Each year I take 2-5 small group tours to Peru and Machu Picchu.  The Traveling Professor has been doing that for about 3 years now.   I often speak at travel shows and with civic organization about traveling to Peru.  People call me with questions about Peru regarding altitude sickness, the safety of Peru, hotel quality, and well, they wonder if Peru is a "third-world" country.   In this blog post I will tell you more about Peru and what you can expect if you are traveling solo to Peru or on one of my small group tours to Peru and Machu Picchu.

Travelers on my small group tours to Peru and Machu Picchu are often surprised what a modern, progressive, and exciting city Lima, Peru is.  It is also a culinary destination that is getting more and more noticed.    I like it for the terrific food, great prices, and variety of selection.  Peruvian food is very dynamic but retains traditional tones and exciting new fusion concepts.   Contrary to what a lot of people anticipate on my small group tours to Peru and Machu Picchu, it is very unlike Mexican food.   Read my blog post to find out two of my favorite food spots in Lima, Peru.

When the euro hit a high of $1.50 against the dollar a few years ago, The Traveling Professor decided to develop small group tours to Peru and Machu Picchu.  Not only is Peru and Machu Picchu a spectacular place to visit, it offers travelers a fantastic value without sacrificing luxury or comfort.  In my opinion the overall quality of hotels and services exceeds those I experience in Italy, Paris or Spain.   I can also tell you that the culinary reputation of Peru is top-notch and I would rate Peruvian restaurants right up there with those in Europe.  Take a look at my blog post and see why you might want to consider holding off on a trip to Paris or Italy, and look at Peru now.

Most people don't think of Peru as being a culinary capital, but it is.  On our small group tours to Peru and Machu Picchu we make it a point to stop in some of the best (and most affordable) restaurants that can be found.   Primarily, the best dining can be found in Lima and in Cusco.   There are traditional dishes such as cuy and alpaca, but Peru chefs have strong skills in creating some of the best fusion dishes that can be found.  Read the blog post and find out where to dine before your next tour to Peru and Machu Picchu.

By far, my most adventurous and exciting program is The Traveling Professor's small group tour to Peru, Machu Picchu and the Amazon rain forest.   It took over a year to plan the itinerary and now, I think I have made it even better by including the Amazon jungle with accommodations at the world-class Inkaterra Amazonica resort.   This trip combines three distinct and separate regions of Peru.  We arrive at the ancient rock city of Cusco and immerse ourselves into the culture and rich history.   We travel to Machu Picchu and spend 2 nights (most tours bring you in in the morning and you are out by the afternoon) properly exploring the mystical city.  Then, we go into the Amazon jungle at the best eco-lodge in Peru for a program of 12 exploration adventures.  Read more in the blog post.

Without a doubt, one of the most dazzling and memorable trips one can go on is a tour to Peru including Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the Amazon Jungle.   When I planned my small group tour to Peru, I did it the right way, spending ample time at Machu Picchu, with guided tours not only of the major sights, but a view of Machu Picchu few travelers see.  We stay in top-notch hotels, including the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, one of the top eco-resorts in the word.  To get the details on my small group tour to Peru, see the blog post.

When on a tour to Peru and Machu Picchu, the majority of travelers make the mistake of visiting Machu Picchu for only one day, arriving on the train in the morning and then departing later that day.   For me, this is the biggest mistake someone can make when taking a trip to Machu Picchu.   There is plenty to see and do at Machu Picchu and in this blog post I will talk about two spectacular hikes, one to Huaynu Picchu and the other to The Sun Gate.

I ran across this essay I wrote a few years ago during a tour of Peru.  It involved a "homestay" tour to Isla Amantani, an island in the middle of Lake Titicaca in Peru.  The people who live there have no electricity, no phones, no Internet, no newspapers.  Until recently, they have had no visitors.  My tour there was an eye-opener and is an example of how travel has the ability to make us all better people.  Please read my blog post on my tour to Peru.

Sixteen travelers have joined us on our tour to Peru.   Our first stop is in Lima.   I think people have some misconceptions about Lima.   I can tell you it is a modern, busy city with much to offer in terms of the arts, cuisine, history, architecture, culture and activity.   We are staying at a hotel that to be honest, is better than most hotels I stay in while in Europe.  Read the blog post to find out more about our tour of Peru.

We're off on one of our small group tours to Peru and Machu Picchu at the end of the week.   There will be 16 travelers and 2 guides on our adventure.  We have a lot planned for our tour of Peru and keep in touch by watching my regular Peru blog posts next week.  I will do my best to bring you the excitement of Lima, the Colonial atmosphere of Cusco, the mystery and awe of Machu Picchu, and the wonderment of Lake Titicaca.  Take a look at my blog post to see what's on our Peru itinerary.