Peru

Unequaled in South America for its archaeological, cultural and natural wealth, Peru is Southwind's forté - it is where we got our start in 1979. Half of the country's population continues to follow traditional ways and the majority speak Quechua, Aymara or another native language. A rugged topography, ranging from desertic coast to Andean peaks and Amazonian forests, has created an impressive variety of ecosystems - 80% of those found on the planet can be encountered in Peru!

The richest cultural destinations are in the Andean highlands. Here Quechua weavers work colorful fabrics on back-strap looms as condors soar over immense gorges. Llamas, alpacas and vicuñas graze on ichu grass and the precise walls of Inca temples are silent witnesses to the skill of ancient stone masons. Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and dozens of intriguing Inca sites. A day journey south, across the Altiplano, lies mythical Lake Titicaca with its floating Uros Islands and Taquile, an island enclave of Quechua culture. Midway between the coast and the lake, the lovely colonial city of Arequipa is set beneath El Misti's volcanic summit and impressive Colca Canyon is a four-hour drive northeast. Huaraz is a hiking and climbing center at the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical range. In the northern cloud forests, the Chachapoyan culture built amazing hilltop fortresses such as Kuelap and fascinating cliff side burial sites in Karajia.

The Amazon rainforest is home to the earth's greatest biodiversity. 20% of the planet's total number of bird species including 10% of all parrots, 4,000 species of butterflies and 374 species of mammals live in the forests of Amazonia. Plus countless numbers of insects and thousands of plants thrive in the hot, steamy environment. The region is easily accessed from Iquitos for a lodge-based introduction to the jungle or a luxurious nature cruise on the Amazon River itself. Or from Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to remote reserves like Tambopata and Manu, guests staying in simple lodges can enjoy some of the best Amazonian wildlife viewing.

Peru's 1,500 mile long Pacific Coast is one of the driest places in the world. Despite harsh conditions, ancient cultures like the Moche and Nazca flourished. Their legacy is impressive cities such as Chan Chan near Trujillo, fascinating archaeological sites like the pyramids at Tucumé and the burial sites at Sipán near Chiclayo, and the intriguing Nazca Lines south of Lima.