With the first match on Friday (11^th June) the eyes of the world are going to be on South Africa, and with the final on the 11^th July it is a month of football madness.

Football fans in Peru will be watching every match, despite the fact that Peru didn't quality

Sadly Peru wasn’t able to qualify; but the South American nations of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and of course Brazil will all be fighting for the title.

One thing that I have learnt during my time in South America is that everybody loves football; it runs in the blood with many South American towns almost deserted during key cup matches.

Trying to get a taxi while Boca Juniors play River in Buenos Aires is not a good idea.

So while you’re here on your Peru vacation why not get into the spirit of the continent, find a bar, a big screen and enjoy the show.

Where to go:

In Lima there are a number of options. Many hotels, bars and casinos will be showing the match.

The well known places for a good crowd are The Corner Bar in Miraflores and the El Estadio bar near to San Martin square in the centre.

The Corner Bar, a typical American sports bar, is home away from home for sports fans. But with one of the first matches being England v the USA on the 12^th June, there should be a good vibe.

El Estado is in the city centre and is for serious sports fans. With 50″ HD screens and a range of Peruvian food this could be a place to spend a long afternoon.

The Fiesta Casino on Av Benevides in Miraflores is also counting down the days to the world cup, boasting food and drinks to keep you going during the match.

In the rest of Peru as well as Lima, Casa Andina Hotels will be showing matches in all of its bars. Casa Andina are have a special promotion where you can try some of the national food from each and have a beer for only 25 Soles.

This means ‘Cheeseburgers‘ and ‘Fish & Chips‘ for the USA v England match on Saturday and Nachos on sale for the Mexico v France match.

Being a writer, I’m not supposed to be overly biased. However, being a Brit living in Peru I have to say – come on ENGLAND!

In an effort to promote public appreciation for local arts, the weeklong festivities include extended hours at galleries, artist talks, a children´s drawing contest, and a concert as the grand finale.

Lima's week of art, Peru

Whether you’re on top of the contemporary art scene or just a casual arts enthusiast, La Semana de Arte is a great way to discover the city during a Lima tour.

Throughout the week, chic galleries in Barranco and Miraflores have hosted the city’s top avante-garde artists. It´s a rotating parade of cutting edge artworks that visitors can check out for free.

At the Museo de Arte (MALI), José Carlos Martinat´s fascinating ¨Monumentos Vandalizables: Abstraccion de Poder III¨, which includes graffitied models of buildings that represent institutions of power in Lima, and the local photographer Mario Testino´s stunning ¨Portraits¨ are also on view in the newly-remodeled Palacio de la Exposición.

From 7am to 11pm today, the San Isidro district gets to play posh, hosting contemporary art at a number of galleries. The Enlace Arte Contemporaneo displays work by Luis E. Camejo; La Galeria presents work by Valeria Ghezzi; Galeria Vertice exhibits a group show incorporating videography, photography, and canvas works; Galeria Indigo also hosts a group show; and Centro Cultural University Catolica Gallery showcases work on the poet César Vallejo.

On Saturday, the district of Callao ends the art fest with a children´s drawing festival at noon and free concert by the local rock band FRAGIL at 7pm at the Real Felipe Museum.

You can view the giant sculptures by Benito Rosa, Antonio Pareja, Silvia Westphalen, Javier Aldana, and more. The children´s festival, hosted by Faber-Castell, features a children´s drawing contest.

With a population of nearly 9 million, the city of Lima can seem daunting sprawl of sights to a traveler. Events like La Semana de Arte help to reign in the nearly endless options. If you can´t be in Lima this week for Art Week, consider taking a tour of Lima or planning your future trip to coincide with other cultural events.

The lake is the highest navigated area of water in the world and is one of the largest. What makes the lake so attractive are the amazingly crafted Islands of Uros, created out of locally grown tortoa reed in a process that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Tortoa reeds of Lake Titicaca.

The lake is easily accessible from Cusco and there are two primary transport options between Cusco and the principle city in the area, Puno. You can travel either by train or by bus. You can fly, but it would involve a connection in Lima.

The bus from Cusco to Puno takes between and 8 and 9 hours and makes various stops along the way at archaeological sites, as well as at rest-stops and restaurants.

The train ride is slightly longer – some 10 hours – but while the bus features first class accommodations for a vehicle of its variety, the first class accommodations on the train are significantly more opulent with lounge-chair seating, fine china and silverware used for first-rate, delicious meals, and a lookout-car, where guests can leisurely enjoy the scenery of the Peruvian highlands.

While the more luxurious train makes no stops, shorter bus ride to Puno does make several pauses along the way. Tourists traveling by bus normally enjoy bilingual guided stops at the following locations along the route:

• Andahuaylillas: known as the “Sixteenth Chapel of the Americas,” this church features an exhibition of colonial art work dating back to the XVI and XVII century. (Entrance fee: US $1.5/person)
• Raqchi: This is the temple dedicated to God Wiracocha, supreme God of the Incas. (Entrance fee: US$2/person)
• Sicuani: Here guests will be able to rest and enjoy an Andean buffet lunch
• La Raya: This is the highest point of the trip, where guests will be able to appreciate snow-peaked mountains, alpacas and the amazing scenery of the Andean countryside.
• Pukara: This is ancient archaeological complex constructed in a grand pyramidal shape dating as far back as 4,000 B.C. (entrance fee $2)

By travelling by bus, the journey normally includes snacks and on board hostess assistance.

For more cautious travelers a key advantage of bus transport is that you embark and disembark from a private bus station in both cities as opposed to a public train station.

The mode of transport you choose to take depends on your personal preference.

However many people talk about how spectacular the views are along the train route, especially as you approach Lake Titicaca.

Many people are unaware that in Peru there were a great many civilizations that pre-dated the Inca. Northern Peru was once the center of several mighty civilizations including the Sipán, Moche, and Chimu.

The ancient site of Chan Chan, near the city of Trujillo, Peru

Human remains have been found in the area that date back nearly 5,000 years – easily competing with many ancient sites of the ‘Old World’. Visitors to northern Peru can explore pyramids, wander around colonial cities, observe local rural lifestyles and enjoy the numerous awe-inspiring archaeological findings at local museums and ruins.

What makes these societies so mystical and wondrous is that not much is known about them; they used no form of writing to record their history – leaving their only messages through works of art and ceramics.

Archaeologists have to interpret what they find in order to piece together a story that is yearning to be told. There are numerous ruins, monuments and museums that piece together that story, for visitors and locals. However, just seeing the ancient sights makes you appreciate the complexity and organization of these cultures that existed before ours.

First time visitors should start their trip in the town of Trujillo, which is Peru’s third biggest city. Visitors can relax enjoying the cities colonial architectural heritage and take advantage of being close to a number of archaeological sites.

Nearby are the Temples of the Sun and Moon. The temples are two huge adobe brick buildings with a large flat area that was probably used for a town market.

The Temple of the Sun is the largest but sadly some of it was washed away due to looters as they deliberately diverted a river to try to find hidden gold. It is thought that this area was the former capital of the Moche civilization.

Also near to Trujillo is the site of Chan Chan, one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu civilization, before their conquest by the Incas. It was the largest pre-Columbian city in South America; covering an area of over 20 km.

Visitors marvel at the wondrous art carved onto the city walls; decoration that is clearly visible throughout the site. Chan Chan is a marvelous adobe city that transports you back in time to a civilization and culture that has been lost.

On leaving Trujillo visitors should head to the coastal city of Chiclayo. The city is home to the Lord of Sipán exhibition at the Royal Tombs Museum. The Lord of Sipán was one of Peru’s most spectacular recent discoveries.

Totora reed boats, used by Peruvian coastal people for millenia

Found in 1987, the tomb was uncovered fully intact, which is what makes it such an important discovery that allowed archeologists to gain a better insight into the workings of the Moche people. Lambeque is also home to the National Archaeological and Anthropological Museum, the museum’s four stories house one of the best collections of gold, silver, and copper objects from the several cultures that flourished in the region over previous millennia.

Chiclayo is also near to the ‘Valley of the Pyramids’. Tucume, as it is known to locals, is a huge complex that includes 26 large adobe pyramids that were built by the Sicán civilization in about 1000AD. The valley area was probably a regional centre of power and the valley contains a range of structures and pyramids that could have been used for a range of purposes.

In 2008 a new discovery was announced in just North of modern Chiclayo, Cerro Pátapo ruins are the ruins of the Wari culture. What is most remarkable is that it was thought the Wari only lived in the south, yet discovery here has had to change that perspective.

These are just a few of the many gems that exist in northern Peru, with new discoveries made frequently. Archaeologists are slowly learning, piecing together bits information to tell us the story of these great civilizations.

Chiclayo is known as the ‘City of Friendship’ due to its reputation as the most welcoming place in Peru. The city mixes its colonial heritage with the modern and diverse, to provide a stimulating choice of places to eat, sleep and drink.

One of the many fine Trujillo hotels offered by Peru For Less

There are a number of different great hotels for visitors to the city.

The city is centered on the Plaza de Armas and Paseo las Musas with a number of hotels located around that area.

The four star Gran Hotel Chiclayo is strategically located just five minutes from the centre and only 10 minutes from the airport. The luxury hotel has all that a traveler could want. Best of all, when not out seeing the historical sites of the city you can lounge by the pool, surrounded by corpulent palm trees, and soak in the tropical sun.

An alternative to this could be the Hotel Casa de Luna, another luxury hotel with spa facilities. The hotel is modern and chic, with large rooms and a restaurant with a view over the city.

A recommended hotel for more budget-conscious visitors to Chiclayo is the three star Hotel Las Musas. Located next to the grand Paseo las Musas plaza, it is a pleasant hotel that offers good value for money along with some small luxuries. The hotel has been recently renovated; with all the rooms having a nice large bathtub, which is a great after a long day on your feet exploring the sights!

The city of Trujillo, like Chiclayo, is receiving more and more visitors due to the increased popularity and awareness of the archaeological wonders that exist in the region.

There are a full range of hotels for visitors, from budget to luxury. The three star Hotel Gran Bolivar is just four blocks from the main square and features all the luxuries of a good hotel; Wi-Fi internet across the whole hotel, suite rooms feature a Jacuzzi and the hotel has a gym.

Other hotels at this level include the Las Palmeras that looks more like a resort with a large pool area as well as the Los Conquistadores, a rustic comfortable hotel only half a block from the main square.
The four star El Gran Marques Hotel & Spa is close to the city’s main square, making it an ideal base to go and the explore the cities many sites. The hotel has 50 comfortably furnished rooms along with a range of modern amenities. The hotel also features a spa, the ideal way to relax after a day in the city.

One of the finest Trujillo hotels is the Hotel Libertador Plaza Mayor Trujillo, located in the main square of the city, offers you all the advantages of staying at the best hotel in town. Its central location makes travelling around easy and the English speaking hotel staff are more than help you with any questions you might have.

Whichever hotel you choose, your trip to Chiclayo and Trujillo are bound to leave you with happy Peru travel memories.

Reaching Lima, the capital of Peru as well as many other popular destinations in South America just keeps on getting easier. A number of international airlines offer direct routes and the choice has got wider as LAN airlines has announced a new set or routes direct from the US, along with a number of promotional fares.

LAN, who is partnered with American Airlines, is now the only airline offering direct flights from San Francisco. The new route starts on the 1 July 2010 and will offer four flights per week. Along with other direct flights available from New York, Miami and Los Angeles – getting to South America just keeps getting easier.

For travelers hoping to see as much as South America in short space of time, LAN has also announced a direct flight from Cusco to Iguazu in Argentina to compliment its other regional routes; allowing you to make the most out of your time in this stunning continent and see more of the world famous sites that are located here.

If travelling from Europe, a number of national airlines have direct flights to the South America including KLM and British Airways. Major cities in the region such as Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Santiago and Lima operate as airport hubs, offering easy direct onward connections to other airports in the region.

See a previous blog article on advice as to how to get the cheapest fares.

For further information on the new flights, see the LAN Peru website: www.lan.com.

With the trains fired up and shuttling visitors back into the mountains and up to Machu Picchu, things are looking normal again in the Cusco region. The damage from this year’s unusually wet rainy season was a big disappointment to travelers in February and March and a disaster for the small villages and business in the area. However, poco a poco, things are turning around with the reopening of the trains, and smiling faces are filling the streets of this historic city.

Machu Picchu and Cusco Reopen Again

Cusco, which had turned into a virtual ghost-town with the closing of Machu Picchu, has been ferrying visitors back and forth from the ruins in almost-normal fashion and memories of the harsh rainstorms just a few months back are fading from people’s minds.
In fact, the weather has been so stunning this month, it is hard to believe the hard rains ever came at all. These days, bright sunshine and clear blue skies are accompanying most tourists on their journey to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather on our visit to Machu Picchu. Exploring the ruins was such an experience, I feel so fortunate to have visited such an amazing place.” one Peru For Less traveler told me last week.

With the re-opening of Machu Picchu, the famous Inca Trail trekking route has also once again been bearing hikers’ footsteps. Crossing “Dead Woman’s Pass” and snaking through the ruins of Intipata, hikers are passing through the Sun Gate to descend upon Machu Picchu from above, with a sense of accomplishment lightening their steps.

For now, trains are busy running from a small outpost called Piscacucho, also known as Kilometer 82, to Aguas Calientes, the small town just below Machu Picchu. While at the beginning of April the train companies were running five trains a day, the number has quickly jumped to 14 between Peru Rail and Inca Rail, allowing far more flexibility and access to the ruins.

“Things are looking better and better and we are hoping to have trains running the normal route from Ollantaytambo in July. Clients are coming back from Machu Picchu feeling really good about their trip.” said Peru For Less’ Cusco Operations Manager, Caitlin Ham.  “Having the trains eventually running from Ollantaytambo will cut out some of the longer bus rides that visitors are currently taking.”

Regardless of the journey, the prize at the end is still the same. Machu Picchu is a remarkable destination that is once again welcoming visitors through its majestic gates and on the journey of a lifetime.

Peru’s ancient city of Cusco has started to prepare for the festival of Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun God, the most significant and spectacular of Peru’s historical celebrations.

Every June 24^th, the day of the winter solstice, the people of Cusco stage an enormous celebration of the sun, which was the main deity to Peru’s ancient Andean civilizations, including the Inca. Inti Raymi is the largest traditional festival in Peru, and an unforgettable cultural experience for all, which revolves around a modern interpretation of the historical celebrations of the Sun God.

A colorful scene at Cusco's Inti Raymi Festival, Peru. Photograph: Danielle Lane 2008

Thousands of people crowd to watch the opening event, held in the shadow of the Monastery of Santa Domingo. From here begins a procession of hundreds of representatives from the four corners of the Inca Empire, all in regional and traditional dress which reflects the diversity and size of the Empire.

As the procession continues, you will become entranced by the colors and variation of the participants’ attire and accessories. As the final representatives file in, the anticipation for the Inca King to finally show starts to build.

A cloud of smoke appears followed by the grand entrance of the King himself. At this point the crowd falls so silent it’s possible to hear a pin drop. The King delivers a short but expressive speech in the indigenous Quechua language before lifting his staff to commence the festivities.

The atmosphere fills with rejoice and music and dancing takes over. The crowd goes wild and the procession begins its march to a more celebratory beat, this time leaving for Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas. The Inca King, along with his Queen and Nobility are carried by dozens of porters on separate, elaborately decorated golden litters.

The Inca King Addresses Worshippers at Cusco's Inti Raymi Festival, Peru. Photograph: Danielle Lane 2008

The crowds quickly move the few blocks to the plaza to find a good place to watch the second segment of the festival.  The procession files in and decorates the already beautiful square with dancing and marching in tune followed by the Inca King.  He dismounts his litter and blesses the sacrificial gifts that are to be offered to the Sun God in thanks for a good harvest and to pray for good fortune and climate in the coming year.

The tradition of sacrifice and making offerings was extremely strong in ancient Andean civilizations with all sorts of gifts offered to the deities, ranging from inanimate objects such as tools, gold and art, to livestock and even sometimes human sacrifice. These days, symbolic items are used in place of living creatures, and visiting tourists need not worry about unexpectedly finding themselves on the altar.

The procession then continues the roughly three kilometers to the grand hilltop ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where the main event occurs. Here the Inca King and his nobility mount a platform to conduct the ritual sacrifice of a llama and to present gifts of gold and silver to the Sun God. Again, these days the actual sacrifice is a dramatized reconstruction and no creatures are harmed.

However, despite the reconstructions, the ritual is conducted in all sincerity and religious devotion, and is taken incredibly seriously by worshippers, who observe a deep connection with the spiritual world of Peru’s indigenous civilizations.

Fortunately for foreign visitors, it is possible to observe the entire ceremony with the accompaniment of a professional tour guide, on hand to interpret and translate the entire proceedings and explain the significance of each element of the ceremony.

My personal experience of the festival of Inti Raymi in 2008 was one of the most inspiring and fascinating cultural encounters of my life, and I highly recommend the festival to any visitor fortunate enough to visit Peru during this spectacular event.

Visitors wishing to take part in the Inti Raymi festival during their Peru vacation should take a look at Peru For Less’ Kingdom of the Inca Inti Raymi travel deal.