Peru

Peru... where archaeology, tourism, and the environment shake hands.

Peru is situated in the central western part of South America. It is the second largest country in South America and the crib of the most important and transcendent pre-Columbian cultures of the southern hemisphere. It is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, Chile in the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Three well-defined geographic regions exist in this territory: the coastal region (12%), the sierras (28%), and jungles (60%). 

The western, or coastal region is a narrow strip of desert-like land, result of the cold Humboldt current from the south and the presence of the Andes to the east. Its widest area measures 180 km (approx. 112 mi) and its 3,080 km (1,925 mi) of beaches and banks are bathed by the Pacific Ocean. It hardly ever rains here. The central, southern region of the Peruvian coast experiences 2 seasons: winter, from April to October, and summer, from November to March.  

The capital, Lima, and the cities in which the country's major economic activity is concentrated, are located in the valleys by the coast. It was also territory to important cultures such as the mochica, whose most important archaeological ruin is called "Archaeological Monument of Sipán", to the south of Chiclayo. Trujillo, further south, is also recognized for its archaeological riches since it too may have once been the ancient territory of the mochica, lambayeque, and chimu cultures. And even further south, in the Ica region, we find the mysterious Lines and Geoglyphs of Nazca and the Paracas National Reserve.

The Andes mountain range, which follows the territory from north to south like a spine, dominates the landscape in the sierra region. The sierra comes to an abrupt end that is marked by narrow, broken hills; deep and fertile valleys; vast, high Andean plains; large navigable lakes-like the Titicaca-, and more than 12,000 lagoons, such as the beautiful Llanganuco, situated in a narrow valley of the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains) in the middle of Huascarán National Park. 

Located in the sierras is the historic capital of Peru, Cuzco, and whose surrounding areas hail important, primarily Incan, archaeological ruins, such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Ollantaytambo, and the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is a path that many tourists hike to get to Machu Picchu, but it can take 2 or 3 days to do. Within these mountainous valleys are beautiful, traditional cities such as Cumbemayo and Cajamarca with its Baños del Inca (Inca Baths), bordering these cities to the south of the country, Arequipa, and Puno, bordering Lake Titicaca. And how can one not tour the rich and fertile valleys of Colca or of Urubamba.

The sierra region presents two very different seasons: the summer, from April to October, is defined by sunny days, frigid nights, and an absence of rain; whereas the rainy season, from November to March, is abundant in precipitation. The sierra also counts on a dry and pleasant climate, ideal for cultivation and an enormous variety of plant growth. 

The jungle can be divided into the High Jungle or the "mountain's eyebrow" (over 700 m [approx. 2295 ft.] above sea-level) and the Low Jungle (less than 700 m above sea-level). The Peruvian jungle is a thriving region, result of the abundant precipitation that falls throughout the year. Within the jungle is a relief of rolling hills and subtle inclines. Owner of an extraordinary natural richness, this region is a land of forests and winding rivers, that often serve as the only via of communication between the small, inhabited towns. In fact, to get to Iquitos, the most important city of the Peruvian Amazon, one can only access it by way of flying.    

The high jungle or "mountain's eyebrow" boasts a warm, subtropical climate, with abundant rain from November to March and sunny days from April to October. The nights are always chilly. The low jungle has two climatic seasons which are accentuated by the jungle's distance from the Equator. The summer season, between April and October (ideal period for tourism), boasts sunny days and high temperatures. The rainy season, between November and March, is characterized by frequent downpours (at least once a day) and deterioration of the roadways. 

Gotolatin provides a large selection of accommodations throughout Peru. Special rates and deals on hotels, apart hotels, hostels, and cabanas.

Reserve a trip to any destination in Peru on Gotolatin. We offer the best rates and consultation from our specialized personnel. 

Reserve your flight with Gotolatin. We work with the most important airlines that operate in Peru: LanPeru, Taca, and Aero Continente.

Tour Peru by car. Rent the car of your choice in any city in the country through Gotolatin. Competitive rates and first class service. 

The high standard of our services and orientation toward the traveler, has given us the opportunity to serve thousands of satisfied customers. We have consistently satisfied those who have entrusted us with planning trips for business or pleasure, and providing them with personalized attention, first class service, and all the necessary information. 
Our people are constantly traveling, discovering, and evaluating destinations and services throughout the country. Gotolatin Travel S.A. is a company dedicated to the global organization and sales of travel services, leading the inbound tourism Internet industry in Peru. 
Established in 1997, today the web site expands to other countries in Latin America under the name Gotolatin.com.