The word Peru evokes inevitably and almost immediately images of Machu Picchu and the Empire founded by the Incas. Through its roads it is possible to see the impressive archaeological heritage of ancient civilizations, which testify art, customs, rites and development. The Inca culture arose rather late in the process of prehispanic Andes cultural evolution and its history occupies barely a century within the 20,000 years that has human presence in Peruvian territory.
Diversity is another main theme in Peru. It is a melting pot where different customs, beliefs and views blend, resulting in years of invaluable traditions, history and gastronomy. Thus Peruvian culture is deep and complex, with stunning shades that reveal exceptional tourism potential with accessibility, infrastructure and hotels that have nothing to envy other destinations.
Peru Highlights
When visiting Peru, you will enjoy and discover amazing experiences, where a special harmony between the visitor and the environment is created. Go for an adrenaline charged adventure in the desert dunes, and then climb the Andes to reach breath taking archaeological sites. You will soon realize the country seems to be a land of contradiction and home of extremes. Let Peru surprise you!
Lima
Lima has become one of South America’s essential destinations for all types of travelers, either for leisure or business purposes. Formerly known as the “City of Kings”, Peru’s beautiful capital city is the only one in South America with a view of the ocean and offers a combination of culture, gastronomy, entertainment, history and a large number of tourist attractions.
Traditions continue to be present in Lima, and more so in Downtown Lima. The colonial presence refuses to disappear in the midst of modernity, giving a unique character to buildings and squares that remain intact despite the passing of time.
Discover its traditional districts such as San Isidro, Miraflores and Barranco; the fantastic view of the ocean; and the impressive historical and cultural legacy that has shaped the city and may be seen at the Pucllana Temple and its various museums and galleries.
Cusco
Cusco, best known as “the Navel of the World,” offers an impressive historical legacy that fills the city with archaeological attractions and baroque buildings worth visiting. The strong presence of the Inca culture may be felt in its fortresses and temples, while the Spanish influence is present in the Cusco Cathedral, the streets, squares and quarters that form the Imperial City.
Discover Cusco in a much deeper way, experiencing the mystical side of this destination. Learn Quechua rituals and the importance of the Pachamama (Mother Earth, in Quechua) in the Andean culture. Tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the different archaeological sites it hosts, together with enchanting towns full of customs and history, until you arrive at the impressive Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a rich natural scenario in Cusco that promises days of adventure and discovery. Its archaeological and natural wealth attracts travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, offering them a great variety of wonderful activities and services.
The valley was worshipped by the Incas due to the fertility and expanse of its land, since they depended on its crops. The capital city of the valley is Urubamba and its surroundings include rivers with impressive flows, archaeological remains with an amazing architecture such as the Ollantaytambo Fortress, and a great variety of picturesque towns that preserve their ancestral practices and receive the visitors with markets, crafts, festivals and religious celebrations.
Machu Picchu
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu gathers in one place such an overwhelming quantity of elements that leaves its visitors perplexed and breathless. Listed as a Cultural and Natural World Heritage by UNESCO, this place is a demonstration of high-level engineering combined with a natural space in complete harmony, surrounded by a very special energy that gives a unique sensation of peace and amazement to each traveler.
“The Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, represents an unforgettable experience through a guided tour by its surprising architecture. It is also possible to visit other ruins in the same area such as the Intipunku (Gateway of the Sun) and climb the Wayna Pichu (Young Mountain), as opposed to Machu Picchu (Old Mountain).
Ica
The Ica desert houses one of the most mysterious archeological discoveries in the world: the Nasca Lines, listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. These ancient geoglyphs were engraved by the Nasca culture thousands of years ago and you can fly over the coast to watch their astounding anthropomorphic designs.
Due to its excellent sunny weather, its land is covered by a large number of vineyards and wineries that produce some of the best wines and piscos in Peru. You will have the opportunity to visit these places and get acquainted with the production processes of these drinks. Its sown fields exhibit houses and properties with decades of history.
Then, visit Downtown Ica with its Main Square dating back to the 16th century, its mansions and the cathedral. You can also visit the Huacachina Lagoon, which was originally an oasis in the middle of the Ica desert, surrounded by huge dunes, which offers an abundance of hospitality resources.
Puno
Puno is located in the Peruvian highlands and it houses Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, which has several islands that create a surreal scenario. The lake has an area of over 8 million square kilometers and various communities that preserve their ancestral clothes and customs as of today have developed on its islands. The Taquile, Uros and Amantaní Islands, populated by ancestral societies that preserve their interesting highland customs, stand out.
However, Puno has a lot more to offer. Discover its towns and communities, going from the city of Juliaca to visiting the Sillustani archaeological complex ─ considered one of the largest necropolis in the world ─, which stands out for its gigantic chullpas (a sort of stone towers) built by the Collas and Incas to bury their dead.
