Destinations
Machu Picchu
Trips
The renowned Inca Sanctuary, stands as Peru’s premier attraction, drawing visitors year-round. Situated in the Cusco region of southeastern Peru, it sits at an elevation of 7,970 ft (2,430 m) above sea level.
The climate exhibits two distinct seasons: the rainy season spans from December to March (summer), while the rest of the year remains relatively dry but cold. Summer temperatures can peak at 80 °F (27 °C), while winter lows average around 53 °F (12 °C).
Access to Machu Picchu is primarily via train or foot, depending on your schedule and fitness level. Both routes originate from Cusco; the train journey takes roughly 4 hours to Aguas Calientes, the closest station to Machu Picchu, followed by a 25-minute ride to the Sanctuary. Alternatively, for the adventurous and physically capable, the legendary Inca Trail offers both four-day and two-day options, each concluding with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
While the overall difficulty level is considered easy, acclimatizing to the altitude and maintaining good health are paramount. For guidance on altitude sickness prevention and pre-travel accommodation near Machu Picchu, feel free to reach out to us for further assistance.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trips
Embarking on the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime journey and arguably the most captivating approach to experiencing this ancient wonder. Adventurers have the option of tackling either the renowned four-day Inca Trail or the condensed two-day version, both of which culminate in a guided exploration of Machu Picchu.
For the four-day Inca Trail adventure, travelers commence their trek by bus from Cusco to Km 82 of the railroad to Machu Picchu. Over the course of four days, hikers cover approximately 27 miles (44 km), reaching elevations as high as 13,780 ft (4,200 m) above sea level. Conversely, the two-day Inca Trail, essentially a full-day trek with the following day dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu, commences with a train journey from Cusco to Km 104 of the railroad. This route spans roughly 7.5 miles (12 km) and ascends to heights of 8,858 ft (2,700 m) above sea level.
In terms of climate, the region experiences distinct rainy and dry seasons. Rainfall is prevalent from December to March (summer), while the remainder of the year remains chilly albeit dry. Summer temperatures can soar to 80 °F (27 °C), while winter lows can drop to 23 °F (-5 °C).
Accessing the Inca Trail requires travel from Cusco to either Km 82 or Km 104 of the railroad. It’s crucial to secure Inca Trail permits well in advance, as they are limited to 500 per day and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. The optimal trekking season falls between April and September, with February marking a temporary closure for trail maintenance. As a licensed Inca Trail Operator, ECS Travel facilitates the confirmation of trek permits, ensuring a seamless and memorable adventure for all trekkers.
Cusco
Trips
Cusco serves as the epicenter for exploring Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and embarking on treks throughout the Cusco region. Within Cusco itself, visitors can marvel at unique attractions such as the Koricancha temple, the Cathedral, and archaeological wonders like Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puka Pukara, and Tambo Machay.
The Sacred Valley, situated at a lower altitude than Cusco, boasts additional must-see destinations including the Ollantaytambo fortress, the vibrant Pisaq market, the mesmerizing salt mines, and traditional Quechua villages. This area serves as an ideal location for acclimatizing to the altitude before venturing further. For accommodation inquiries, please reach out to us.
Located in southeastern Peru, Cusco rests at an elevation of 11,090 ft (3,380 m) above sea level, approximately 600 miles (1,000 km) from Lima, Peru’s capital city.
Regarding climate, Cusco experiences distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season spans from December to March (summer), while the remainder of the year remains relatively dry albeit cold. The climate is semi-dry, with average daytime temperatures around 64 °F (18 °C) and winter lows dropping to 23 °F (-5 °C).
Accessing Cusco can be accomplished through three main routes:
By Air: Daily flights connect Cusco with Lima, Juliaca (Puno), and Arequipa, all operating during daylight hours.
By Land: Cusco is over 680 miles (1,100 km) from Lima, with two primary land routes: the Lima-to-Cusco route via Nasca, a 22-hour journey by tourist bus, and the route from the border town of Puno, covering 242 miles (389 km) and taking between 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus.
By Train: The Andean Explorer train offers a scenic route from Puno to Cusco. This service, operated by Peru Rail, offers travelers a memorable experience through breathtaking landscapes.
While the level of difficulty for activities in Cusco is moderate, acclimatization to the altitude and maintaining good health are essential considerations for travelers.
For further information about how to avoid altitude sickness and where to stay before reaching Machu Picchu please contact us.
Lima
Trips
Lima, founded on January 18, 1535, stands as Peru’s capital and the esteemed Gastronomic capital of South America. Serving as the primary gateway to Peru, Lima welcomes visitors through Jorge Chavez International Airport, the nation’s main international and domestic air hub. Direct flights to Lima originate from North America, Central America, South America, and Europe, positioning it as a pivotal point for both international and domestic travel within Peru.
Beyond its renowned culinary scene, Lima boasts an array of unique tourist attractions. The Historic Center of Lima showcases landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Monastery of San Francisco with its catacombs, the Palace of Government, Plaza San Martin, and numerous colonial edifices.
Lima also offers a wealth of cultural experiences, including visits to notable museums like the Gold Museum, Larco Museum, Archaeological Museum, and the Sacred City of Pachacamac, situated 26 miles (40 km) southeast of Lima in the Lurin River valley.
Located on the central coast of Peru and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Lima experiences minimal rainfall throughout the year. However, humidity levels may rise during the winter months (July to September). Winter temperatures average around 57 °F (14 °C), while summer temperatures (December to March) hover around 82 °F (28 °C).
Given Lima’s near-sea-level elevation, altitude is not a concern for travelers. However, heavy traffic poses a challenge for navigating the city. Visitors have three primary districts for accommodation: Miraflores, offering picturesque ocean views; San Isidro, known for its tranquil ambiance and lush gardens; and Colonial Lima, steeped in historical charm.
Arequipa
Trips
Arequipa, often referred to as the “white city” due to its predominant use of Sillar, a white volcanic rock in its colonial architecture, stands as one of Peru’s most stunning cities, renowned not only for its buildings but also for its breathtaking landscape.
Arequipa boasts a wealth of unique tourist attractions, including its iconic Plaza Mayor, the majestic Cathedral, the historic Monastery of Santa Catalina, and a plethora of other colonial structures.
One of the city’s primary draws is the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon and Valley, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and culture alike. A journey to Colca offers unparalleled views of towering volcanoes, encounters with llamas and alpacas, and the breathtaking spectacle of condors soaring over the canyon.
Located in southwestern Peru, Arequipa sits at an elevation of 7,545 ft (2,300 m) above sea level and is more than 600 miles (1,000 km) from Lima, the capital city.
Arequipa experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season, spanning from December to March (summer), and the dry season, characterized by minimal rainfall for the remainder of the year. The climate is semi-dry, with summer temperatures peaking at 82 °F (28 °C) and winter lows dropping to 14 °F (-10 °C) in higher elevations.
Lake Titicaca
Trips
Lake Titicaca stands as a remarkable destination globally, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. From the Peruvian side, travelers can embark on boat excursions to the renowned floating islands of Uros, Taquile, and Amantani, with all journeys commencing from Puno.
Situated in southeastern Peru, Lake Titicaca sits at an elevation of 12,500 ft (3,811 m) above sea level and spans more than 800 miles (1,300 km) from Lima. The Peruvian section of the lake falls within the department of Puno.
The region experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season, prevailing from December to March (summer), while the rest of the year typically remains dry. The climate is characterized by its arid and chilly conditions, with daytime temperatures averaging 59 °F (15 °C) and winter lows dropping to 23 °F (-5 °C).
Given Puno’s altitude of over 12,400 ft (3,800 m) above sea level, exploring the area requires a certain level of physical endurance, and travelers should ensure they are in good health. It is advisable to plan visits to Puno after acclimatizing in Arequipa or Cusco and to avoid direct flights from Lima to Juliaca (Puno).
Tambopata Reserve
Trips
The Tambopata Reserve in Puerto Maldonado stands out as one of the world’s most biodiverse reserves, boasting a rich array of flora and fauna. A journey through Tambopata offers visitors the chance to encounter alligators, giant otters, monkeys, parrots, macaws, tapirs, and a myriad of trees and medicinal plants. Tours within the Tambopata Reserve typically span a minimum of 3 days and commence from the city of Puerto Maldonado.
Situated in southeastern Peru, the Reserve sits at an elevation of 984 ft (300 m) above sea level and spans more than 930 miles (1,500 km) from Lima.
The region experiences a distinct rainy season from December to March (summer), with rainfall decreasing during the remaining months. The climate is characterized as tropical, humid, and warm, with maximum temperatures reaching 100 °F (38 °C) in September and October, and minimum temperatures at 68 °F (20 °C) during the rainy season.
Access to Puerto Maldonado is primarily by air, with daily flights available from Lima and Cusco during daylight hours. Alternatively, travelers can embark on a 331-mile (533 km) journey by bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, which takes approximately 14 to 15 hours.
While the difficulty level is generally low, travelers should be mindful of the high temperatures and the location of lodges when planning their visit to the Tambopata Reserve.
Ballestas Island and Paracas
Trips
The Ballestas Islands in Paracas are renowned for their vibrant colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and diverse seabird species. Departing from the Bay of Paracas, the boat excursion to the islands offers a captivating journey that spans just 2 hours. It’s important to note that landing on the islands is prohibited, allowing visitors to capture stunning photographs from the comfort of the boat.
For optimal convenience, it is recommended to spend the night in Paracas prior to the Ballestas Islands excursion, as the trip commences promptly at 8:00 AM.
Situated in the Pacific Ocean, the islands lie approximately 160 miles (260 km) south of Lima and 20 miles (32 km) off the coast of Paracas Bay, within the province of Pisco in the Ica region.
Regarding climate, summer months (December to March) see maximum temperatures of up to 89 °F (32 °C), while winter (July to September) temperatures can drop to a minimum of 53 °F (12 °C).
Paracas offers two primary modes of access: by air and by land. While the closest airport is Pisco Airport, located just 9 miles (15 km) away, it primarily facilitates flights over the Nazca lines. Travelers can alternatively journey from Lima to Paracas, covering a distance of 160 miles (260 km) in approximately 4 hours via tourist bus. Paracas is also accessible via the Pan-American Highway from Ica and Nasca.
With a low level of difficulty, Paracas serves as an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst its picturesque surroundings.
Nazca Lines
Trips
The Nazca Lines, captivating geoglyphs etched into the desert of the Ica department, remain an enduring enigma, shrouded in mystery. The optimal method to appreciate these intricate figures is through an aerial overflight, although departure times hinge on prevailing weather conditions.
Situated approximately 280 miles (450 km) south of Lima, the lines span an average altitude of 1,080 ft (330 m) above sea level.
In terms of climate, summer months (December to March) see temperatures soar to a maximum of 86 °F (30 °C), while winter (July to September) temperatures may drop to a minimum of 53 °F (12 °C).
Access to the flight over the lines is available from the cities of Nasca, Ica, and Pisco, with variations in flight duration and cost. All three cities are reachable solely by bus via the Pan-American Highway, allowing travelers to embark from Lima, Arequipa, or Cusco by tourist bus.
The difficulty level associated with the experience is low; however, it’s essential to note that aircraft capacity typically ranges from 4 to 12 passengers and may induce dizziness in some individuals.
Huacachina Oasis
Trips
Huacachina Oasis, nestled in the heart of the Peruvian desert near the city of Ica, is a captivating natural marvel surrounded by towering sand dunes. Located just 4 kilometers west of Ica, Huacachina is easily accessible by car from the city center.
Travelers can undertake a five-hour journey from Lima to reach Huacachina, situated around 300 kilometers to the south of the capital city.
Huacachina is renowned for its array of exhilarating activities set amidst breathtaking scenery. Adventurers can embark on thrilling dune buggy rides, careening across the vast expanses of sand while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. Sandboarding, a popular pastime in Huacachina, offers visitors the chance to surf down the towering dunes, providing an adrenaline-fueled experience unlike any other.
For those seeking relaxation, the tranquil oasis offers opportunities to unwind by the serene lagoon at its center. Visitors can take leisurely boat rides or simply bask in the beauty of the desert oasis, surrounded by swaying palm trees and picturesque sand dunes.
In terms of climate, Huacachina experiences warm and arid conditions typical of desert regions. Temperatures can soar during the day, reaching highs of around 30-35°C (86-95°F) in the summer months (December to March). In the evenings, temperatures may drop, offering a pleasant respite from the daytime heat. It’s advisable to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated while exploring this captivating desert oasis.