Peru

Sipan sacrificial knife - courtesy of Peru Tourist BoardFew places on earth have as rich a natural heritage as Peru. Its archeological treasures are unearthed each day reflecting many of the oldest and some of the most cultured civilizations which existed long before Christ. The local cultures could fuse metals in a plating process before the new testament was written, tamed the llama and irrigated crops more than 6,000 years ago. Peru has three major regions, each with its own main city and attractions: a narrow coastal belt, predominantly desert with Peru’s major cities; the wide Andean mountains and the pristine Amazon Basin. Within these regions there are many variations due to altitude that further divide the country in smaller enclaves.

This country’s wonders don’t stop with its cultural accomplishments, they only begin with them for many of Peru’s greatest treasures are found within its complex environmental structure. It has 1701 known species of birds, more than 50% of all the birds found within the neotropics which is a region 25 times larger. 1347 species of orchids in 167 genera are known to grow in Peru and more than sixty are awaiting classification and verification. To try and experience Peru is so large a scope that it’s difficult to define what the highlights are as a generalized statement: we have therefore divided Peru into 5 different tourist areas that you can visit at your leisure.

Northern Peru - From Lima to the border with Ecuador, one finds extraordinary archaeological monuments such as: Sechin in Casna, Chan Chan in Trujillo and Tucume in Chiclayo. There are beautiful tropical beaches in Piura and Tumbes as well as the highest mountain (6,880 mtrs.), the majestic Huascaran is located. North of the mountains one finds Cajamarca and its lovely countryside, Inca ruins and Spanish Colonial Buildings. A little more to the north are the charming towns of Huanuco and Tingo Maria, where you find a mountain shaped like a sleeping woman.

The Amazon - The Peruvian Jungle, a large area encompassing more than 500,000 Kmq. crossed by the Amazon River, an area where plant and animal life abound. An ideal place where nature and adventure lovers can thrill to the sight of the incredibly wide variety of birds, insects and plants.

Central Peru - Lima is the main site here, the old capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty in the New World. Towards the east, one also travels on the highest highway in the world (4871 mtrs) to the Montaro Valley in Junin, an area rich in folklore and handicrafts.

Machu Picchu citadel - courtesy of Peru Tourist BoardSouth-Eastern and Southern Peru - To the south-east is Puno with Lake Titicaca. the highest in the world, has been declared the Folklore capital of America, due to the variety of its music and dances. - To the south, the Bay of Paracas is alive with fauna, Ica produces its famous wines and the Nazca Lines sit majestically in the desert area. More to the south there is Arequipa, a city known for its beautiful colonial structures and the impressive Colca canyon.


Machu Picchu Information

Suggested Peruvian Discoveries


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