Myth #1 - It's a "Third World" Country:  Lima reminds me of Southern California.  It is a metropolitan city of high-rise buildings and people driving around in expensive cars.  There are modern buildings and hotels, and a well-educated population with quite a few Europeans (Italians and Swiss).  It has two restaurants in the "Forbes Top Fifty".   The same number as New York, and one more than Paris or London.  Of course there is poverty and run-down areas, just like there is in cities in the U.S.

Myth #2 - I'm Going to "Rough It" in Peru:  The Traveling Professor uses 3 and 4 star hotels in Paris, Italy, Norway, London, Spain.  The best hotel we stay in on all my tours is in Peru.  Transportation is modern and safe.

Myth #3 - I'm Going to Get Sick:  Yes, you may get altitude sickness when in Cusco or Machu Picchu.  We have figured out how to alleviate that.  Otherwise, your chance of getting sick is the same as if you traveled anywhere else.  BTW, I don't care where I travel, I always drink bottled water. 

Myth #4 - There is a Lot of Crime:   Like anywhere else, if you go looking for it, you will find it.   Where we travel in Peru, there is probably less crime on average, than you will find in the United States.  For us, it is certainly safer than Europe.

Myth #5 - The Food is Strange:  Like I said, the food scene in Lima is some of the best in the world.   When we go to other parts of Peru, the food is more than what we are used to eating than when we go to Europe.

Myth #6 - In the Amazon, it is Hot and Buggy:  This is the biggest surprise about Peru.   The Amazon jungle has the perfect climate when we travel in November.   Temperatures are in the 60's to 70's.  It is not humid.  I didn't believe it until I got there, but there were no annoying insects like mosquitos.

Myth #7 - Only One Day in Machu Picchu is Needed:  This is the biggest mistake people make in traveling to Peru.  Most tour companies, because of expense and logistics, will try to convince you that Machu Picchu is only a day trip.  What a mistake that is!  We spend a half day touring Machu Picchu when we arrive then go back the next morning for one of the most spectacular events in the world - sunrise at Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.   Don't miss it!  There are also plenty of other wonders around the area like the Gardens of Mandor.   The Traveling Professor also has exclusive access to nature trails not available on other tours.