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.
The spectacular Colca Valley is famous for its dramatic scenery – rolling mountain folds that plunge into the depths of the Colca Canyon, through which the Colca River runs for some 50 kilometres, passing ancient Spanish villages where women still dress in traditional Andean garb. The residents of this valley are the descendants of the Cabana-Quechua valley people and the Collagua, a pre-Inca highland tribe known for their impressive textile art and stone carvings. Highlights of the region include visits to the valley’s various colonial churches, horseback tours and condor spotting expeditions.
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.
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.
Huayllabamba is located in the province of Urubamba, in the Cusco region of southern in Peru. Situated 15 minutes away from Urubamba, the town is well known for the quality and size of the corn from the fields. Huayllabamba celebrates the virgin Natividad or Mamacha Natacha every September 7th, with dancers and processions. The popular festivity features lots of color, dance, music and food.
As previously described
Foz do Iguacu is an important Brazilian town within the state of Parana, set close to the three-way border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the incredible natural wonders of the UNESCO-listed Iguazu National Park, which offers the chance to see not only the enormous cascading waterfalls (one of the largest in the world) but also numerous rare and endangered plants and animals. At the Bird Park, see bright and beautiful winged species. Marvel at the architecture, atmosphere and sacred ceremonies at the Buddhist Temple and Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque. Delve into local heritage by attending the mesmerising Ipora Show, a celebration of culture through story, song and dance. Other highlights include the Three Borders Landmark, Itaipu Dam, and Dreamland Wax Museum.
A dynamic coastal neighbourhood synonymous with leisure, luxury and nightlife, Copacabana is characterised by million-dollar penthouses, stunning neoclassical buildings and tiny apartments set against a magnificent backdrop of jungle-clad mountains in Rio de Janeiro. From its humble origins as a small fishing village, the "Princess of the Sea" is now a leisure seeker's paradise, bursting with restaurants, nightclubs, bars and hotels, and emits a lively, effervescent energy, perfect for the social traveller. To learn its history, visit Forte de Copacabana, a fort and museum that traces the early days of the Portuguese colony through to the mid-19th century. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to The Eva Klabin Foundation (Casa Museu Eva Klabin), a historical home of famous art and antique collector Eva Klabin that houses over 1000 art pieces from all over the world. A visit to Copacabana is incomplete without the world-famous Copacabana Beach, a 4-kilometre stretch of golden sand dotted with brightly-coloured umbrellas, bars and a popular playground for watersports, football, volleyball, or simply lazing in the sun.
