Colca Canyon, a river canyon in southern Peru famed as one of the world's deepest, is a well-known trekking destination. It's a habitat for the giant Andean condor, on view from overlooks like Cruz del Condor. The canyon landscape comprises a green valley and remote traditional villages with terraced agriculture that predates the Incas.
The Nazca Lines in southern Peru are a group of pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into desert sands. Covering an area of nearly 1,000 sq. kilometers, there are about 300 different figures, including animals and plants. Composed of over 10,000 lines, some of which measure 30 meters wide and stretch more than 9 kilometers, the figures are most visible from the air.
The Ballestas Islands are a group of small islands near the town of Paracas within the Paracas District of the Pisco Province in the Ica Region, on the south coast of Peru. The Ballestas Islands is an important wildlife reserve, with over 160 species of marine birds, including Humboldt penguins, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. There is also animal life, including vast numbers of sea lions. Condors can sometimes be seen flying overhead, especially in February and March, as they feed on the carcasses of dead sea lions. Dolphins and even whales can also be seen at times.
At a height of over 85 feet and extending for one-third of a mile, the Canopy Walkway provided a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. Spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees, the suspended walkway is one of the longest in the world. At night, the biodiversity of the jungle totally changes. We searched for caimans, bats and more nocturnal creatures that are were interesting and uniquely different from the daytime.
Nauta Caño Creek is known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins and sloths. We skimmed the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colours, shapes and sizes. The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will took us deep into the rainforest on terra firme where the guide pointed out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. It is unbelievable how every step reveals something along the way. Almost definitely (! - lol!)) anaconda, rainbow boas, tarantulas, poison frogs and most recently, porcupines have been spotted. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where one can spot the ever so elusive two-toed sloth. This National Reserve is a vast area of Amazonian jungle and floodable forest in northeastern Peru, bordered by the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. Known for its biodiversity, it shelters animals from pink dolphins to spider monkeys and giant South American turtles. It's also home to hundreds of bird species, like colourful macaws.
Peru is a country in western South America which is incredibly diverse. From the Amazonian jungle to the iconic Inca Trail leading you to the bucket list landmark of Machu Picchu to smoking volcanoes and condors riding the thermals of Colca Canyon to the ancient and mysterious Nazca Lines to the rugged Ballestas Islands teeming with seabirds and penguins to the man made islands of Lake Titicaca ... this is a fascinating country to lose yourself in....
The Amazon River is located in South America and actually originates from a glacier in Colca Canyon, Peru. It's just south of Iquitos, where the Marañón River and the Ucayali river converge, that the Amazon River first shows up on a map. From there, it flows eastward. The spacious yet intimate river cruiser, Delfin 1 features only 4 oversized suites, all with private panoramic terraces, 2 of which offer a private whirlpool for the ultimate treat. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow nature to be part of the natural suite décor, and cabin service 3 times a day ensures that you enjoy the most personalised experience. On the top deck there is a lounge area, bar and entertainment centre which are perfect places to relax in while the jungle unfolds before your very eyes.
Iquitos is a Peruvian port city and gateway to the jungle lodges and tribal villages of the northern Amazon. Its district of Belén is known for its massive open-air street market and rustic stilt houses lining the Itaya River. As Iquitos is a city with no land connection, the only ways to get there are by air or by river.
Lima, the capital of Peru lies on the country's arid Pacific coast. Though its colonial centre is preserved, it is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. After Cairo, this sprawling metropolis is the second-driest world capital, rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs. There is however a mist, the Garúa, which can deposit moisture on the ground.
Rio de Janeiro is a huge seaside city in Brazil, famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, 38m Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas (shanty towns). Its raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers, is considered the world’s largest.
