Peru is a country of superlatives. The world’s longest chain of mountains forms the spine of the nation and the driest desert on earth extends into its southern reaches. The richest waters on the planet are found off Peru’s Pacific coast, the highest navigable lake on earth forms its southern boundary with Bolivia, and the mightiest river in the world begins in the Peruvian Amazon. In addition, this country—which is approximately twice the size of the state of Texas—contains part of the largest tropical forest on the globe as well as some of the oldest and most sophisticated cultures of the New World!

This outstanding natural history and culturally-oriented odyssey was designed to provide a grand overview of the wonders of southern Peru, offering travelers a chance to experience the full spectrum of its fascinating diversity. We start with a drive south along the Pacific Coast to Paracas Bay, visiting quaint fishing villages and pre-Columbian ruins en route. At Paracas, we observe dozens of sea lions and marine birds on the Ballestas Islands before continuing south to Nazca, where we fly over the mysterious drawings on the desert plains. Leaving the coast, we drive up to the highlands and explore the colonial plazas and historical sites of Peru's white-city, Arequipa. A short flight brings us to the Altiplano where we're introduced to the lifestyle and culture of the Incas as we visit with Quechua families on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca. Next, we meet with Andean weavers in the market town of Chinchero (near Cusco), walk among silent Inca walls at Ollantaytambo and Pisac, visit the archaeological project at the Huari sites of Pikillacta and Chokepukio, and contemplate the mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu. From Cusco we return to Lima where our adventure concludes with a tour of the splendid Larco Herrera Museum or we extend to the Amazon or another region in the country.