Peru and Costa Rica closer than you expect

South America is very often on people’s bucket list when we talk to them about their holidays but getting there has often stopped it from rising to the top. But, with British Airways flying direct to Peru and Costa Rica, saving you the trouble of changing somewhere in the USA or in Madrid and reducing the actual time travelling to and from these countries.

Experience Holidays based in Hailsham writes for The Wealden Eye magazine…

Costa Rica
For lovers of wildlife, active geology, rainforests, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean then a 2 week holiday here will tick all of these boxes. Add in people that are pleased to see you, an easy way of life and you have a great destination. Ensure you spend time deep inside Costa Rica’s rainforest to see the amazing coloured birds and butterflies and a chance of seeing the bigger animals such as jaguars and ocelots. Perhaps raft down the Pacuare River to get another view of the forest. For those of you that like your orchids there are 400 species to seek!

Time in the Arenal area gives you the chance to explore cloud forests and look out points towards the recently active Arenal Volcano. While here take a boat ride up the Rio Frio, a tropical river with an abundance of wildlife in and beside it. The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a reserve of lagoons and tropical everglades, ideal for bird and monkey watchers.

Consider staying on a family ranch in the volcanic region of Rincon de la Vieja where you can ride out over the ranch, go river tubing or cattle herding. Finally give yourself some down time on the beach – Caribbean or Pacific – you choose.

Peru
While Machu Picchu will be high on your list of places to see there is so much to do and see in Peru that you really do need to plan your time here well. Machu Picchu has become so popular that you now need to book your time in this stunning site. Fly in to Lima and then head to the Peruvian highlands around Arequipa – beautiful countryside surrounded by snow capped, rugged mountains. The city abounds with colonial era architecture and convents that have existed for 400 years.

The world’s deepest canyon, the Colca Canyon takes you deep in to the Andes and is full of wildlife and birdlife, including the rare condor. The villages here have hardly been touched by the modern world. No trip to Peru should miss the Sacred Valley of the Incas with Pucara considered by many as the best archaeological site in South America.

Catch the tourist train through the Sacred Valley that takes you to Aguas Caliente where you can catch the bus that takes you to the Holy City of Machu Picchu. This has to be one of the highlights of any trip to Peru.

If time allows, consider travelling to Ica, south of Lima to take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines – huge drawing made in the desert 2000 years ago and only truly appreciated from the air. And /or include a trip to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest for a completely different type of experience.

Give us a call on 01323 446550 or email info@experienceholidays.co.uk to discuss your trip to either destination (or anywhere else for that matter).