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Capital of Peru, declared
Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO in 1988.
The Incan architectural legacy of Cuzco dates back to the 15th
century and is attributed to the Inca Pachacutec (1438-1471), who built
the city's most remarkable constructions.
The Sacred Valley includes the remarkable archaeological areas of Pisac
and Ollantaytambo. The archaeological complex of Choquequirao is 114
miles from Cuzco, with a main square, storage buildings, terracing systems
and ceremonial platforms.
The Incas built a vast network of roads to communicate with
the four regions of their vast empire, this network was called Qapaq Ñan
(the sovereign's highway). Today, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
(24 miles) allows the visitor to step back in time and walk through
a variety of eco-systems and dazzling scenery. The Inca Trail is one
of the world's leading trekking and camping routes.
Little has been discovered that could help unveil the mystery of these
incredible figures so far. Among others, the German mathematician and student
of Kosok, Maria Reiche, dedicated her life between 1940 and 1998 to protect these
geoglyphs, which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.
Archaeology, eco-tourism, experiential tourism on the islands
made of reeds that are populated by the Uros, wildlife watching (endemic
bird species), boat and balsa raft rides, and arts and crafts shopping.
In 1987, a small group of Peruvian archaeologists discovered at Huaca
Rajada the tomb of an important Moche governor who had been buried with riches
and all the symbols of his station in life. The discovery was world news and
is considered as important as the discovery of the tomb of the Tutankhamen.
Discovered in 1843, it was built around the 9th century by the
pre-Inca culture of Chachapoyas, in a difficult terrain of the cloud forest.
The citadel covers an area of around 6 hectares (over 14 acres) with some
420 circular buildings that include a watchtower and a castle.
Looking down from the Andes to the east, one gazes out over a
vast sea of green that stretches out into the horizon with no visible end.
It is the richest and most varied tropical jungle on earth; a jungle that
the 16 th century Conquistadors believed hid the treasures of El Dorado.
 On the slopes above the Urubabamba River, lies one of the most
beautiful archaeological sites on the planet. Some also consider it to
be a mystical place that exudes vital energy. The Machu Picchu Historical
Sanctuary (80,536 acres) is a natural reserve, which UNESCO declared a
World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 1983.
Colca and Cotahuasi:
The Deepest Canyons in the World
Peru's deepest canyons, the Colca (3,400 meters / 11,154 ft) and
Cotahuasi (3,535 meters / 11,598 ft). The Colca Valley has become a paradise
for adventure travelers since it is ideal for river running, trekking and
mountain biking as well as other sports.
Tours with gear included
and guided by naturalists and specialized guides. Eco-tourism, wildlife
watching, trekking through the jungle, also river-rafting in designated
areas and visit native communities.
The Huascaran National Park was listed by UNESCO in 1977 as a
nucleus of the Biosphere Reserve and in 1985 was declared a World Natural
Heritage Site. Popular sites include the Pastoruri glacier (42 miles south
of Huaraz); Lake Llanganuco (at the foot of Huascaran) and the thermal
springs of Monterrey (5km north of Huaraz).
Arequipa,
Peru's second-largest city was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
Site in 2000. It is also known as 'the White City' because many of its
churches and colonial mansions are built from the white ashlar volcanic
stone. Three volcanoes rise above Arequipa, including the majestic Misti
(5,821 meters above sea level - 19,092 ft) that can be seen from anywhere
in the city.
Most important city in Peru's
northern highland, place of origin for the pre-Inca culture of Cajamarca,
which includes the famous Windows of Otuzco. It was here in 1532 that the
future of the empire was decided, when the Inca Atahualpa was visiting
the hot springs known today as the Inca Baths, the Spanish imprisoned him
in Cajamarca and later executed him there.
Five miles south of
the city of Trujillo you will find the Temple of the Sun is a graded pyramid
141 feet high and the Temple of the Moon, only 545 yards away; made up
of superimposed temples built at different times during the Moche civilization.
Some of the walls have dramatic polychromed murals, with clear details
that show the face of the fire god Aia-Paec.
An architectural complex made up of 26 adobe pyramids or 'huacas'
(temples) almost 130 feet tall. They are spread out over 543 acres surrounding
a large hill called Purgatory, which offers a spectacular view. Studies
show that the first pyramids were built around A.D.700
The largest mud-brick citadel
built by a pre-Hispanic civilization in the Americas, Chan Chan (which
means Sun-Sun) was the religious and administrative capital of the Chimu
Kingdom until the conquest by the Incas. UNESCO listed it as a World Cultural
Heritage in 1986.
Although there are a number of archaeological remains,
Ayacucho is best known for its beautiful colonial architecture
represented in over 30 churches, each with their richly decorated
altars. Its folk music and dances are also popular, particularly
the famous Scissors Dance.
Peru's far north coast,
between Tumbes and Piura, features superb beaches of white sand and deep
blue sea that stretch along a number of bays uninterrupted by bars, points
or islands. They are ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, water
skiing and scuba diving.
Peru: What To Expect
Peru has one of the most dynamic and best performing economies in Latin
America, showing strong growth over the past three years. About 200,000
U.S. citizens visit Peru annually for business, tourism, and study; 16,000
Americans reside in Peru, and more than 400 U.S. companies are represented
in the country.
 Peru's hotel infrastructure has 7.068 lodgings offering 113.672 rooms
and 191.613 beds; 27 five-star hotels, 24 four-star hotels and more than
460 three-star hotels. 36 airports equipped to receive commercial flights
and 9 ready for international flights: Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Pisco,
Pucallpa, Iquitos, Cuzco, Trujillo and Tacna.
Archeological Heritage
Ten thousand years of history
are lived through 180 museums and historical places. While Peru inevitably
evokes images of Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire, the country is also
riddled with archaeological
sites which are a legacy of even more ancient times, when great
civilizations bequeathed a legacy of their art, customs and rituals,
their wisdom and skills.
Nature and Landscapes
Peru is home to 84 of the 104
life zones that exist on our planet. Close to 20% of the world's birds
and 10% of the world's reptiles nest here. Peru has converted 13% of
its territory into Protected
Natural Areas.
Festivities
and Traditions
This is a country that sings and dances in
joy and sadness with color and a
great deal of paraphernalia as they
celebrate some 3,000 festivals all
over
the country.
 Incomparable Cuisine
Over 40,000 restaurants across
the country reflect the diversity of a nation that has mixed its native
traditions with the cuisines of Europe, Arabia, China Africa and Japan
resulting in unique flavors that make Peruvian
Cuisine one of the best and most varied in the world.
Peru In The News
Mystic Places,
Discovery Channel
Peru's
new Machu Picchu, BBC News
The
High Road in the Andes, The New York Times
Spectacle
on Mount Chaparri, National Wildlife
Peruvian
Temple of Doom, National Geographic
Moche
Burials Uncovered, National Geographic
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