Principal Tourist Destinations in Peru

.

Cusco
Cusco, south of the Andean mountains (3250 masl), is the principal tourist destination in Peru and probably the most important in South America. The Incas called it “The Sacred City”.
The name in Quechua, Qosqo, means el "center of the universe", because at the time, it controlled a vast network of routes that effectively united all of South America from southern Colombia to northern Argentina.  The streets of Cusco are lined with evidence of wonderful, ancient and mystical Incan constructions, still visible in the temples, churches and magnificent local ruins.

The Historic Machu Picchu Sanctuary
The ancient city of Machu Picchu, located between the Andes and the jungle in southern Peru not far from Cusco, has been declared one of the wonders of the world and is also one of the most sought after destinations by world travelers. Discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, the city is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of rustic architecture in the world. Machu Picchu ("old mountain" in Quechua, the language of the Incas), is located at the top of a mountain, soaring above the rainforest, which dominates the Urubamba River valley. It’s thought that the city was used as a center of cult celebrations and festivals, an astrological observation site and the private home of the Inca Pachacútec and his family.

Puno and Lake Titicaca
The city of Puno (3827 masl) is located in the heart of the Peruvian highland plains, on the shore of the imposing Lake Titicaca. The lake’s importance is derived from its mythical and historical legacy as well as for the fact that it is the highest navigable lake in the World. As such, it is both a commercial and migratory route between Peru and Bolivia. The main attractions of Puno, resides the lake itself, are the floating islands of Los Uros, and the native settlements of Taquille, Suasi and Amantani, all Rich in ancestral culture.

The Colca Valley and Canyon
Colca, the deepest natural canyon in the World, is located in the region of Arequipa. The Colca valley is an impressive natural spectacle combining Inca terracing and incredible views as well as housing more than a dozen towns and villages dating from the sixteenth century which all retain their local customs and traditions.

Iquitos and the Amazon Jungle
Iquitos is the principal city of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest and located on the banks of a secondary tributary of the Amazon River. This welcoming, exotic city is a starting point for discovery of the wonderful natural attractions of the region, its rivers, waterfalls and its protected reservations as well as to enjoy ecotourism. Here you can enter the leafy forest and connect with one of the most surprising and diverse natural areas in the world.

The Chavin Archeological Complex 
The Chavín de Huántar archeological site is considered to be a prime example of ancient Andean culture. Situated 3185 masl and only 3 hours by road from the city of Huaraz, the Chavin religious center was built entirely of stone and includes a series of pyramidical structures and underground passageways. Diverse figures, combining felines, serpents and birds of prey, can be observed carved on the walls, arches and columns inside the complex.
 
In the underground gallery you can see the Lanzón, a monolithic structure 3.75 meters tall, which forms the representation of the tip of a lance. Chavín is one of America’s oldest sacred sites.

The Huascarán National Park 
Huascarán is the second highest snow-capped Peak in the South American Andes and is at the heart highest tropical mountain range in the World. Its high plains provide a habitat for diverse species of wildlife such as the condor, the vicuña, the White-tailed deer, the puma, the Andean fox and wild hare. Huascarán National Park encompasses 27 mountains, 663 glaciers, 269 lakes and 41 rivers and provide some breathtaking views for those enjoying adventure and ecotourism.

The Chan Chan Archeological Site   
Chan Chan is internationally well-known as being the largest pre-Hispanic mud city in the World. In the Yunga language, Jang Jang means "sun, sun" and this city was the religious capital of the Chimú people. Located in the Moche river valley, in La Libertad, the city’s area covers approximately 20km2 and it’s estimated that it was home to around 100,000 people. The city was a large urban development that dominated half of Peru’s coastline, from Tumbes and the border with Ecuador in the north to the area south of Lima.

Manu Nacional Park
This park is nestled between the provinces of Manu (Madre de Dios) and Paucartambo (Cusco), and is made up of the rainforest territory on the Eastern flank of the Andes. The area is inhabited by numerous jungle tribes, many of which still have little or no contact with outsiders. The park itself is a paradise with over 20000 varieties de plants, 1200 species of birds, 200 species of mammals and an unknown number of, reptiles, amphibians and insects. It’s the ideal place to discover the true magic of the Amazon jungle, birdwatch and experience genuine contact with nature.

Metropolitan  Lima 
Lima, known as the city of kings, was, from the moment of its foundation, a cultural oasis and an irresistible attraction for the high-society of Spanish America. The city is adorned with baroque and renaissance churches, balconied palaces and mansions peculiar to Lima and is a city that offers a variety of museums, art galleries and archeological sites representing pre-Incan civilizations. Other than that, there are plenty of recreational activities to be enjoyed in modern settings such as the Paseo Mágico de Aguas and Larcomar. Lima is also the gastronomical center of Peru and the ideal place to discover the flavor of dishes which are fast becoming renowned internationally.

The Nazca Lines   
A two hour drive from Lima, the incredible Nazca lines represent varying figures of animals, birds and deities over an area of desert of approximately 450km2.  The lines, discovered in 1927, are the most notable and important legacy of the Nazca culture, a civilization which flourished around 300 B.C.  Some of the lines are 300 meters in length and can only be fully appreciated from the air. They form perhaps the most mystifying and enigmatic remains in the entire country.

The Northern Beaches
Between Piura and Tumbes there is a stretch of coastline of singular beauty. The “beaches of the north” provide the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities among palm trees and white, sandy beaches on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. The seas are calm and the weather offers a year round summer climate, with Máncora, Punta Sal and Zorritos just a few of the locations where you can find much desired rest and relaxation.

Back to Home