Manu lowlands—Stunning biodiversity and world-famous rainforest with an unparalleled array of Amazon wildlife. Just a 35-minute flight from Cusco to the Manu lowlands. Tambopata National Reserve—One of the most biologically diverse regions of the Amazon. Offers a great introduction to the rainforest, with macaws, monkeys and Giant Otters. Puerto Maldonado, a half-hour flight from Cusco, is the gateway to the Tambopata region. Daily scheduled jet flights from Lima and Cusco. Iquitos region—Not as wildlife-rich as Manu or Tambopata. Daily scheduled flights from Lima.

Kosñipata Valley—Pristine cloud forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes with the best Andean Cock of the Rock viewing in Peru. Eight hours by road from Cusco through the finest transect of Andean habitats in South America.

Colca Canyon—Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon with a cultural history dating back more than 2000 years. The Colca Canyon is the best location in Peru to view the Andean Condor. Located a four-hour drive from Arequipa past herds of vicuña, llamas, alpacas, and recently extinct volcanoes.

Paracas—The only protected coastal-marine system in Peru and one of the most biologically productive marine areas in the world. Boat trips to the Ballestas Islands to see thousands of sea birds including Inca Terns and Peruvian Boobies, the occasional Humboldt penguin, and hundreds of sea lions and fur seals. Located a three-and-a-half hour drive south of Lima through coastal desert and lush irrigated valleys.

Machu Picchu—The most famous Inca site which lay ‘undiscovered’ in the Andes until Hiram Bingham (with help from locals) stumbled upon it in 1911. A two-day visit to the ruins is highly recommended to enjoy the tranquility of the ruins in the late afternoon and early morning. Daily train service from Cusco and Ollantaytambo.

Sacred Valley of the Incas—Known as the "breadbasket" of the Incas, and the heart and soul of their Empire, today it is a bustling agricultural valley. Highlights include a colorful market at Pisac, interesting Inca ruins above the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo and excellent Class II and III rafting. Located a one-hour drive north of Cusco.

Lima—International gateway to Peru and the political and economic capital. Founded in 1535, it became the capital of the Spanish Empire in South America. Many remnants of Peru's colonial legacy still exist. All flights from the US and Europe arrive in Lima. Cusco—Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco is now a lively colorful city with beautiful colonial churches, monasteries and convents, as well as extensive Inca ruins both within the city and in the surrounding countryside. Daily scheduled flights from Lima, Puerto Maldonado, and Arequipa. Puno—Situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable waterway in the world. Visits by boat to the floating reed islands of Uros, and to Taquile and Amantani. Daily scheduled flights from Lima and Cusco via Arequipa, or train (3 times per week) to/from Cusco.

Arequipa—Peru’s second largest city and known as the “White City” because many of its buildings are constructed of the smooth white stone from volcanic lava quarries. Full of Spanish buildings and churches including the Santa Catalina Convent–a miniature walled colonial town home to more than 400 nuns. Daily scheduled flights from Lima and Cusco.

Ica—A large town located at the center of Peru’s wine- and Pisco-producing region, also well-known for its tejas candies. The airport runs flights over the Nazca lines and the town houses an interesting Regional Museum with a fine collection of ceramics and textiles from the Paracas, Nazca and Inca cultures. Located a four-and-a-half hour drive south of Lima.

Trujillo—A beautiful colonial city and gateway to Chan Chan, the world’s largest adobe city, and the Pre-Columbian Sun and Moon Temples located nearby. Daily flights from Lima or eight hours north by road. Chiclayo—A commercial city that serves as an important gateway for Pre-Columbian archaeology with numerous sites in the countryside surrounding the city. Sites include Sipan, Tucume and the world-class Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum. Daily flights from Lima or ten hours north by road.

Cajamarca—Colonial town surrounded by attractive countryside where Pizarro ambushed and captured Atahualpa, the last Inca Emperor. Atahualpa was later executed in the main square. Flights from Lima, or five hours by road east of Trujillo.

Puerto Maldonado—Gateway to the Tambopata-Madidi region. Trips to the region all pass through this small jungle town on the Tambopata River.

Iquitos—Rainforest city on the banks of the Amazon River. Not as wildlife-rich as Manu or Tambopata. Daily scheduled flights from Lima.

Inca Trail—The most famous trek in South America. Typically a four-day trek covering almost 30 miles of ancient archaeological sites, stunning mountain scenery, and cloud forests. The trek begins in the Sacred Valley and ends at the Gate of the Sun, overlooking Machu Picchu. Chachapoyas—A relatively undeveloped tourism destination nestled in a landscape scattered with Pre-Columbian villages, mountain highways and hidden burial chambers. The primary attraction is the mighty fortress of Kuelap. Located a ten-hour drive east of Chiclayo, along roads cut from the Andes, past lush rice paddies and through traditional highland villages. Huaraz—Prime destination for hikers and a mecca for international climbers with more than 23 snow-capped peaks over 16,500 feet. The fortress temple of Chavín de Huantar is four hours by road from the town. Huaraz is eight hours by bus northeast of Lima, and irregularly scheduled flights may be available from Lima.

Nazca—Location of the famous Nazca Lines, various lines and animal designs (such as a spider, monkey, whale and hummingbird) known as geoglyphs which were etched into the sand by pre-Incan peoples who settled in the area from around 900 BC until 600 AD. Located an eight-hour drive south of Lima. Typically viewed from charter flights originating at Ica.

Trujillo region—Surrounds a beautiful colonial city and is the gateway to Chan Chan, the world’s largest adobe city, and the Pre-Columbian Sun and Moon Temples located nearby. Daily flights from Lima or eight hours

Chiclayo region—An important destination for Pre-Columbian archaeology with access to numerous sites including Sipan, Tucume and the world-class Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum. Daily flights from Lima or ten hours north by road.