Deep in the heart of Tambopata National Reserve, Chuncho Claylick is the largest clay lick in the world. The region is the most complex and biodiverse area in the world, with many species of butterflies, mammals, and birds. Although the distance between most of the lodges and Puerto Maldonado is quite large and the road is difficult to travel, the whole area is spectacular, and visiting a clay lick is a unique experience.
One of the most interesting activities in the jungle happens after the sun sets, when you start looking for nocturnal wildlife up-close. From a boat that slowly floats downstream with the current, you can easily spot the largest predator in the Amazon in the light of your flashlight, as its eyes glow in the dark.
The Amazon rainforest is not only one of the world's most biodiverse regions, but it is also home to many indigenous communities that have lived in harmony with the nature for thousands of years. The native community of Ese Eja is one of the world’s last remaining foraging Amazonian tribes, whose ancestral land is located along the Tambopata River, in Madre de Dios region.
Surrounded by the Peruvian Andes, at 2430m altitude above Urubamba River stands Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries in Latin America. The Incas built the citadel around 1450, and abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although its exact purpose still remains unknown, Machu Picchu was most likely a religious sanctuary and a residential area for the ruler Pachacuti. Considered a symbol of the Inca culture, architecture, and engineering, in 2007 the "Lost City of the Incas" was declared one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
Between Cusco and Machu Picchu, in the southern region of Peruvian Andes, Valle Sagrado de Los Incas (Sacred Valley of the Incas) encompasses small colonial cities, authentic villages and an incredible array of Inca ruins. This picturesque valley stretches almost 100km, from the small town of Pisac to Aguas Calientes, the village located at the base of the mountain where Machu Picchu was built.
Whether you hike the Inca Trail for 88km to Inti Punku (the entry point to Machu Picchu), or travel by bus or car to Ollantaytambo, then arrive by train to Aguas Calientes, Cusco is the starting point for visiting Machu Picchu. In the old capital of the largest empire that has ever existed in Latin America, you'll discover dozens of impressive archaeological sites dating back to the early 12th century and catholic churches with amazing architecture.
Divided into three main geographic regions: coastal desert, mountain highland and tropical forest, Peru occupies one of the richest agricultural lands in South America. Thanks to its great cultural diversity, Peruvian cuisine is one of the most recognized worldwide, reflecting the country's rich history and traditions. Once known as "Ciudad de Los Reyes" (the City of Kings), Lima is now considered the "gastronomic capital of Latin America" and a destination that belongs on every foodie's bucket list.
Due to the great diversity of climate, Peru is one of the most beautiful destinations around the world. Lima is the second-largest desert city in the world, the Andes hide incredible Inca ruins left almost intact by a civilization that perished too soon, and the Peruvian part of the Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Besides, Machu Picchu citadel is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, and its variety of resources attracts millions of tourists each year fascinated by Peruvian cuisine.
Many countries are reopening their borders to international visitors, but traveling continue to pose a risk. Travel industry has already begun to bounce back, more creative then ever with digital technology playing a key role in the last few years. Today you can visit historical centers of the most beautiful cities in the world, participate in cooking classes, or observe fascinating wildlife, from the comfort of your home.
