Lima is a city of subtle contrasts, where colonial heritage blends seamlessly with contemporary creativity. Its neighbourhoods are rich in colour, character and authenticity, each revealing a distinct facet of the city’s vibrant soul. Renowned as a gastronomic hub, with several restaurants ranked among the top 10 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, it offers experiences that captivate both the senses and the spirit.
- Best time to visit: All year
- Climate: Mild temperatures, high humidity, sporadic drizzles in winter
- Yearly temperatures: Min: 14.9°C – 58.8°F | Max: 26.8°C – 80.2°F
- Altitude: Sea level
Serving as the gateway to some of Peru's most fascinating and least-visited pre-Inca ruins, the small, modern town of Chachapoyas lies hidden in the remote cloud forests of Peru's northern highlands. Serving as the capital of Peru's Amazonas region, this lively little market town supports a predominantly indigenous population of about fifteen thousand locals with a reputation for being among Peru's most friendly and hospitable people. While the town itself features a well-preserved colonial centre and the impressive Leymebamba Museum, the surrounding landscapes are home to remarkable ancient ruins left behind by the early inhabitants of Chachapoya. Must-see attractions include the enormous pre-Inca ruins of Kuelap, the Karajia sarcophagi, and the recently discovered Gocta Falls, believed to be the 3rd highest falls in the world.
Resting in Peru’s northern Callejon de Huaylas Valley, the small city of Huaraz is a hiking mecca backed by the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. If you enjoy an unplanned holiday then this should definitely be a stop on your tour. Shops in the main street sell everything from trekking poles to hiking gear and souvenirs, and buses are frequently available to transport tourists to various trailheads. The Huarascan National park offers much to explore, including the chance to see Andean condors, jaguars, and Peru’s tallest mountain, Huarascan. Many excellent restaurants and bars line the streets, and a fantastic market and picturesque town park provide ample opportunities for leisure. History enthusiasts will find interest in the Monumento Nacional Wilkahuain, a remarkably well-preserved Wari temple ruin dating from around 600 AD, originally housing mummies.
About an hour's drive north of the beach resorts of Máncora and Punta Sal lies Tumbes, the last city on the Peruvian side of the Peru-Ecuador border. Tumbes boasts a stunning coastline featuring a range of ecosystems, including estuaries and mangrove swamps; the Pacific tropical rainforest (Tumbes National Reserve); and the dry, equatorial forest (Amotape Hills National Park). This diverse terrain provides a haven for exotic wildlife, including the mantled howler monkey, the American crocodile, the jaguar, the northern anteater, and the spectacled bear. Must-see attractions include the Tumbes crocodile breeding centre in Puerto Pizarro and Zorrito’s cove with its tranquil waters and a variety of fish. With all of these natural treasures on offer, Tumbes is the ideal destination for nature lovers, aquatic sports enthusiasts and those eager to relax in a spectacularly scenic natural environment.
