Half of Peru is covered by jungle. This tour begins in the capital Lima and visits Cusco, ancient mountain capital of the Inkas. Leaving Cusco we travel by private bus over the last high altitude pass of the Eastern Cordillera, descending through the cloud forest to Atalaya in the lowland Amazon basin. Our eco-lodge is a wildlife sanctuary, located in the Manu Biosphere Reserve cultural zone, and is considered one of the best birding areas in Peru. From here we begin a 9 night jungle exploration. We swap our bus for a motorised dugout canoe, cruising up the Manu River, to become guests of the Machiguenga tribe, at their lodge 'Casa Machiguenga'. Manu National Park covers 4.5 million acres of rainforest, and is a World Heritage Reserve. It has over 2000 kinds of flowering plants, 1000 bird species including 28 kinds of parrot, 13 monkey species, jaguars, giant otters, caymans, turtles. By staying with the Machiguengas, we benefit their tribe directly. We also have the opportunity to practice intercultural exchange and to learn from their deep knowledge of the environment, where they live in harmony with their ecological systems. We then return to the highlands to visit the mysterious Inka ruins of Machupicchu and the Sacred Valley, with time to relax in the hot springs of Aguascalientes. From £1495 excl. flights. Please contact us for full details.

‘Inka’ 17 December 2008 - 4 January 2009 (Christmas)

Lima - Cusco - Machupicchu - The Sacred Valley - Lake Titicaca - Taquile Island.

This tour begins in the busy capital Lima, situated on the coastal plain and then travels to the ancient and intriguing Inka capital Cusco. From there by narrow-gauge railway to Machupicchu, where we spend time enjoying the extraordinary atmosphere of this mountaintop ‘city in the clouds’. Here we stay for 2 nights at Aguascalientes, bathe in the hot mineral springs and then for a further 2 nights in the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. We then travel to Lake Titicaca, at 12,500 feet above sea level, the highest navigable lake in the world. Here we stay in the homes of indigenous families on Taquile Island and learn about their agriculture, music, weaving... little changed since Inka times. It is with these dignified, near self-sufficient people that we shall celebrate New Year. Price £1350, excluding flights. Please contact us for full details.

Nasca Extension

Nasca - Pisco - Ballestas Islands. Both the above tours can be extended for 5 nights to visit the dry coastal plain south of Lima. We include 2 nights staying at Nasca with an optional flight over the mysterious Nasca Lines, giant markings in the desert, some of which are in the form of huge animals. One night is spent near Pisco on the Pacific coast, in the Paracas National Park. Here we can take in the stark beauty of the coastal desert to and take excursions to the nature reserve of Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, renowned for their colonies of sea lions and Humbolt penguins. Price £350.

This is VegiVentures 16th season in Peru. The tours are led by Oda Seedhouse an expert in Andean culture. Oda is specially interested in indigenous concepts of natural medicine, shamanism, music, dance and ritual, as well as the natural environment. We mainly use local transport and explore as much as we can on foot. Accommodation is in locally owned small hotels, hostels and lodges. Excellent vegetarian and vegan food is prepared especially for us throughout. Prices include ground transport, accommodation and half board. Flights are extra. Getting there: On arrival in Peru, we will meet you at Lima Airport.

Each holiday is limited to 15 people, so BOOK EARLY.

Advice on flights available: VegiVentures does not book flights, nor do we take payment for flights. We can assist you in obtaining your flight by recommending a (UK) bonded ATOL holder. By booking with a bonded ATOL holder you can rest assured your flights are financially protected. All bookings for flights are made direct with the ATOL holder and are covered under their licence.