Every year on June 24th Cusco comes alive as the second largest festival in South America takes place. Hundreds of thousands of people travel from all over the world to attend the re-creation of the ancient Incan religious ceremony.

From ancient cities to world-class trekking opportunities, Peru is a destination that offers something for any type of traveler. Visit the iconic Machu Picchu ruins site, taste traditional dishes in a Peruvian cooking course, or spot unique wildlife in the depths of the Amazon. The possibilities are endless!

With miles of mountains, pristine lakes, glaciers, & remote ancient ruins, South America boasts a diverse array of trekking opportunities. The W Circuit in Torres del Paine, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, & the Cordillera Blanca are just a few. Trekkers worldwide can look forward to true experiences of a lifetime.

While many travelers are familiar with the standard ocean liners and mega-yachts, river cruises offer a different atmosphere and experience that can only be found in certain parts of the world.

If you're convinced that your next trip MUST be a river cruise, the difficult decision of deciding "where to?" is upon you. Adventure Life offers river cruising in some incredible destinations, and here are highlights of just a few of these options to help in your decision of where to river cruise next.

Packing advice, including a list of recommended essentials for trips to South America. ATM/ Debit card. In every major and most minor cities in South America, I've found ATM machines that accept my debit card. Arrange for a fee waiver before leaving and save receipts in case there are errors. I was double charged or incorrectly charged more than three times totaling a staggering $970. I got it back, but it was a fight. Teva Sandals, durable and comfortable boots, and hiking socks. Hiking boots are versatile enough to wear to a show and tough enough for slogging through mud during an Andean shower. Your feet will thank you for the breather when you wear the sandals.

Tips for coping with high altitude on your Adventure Life tour.

A history of the textiles and Andean weavings that you'll find throughout Latin America, discover what you'll find while traveling thru indigenous markets like Ecuador's Otavalo market and the Pisac market of Peru.

A traveler's description of Andean music, instruments used in Ecuadorian music, and the role that music and dance play in Andean culture.

Written by a traveler on our Panoramic Peru tour, this article from the New York Times is about the famed Nazca lines of Peru and other highlights such as Islas Ballestas and the mummies of Chauchilla.

Visit Peru and Ecuador during independence days, celebrated as Las Fiestas Patrias. Their holidays, both observed near the end of July, commemorate the birthday of military leader Simon Bolivar. A look at the history of Peru and Ecuador's quest for indepe

Efforts to protect the Amazon, including how Adventure Life Amazon tours benefit the Cuyabeno reserve

The Andes Mountain Range includes so much more than an unforgettable trekking circuit. The rural countryside of the Andes and its inhabitant offer travelers true contact with the beauty, culture and mystery of the Andes.

An ancient brewery of the Wari Empire was found. Twenty ceramic 10 to 15 gallon vats suggest that this was much more than a Mom-and-Pop-shop. In fact, it may be the oldest large-scale brewery ever found in the Andes.

Most travelers to Peru know about the Inca Trail, but what about the more impressive (and challenging) hikes like the Salkantay trek, the Choquequirao trek, and the Cachiccata Trail were all built by the Incas and used for hundreds of years before travelers arrived.