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Peru
In Quechua, the language closest to that of the Inca, Peru means the ‘land of abundance.’ Peru is full of extremes: from lush, towering Andean peaks to rolling sand dunes on the coast to the largest, most diverse rainforest in the world, the Amazon jungle. Peru is also rich in pre-Columbian culture with millions of citizens in the Andes mountains who still live, speak and work the way their ancestors did thousands of years ago.
On the Pacific coast of South America, between Ecuador and Bolivia and west of Brazil, Peru ranks among the world’s top producers of silver, copper, lead and zinc. The Amazon makes up half of the Peru, the Andes mountains occupy a third and the rest is coastal desert.
Some things not to miss on your trip to Peru:
Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail offer a glimpse into the mysterious and fascinating history of the Incas.
Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake spanning from Peru to the border with Bolivia with over 30 islands, some inhabited with cultures dating back to the pre-Colombian era.
The Nazca Lines on the Pacific coast are an unexplained world wonder. Lines etched into the landscape in the form of animals, geometric figures and a pair of hands.
The Amazon Basin is home to a plethora of diverse flora and fauna. Tourism is just starting to catch on in this area; you can take a boat tour or stay in a lodge.
The Cordillera Blanca and Huascaran National Park are some of the world's premier trekking and mountain climbing destinations, loaded with dozens of spectacular towering white peaks.
Booking a tour is highly recommendable to make the most of your time, see:
Check out Peru's Ruins
Cumbe Mayo
In the indigenous language Quechua, Cumbe Mayo means fine river, which is a quite fitting name for this ancient aqueduct. It is located about 12 miles southwest of Cajamarca, and stretches on for
...Cajamarca , Peru
Candelabro De Los Andes
An image carved into the sandstone cliffs along the Pisco Bay is said to be one of the most mysterious archeological sights in South America. It is often called the Candelabra de los Andes, which
...Pisco, Peru
Mirador and Cerro
The Nasca Lines can be viewed from a plane weaving the sky above them, or from other, more down-to-earth vantage points. The cerro is a solitary hill in the midst of this vast desert. Climbing to the
...Nasca, Peru
Chan Chan
Chan Chan, five kilometers (three mi) west of Trujillo, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America, was the capital of the Chimú kingdom. It dates from around 1300 AD. Some archaeologists
...Trujillo, Peru
Sipán
Overview Approximately 28 kilometers east of Chiclayo, the formidable complex of Sipán is a great place for archaeology aficionados and history buffs. Since 1987, excavations of the site have ...Peru
Ruinas Vilcashuamán and Baños Intihuatana
A four-hour (110-kilometer) bus journey south of Ayacucho brings you to Vilcashuamán (meaning Sacred Falcon), the Incan provincial capital at the crossroads of their Cusco-Pacific and north-south ...Ayacucho, Peru
Ruins of Cahuachi
The ceremonial city of Cahuachi is located about 28 kilometres away from the modern city of Nasca, at the lower section of the Nasca Valley, virtually in the middle of the desert. Since 1982, the ...Nasca, Peru
Chavín de Huántar
Located about four hours east of Huaraz, the massive temple fortress of Chavín de Huántar is one of the last remaining large scale reminders of the Chavín culture, which stretched across the ...Peru
Toro Muerto Petroglyphs
Stretching 200 meters wide for about 2 kilometers 165 km west of Arequipa, the impressive Toro Muerto petroglyphs are one of the largest collections of petroglyph drawings in the world. Figures of ...Peru
Sacsayhuamán
Perched forebodingly in the hillsides rising above Cusco, the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuamán are some of the most impressive and closest ruins in the area. Though few structures now remain inside,
...Cusco, Peru
Óllape
Up on Cerro Ushparán, near Jalca Grande, lie more Chachapoya ruins. The walls of Óllape's circular once-homes peek from beneath blackberry bushes. They exhibit these ancient peoples' typical ...Jalca Grande, Peru
Highlights of Peru
Lake Titicaca
World's Highest Navigable Lake Sitting at an astounding 3,821 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. With a surface area of approximately
...Peru
Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
In Southern Peru, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon offer plenty to keep travelers occupied for several days, with spectacular scenery, fascinating history and a large number of outdoor activities to
...Peru
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is the valley west of the sloping edges of the mountain town of Cusco. This area is rich, not only in fields, farms and views, but also in ancient Inca ruins. The famous ruins at
...Peru
Lima
Lima is home to Peru's best museums, notably the Museo de Oro del Peru (Peruvian Gold Museum) and the Museo de la Nación (The National Museum), which is one of the largest museums in South America.
...Lima, Peru
Pacific Coast South of Lima
The southern Peruvian Pacific coast is mostly desert. If you just want to lay on a beach, stay to the north. For archaeological travel on the coast, sand boarding on sand dunes and close access to ...Peru
The Mantaro Valley
The scenic Mantaro Valley is located not too far to the east of Lima, and is easily reached from Huancayo. This fertile valley is known for its potatoes, corn, quinoa, artichokes, barley and a ...Peru
Peruvian Andes -- Southern
One of the best parts about the Southern Peruvian Highlands is the town has not thrown all its eggs in the tourism basket. Sure, there is reliable tourism infrastructure but the towns and ...Peru
Peruvian Andes -- Central
The Central Peruvian Andes are home to the famous Cordillera Blanca, or White Mountain Range. The region is known for excellent hiking, trekking and mountain climbing. It is also where you will find
...Peru
Peruvian Andes -- Northern
The Northern Peruvian Highlands are one of Peru’s least traveled areas, but not for lack of attractions. The Andes climb up from the coast and descend into the Amazon and in the middle lay the ...Peru
Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
Nestled among spectacular snow-capped mountains and decorated with quaint Andean villages and Inca Ruins, the Sacred Valley and Cusco area tempt visitors with their cultural charm and natural
...Peru
Pacific Coast North of Lima
Because of its location, the Pacific Coast north of Lima does not get as many visitors as the rest of the country — it is simply too far away from Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred ...Peru
Peru's Spectacular Hikes
The Inca Trail
Characterized by rugged ascents boasting magnificent views of Andean scenery and trails that wind their way through the cloud forest and past ancient archaeological sites, the Inca Trail is perhaps
...Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Peru
Salcantay
In terms of trekking opportunities in the Sacred Valley, this one requires a bit more physical and logistical preparation. The crowning jewel of the Salcantay trek is Nevado Salcantay (6,271 meters),
...Peru
4 Day Inca Trail Trek
To give you a better sense of what the four-day trek involves, we've put together a brief day-by-day summary of the trip. Day 1 Total Distance: 10 to 11 kilometers Arrive by train from Cusco, ...Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Peru
Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria
Sitting a hefty journey south of Iquitos in a flooded rainforest between the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers, Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria is the largest and one of the best conserved protected areas ...Iquitos, Peru
Manu Biosphere Reserve
As one of the largest conservation units on earth, this immense 1.5-million-hectare park contains an incredible variety of animal and plant species, including some 850 species of birds and numerous ...Manu , Peru
Salcantay alternative route
The alternative trek takes in three more unusual, quieter campsites along the route, largely away from other tourists. On the alternative Salcantay trek, many choose to take transport further along
...Peru
Short Inca Trail
If you do not have the time or youthfulness (we are both 65 and my husband has had a knee replacement), the short Inca trail can be a most rewarding way to travel to Machu Picchu. About 11 km, a
...Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, Peru
Valley of the Volcanoes
Characterized by an unearthly, ostensibly endless lava field dominated by the majestic snow-capped peaks of Coropuna and Escribano, the Valley of the Volcanoes is a spectacular museum of natural ...Peru
Colca Canyon Trekking
Colca Canyon has a good range of trekking opportunities, from easy day hikes to longer, more intense treks in and around the canyon. A popular trek begins in Cabanaconde and plunges 1,200 meters to ...Peru
El Misti
At one point El Misti was a good volcano to summit solo, but now locals warn traveler's from going up alone. It’s especially not recommended to take the public buses to Misti, as they’ll drop you ...Arequipa, Peru
Chachani
Just a three hour drive from Arequipa, this gorgeous snow-capped volcano is perhaps also one of the easiest 6,000 meter peaks in all of Latin America. The road from Arequipa ascends to 5,100 meters, ...Arequipa, Peru
Shopping in Peru
La Cholita
Why this little chocolate manufacturer, after 50 years, has not attained the global clout commensurate with such continental competitors as Toblerone may be one of the biggest mysteries of Cusco yet.
...Cusco, Peru
Seminario Ceramics
The artist Pablo Seminario is a local legend amongst cusqueños. He virtually invented a new form of ceramic artwork that integrates abstract modern styles with traditional Incan and pre-Incan
...Cusco, Peru
Vendors on the Puno Docks
One advantage of walking as you head east towards Lake Titicaca and the main port of departure in Puno, Puerta Lacustre, is that it provides an ample opportunity to check out the scores of local
...Puno, Peru
Centro Commercial Constitucion
Directly in front of Cathedral Huancayo in the Plaza de Constiutcion along Calle Real is the Centro Commercial Constiutcion. This Peruvian style shopping mall is a much cheaper version of Plaza Real. ...Huancayo, Peru
Arequipa Shopping
As the center of Peru's thriving wool industry, Arequipa offers a number of wool and fine clothing shops. One of the best places to start any shopping adventure is Pasaje Catedral, an inviting ...Arequipa, Peru
Shopping in Trujillo
Like all major cities in Latin America, Trujillo has its share of corporate chain shopping malls and supermarkets selling typical global corporate products. For tourists with more specialized tastes, ...Trujillo, Peru
Gran Feria Artesenal
For a town that hosts thousands of national and international tourists year round, there's not much shopping to be done in Huanchaco. The largest collection of souvenirs in one spot is at the Gran ...Huanchaco, Peru
Talleres Los Andenes
A veteran weaver Félix Calla, proprietor of Hospedaje Los Andenes, also sells a creative assortment of alpaca wool, hand-made ponchos, handbags, shawls, vests, belts, wallets and hats, all at
...Ollantaytambo, Peru
DJ Tattoo Machines
Leave Peru as a new you--literally. With the exchange rate favoring the dollar over the sol, one to three, go ahead and put that Chinese dragon on your thigh or the Sun God Viracocha on your chest,
...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
RadioShack
It's not uncommon to leave home without bringing all the necessary gadgets and adapters. Without these essentials, say goodbye to your cell phone, MP3 player and hairdryer. But in foreign countries ...Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Artesanal Market
In the last hour or two, when you've done Machu Picchu and you're waiting for your train to leave Aguas Calientes, the artesanal market is worth a wander. This covered market is right next to the ...Aguas Calientes, Peru
Reviews
Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley
I spent only two weeks in Peru and saw mostly the tourist sites (We are tourists, after all.). The Lima traffic is crazy, and the pollution is awful compared to the northeast US, where I live. Staying with a relative in Barranco allowed me to visit great local restaurants small museums and art galleries, as well as walking neighborhoods and dealing with the local stores for household items. The neighborhoods on the coast have much cleaner air, and are more upscale than some of the inland/ downtown areas.In Cuzco and the Sacred Valley our tour operator took good care of us and we had a great, hassle free experience.
Huanchaco
This was a small, calm beach town with friendly, helpful locals, miles of beautiful sand, and rich cultural traditions that combine pre-Incan civilizations with ceviche, and fishing in reed boats. It had a fun but relaxing atmosphere; it was close to the big city of Trujillo and to a number of important archaeological sites. A great place to learn to surf or for professionals to practice.
Wow! Amazing and sad
I love the fact that the culture is so mixed up between the Spanish and the indigenous cultures, with a dash of others mixed in! It's sad because of the poverty levels... But it has a beauty to it that makes you feel alive.
Peru is beautiful
Peru is really stunning, especially the Sacred Valley area.
Awesome trip
The people were warm and friendly.
Visit
They'll take your money... in any possible way, be careful.
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