the country’s pre-colonial sites. One of its most mysterious lies in a desert far from the heights of Machu Picchu. The colossal Nazca Lines, only visible in full from the air, were drawn in the sand between 400 and 600 AD. Figures of monkeys, fish, hummingbirds and lizards adorn the landscape, some of them 660 feet across. These massive figures on the high plateau of the Nazca Desert have puzzled scholars for generations. The mystery is not so much how they were made, but why. Many suggest a religious significance. Others believe they may have been fertility symbols or served some irrigation purpose. Or, they may have even been astronomical calendars.

Just outside Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, also known as Urubamba, holds more mystery. This fertile stretch of land, fed by the coursing waters of the Urubamba River, has hosted terraced farmland and ancient ruins for generations. Ollantaytambo is perhaps the best preserved fortress. Here, you get a truly authentic glimpse of an Inca town, thanks to its original layout, irrigation system, and houses. Nearby Chinchero holds a popular market that overflows with locals and travelers eager to find local goods and produce—such as Pima and Tanguis cotton (some of the finest in the world) or corncobs that are known to offer up the largest kernels in the world. The salt pans of Maras and the crop circles of Moray provide more insight into the agricultural tradition of this magnificent valley.

High above the valley, Machu Picchu straddles a saddleback mountain. The ancient site is accessible only by foot or by train; remarkably, the rail journey traverses as many ecological zones as you would experience on a trip from the North Pole to the equator. Upon arrival, there are 100 acres of meticulously built buildings, terraces, and stairways, all gloriously preserved. Each building was constructed with an inward inclination, a design intended to help cities withstand earthquakes. You might also see some of the 425 types of orchid that grow in and around Machu Picchu; Peru as a whole is home to 1,624 species!

Unrivaled Natural Splendor

Cultural, historic, and architectural wonders aside, Peru’s natural world is one of the most dramatic on the planet. Consider this: The mightiest river in the world flows through the northern reaches of the country, moving some 150,000 cubic meters per second through the largest forest in the world. The Amazon and its namesake river, in fact, cut such a huge swathe through the continent that they play host to the greatest variety of fauna and flora on earth, the latter of which often holds the key to curing disease. It’s a privilege to explore this magnificent place, and a thrill to experience it all from a forest lodge that we can only access by boat. Visits to riverside villages, sightings of pink dolphins, and thrilling walks on rainforest trails bring all the magnificence into sharp focus. What’s more, the birdlife here is unrivalled; all told, Peru is home to some 1,700 species in total, the most of any country, and many of them take wing in the Amazon.

To the south, Lake Titicaca serves as a natural border between Peru and Bolivia. In the shadow of the Andes—the world’s longest mountain range—this unique body of water is the highest navigable lake known to man at 12,500 feet. Like the Amazon has its tribal cultures, Titicaca has the Uru people. Some members of this ancient tribe still live on floating islands, sturdy platforms they’ve woven together from the tortora reeds that grow in the lake. Entire communities exist on these islands, which were originally constructed so that tribes could escape from invaders simply by floating away.

From the highest heights to the lowest depths, another body of water, the Colca River, has carved one of the world’s deepest canyons into the Peruvian plain. At 13,650 feet, the Colca Canyon is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. But it’s not indigenous people that grab our attention here—though our spectacular drive here often passes shepherds tending to their sheep. It’s the Andean condor. These rare birds ride the thermal air that rises up from the canyon floor, and they are a breathtaking sight.

Explore Peru Your Way with the Gate 1 Travel Family

No one knows Peru like Gate 1 Travel, with expert Tour Managers hailing from the very country they’re introducing you to. Their insider knowledge and connections are invaluable in ensuring you get the most from your visit, whether they’re taking you to meet locals in their homes or sharing bargaining tips with you as you explore Peru’s rich and lively markets. What’s more, our 30 years of experience in the region lets us offer you more ways to discover the magical wonders of Peru.

Discovery Tours by Gate 1 gives you the small group advantage. These feature-packed adventures are more active, allowing you to spend more time getting up close to Peru’s natural wonders. And because there are so few of us, you can spend more time lingering at the country’s most spectacular sites like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, while connecting with the locals on a more personal level. It’s a whole new way to see Peru. We invite you into the more intimate world of small group travel on our Peruvian Legends tour.

If it’s luxury you crave in Peru, experience the Signature Collection by Gate1 Travel. You’ll experience all the wonders of Peru in classic Gate 1 style, with a touch of elegance at deluxe accommodations. Enjoy premier first-class, five-star hotels and lodges, from the JW Marriott to a beautifully restored monastery, each offering the perfect balance of comfort, service and ambiance, and savor the finest cuisine locally sourced and meticulously prepared. So go ahead … pamper yourself with our Deluxe Peru itinerary.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Peru!

If you thought Machu Picchu was the only reason to visit Peru, think again. From rich cultural centers to remarkable Inca sites to breathtaking natural spectacles, there are endless wonders to explore. And many ways to explore them! Best of all, the family of Gate 1 Travel companies introduces you to this rewarding region in the most affordable way.

Learn more about our value-packed Peru itineraries here. Then call us to reserve!