As the capital city and prime gastronomic destination, Lima, the “City of Kings” is one of the most visited cities in South America and possibly one of the most interesting. It was built over a desert, creating an arid and dry climate. Lima sits right on the Pacific Coast with cliffs running along the shore, bordering the city limits. It’s a sight that can take your breath away, but not by means of altitude since the city lies at 154 meters above sea level. Lima has a comfortable temperature of 23°Celsius (75°F) year-round. From May to November, clouds and mist surround the city coming in from the ocean, making it look like a floating city above the sea. Intriguing sites to experience in Lima are the Pre-Columbian museums, historical center and Miraflores. You can also enjoy magical evening shows with eventful dinners and folkloric music and dance.

Cusco is easily acknowledged as the ancient and historical capital of Peru and is a standing ovation to the Inca civilization. The entire city is full of legends and history, each more captivating than the last. Each street, plaza, church and stone have a mystical energy, as if they are still humming with life, especially after having remained intact for many centuries. They will leave you feeling compelled to absorb and learn everything you can about them. Since Cusco is found in the highlands of Peru at an altitude of 3400 meters, you can expect to experience sunny, but cool days with colder nights. An average temperature to be prepared for is between 10 and 24°Celsius (75°F). This area where Cusco is located has two main seasons; dry and rainy. The rainy season is through November to April, and the dry season start from May to October.

Peru’s Sacred Valley, “El Valle Sagrado” is an Incan paradise of over 100km found within the foothills of the Urubamba Valley, stretching from the town of Pisac to Machu Picchu. It is home to many small villages like Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, along with attractive and colorful markets, salt mines, ancient agricultural terraces, and plentiful rivers with trekking routes for adventurous souls. The Sacred Valley is rightly named so as it has the best land in the region for agricultural purposes. Throughout the Sacred Valley the altitude climbs to 3772mts. and boasts one of the best climates in the region with temperatures varying between 19° and 24° Celsius daily. This was one of the main reasons why the Inca decided to take advantage of the area, such as in Maras, for their agricultural experiments like circular, crater-like terraces with micro-regions for different crops, which you can still view and marvel at, even today.

Peru is immediately thought of as the home of the Incan wonder of Machu Picchu, nestled in the Andean slopes.  The long-lost Inca Empire’s city offers stunning views of surrounding peaks, as well as the Urubamba River Valley. The Incan citadel is a modern-day marvel considering it was built so perfectly without the use of mortar, metal tools, or even a wheel. It has been named as a new 7 wonder of the world and is only about 50 miles from Cusco, but can only be reached by train, arriving in the small town of Aguas Calientes; or you can walk your way in on the famous Incan or Salkantay Treks following original footpaths of the Inca. The high season to visit the citadel is during the winter time considering prime views and dry climate. Summer starts from October to March, while the dry/winter season lasts from April to September with cool days from 17° to 19°C.

o the South of the Sacred Valley is Puno, sitting on the edge of Lake Titicaca; the world’s highest navigable body of water at 3830masl. This folkloric capital is small and charming, with colorful festivals alive with high-spirited artists, dancers and singers. Lake Titicaca, according to Inca legend, is known as the birthplace of the sun and the origin of the first Incans, born from the mystical waters. On the lake are the Islands of Uros and Taquile, fascinating destinations with cultures unlike any other in the world and older than those of the Inca! When visiting, be prepared for cooler weather dropping to 14°C during the day while experiencing the traditions and important communities on the man-made island of Uros, constructed of totora reeds, and the finest handwoven textiles and tight-knit communities you’ve ever seen on the island of Taquile.

The colonial city of Arequipa is the second largest in Peru at 2335masl and has a beautiful backdrop of the Misti, Ampato, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes in the distance; thought to bring protection to the city. The “White City” has many beautiful colonial buildings constructed by volcanic sillar, giving the off-white color the city is known for. Apart from the cobblestoned streets and relaxed atmosphere, Arequipa is a great stop on the way to Colca Canyon. To visit Colca Canyon, prepare for the dramatic landscape that will take your breath away. The depths of the dramatic gorge are impressive, it is also the second largest canyon in the world. The altitude is a lofty 3600masl with temps in 20°C, but can easily drop to freezing. Colca Canyon is one of the best places to witness the majestic Andean Condor from the Cruz del Condor lookout.