If you would welcome a travel experience of a lifetime, read on.  I have lived and travelled on three different continents and visited many countries, and this travel experience has my highest recommendation. This is an opportunity to experience Peru under the leadership of a competent and caring tour guide in a small group in a travel experience you will talk about for the rest of your life.

Peru is a country with a long and majestic history.  At the time of the Spanish Conquest in the 1500's, Peru had the most sophisticated society in the world.  The Spanish called Lima, "The City of Kings" and were amazed by the architecture and innovations they discovered there.  The county boasts an enormous variety of climates and distinct weather systems, creating a nation where you can be in the desert in the morning, in the Andes Mountains in the afternoon, and Jungle trekking the next day.

The highlight for me was meeting Peruvians, a very warm and gentle people.  I was surprised to see that many people continue to wear their traditional clothing, as this was a rarety in my other travel experiences.  For many, exploring the incredible Inca and Pre-Inca ruins is a highlight, such as visiting the famous Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains.

Some views in Lima, a very cosmopolatan city and the starting point for travel in Peru.

A visit to Paracas National Reserve where penguins mingle with cormorants, seals come to look at tourists, and pelicans congregate in front of the seaside restaurants where we enjoyed a lovely lunch under umbrellas.

Our tour guide Juan stands above an oasis resort in the desert.  Two of us opt to take the dune buggy ride!

The famous Nazca Lines are best viewed from above, so of course that's where we went!

The beautiful town of Cusco in the Andes Mountains.                 Right: Photo with a vendor at a local market.

Beautiful landscapes and ancient ruins present themselves at every tour as you travel in Peru.

Exploring the Ancient Town of Machu Picchu!

If you like shopping, you will be delighted by the opportunities to pick-up affordable gifts and fun souvenirs!

Some random shots.

I could show you many more photographs, but it would be much better to see it for yourself and experience the magic of Peru!  I am not usually one to take a guided tour, but this independent tour guide provided us with experiences I never could have found as a lone traveller.  With a tour maximum of 12 people, the attention he gave us was individual and caring.  With his contacts our tour was joined by other Peruvians who were there to take care of us.  At one point we travelled with 5 Peruvians, to the envy of large tour groups we encountered who numbered 30+ travellers with one tour guide and could only visit the major tourist traps and eat in larger tourist restaurants.  We were taken off the beaten path to visit many unique and wonderful places, we ate at fun and interesting restaurants.  For part of the tour our tour guide had an assistant, we brought along a massage therapist who provided in-room massages ($35 for 90 minutes and AMAZING), we had a Shaman with us to provide Spiritual Insight to the deep Peruvian culture, and our driver Carlos was a gem.

Juan can arrange travel for couples and he is a very affordable tour guide, and he organizes incredible tours for groups - maximum of 12 travellers!  (My group had 8).   He can also provide accomodation and dining to suit your lifestyle whether you are looking for 3* or 5* travel, and he is an experienced jungle guide as well, having himself come from a jungle community.

If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact my friend Kathy Stewar by email   kathy.stewart@rogers.com  or by phone (506) 672-4210.  She is organizing a trip for March, 2008 and can also arrange other travel requests with Juan.  Two week tours start around $3200 plus airfare, and you will not be disappointed.  You can find cheaper alternatives and join a large bus tour being escorted past the major tourist attractions like a herd of cattle, or you can enjoy this intimate and customized tour and truly experience local culture.  This is truly an amazing travel opportunity and I share it with you without any benefit to myself.  This is a personal recommendation only and I have no business connection with the organizers and providers of this travel experience.