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Peru, "Land of the Incas", is the 19th largest country in the world and is situated on the Pacific coast of South America. Peru is a diverse country due to the climatic, natural and cultural variations of its regions and includes a desert coastline, tropical rainforest and soaring mountains, each with distinct environments. These offer an exceptional opportunity for travellers to experience a variety of landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, a rich history and archaeological heritage.
Peru ranks amongst the world's great centers of ancient cultures. A fascinating history that spans thousands of years and countless civilizations from 2000BC to the bloody conquest by the Spanish in the 1500s has left the Peru of today with a myriad of amazing ancient sites which fascinate travelers and archaeologists alike.
Whether your interest lies in ancient ruins, trekking, wildlife, discovering the joys of the welcoming and colourful Peruvian culture or all of the above, Peru will offer a stimulating and rewarding travel experience.
Peru is a year round destination, although the peak season for visiting the Andean areas is between May and October. Outside of this period it can be rainy, although this offers the advantage of fewer visitors, greener scenery and abundant flora, including orchids at Machu Picchu. The mountainous Andean area is in general cold and dry while the Amazon area or jungle is tropical, hot and humid all year round. |
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Peru is another of those destinations impossible to condense into a short article so listed here are just a few of the main areas and highlights visited by tourists:
AREQUIPA: also known as "Cuidad Blanca" (White City), is characterised by its many beautiful colonial buildings built from a light-coloured volcanic stone. Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru and one of its prettiest, situated among white-capped volcanic peaks. Its elegant historic centre is endowed with some of the country’s finest colonial churches and mansions, many of which have been turned into museums or galleries. No visit to Arequipa is complete without seeing the Santa Catalina Monastery. Some time is needed in Arequipa to get accustomed to the high altitude.
COLCA CANYON: situated about 180km north of Arequipa, it is an area of scenic beauty. This canyon is reportedly the deepest in the world, thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA. Unlike most of the Grand Canyon, areas of the Colca canyon are habitable, with pre-Colombian terraced fields still supporting agriculture and human life. What brings increasingly more visitors each year, in addition to the awesome sights, are the Andean condors. The condor population of South America is unfortunately dwindling, but here in Colca Canyon, visitors can see them at fairly close range as they float on the rising thermals and scan for carrion far below them.
LAKE TITICACA: Noted as the highest navigable lake at 12,580ft (3,825m), Lake Titicaca covers 3,861 square miles (10,000 sq km) and is shared by Bolivia and Peru. It has clear water, numerous islands and most importantly a place in Inca history. When Peruvians talk of turquoise blue Titacaca, they proudly note that it is so large it has waves. The Uros Indians today live on unique man-made floating islands in the lake. Day tours to the islands can be arranged from Puno, once one of the continent's richest cities due to its proximity to the Laykakota silver mines. About 300 families live on the islands and rely on the reeds for their existence: they use them to build their homes and boats and for sustenance.
CUZCO: Sacred capital of the Inca Empire and stepping-stone to the ancient citadel and magical, hidden city of Machu Picchu, Cuzco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and is filled with the Inca legacy. It is one of South America’s biggest tourist destinations with a thriving traditional culture, ancient ruins, archaeological treasures, and magnificent colonial architecture. Despite this, Cuzco remains relatively unspoiled and its beautiful setting in the Andean mountains is guaranteed to leave visitors breathless. Cobbled streets run steeply up the hills and are lined with quaint whitewashed houses, steps are bordered by craft stalls watched over by traditionally dressed indigenous women and elevated church bell towers offer sweeping views over the red-tiled roofs.
SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS or Urubamba Valley is siutated close to Cusco and below the ancient and sacred city of Machu Picchu. It is a beautiful and evocative area and was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It is reputed to be the best area for maize production in Peru.
MACHU PICCHU (The Lost City of the Incas), notably one of South America's most famous sights, was discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu sits on a saddle between two lushly forested peaks, and its inaccessible location only heightens its impressiveness. You can access the site by train from Cuzco or the Sacred Valley which brings you to the valley below and then take a bus journey up the windy road cut into the side of the mountain. Alternatively for the more active and adventurous you can walk the Inca Trail! An overnight stay at Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes is highly recommended to give you the opportunity to visit the ruins in the early morning before the influx of day trippers.
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Suggested add-ons:
LIMA is the capital and largest city in Peru and tends to be the stepping stone to the main attractions within Peru. However it is worth stopping here for a night or two. Also known as "Cuidad de los Reyes" (City of Kings) this great metropolis was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro on January 18th 1535. Its imposing colonial structures and museums will give you an insight into its fascinating history.
Visit the NAZCA LINES, a Unesco World Heritage Site situated south of Lima. These wonderful forms of immense figures and lines remain one of the world’s most bewildering archaeological sights.They were discovered in 1927 and are believed to date back to 400BC, but their origin and purpose are still a mystery. The hundreds of individual figures range in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, monkeys, spiders and many other forms. The best way to view the Nazca Lines is from the air on board a scenic flight.
Fly to IQUITOS, where you can board a luxury cruise vessel to explore the Amazon basin. Iquitos is also the starting point for wildlife trips into the northern part of the Peruvian jungle and is the only place in Peru where you can see the legendary pink river dolphin.
Visit PARACAS, often referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru", this is an excellent ecological destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The Paracas National Reserve has been declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
And many more ....... |
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