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.
The gorgeous city of Arequipa is a perfect blend of ancient architectural treasures and modern buildings, blessed with an average of 300 days of sunny weather a year. It is also known as ‘The White City’ – a nickname that stems from its numerous white buildings, which form a striking contrast with the green surroundings. It is Peru’s most elegant city and the best place to visit if you’re a foodie on the hunt for fine dining opportunities, with an array of fabulous restaurants offering spicy local specialities such as rocoto relleno, chupe de Camarones and ocopa. This city has an illustrious history and its distinctive traditions make it a truly unique Peruvian destination.
Yanque is situated in the Andean region of Arequipa in southern Peru. An attractive town in the Canon del Colca – one of the world’s foremost trekking destinations – Yanque distinguishes itself with a number of great cultural attractions. Admire the Baroque exterior of the church of Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion and then visit the Museo Yanque to learn more about the town and the ancient history of the region. Visitors can look forward to sampling local fare at wonderful bars, cafes, and restaurants of the central Plaza Yanque before attempting the summit of Mount Yanque (5,205 metres). Continue your trek through the Canon del Colca, visit the hot springs of Banos Chacapi and be sure to take the 30-minute trek to the fascinating pre-Incan ruins of Uyo Uyo, which date back more than 800 years.
Set on the shores of glistening Lake Titicaca, on the Altiplano of Peru, this large city is dubbed the ‘folklore capital' of the country, well known for its traditional music and dance. It is also famous for its incredible collection of floating islands - man-made islands created from reeds, which exhibit the unique survivalist culture that has been alive here since pre-Incan times. Other highlights include visits to the atmospheric, historical Church of San Pedro, the gorgeous Sistine Chapel of the Americas, and a stroll along the boardwalk on the shoreline of Lake Titicaca. Active types should take on the challenge to climb up the 700 steps to the Kuntur Wasi viewpoint, which is presided over by a massive metal condor sculpture, for the reward of breathtaking vistas across the city and Lake Titicaca beyond.
Situated high in the Andes Mountains on the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is considered the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. The area was once a stronghold of Inca culture – and this ancient legacy is still evident in the many Inca ruins dotted across the shoreline, as well as the vibrant traditional handwoven textiles and clothes. Among the lake’s most popular attractions are the 42 floating reed islands of the Uros people, accessible from Puno in the east. On Santa Maria, the largest of these, tourists can arrange tours into private local homes to experience traditional culture.
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Once called the ‘Navel of the World’ by the Incas, Cuzco remains a city that blends colonial Spanish charm with older, more austere remains of pre-Columbian glory – one can still see the foundations of Inca structures on many of its city streets today. Cuzco’s most important landmarks include sites from both Inca and colonial times, such as the Korikancha (the ancient Temple of the Sun), the Inca street of Loreto with its 12-cornered stones, the cathedral, the Museum of Colonial Art, the archaeological park of Saqsaywaman (the fortress-temple), the nearby funerary shrines of Kenqo, and the water-worship site of Tambomachay.
Also known as Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the Peruvian Andes, beneath the world-famous site of Machu Picchu and not far from Cuzco, the unofficial Inca capital. This fertile valley is fed by a network of waterways and encompasses a wealth of archaeological sites, including Ollantaytambo, renowned for its extensive Inca ruins; Tipon, which features ancient agricultural terracing and a working irrigation system; and Pisac, with its ancient vestiges and colourful weekly market.
Perched high up in the Andes, Machu Picchu Pueblo is a riverside town known for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins. This cloud-forest town is encircled by towering forested cliffs and boasts an endless array of hotels, restaurants, markets and labyrinthine streets. Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, serves as an excellent base to explore the renowned ancient archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Visitors can enjoy various other activities, including having a relaxing massage after a long day of exploring, taking a stroll through lush rainforest to the Mandor Waterfalls, embarking on an adventurous hike up the Putucusi Mountain or soaking in the relaxing thermal baths with the Andes as your backdrop. Don’t miss the Machu Picchu Museum and Botanical Gardens, displaying the area’s history and diversity of indigenous flora.
As previously described
