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History
 By far, Peru is the richest archaeological country in South America. Remains of archaeological sites are dispersed by all sides, especially on the coast and highlands. Weather conditions have made possible the excellent preservation of these sites. Reed huts, stone-piled rooms, painted caves, mud cities, stoned fortress and trails, are some of the different buildings we encounter in our exciting trip around Peru. This ancient land which dates from more than 20,000 years ago, is the "mecca" of archaeologists and historians. Although pre-columbian people never left us written sources; ceramics, textiles and metalwork designs have greatly helped scientists to know more about their culture, as well as the chronicles written after the conquest of the fabulous Inca Empire. Pre-Inca - The oldest remains of human presence (nomadic hunter-gatherers) have been found in the Piquimachay cave of Ayacucho with a date of 20,000-10,000 BC between its different settlements. Other sites of this time are Chivateros, Guitarrero, Cupisnique, Lauricocha and Toquepala; places with caves paintings, stone tools and plant seeds. The starting point of agriculture was around 4,000-5,000 BC with crops of cotton, beans, corn, chili and squash. Since 1,300 BC advanced cultures appeared, such as Chavín, Paracas, Mochica, Nazca, Tiahuanaco, Wari and the regional states of Chimú, Chincha and Chanka. This period lasted until the 15th century when the Inca Empire reached its highest expansion. Inca - Having Qosqo (Cuzco) as its capital, the Tahuantinsuyu (Inca Empire) expanded to the areas of modern day Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Pachacútec, the ninth Inca, was a great conqueror and builder. Most of his work is still visible nowadays. After a century of life, the Tahuantinsuyu reached its end when Huáscar and Atahualpa started a civil war the winner to be the successor to their Inca father Huayna Cápac. By this time (1532), Pizarro, the Spanish conqueror, returned to Peru and took advantage of the situation. He captured, deceived and executed Atahualpa. Although, Inca people resisted for nearly 40 years. The Spaniards finally defeated and put and end to Inca Empire. Colony & Independence - With Incas destroyed and controlling the Spanish territory in South America, Pizarro founded Lima, called since then the City of Kings, which became the center of all political, social and commercial events in the continent. The Viceroyalty of Peru, rich and powerful, had to fight against those colonists who where tired of abuse and explotation of indians. One of their leaders and Inca noble, Túpac Amaru II, rebelled in 1780 but was defeated and put to death with other leaders in Cuzco. This happening, among other unsuccessful uprisings, led the way to an independence aspiration. Emancipators were helped by Argentinian General José de San Martín, who declared Independence on 28 July 1821, and Venezuelan Liberator Simón Bolívar, who was in charge of the liberation of Peru with the decisive battle of Ayacucho on 9 December 1824. This last battle, put an end to the presence and rule of Spain in South America. Contemporary - The beginning of this century was marked by the recovery after the long war between Peru and Chile (1879-1883), which in fact was a matter of Bolivia and Chile, but Peru helped the Bolivians and they ended loosing territory. After this, governments were alternated several times between coup d'états and dictatorships to civil rules. Peru had also to face economic problems due to the heavy external and internal debt. Poverty increased in the highlands and caused a massive migration to the coast which resulted in overcrowding of cities like Lima, Trujillo, Chimbote and Arequipa. This situation helped appearance of terrorist groups (formerly guerrillas) like Sendero Luminoso (Shining path) and Movimiento Revolucionario Túpac Amaru (MRTA). They fought against the central government starting in the 80´s, and caused more than 23,000 deaths and damage estimated at nearly 25 billion dollars. Fortunately, Alberto Fujimori´s rule (1990-2000), combated the terrorists, and put in jail almost all the leaders and broke down both groups. Fujimori also reformed the economy, putting an end to hyper inflation, privatizing major Peruvian companies putting Peru on a rapid road to recovery. In April 1992, helped by the military and police, he took control by civil coup d'état closing Congress and the Courts and established the government by decree. During his is rule Fujimori also signed a peace declaration with Ecuador settling a long border conflict which began in 1941. Peru remains a democratic republic, the new elected head of state is now President Alan Gabriel Ludwig García Pérez. He assumed office on the 28th of July 2006, which is also Peruvian independence day. |
| Round Trips | Regional Trips | Adventure Trips | Luxury Tours |
| Discover the Empire of the Incas 5 D / 4 N - from $815 Best of the Andes and exotic jungle 10 D / 9 N - from $1,579 Best of the Andes and exotic jungle II 9 D / 8 N - from $1,495 Best of the Andes 10 D / 9 N - from $1,365 Peru Overview 15 D / 14 N - from $2,245 |
Lima, City of Kings 3 D / 2 N - from $239 The Enigma of the Nazca Lines and the Beauty of the Paracas National Reserve 2 D / 1 N - from $289 Discover the Empire of the Incas 4 D / 3 N - from $575 Life at Lake Titicaca 3 D / 2 N - from $249 The great Colca Canyon and the big condor 4 D / 3 N - from $335 Exotic Southern Jungle 3 D / 2 N - from $395 Upper Amazonas 4 D / 3 N - from $395 The Lord of Sipan & Chan Chan 2 D / 1 N - from $499 |
Rafting at the Urubamba 5 D / 4 N - from $2,589 Follow the Inca path 7 D / 6 N - from $1,209 Classic Inca Trail 4 D / 3 N - from $2,589 Salcantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 D / 4 N - from $2,589 |
"Our luxury trips offer the best Peru has to offer. These packages are aimed at the more discerning client who wishes to have the more personal or private touch to their holiday." More info |
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