Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trail’s arduous slopes to explore the age-old ruins. The country’s attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years – all imbued with the nation’s rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as ‘the centre of the world’.
Peru’s capital is a fantastic city to tour, dotted with a multitude of cultural sites and beautifully preserved architecture. Founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima was first named ‘City of Kings’ – a biblical reference to the ‘Three Wise Men of the East’ – before its name was changed by the Spanish colonialists. The most significant historical buildings are located around the Plaza Mayor, the most notable being the Government Palace, where one can still observe the changing of the guard performed by the Húsares de Junín. The beautiful Cathedral and the various small palaces and colonial balconies also play also their part in the beauty of the city. Another highlight is the famed Larco Herrera Museum, documenting the millennial cultures that preceded the Inca civilization and containing a priceless collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including some of South America's finest pre-Inca erotic pottery.
Perched up high in the lush jungles of the Cajamarca Region in northern Peru, the city of Jaen serves as the capital of the Jaen Province. This forgotten treasure boasts a variety of natural, archaeological and historical attractions. It serves as a jumping off point the explore the spectacularly scenic Amazonas Region featuring the Kuelap Fortress, the ancient Karajia archaeological site and the beautiful Gocta Falls. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the Jaen Botanical Garden featuring over 600 varieties of indigenous plant species, soak in the nourishing waters of the Almendral Hot Springs, and explore the Jaen Cathedral, overlooking the quaint Plaza de Armas. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Cutervo National Park, the oldest protected area in Peru, to catch a glimpse of the endangered 'Oilbird' - the only nocturnal, flying, fruit-eating bird in the world.
Cocachimba is a remote village in the Utcubamba valley that offers authentic 'back-to-basics' nature-based tourism. It is surrounded by spectacular vistas of steep mountain slopes and vast canyons and is blessed with rich biodiversity. Among the town's highlights is the recently-discovered Catarata Gocta, one of the highest waterfalls in the world.
These remote mountains reveal an authentic side of Peru, where visitors can look forward to exploring this off the beaten track area and venture into traditional Peru. Highlights include Chonta, located only three hours from Cusco with a panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountainrange on one side and the Apurimac Canyon on the other. Ayacucho with its captivating colonial churches and fascinating museums, local specialities, incredible views, adventurous local bus rides, the Wari ruins, the Río Mantaro valley, the fantastic high-quality handicrafts, and more.
As previously described
Sandwiched between the base of the Andean foothills and the lush rainforest of eastern Peru, the bustling town of Tarapoto has developed into the main commercial, tourism and transport hub for the San Martin region and one of the larger metropolitan centres of the Amazon Rainforest. Known as the ‘City of Palms’, Tarapota boasts some excellent restaurants, vibrant, colourful markets, and an array of natural sights to explore nearby. From breathtaking waterfalls to glistening lagoons, there is plenty here to keep nature enthusiasts blissfully engaged. With a rich cultural heritage and many historic landmarks in the area, this city makes an ideal destination for travellers seeking more than just a hammock and a tropical drink - although the latter can certainly be found in abundance in Tarapoto as well.
