Machu Picchu, Cusco & Peru Tours

Discover the Highlights of South America

The Galapagos Islands are a world-renowned natural wonder. Every year, thousands of people come to Galapagos to experience the stunning beauty and pristine environments impossible to find elsewhere. As wonderful as the Galapagos Islands are, don't forget that they're only a very tiny part of South America and that there is much more to see and do! It's easy to extend your Galapagos trip to include other unforgettable sights. Once you're done in Galapagos, why not extend to Peru, home of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the ancient Inca city of Cusco?

Peru is situated on the Pacific coast of South America between Ecuador and Bolivia and west of Brazil. The Amazon makes up half of Peru, the Andes Mountains occupy a third and the rest is coastal desert.

Peru's greatest attraction is without a doubt the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. Built in the remote Peruvian cloud forest as a sort of royal vacation home for the Inca family sometime around 1470, the city was lost when the Spanish invaded in 1532. For centuries, the rainforest reclaimed the city and only a few locals knew of the moss-covered buildings high up in the misty mountains. In 1911, Machu Picchu was once again discovered by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, said to be the inspiration for film icon Indiana Jones.

But there is much more to Peru than just Machu Picchu! The capital city of Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro, the ruthless conquistador who personally took down the mighty Inca Empire. Today, Lima is a modern, cosmopolitan city known for excellent food, fascinating museums and good shopping. It is home to colonial-era architecture including cathedrals, convents and the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city.