Llamas, tropical rainforests, Machu Picchu and ancient villages evoke many images that make people think of Peru, but what else is there to see? Here you will find some must-see Peruvian experiences for your South American vacation.
Many tourists choose to spend a maximum of three weeks in Peru visiting sights on the Southern Circuit or the ‘Gringo Trail’; sights such as Las Islas Ballestas – Galapagos for the poor man is sometimes the attached nickname – the Nazca Lines, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon before reaching Cusco and Machu Picchu. There is so much more on offer so let your interests dictate.
Peru is steeped in history both ancient and modern. In one trip it is possible to visit places dating back two thousand years well as places that were affected by the terrorist period in the 1990’s. The Moche people lived between 100 and 600 AD and some of their temples still remain. Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol are found in Trujillo and this is how to see the examples that were reached to a level of civilization. If their history inspires you, also take a ride on a ‘caballito de totora’, or reed boat, at Huanchaco beach, just outside Trujillo. Trujillo is also home to the Chan Chan ancient city. This city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was home to 30,000 citizens and lasted until its conquest by the Inca Empire in 1470 AD. As it comes to Peru’s north, the gateway is Trujillo and here you will find a huge amount of ruins that are hardly ever seen by tourists: Sipan and Chacapoyas’n to name but a few. On the other hand Ayacucho and Lima are good places to visit for modern history as these were some of the most affected cities during the terrorist period.
When it comes to adventure, Peru is right up there again and you can enjoy a whole host of activities all the way from the Cordillera Blanca and snow-capped mountains to rafting the Amazon River or hitting the Inca Trail for the famous hike, and tourist agencies like PeruAmazon tours will help you get the best of your time in Peru. Huaraz is a good place to base yourself in the Cordillera Blanca and Cusco is the place to look for booking onto an alternative Inca trail.
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the diversity of wildlife within the country too. To the north of Peru lies Iquitos – there is no road that serve the world’s largest city. When it comes to the Amazon jungle, Iquitos is generally seen as the entry point and here you find a whole host of jungle lodges. Alternatively head to Puerto Maldonado or Manu National Park.
Those looking for a relaxing time can combine the beaches of northern Peru with other sights on their trip. The long, white sandy beach at Punta Sal is one of the most popular, including with several presidential families, and has many hotels.