Peru: What to See, what to Visit, Cities, Landscapes

I know you are wondering .. "In Peru, what is there to see? "Is it worth a trip to Peru?" or "Why go to Peru?" “What can I see in a 10 day trip or a 14 day tour?”.

With this post I want to answer these questions of yours.

I will tell you that it is really difficult to find in the world, excluding Europe, a country as complete as Peru, to see and visit for its cities, landscapes, environments and, more generally, for all its places. of interest! Even a very “seasoned” traveler can only be enthralled by Peru and will wonder what to see, where to go, what to visit during a 10-day trip or a 14-day tour! Unfortunately, time is running out and you will probably have to make choices! Peru offers a wide variety of landscapes and environments that are very different from each other to see. From the surprising desert coast along the Pacific, to the central highlands, from the Andes up to the Amazon rainforest.

Not to mention the story! Over the course of thousands of years, many civilizations have succeeded one another that had, among other things, levels of astronomical knowledge and the anti-seismic construction of surprising buildings. You will also be amazed by the people of Peru, descendants of the Incas, friendly and with a strong social cohesion. And what about Peruvian cuisine, considered one of the finest in the world?

You will therefore understand that it will not be easy to decide what to see in Peru, especially if your trip is 10 days, considering the many cities, the many landscapes and the places of interest to browse.

A country therefore not to be consumed quickly to visit only the well-known Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, but to which you can dedicate the right amount of time.

Also because, if there is the "Sick of Africa", there is no escape from the "Sick of Peru"!

1.WHAT TO SEE IN NORTHERN PERU

1.1 Visit Trujillo

It is one of the Peruvian gems of the northern part of the country and one of the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites. It houses impressive and historic buildings such as Chan Chan, the largest city of adobe (a mixture of clay, sand and sun-dried straw used to build bricks) of the ancient world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with many buildings colonial era.

1.2 Go to Chiclayo

Ever heard of the Lord of Sipán? It is one of the most sensational archaeological discoveries of the last 40 years. An unclimbed tomb of a high-ranking person from the pre-Inca Moche civilization. It has been compared to the discovery of the tomb of the Faran Tutankhamun. Chiclayo is an excellent starting point to dive into history, but not only. While you are in Chiclayo, pass by the Mercado Modelo and, in particular, the very unique Mercado de Brujos (of the witches). You will see some beautiful ones!

1.3 Discover Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca and Negra

Huaraz is the outdoor sports capital of Peru. Fans of hiking, trekking, mountain biking, mountaineering / climbing, rock climbing, free climbing, meet here to give vent to their passions. The most important peaks in Peru are found in these parts, such as Huascaran, the highest peak ever. But even if you are a simple lover of nature and outdoor life, Huaraz will give you many emotions; there are very easy hikes. Seeing is believing!

2. WHAT TO SEE IN LIMA AND ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST

2.1 Explore Lima

Lima is the capital of Peru; with a population of around 10 million, it is the fifth largest city in South America. Francisco Pizarro, who founded it in 1535, nicknamed it the "City of Kings". It is the commercial, financial, cultural and political heart of Peru. 2/3 of the national industry is concentrated here and the largest airport in the country is located. The colonial center of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1991.

2.2 Visit the Paracas Reserve

The Paracas Reserve is a protected natural area in the Ica Region, 260 km south of Lima, declared a protected area in 1975 to protect the fauna and flora of that portion of the sea and desert of Peru. It has an area of 335 000 hectares, which includes both the marine and the terrestrial part. The ocean is very rich in plankton, at the base of a food pyramid rich in organisms such as dolphins, whales, sharks. The Reserve protects, among other things, the Humboldt penguin, the fur seal, the sea lion, the variegated booby.

2.3 Going to the Ballestas Islands

Known as the "Galapagos of Peru", the Ballestas Islands are located within the Paraca National Reserve and are inhabited by many species of birds such as pelicans, cormorants and Humboldt penguins and a large colony of sea lions. They can be reached by boat and it is not possible to disembark. Along the way you will be able to observe the famous Candelabra, a gigantic three-armed figure engraved on the sandy hills of the coast, more than 150 meters high and at least 50 meters wide.

2.4 See the Huacachina Oasis

A natural oasis in the middle of the desert, in the South-West of Peru, which rises around a small natural lake surrounded by beautiful palm trees. The specialty of the place is the sand-board, that is to go down the dunes on a snow board suitably waxed and the races with the dune-buggy. But it is also enough to climb the dunes and look around or sit quietly at the edge of the water to enjoy this magnificent place!

2.5 Flying over the Nazca Lines

The Nazca geoglyphs, also called "Nazca lines", are found in the arid Peruvian coastal plain about 400 km south of Lima and cover about 450 square kilometers of desert. They represent one of the most impenetrable enigmas of modern archeology. Geoglyphs can be divided into three chronological phases ranging from the Chavín period (500-300 BC) to that of the Paracas culture (400-200 BC), up to the Nazca phase (200 BC-500 AD), which produced the great majority of geoglyphs. Generally two categories of geoglyphs are distinguished. The first group depict various natural forms such as animals, birds, insects, the monkey. The largest of all is the pelican, which is 285 meters long. The second category includes geometric lines, generally straight, some several kilometers long, which intersect forming many and different geometric figures such as triangles, spirals, rectangles, wavy lines. They are a Unesco World Heritage Site.

3. WHAT TO SEE IN AREQUIPA AND IN THE COLCA CANYON

3.1 Walking around Arequipa

Arequipa is a truly special city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic center, full of buildings with white walls, as they are built in sillar, a stone of volcanic origin. It is "watched over" by the Chachani and Misti volcanoes; no danger, they are calm!

Don't miss the Cathedral, which overlooks the Plaza de Armas. The famous Monastery of Santa Catalina, founded in 1579 and open to the public since 1970, a true citadel in the city. The religious complex covers an area of 20,000 square meters, develops between narrow and winding passages, colorful alleys and lush gardens. Finally, the Santuarios Andinos Museum, where Juanita is exhibited, a young Inca sacrificed to the gods more than 500 years ago on the Ampato volcano (6380 m).

3.2 Tour to the Colca Canyon

It is the second deepest canyon in the world, twice the size of the American Grand Canyon. If you are planning a trip to Peru, you cannot miss the magnificent Colca Canyon tour, in an area with ancient traditions and one of the few places on the planet where it is very easy to see condors! Chivay is the main center of the valley, which is home to many other beautiful villages; the terraces are exceptional, some older than 1400 years, which have allowed man to cultivate the mountain.

4. WHAT TO SEE ON LAKE TITICACA AND ITS ISLANDS

4.1 Explore Lake Titicaca

It is the highest navigable lake in the world (3810 m). Legend has it that Mama Occlo and Manco Capac, the founders of the Inca empire, emerged from its waters. The lake falls for 60% of its extension in Peruvian territory, the rest is within the Bolivian borders.

More than one day can be spent visiting Lake Titicaca, as it is possible to stay overnight on some of its islands, hosted by local communities.

4.2 The floating islands of the Uros

The floating islands of the Uros are one of the main attractions of Lake Titicaca. The Uros are indigenous people of Aymara origin who live on totora reed islands, which they also use for their huts and boats. They live mainly on fishing, dried potatoes and water birds. It is a very special feeling to walk on their islands; without being on a trampoline!

4.3 Overnight on the island of Taquile

A classic stop during the excursion to Titicaca is the island of Taquile, whose inhabitants of Quechua origins are known for their skilled skills as weavers. Think that men are very good at crocheting hats and many other garments! Another curious aspect, which I learned on the island is that before marriage it is possible to live together for a long time, to allow the couple to get to know each other and understand if they are made for each other!

4.4 Staying on Amantaní Island

Amantaní is the largest island on Lake Titicaca. It is the first who "invented" widespread hospitality, the possibility of being hosted by a local family. A very nice aspect for me is that part of the fee paid by the tourist for food and accommodation goes to a common fund for the development of the island. To admire the terraces, thanks to which the inhabitants have managed to greatly expand the arable area.

5. WHAT TO SEE FROM PUNO TO CUSCO OR VICEVERSE

I decided to dedicate a post to the Puno-Cusco route, as I think the day trip is worth it. There are many ways, in fact, to cover this distance: by plane or by bus, both night and day.

As you will read in my post, I break the classic lance to make you appreciate the different places that can be visited along the way, first of all Andahuaylillas where the church of San Pedro is located, a jewel of Andean religious art known as " little sistine “. It was probably built by the Jesuits on top of an Inca construction between the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century. Inside, the amount of frescoes that cover the walls and especially the roof is impressive, with geometric patterns and floral motifs covered with very thin gold foils.

6. WHAT TO SEE IN CUSCO, MACHU PICCHU AND IN THE SACRED VALLEY

6.1 Visit Cusco

It was the capital of the Inca Empire and is a city rich in history and legends, the true archaeological capital of South America. Located at 3326 meters above sea level, it is mainly striking for its architecture. You can indeed admire the mighty Inca walls next to colonial buildings. Do not miss Korikancha, the holiest religious center of the Inca era dedicated to the cult of the Sun god and on which, after the arrival of the Spaniards, the convent of Santo Domingo was built, the Plaza de Armas the market of San Pedro, the district of San Blas, the stone of 12 angles and much more.

6.2 Traveling in the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley was the heart of the Inca empire; it is crossed by the Urubamba River, also known as the Vilcanota River. Due to its climate and its tranquility it was chosen as a home by several Inca nobles. You too can do the same to visit it. Several people decide to base themselves in the Sacred Valley and from there to explore Cusco and its surroundings.

6.2.1 In Písaq there are the impressive terraces functional to agriculture and the beautiful Temple of the Sun, from which, at certain times of the year, some astronomical phenomena can still be observed. Don't miss the market.

6.2.2. On Sundays the town of Chinchero hosts a still authentic market reached by the inhabitants of the neighboring areas to exchange their products with the locals. From this village there is a spectacular view of the mountains of the Sacred Valley and there is a small but interesting colonial church (not always open to the public).

6.2.3 The Mines Salt of Maras located at the foot of a mountain and divided into numerous pools that receive salt water from the subsoil. This salt mine is one of the oldest in Peru and has been in operation since before the arrival of the Incas. The community way in which the salt pans are managed is very interesting.

6.2.4 Ollantaytambo with its fortress and its very important Temple of the Sun and the Moon. Pachacutec, one of the most representative protagonists of the Inca era, conquered the region and built the village and a large ceremonial center which during the time of the Spanish conquest served as a stronghold for the resistance. From Ollataytambo the train leaves for Aguas Calientes, from which you reach Machu Picchu. 6.3 Going to Machu Picchu

6.3 Go to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at 2,430 m above sea level, near the Amazon rainforest. It was probably the most surprising creation of the Inca Empire and was made in its heyday.

It is one of the most important cultural sites in Latin America.

The construction of this incredible city seems to date back to about the mid-1400s. The role and function of the town, located about 100 km from Cusco, the Inca capital, has never been completely deciphered due to the absence of written documentation and sufficiently explicit scientific evidence. It was discovered in 1911 by the American anthropologist Hiram Bingham.

The ruins are located on the top of Machu Picchu (old mountain in Quechua), at the foot of Huayna Picchu (young mountain), surrounded by the Urubamba and Vilcanota rivers. The complex is divided into two large areas: the agricultural area, formed by the typical Inca terraces to the south and the urban area to the north, which was the area dedicated to daily, civil and religious activities.

6.3.1.Huayna Picchu and Montaña Picchu, which excursion to choose

Huayna Picchu and Montaña Machu Picchu are two hills overlooking Machu Picchu and which were used by the Incas to control and monitor the citadel. The paths to get to the top were paved and created by the Incas and it is really very exciting to walk them.

Many of you ask me which excursion is best. With this post I will introduce you to the two mountains and give you my advice on how to climb.

7. WHAT TO SEE IN THE AMAZON

It might be an excellent idea to dedicate a few days of your trip to Peru to visit the Amazon rainforest. Just think that the country is home to the second largest area of the Amazon in South America! In addition, the forest is easily accessible from Cusco or Lima, so you won't waste time getting there. There are three main places to start exploring: Manu National Park, Tambopata National Park and Pacaya-Samiria Nature Reserve.

8. WHEN TO GO TO PERU

Peru is a country that can be traveled all year round, it depends on where you go. Of course, there are some more favorable periods and others less so, if you have a little flexibility I'm sure you will find the right period!

I suggest you read my post "Peru, Machu Picchu, colored mountains: when to go, the best seasons", where you will find all the information to know when to go to Peru!