VA Expeditions

[vaexpeditionsperu]

6 Best Places to Explore with Peru’s Top-Rated Tours

Do you know there are many stunning places and destinations to explore in Peru? Consider booking customized Peru top-rated tours to discover the best places conveniently. Most travelers include Peru on their bucket list for its breathtaking landscape and diverse cultures. If you are looking for an authentic experience, consider a Peru trip that can savor your travel appetite. 

Here are the best places to visit in Peru by booking customized and well-planned tours! 

1. Discover One of the World’s Archaeological Wonders - Machu Picchu

The Peru tour is not complete without exploring Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu is a historical place in Peru. It is famous among travelers from all across the globe. The Inca Trail hike is the best way to reach Machu Picchu while enjoying a stunning landscape view en route. 

A visit to Machu Picchu can leave you with a lasting impression. 

2. Visit A UNESCO World Heritage Site- Cusco

On your Peru trip, consider visiting Cusco city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site- Cusco is in the southeastern region of Peru. 

The relaxing charm of Cusco city draws international visitors. Visit Cusco city to immerse yourself in its unwinding beauty. 

Some of the best attractions to explore on your visit to Cusco:

Sacsayhuaman

Coricancha

Plaza de Armas

Cusco Cathedral

Inca complex

Cusco is a must-visit destination included in every Peru tour package.

3. Explore a Stunning Place in Peru- Lima 

Do you know Lima in Peru is the world’s second driest region? Lima is home to the best museums, temples, and art galleries. The Capital city of Peru- Lima, has an aesthetic beauty of pre-Columbian art and a Cathedral. 

You can savor Peru’s diverse delicacies in Lima. See the world’s largest fountain complex, discover the Monastery of San Francisco, and learn about pre-Colombian art while exploring Lima. 

4. See a Picturesque Blue Water Backdrop- Lake Titicaca 

Lake Titicaca is between the borders of Bolivia and Peru. The beautiful lake has many historical ruins around it. The best things to do at Lake Titicaca are:

Island hopping

Boating

Lake Titicaca is one of the best cultural places having dramatic scenery that attracts many travelers. 

5. Witness an Untamed Amazon Rainforest 

Peru is one of the nine countries where the mighty Amazon Rainforest jungle stretches. Come to witness the most complex ecosystem of the Amazon Rainforest. The beautiful Amazon Rainforest is home to countless flora and fauna species. 

You can spot some of the rare animal species in the Amazon Rainforest, like:

Spider monkeys

Golden Tamarin

Pink River Dolphin

Embrace the wild Amazon Rainforest for unique experiences during your Peru tour.

6. Experience Visiting the Mystical Sacred Valley 

The Sacred Valley has a timeless beauty, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Peru. 

A visit to the Sacred Valley helps you see the massive agricultural lands once cultivated by the Incans. The Sacred Valley’s highlight is the Ollantaytambo. It is a well-preserved Inca temple and fort.

Peru has unmatched beauty and stunning destinations with historical or cultural essence! The best way to explore the magnificent places is by booking well-planned Peru top-rated tours from VA Expeditions. Our travel specialist can enhance your Peru travel experience with expert guidance and consultation. Contact us at 1 – [phone] to get more information about the best Peru tour packages!

[vaexpeditionsperu]

6 Ancient Ruins You Can Visit Along the Inca Trail

Hiking the Inca Trail is an amazing opportunity to see the ancient remains of a civilisation that ruled as the backbone of the Andes for nearly a century. Most travellers hike the Inca Trail to visit Machu Picchu (and that’s a good enough reason on its own), but they don't know that there are many ruins along their route that are worth exploring. Here are six ruins you'll have a chance to see during your hike.

Llactapata:

This site was one of the first settlements established by the Incas after they invaded Cusco, and it served as a military outpost and storage area for supplies during the 1532 siege of Cusco.

Runkurakay:

Runkurakay is another Inca ruin located on top of a mountain near Llactapata. You'll see it when hiking to Machu Picchu because it's part of the same trail system. This site consists of various structures and buildings, including terraces and water channels used for agriculture, which makes it an important stop along your hike if you're interested in learning more about ancient Incan agriculture techniques.

Saksaywaman:

This is a massive stone structure outside Cusco that was used as a fortress and temple by the Incas. It was built using large blocks of stone without any mortar to hold them together; instead, they fit together so perfectly that they don’t even need mortar now!

Wiñaywayna:

Wiñay Wayna is an unforgettable stop on the spectacular Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu. Constructed in a magnificent natural environment, Wiñay Wayna is one of the dozens of Andean attractions that can be seen from this trail. To cross it, you must first reserve a tourist quota months in advance and be physically prepared and properly acclimatized.

Intipata:

Intipata is one of the lesser-known Inca sites in Peru. Located at 2,840m above sea level and consisting of agricultural terraces, it is an optional hike when taking the classic 4-day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu.

If you don’t feel like doing the full Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, you can check out our Inca Trail Express Tour (which last 2 days and one night). It is far less strenuous than the classic 4-days hike. On this tour you will come across some of the major highlights of the Inca Trail. Whether you are looking for a small group tour or private tour, we can arrange our Inca Trail Express Tour as per your preferences.

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Visit Original Link

3 Reasons to Book Luxury Peru Travel Packages Today

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Visit Original Link

3 Reasons Why Budget Inca Trail Tours are Popular

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Visit Original Link

4 Family Friendly Activities in Peru

[vaexpeditionsperu]

5 Reasons to Book Luxury Peru Travel Packages Today

Peru is situated on the east coast area of South America, right next to the Pacific Ocean. The country is a truly exceptional, multicultural, and vibrantly colorful country with contrasts that come to light after exploring its rich diversity of culture, history, geography, biodiversity and gastronomy. Luxury Peru travel packages cover everything from the coastal areas of the capital and the dunes of  Ica, coming across the Andes Mountain Range that takes you down to the Peruvian Amazon.

Peru stands as the home to the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, situated outside the Cusco city in the forest brow. Even if Machu Picchu is well-known as one of the most visited sites around Peru, it is not enough alone,  to completely comprehend this luxury country. Here are a few reasons why you should book a luxury Peru travel package for lifetime travel experiences.

1. Wildlife Diversity

Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world with different geography and microclimates. Its rich diversity draws the attention of scientists and researchers from all around the world. The South American country is a perfect destination for bird-watching enthusiasts and animal lovers as it is the home to a great array of birds, mammals and amphibians throughout the territory.

2. Superb Gastronomy

Peruvian gastronomy can’t be described in just a few words; so you need to experience it on your own. Currently, Peru is living the gastronomic boom because of its unique traditions, flavors and using diverse ingredients, for the preparation.

Peruvian gastronomy is all about fusion, change, originality and tradition. Within a short time period, the country has become one of the most highly recognized and mouthwatering cuisines around the world. The gastronomic experiences play a significant aspect in Peruvian identity.

3. Full of History, Culture and Folklore

Peru is a renowned site for so many cultures long before the Spanish conquest. The most significant is the Inca culture whose capital was Cusco. You can plan a visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu, the magnificent achievement of Incan architecture that captures the imaginations of the world, among many other fortresses and monuments of significant historical value.

There are so many cultural vestiges throughout the Peruvian territory. When you go along the north coast, you can truly appreciate the magnificence of tombs, fortresses, ceramics and metal works of the Pre-Incan cultures like the Lord of Sipan burial complex, Chan Chan, the pyramids of Tucume, etc.

During your visit to Lima, the capital of Peru, you should visit the historical center of Lima, built during colonial times as well as other museums like Larco and Museo de Arte de Lima and Huacas in the metropolitan Lima. They are the prologue to the Incan history that continues in Cusco.

4. Amazing Unknown Adventure Opportunities

Peru is a country with so many diversities and has a great variety of places from where to start your adventure.

Lima

Lima is a beautiful city that coexists between contracts and similarities of traditional customs and habits from other countries. The destination is the starting point to understanding the true meaning of Peru and has an imperfect mixture that is still merging.

There are so many activities available for those who are looking for adventure experiences from discovering how life for Peruvians was during the colonial era, to following the traditional gastronomic route to understand Peruvian flavors.

Cusco

There are so many things to discover throughout Cusco, from the classic wonders to know the most visited sites, to the adventurous experiences of the well-known Inca Trail. Cusco is a Peruvian destination that people of every age will enjoy to the fullest.

5. Outstanding Otherworldly Landscapes

With so many destinations to explore, luxury Peru travel packages give you enormous opportunities for capturing beautiful moments. If you love capturing photos, you will feel like you are vacationing in paradise.

Bottom Line –

VA Expeditions offers Peru vacation packages including a 12 Luxury Travel Peru package that covers beautiful destinations like Cusco, Lima, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Lake Titicaca, and the citadel of Machu Picchu. For more information about our luxury Peru travel itinerary, please call us at 1 - [phone].

[vaexpeditionsperu]

5 Family Friendly Activities in Peru: A Trip You’ll Never Forget

If you’re planning a trip to Peru with your family, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 family friendly activities that will make your trip one to remember:

Visit the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most-visited archaeological sites in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do its incredible structures seem to have been carved out of the mountain itself, but they also boast incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The site is well preserved, so it’s easy for kids to imagine what life was like for the Inca people who lived there centuries ago.

Explore the Sacred Valley with a mix of sightseeing and adventure:

The Sacred Valley is a popular destination for families traveling to Peru, with its opportunities for exploring ruins, colonial towns, and adventure. Ziplining over beautiful scenery or cycling along the hills and flats in the area are just some of the options available to add adventure to your family vacation.

Explore the Pisac Ruins:

If you’re traveling to Peru with children, consider spending a few days in Pisac. You’ll find plenty to do in the area, including visiting Pisac’s colorful market and hiking down a well-marked trail. The trail is challenging in places, but it’s safe enough for children.

Experience the rich Peruvian culture in Cusco by immersing yourself in it:

Spend a couple of days in the town of Cusco, exploring the unique architecture and admiring the Sacsayhuaman and La Compañia. The main square is called Plaza de Armas, and it has several restaurants, shops, and museums. Intermingle with locals at the Mercado Central de San Pedro, or Cusco market, while searching for souvenirs to take home with you. Try churros with chocolate sauce at one of the food stalls.

Have some family fun in Lima:

Lima, the capital city of Peru, offers many attractions for families. The coastal city has two boardwalks above the Pacific Ocean and many gardens, soccer fields, and unobstructed views of the coast. In Miraflores, stop by the Choco Museo for a tour of a chocolate factory where your children can make their own chocolate! For the smaller children there is El CircuitoMagico del Agua—a waterpark with water bridges and a timed water fountain to run through.

VA Expeditions is your one-stop shop for top-rated Peru tours.Whether you’re looking for a tour that will give you an up-close look at the Amazon rainforest or a tour that will introduce you to local culture and leave you with memories to last a lifetime, VA Expeditions has got it.

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Visit Original Link

Everything to Know about Before Booking Inca Trail Tours

[vaexpeditionsperu]

5 Reasons Why Budget Inca Trail Tours are Popular

The Inca Trail is listed year by year again in the top ten trails by National Geographic and Lonely Planet. It is one of the most popular names in the world of hiking and the Inca Trail in Peru has enough to live up to. Take a look at the reasons behind the popularity of Budget Inca Trail trekking tours to Machu Picchu.

1. The Inca Trail takes you to one of the New Wonders of the World.

Though it may not be new, Machu Picchu stands out as an internationally recognized one-of-its-kind destination around the world. It is announced as a World Heritage-listed site in 1983 by UNESCO and garnered the status as one of the seven New Wonders of the World in 2007. Machu Picchu won the World Travel Awards for “World Leading Tourist Attraction” in 2017.

2. The Inca Trail gives you a chance to see beautiful, unique ruins.

Trekking along the Inca Trail doesn’t just take you to Machu Picchu. Besides, there are so many sightseeing attractions that you will get to explore along the way like Llactpata which means high town dating back to the sixteenth century, the semicircular shape of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca village ruins. All these sightings are blessed with their individual intriguing history as the inherent part of the Inca Empire.

3. The Inca Trail offers you limited permits of only 200 tourists per day.

According to the Inca Trail regulations, only a cap of 500 people including porters is permitted to start the trail as per the day. The trail can be booked months in advance. Hence, it is highly suggested that you should lock in your trip at least three months before the departure, aiming to book even earlier, if you are planning to visit there during peak season in June and July.

4. The Inca Trail takes you to the Sun Gate directly overlooking Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail takes you to the lookout point and entrance to this beautiful site. The Sun Gate is known as Inti Punku in Quechuan is thought to be used as the security checkpoint to the ancient city. The Inca Trail is one of the only trails that take you to the top entrance.

5. Trekking the Inca Trail gives you an experience like no other.

As the Inca Trail is a protected area, it gives you enormous opportunities for wildlife sightings. You will find a huge assortment of wild orchids in full bloom and you get an opportunity to trek through the dense cloud forest area.

Bottom Line –

Are you ready to take one of the  budget Inca Trail trekking tours to Machu Picchu? Book your Inca Trail trekking expedition through VA Expeditions today and let us help you make everlasting memories to treasure forever. Feel free to contact us today and we will get your traveling needs covered.

[vaexpeditionsperu]

5 Family Friendly Activities in Peru

If you're planning a trip to Peru with your family, don't worry—we've got you covered. Here are 5 family friendly activities that will make your trip one to remember:

Visit the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most-visited archaeological sites in the world, and it's easy to see why. Not only do its incredible structures seem to have been carved out of the mountain itself, but they also boast incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The site is well preserved, so it's easy for kids to imagine what life was like for the Inca people who lived there centuries ago.

Explore the Sacred Valley with a mix of sightseeing and adventure:

The Sacred Valley is a popular destination for families traveling to Peru, with its opportunities for exploring ruins, colonial towns, and adventure. Ziplining over beautiful scenery or cycling along the hills and flats in the area are just some of the options available to add adventure to your family vacation.

Explore the Pisac Ruins:

If you're traveling to Peru with children, consider spending a few days in Pisac. You'll find plenty to do in the area, including visiting Pisac's colorful market and hiking down a well-marked trail. The trail is challenging in places, but it's safe enough for children.

Experience the rich Peruvian culture in Cusco by immersing yourself in it:

Spend a couple of days in the town of Cusco, exploring the unique architecture and admiring the Sacsayhuaman and La Compañia. The main square is called Plaza de Armas, and it has several restaurants, shops, and museums. Intermingle with locals at the Mercado Central de San Pedro, or Cusco market, while searching for souvenirs to take home with you. Try churros with chocolate sauce at one of the food stalls.

Have some family fun in Lima:

Lima, the capital city of Peru, offers many attractions for families. The coastal city has two boardwalks above the Pacific Ocean and many gardens, soccer fields, and unobstructed views of the coast. In Miraflores, stop by the Choco Museo for a tour of a chocolate factory where your children can make their own chocolate! For the smaller children there is El CircuitoMagico del Agua—a waterpark with water bridges and a timed water fountain to run through.

VA Expeditions is your one-stop shop for top-rated Peru tours.Whether you're looking for a tour that will give you an up-close look at the Amazon rainforest or a tour that will introduce you to local culture and leave you with memories to last a lifetime, VA Expeditions has got it.

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Everything to Know about Before Booking Inca Trail Tours

The iconic Inca Trail is a perfect opportunity to follow in the footsteps of a great lost civilization, a trek that leads from the old capital of Cusco through the Sacred Valley to the beautiful ruins of Ollantayatambo and to the Sun Gate overlooking the mighty Machu Picchu. Once you one of the take Inca Trail tours, you will know why it is considered as the mother of all South American trekking expeditions.

If you are planning on hiking one of the cheap Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu, there are a few things you should know beforehand. Here us everything you have to know prior embarking on a tour to Machu Picchu.

First and foremost, the Inca Trail is physically demanding trek and is not ideal for the faint of heart. The trail is around 26 miles long and has several steep climbs and descents. If you don’t have good health, it’s probably not the hike for you.

Secondly, the Inca Trail is remote in nature. You will find no towns or villages along the way to the Inca Trail. Hence, it’s important for you to be fully self-sufficient. That means, you should carry all of your daily supplies along with you.

And at the end, the Inca Trail is very difficult to book because of its popularity amongst adventure seekers throughout the world. The Peruvian government has implemented the permit system for Inca Trail. In addition to the cost of your gear and tour operator, you will have to pay for a permit to access the Inca Trail.

Why the Inca Trail Tour is an Amazing Experience –

Despite all the challenging situations, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an incredible experience. The exciting trail takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Peru including the spectacular lush rainforests, alpine meadows and snowcapped mountains. Of course, your final destination is the lost city of Machu Picchu – one of the most idyllic archaeological sites around the world.

If you are ready for the challenge, the Inca Trail tour will give you an unforgettable experience. Just make sure that you prepare for the Inca Trail expedition properly and go in with realistic expectations.

What are the Physical Challenges of the Inca Trail in Peru?

One of the most important things to consider before Inca Trail tours is whether or not you are prepared physically for the challenging voyage. The trail is steep and very challenging with many sections reaching an elevation level of over 4,200 meters.

If you are unfamiliar with hiking at high altitudes, you should take some time to acclimatize your body before setting off. In addition, the Inca Trail is not like walking in the park; so you need to be in right shape to complete the expedition. If you are unsure if you are up for the challenge, there are so many other hikes in Cusco City available and you may find the one that makes the right fit.

So, if you are thinking of hiking the Inca Trail, you should consider all these things. It is such an amazing experience; but not for everyone. If you are ready for the challenging expedition, though, it’s worth it.

Why is the Inca Trail So Popular?

The main reason behind taking the Inca Trail tour is that it covers a diverse variety of ecosystems and is very interesting. The Inca Trail has a beautiful lush forest area with endemic birds and you will encounter steep mountains and different other landscapes along the way. All of them end up impressing your adventure spirit in the best possible way.

You will get to see the magnificence of Machu Picchu, explore the Sun Gate and can see the gate during sunrise. It is one of bucket-list worthy activities which is fun, engaging and creative at the same time. Of course, you need help from a professional tour operator like VA Expeditions and browse cheap Inca Trail tours to find one that is very exciting and filled with fun moments. Contact us today and let’s get started.

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Visit Original Link

5 Tips for Before Hiking Trips to Machu Picchu

[vaexpeditionsperu]

5 Tips to Hiking Trips to Machu Picchu

By far, Machu Picchu is the most popular destination throughout Peru and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular places on the earth. Now Machu Picchu makes its way onto every holiday bucket list. So it’s no surprise you see the majestic sightings in photos and videos of the Incas hauling massive stones around a mountainside to build such a fabulous place.

The archaeological site gives specific energy that offers a chilling experience while looking out over the scene. You will find it easy to transform back in time and imagine everything that went on there once. Machu Picchu has a lot of history to learn and many things to explore. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the World's New Seven Wonders. For those traveling to Peru, hiking trips to Machu Picchu give them worthwhile experiences to treasure forever.

1. Keep an eye on your surroundings.

Keep an eye on your surroundings while hiking in Machu Picchu. There are so many porters rushing throughout the trail. Hence, you need to stay in the mountain area of the trail to avoid getting knocked off. If you see porters coming, you should let your teammates know about it so they can safely move to the mountainside of the trail. It becomes essential on the way down the Inca Trail's steep steps. The trails are steeper than you think, so you need to consider your safety on the trail.

2. Stay hydrated.

The dry climate and low oxygen level during the hiking trips to Machu Picchu require you to drink at least four to five liters of water daily. Hydration is essential for your body to function correctly at altitude. The higher you go, the greater the impact is on your body, and the more important thing is to stay hydrated. Generally, people dehydrate much faster at high altitude levels. If you fail to hydrate yourself, you will risk altitude sickness and badly affecting your trek.

3. Focus on the signs of acute mountain sickness.

You should consider the signs of acute mountain sickness. You need to acclimatize in Cusco before heading for the Inca trail treks. It is essential to sleep at 3,400m/ 11,152 feet for two nights before the trekking excursion. You should manage your ascent safely, and feel free to let your guide know how you feel.

4. Stay together on your trek.

You should trek as a team rather than trekking alone. You have to look out for yourself and other teammates trekking with you. Teamwork is significant for ensuring safe travel. You must look out for each other and enjoy the journey.

5. Get the right trekking gear.

You need to have the right clothes, gear, and equipment before thinking about how to hike in Machu Picchu. Get comfortable trek clothes, good quality trekking boots, good day packs, and water. You should never compromise on trekking boots, backpacks, waterproof gear, sleeping bags, or air mattresses.

Bottom Line –

It is time to plan one of the hiking trips to Machu Picchu with VA Expeditions. We will provide you with inspirational ideas and necessary suggestions for hiking in Machu Picchu. For more information about our Machu Picchu hiking trip packages, please contact us at +1 - [phone].

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Visit Original Link

Famous 2 Day Inca Trail Hike

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Visit Original Link

2-Day Adventurous Machu Picchu Tours

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Famous 2 Day Inca Trail Hike

Hiking the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike

A trip that is on many travellers’ bucket lists is to visit the ‘lost City of the Incas’ – Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is one of the world's seven wonders and an incredible place to visit and see. But for adventurous travellers, simply hopping on a train or bus to get to Machu Picchu is not just enough. A trek through the cloud jungles of Peru on the famous Inca trail holds more allure.

If you are into trekking and enjoying the lush greenery and natural beauty around, the Inca Trail is definitely something you will end up loving without a shadow of a doubt. The famous Inca Trail is situated around Peru's popular South American city. It is one of the best short treks one can indulge in for an overall amazing experience.

Most of the trek is spread across the beauty and gigantic area of the Machu Picchu sanctuary, which is loaded with rich vegetation, wildlife, and exotic animals.

The Famous 2-Day Inca Trail Hike

There are a lot of trekking routes that can lead you to Machu Picchu city, but this trek is the only one that you will have a chance to visit Machu Picchu for sunset, and on the second day, you are going to explore Machu Picchu for the second time. The 2-day Inca Trail hike is ideal for those with little time to do the classic Inca Trail 4 days. But you can still hike the last part of this Inca Trail route to reach Machu Picchu by booking this authentic Inca Trail hike. You will witness generous flora and fauna and the unrealistic views of Andes Mountain, which makes it a mystique experience.

The Best Time To Hike Inca Trail

The most important point to note is that Inca Trail is closed for the entire month of February! The month is set aside to maintain and conserve the pathways, campsites, and ancient ruins along the trail. And it’s also the month with the most rain. So, other than February, there is really no bad time to hike the Inca Trail.

Rainy Season

The rainy summer season runs from mid-November to March, with December to February having the highest number of rain days per month. If you come prepared with wet weather gear, you will get to take advantage of warmer temperatures. There will be far smaller crowds at Machu Picchu, so, permits do not need to be booked in advance. Chances are you may even get last minute permit.

Dry Season

The dry winter season runs from May to mid-August, and this is the peak season for tourism to Machu Picchu as well as Cusco and Peru in general. The months are dry but cool. You can expect sunny days with temperatures dropping off at night. Due to its high popularity, book your hiking permits well in advance if you plan to hike the trail.

The Inca Trail Hike – Conquer The Most Epic Trail In The World

Book the 2 day Inca Trail hike, and you are sure to discover along the way that there’s so much more than spectacular views and new friends. You will arrive to Machu Picchu along the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike with this short trail package, but you will leave with a treasure trove of memories that will last a lifetime.

[vaexpeditionsperu]

Visit Original Link

Things to Keep in Mind When Preparing For the Inca Trail