It's the multiple layers of great civilizations which makes
Peru
so fascinating. You can wander around colonial cities which have
preserved the legacy of the Spanish conquistadors, visit the ancient
Incan capital of Cuzco, explore the lost city of
Machu Picchu and ponder the enigma of the
Nazca Lines
(answers on a postcard please). You don't have to be in Peru too long
to realize that the "New World" had a rich and complex cultural life
thousands of years before Pizarro turned up wearing funny clothing.
All of this exists in a country with some of the most spectacular and
varied scenery in South America. The Peruvian Andes are arguably the
most beautiful on the continent and the mountains are home to millions
of highland Indians who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and
maintain a traditional way of life. The verdant
Amazon Basin,
which occupies half of Peru, is one of the world's top 10 biodiversity
`hot spots' - a species-rich area of tropical rainforest that will make
your head spin when you start to learn about its ecology. And the
coastal deserts, with their huge rolling dunes, farmland oases and
fishing villages, are underappreciated by travelers but offer the
opportunity to get off the
Gringo Trail in a big way. But you don't have to be a zoologist, an anthropologist or a mountain climber to enjoy
Peru, all you need is a keen eye, a love of landscape, an interest in history and a very good money belt.
Amazonas,
Capital city of Chachapoyas. Close to the famed Jungle Kuelap Ruins, Moyobamba. Known for its 2,500 varieties of orchids.
Arequipa,
The "White City" located in the southern highlands, 7,740 fect above sea
level on the slopes of the Misti Volcano. Second largest city in Peru.
Crammed with Spanish Colonial and Andalusian influences and
architecture. The Santa Catalina Convent, Goyeneche Palace and the Casa
del Moral are some of its most interesting sites. Beautiful countryside
in the surrounding area. The awesome nearby Colca Canyon is twice as
deep as the Grand Canyon! Visitors can make short one-day visits to the
Colca, take a week-long trek (year around) or descend the river by kayak
or raft, June thru September. The latter only for professionals ! Safer
rafting can also be undertaken along the nearby calm Majes River,
wandering through wonderful scenery, close to numerous archaeological
sites. Apart from the Panamerican Highway, there are numerous flights
daily from/to Lima (75 mins.), Cuzco (35 mins.) and Juliaca (25 mins.)
Ayacucho,
The Andean "Town of Churches", which is some times said to have more of
them than houses ! Beautiful architecture ! A location with exquisite
handicraft, including pottery, leatherwork, textiles and jewelery. One
of the most important centers of Peru's long historical background. A 45
min daily flight from Lima.
Cajamarca,
Located in the Northern Highlands it is famed for its traditional
churches, and natural hot springs, such as the "Banos del Inca" (Inca
Baths). The famous "Rescue Room" which Inka Athahualpa was forced by
Conqueror Francisco Pizarro to fill with gold and silver, in an effort
to save his life (didn't work, they killed him anyway!) is also located
here.
Camana,
A lovely town famous for its cuisine with around 35,000 inhabitants,
located on the South Panamerican Highway, 830kilometers from Lima, just
beyond Nazca and shortly before Arequipa. Camana is situated on the
coast in an agricultural valley, with a river that produces the most
delicious “camarones” (shrimp) in the country ! During summer its 40 kms
of beaches are host to large numbers of bathers from all around,
especially from Arequipa. Underwater and over water sports are most
popular here. Closeby you will find an Archaeological Museum and “Las
Bodeguillas”, caves which were used - it is said - to hideway treasures
brought down from Cuzco Inca Temples.
Canete,
A small easily reached sleepy town south of Lima, close to several other
similar locations in the Lunahuana valley. Ideal for rafting, down the
Canete River. Accessible via the Southern branch of the Panamerican
Highway. Tasty down-to-earth cuisine !
Chiclayo,
Is a northern coastal city with a hot and sunny climate. Chiclayo and
other towns in northern Peru are centres of witchcraft. Among the places
of archeological interest around Chiclayo are Tucume, Batan Grande and
Huaca Rajada, where a royal Moche mausoleum was found in 1987. The
greatest discovery was the tomb of the Senor de Sipan, whose funeral
clothes were adorned with gold, silver and jewels. Archaeologists have
ascertained that he was a royal ruler 1600 years ago and that he was
about 30 years old when he died. However, the Senor de Sipan is still
shrouded in mistery. His precise identity and cause of death remain
unknown. The priceless funeral artefacts unearthed from the tomb can be
viewed at the Bruning Museum in Lambayeque, 11km 87miles) north of
Chiclayo. There are daily flights from Lima (1 hour) and Trujillo (15
min) as well as road access via the North Panamerican Highway from Lima
(780 km.).
Chimbote,
A town just south of Trujillo, on the coast north of Lima. It is the
largest fishing port in Peru, where fish flour and canned fish are
produced in exportable quantities. It is also the largest steel
producing center in the country.
Chincha,
This small town is located 200 kilometers south of Lima on the
Panamerican Highway. Like so many other towns on the barren Peruvian
Coast, Chincha is located in a rich valley producing fruit and
vegetables. It is noted for being the birthspot of a very prominent
Negro culture and folklore, brought from Africa by slaves who years ago
worked on the "haciendas". One of these (San Jose) is now a converted
vacation resort.
Cuzco,
Situated 3360 m (11,024 feet) above sea level, was once the capital of
the Inca Empire. Remains of the granite stone walls of the Inca Palace
and temples can still be seen-the most remarkable is the Koricancha, or
Sun Temple. Of the several churches, the 17th-century La Merced and its
monastery San Francisco Belen de los Reyes, Santa Clara and San Blas are
the most interesting, representative as they do a blend of colonial and
Indian architecture. Overlooking Cuzco is the immense fortress of
Sacsayhuaman. Also easily accessible are the Inca sites of Kenko, Puca
Pucara and Tambomachay, and the markets of Pisac (Tuesdays, Thursday and
Sundays) and Chincheros are also an attraction. The Inka City of Cuzco
is also the main entry point to reach the world-famed wonders of Machu
Picchu, The Sacred Valley of the Incas and the exciting Urubamba and
Vilcanota River Rafting locations. Cuzco is best reached from Lima or
Arequipa by air, daily. It is also accessible from Arequipa by train.
Huacho,
A small town located 148 kilometers north of Lima on the Panamerican
Coastal Highway. It is close to the National Park of Lachay, where a
microclimate caused by a localized high degree of humidity, has created a
natural area of extensive vegetation inhabited by small wildlife, right
in the middle of the barren desert hillside.
Huaraz,
This city of roughly 75,000 inhabitants is located 3091 meters above sea
level in the Callejon de Huaylas, a valley overlooked by the Andes
mountain ranges of the "Cordillera Blanca" and the "Cordillera Negra".
Due to its glacial lakes and snowbound peaks the area is often referred
to as the "Peruvian Switzerland". Closeby mountain "Huascaran" is the
tallest in Peru (6,800 meters). Huaraz is mostly sunny and dry during
the daytime and cold at night, with rainfalls December thru April.
Mountain climbers from all over the world relish visiting Huaraz.
Ica,
Ica is easy to reach by car from Lima via the South Panamerican Highway.
The regional Museum at Ica houses many objects from the primitive
Peruvian cultures : mummies, war trophies, pottery, cloth and gold
ornaments. The surrounding area is renowned for its lovely vineyards.
Local wines and the famous "Pisco" brandy are produced here !
Ilo,
A very busy port located in the southern region of the Country in
Moquegua. The area has two of the largest mines in South America -
Cuajone and Toquepala. Ilo is the outlet for mineral exports and also
handles large volumes of incoming freight destined to both Peru and
Bolivia, where it is onforwarded by rail.
Iquitos,
Iquitos is the most important town in the heart of the jungle area of
Peru. The Peruvian Amazon area is larger than Spain, France and Germany,
combined ! Formerly an abandoned Jesuit mission, it began to grow in
1864 when the river post of Loreto was established. From the end of the
XIX century untily early 1900, it was the centre for the rich rubber
industry. Great mansions bear witness to a past splendor which ended in
1912 with the ruin of the rubber trade. The murmur of the jungle
penetrates its streets. The floating houses of the Port of Belen, on the
Amazon, are reminiscent of the river cities of Bangkok and Hong Kong.
The tiles on the outside of its buildings give the town a unique air.
Iquitos is an excellent starting point for journeys into the jungle. It
can be reached from Lima daily, by air.
Juliaca,
A city of around 136,000 inhabitants located approximately 3,800 meters
above sea level on the “altiplano” (andean plateau) of Qollao,
relatively close to Lake Titicaca. A cattlebreeding area know for its
textile and leather goods. Alpaca wool trading is extensive and typical
of the region. Closeby are the archaeological ruins of Sillustani.
Juliaca is connected by train with closeby Puno, Cuzco and Arequipa. Its
airport is served by daily flights from Lima, via Arequipa.
Lima,
Also known as the
"City of the Kings" or
"Garden City" it is the capital of
Peru.
A bustling metropolis with over 7 million inhabitants, located on the
coast, roughly mid-way between the Ecuadorean border and Chile. It was
founded in 1535 in the Rimac valley by the Spanish conqueror, Francisco
Pizarro. The city is very contrasting: beautiful historical buildings
with balconies, convents, churches and plazas from the days of the
Spaniards are located in the old city center, whereas modern buildings,
parks, numerous restaurants, hotels and shopping centers are located in
the residential areas of Miraflores, San Isidro, Monterrico, La Molina
and others.
Lima has several splendid museums,
galleries and monuments reeking with history! The summer beach season
(December-April) is ideal for bathing and surfing, right below the
cliffs overlooked by Miraflores and San Isidro! Quaint little beach
towns with restaurants serving fresh sea food are spread along the coast
120 km. South of the city. Although during the cool season
(May-November), the city is mostly overcast, lots of sun and pleasant
countryside restaurants are found minutes away, just up the Rimac
valley.
There are several pre-Inca cities on the outskirts of
Lima, such as Cajamarquilla and Pachacamac, well worth visiting. The
city is accessible by air from the U.S.A. (several daily nonstops from
Miami, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles) and from
practically all major European and South American Capitals. Likewise, it
is well connected by air with daily flights to/from all major Peruvian
cities. It is also linked to them by well paved highways and boasts of
the highest railroad in the world, taking passengers and freight
eastbound into the Andean mountains. Electricity in Lima - and also in
other towns - is 220 volts, 60 cycles.
Machu Picchu,
Though uninhabited, this historical Inca citadel is one of the true
marvels of the world !! The magnificent, breathtaking, conglomeration of
stone ruins, palaces, towers, temples, terraces, staircases and other
remains, nestling in mountains, surrounded by beautiful vegetation, is
an unforgettable lifetime experience-in itself worth the journey to Peru
!! Machu Picchu can be reached by railroad, helicopter or by walking
the Inca Trail. The entry point to reach Machu Picchu is Cuzco,
connected to Lima by daily flights.
Mancora,
A small coastal village surrounded by an ever - increasing number of
beach resorts, it is noted for its lovely bathing shores, snorkeling,
windsurfing and other sea sports. Close by Cabo Blanco is home to the
Black Marlin, Swordfish and other species; a location which was well
known to Ernest Hemingway and inspired him to write "The Old Man and The
Sea". The world's most perfect and even surfing waves break on many of
these beaches. Accessible from Lima via the Tumbes and Talara Airports
or by the Panamerican Highway.
Moquegua,
A city located on the Southern Peruvian Coast, with a population of
138,000 inhabitants. The climate is dry and warm with sunshine
throughout most of the year. The town has a lovely view of the fertile
valley it overlooks. Historians report that this town was closely
related to the Tiahuanaco and Pucara cultures, belonging to the Lake
Titicaca region, up in the highlands, further to the east. Moquegua is
traditionally a fruit and wine producer, although now its main activity
is mineral mining. It is in a volcanic area, close to Huaynaputina and
Tixani mountains. The town has many monuments left by the Spaniards.
Moquegua is famed for its varied and tasty sweet products, wines, pisco
and cognac.
Nazca
Nazca is a very small community of just over 50,000 inhabitants, located
440 kms south of Lima, on the Panamerican Highway. It is famed for the
closeby misterious "Nazca Lines", an unresolved marvel, even in our
modern computer age! Visible by air from small aircraft and also from
ground look-out points. These channels run along the ground in the
desert over a surface area of more than five hundred square kilometres.
Some authors have imagined the Nazca drawings to be the outline of a
landing ground for extra-terrestial space ships. Others interested in
the subject maintain that the villagers in the region had, in the far
distant past, succeeded in flying through the air in balloons. Whatever
the origin of these Nazca lines is, the Incas took the secret with them
when they vanished.
Paracas,
Paracas is a Natural wildlife sanctuary, with an immense variety of
birds, and marine life, including sea lions, penguins, red and white
flamingos and the visiting huge Andean Condor! The bay is the location
where Argentine General San Martin disembarked, to start off Peru's
independence from the Spaniards.
Pisco,
Located on the coast south of Lima, Pisco originally prospered because
of its nearby vineyards. The town eventually gave its name to Peru's
Brandy which was later used as the most important ingredient of the
world - famed "Pisco Sour".
Piura,
This is the main city on the Northern coast of the country. It can be
reached daily by air. It is renowned for its well woven straw hats and
other handicraft, including artesan silverware. It is close to Paita -
the main northern city port and only a very short distance from the
Chira Valley, one of the largest and most productive agricultural areas
in Peru.
Pucallpa,
The second largest city in Peru's jungle area, accesible by air daily
from Lima and Iquitos. It is the most important port on the Ucayali
river, well know for its lumber, coffee and cacao production.
Puerto Maldonado,
A jungle port close to the bolivian border at the junction of the
Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers. A producer of lumber, rice, yuca,
sugar cane and tropical fruits.
Puno,
Puno is the capital of the province with the same name, has a population
of about 80,000. It itself is a small dusty town. Its claim to fame is
its location. It is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, at an
altitude of 12,421 feet. It is highly recommended you take it easy for a
few days to get used to the altitude. The altitude also makes for the
extremes in the climate in Puno. During daytime it can be very hot ( be
very liberal with sun block), but at night the temperature can drop
below the freezing point. The city itself may not be very interesting
for travellers, but the surroundings are magnificent. It and the area
around it are the cradle of the Aymara civilization and the legendary
birthplace of the founders of the Inca empire. Puno lies on the shore of
Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, from whose waters
the Inca believed Manco Capac, their cultural founder, emerged. Many
ethnic groups like the Uros still depend on the the lake for their
living. The Uros dwell on the floating islands they build with the
lake's reed vegetation. Near Puno, overlooking Lake Umayo, are chullpas,
or burial towers, that served as the tombs of the Aymara Lords. Tours
can be readily put together upon arrival at a very reasonable price by
your hotel.
Tacna,
Tacna is located in the far south only 35 km from the border with Chile.
Tacna has a population of about 170,000. The city lies in the Atacama
desert near the Pacific Ocean and in summer it can get very hot. Again,
don't spare the sun screen. Fortunately there's lots of shade especially
in the downtown area with the palm-tree promenade and Plaza de Armas.
Tacna is part of a duty free zone that is associated with Arica Chile.
Consequently it has one of the biggest artifact markets around. In this
case Japanese and Korean artifacts like color TV's, vcrs but the prices
really are pretty good. There are also a lot of shops with traditional
Peruvian handicrafts. It has daily flights to and from Lima and other
major Peruvian cities.
Talara,
Center of the largest coastal oilfields in Peru, just north of the Chira
Valley, one of the most fertile, cotton, rice, mango, banana and
produce production areas on the Peruvian coast.
Tarapoto,
With a population of approximately 70,000 inhabitants, this town is
located close to the famed “Pongo de Aguirre”, gorge where the Huallaga
river roars through the Oriental Andes mountain range. It is in the
region where the mountain area joins with the high jungle. Tarapoto is
connected by air to Lima and several regional cities, such as Iquitos
and Yurimaguas.
Tarma,
An enchanting little town located approximately 3,000 metues above sea
level in a valley full of Eucalyptus, wheat, Barley and corn fields. It
is a relatively short distance from La Oroya (mining town) and 114 km.
North of Huancayo. Another city with a nickname of its own : "Pearl of
The Andes", it has some closeby Inca and Pre-Inca ruins. The road beyond
Tarma descends rapidly into the rich (coffee and fruit producing)
Chanchamayo Valley
Tingo Maria,
A small town between Huancayo and Pucallpa which sprung up and grew when
the road connecting these two locations was built. In fact, the town's
main street is actually the road itself (Good old western style !). The
most renowned local attraction is the Owl's Cave (Cueva de las
Lechuzas), a few miles northeast of town, on the road to Pucallpa. The
cave is full of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites with many, many
nearly extinct nightbirds.
Trujillo,
The colonial city of Trujillo is very close to the ruins of Chan-Chan.
This was the one of the largest sund-dried brick cities in the world.
Its remains still bear witness to a rich culture which died out before
the arrival of the Incas over 500 years ago. Trujillo is situated in the
fertile valley of Santa Catalina in an oasis bathed by the waters of
the river Moche. It has some magnificent mansions and many baroque
churches belonging to the Spanish period. A city of balconies and iron
grilles, it is pleasant and hospitable. It can be reached from Lima
daily by air, or by car via the Panamerican Highway.
Tumbes,
The northernmost city of Peru, situated on the Tumbes River, just off
the coast, a few miles south of the border with Ecuador. It is sunny
throughout most of the year with a 24° C average temperature and a short
rainy season, January thru March. Population is just under 200,000
inhabitants. The area surrounding the Tumbes River estuary is considered
one of the most renowned Mangrove areas on the South American
continent. Many shrimp farms are located in the general area. Several
small tourist resorts are located on the coast just south of Tumbes with
beautiful white sandy bathing beaches, windsurfing and deep sea
fishing. The area is famed for its fresh tasty fish, shrimp, lobsters,
oysters, etc. It can be reached from Lima on daily 1:30 hour flights or
by the well-paved Panamerican Highway.
Peru boasts one of the largest varieties of arts and crafts on Earth, as can be seen from the growing network of exporters who each year exhibit the skill of Peruvian craftsmen in Europe, Asia and North America. The diversity, color, creativity and multiple functions of Peru's folk art has made it a fundamental activity not just for Peru's cultural identity, but also as a way of life for thousands of families and even entire communities, such as Sarhua and Quinua in Ayacucho.
In Peru's rural areas, the way people dress makes an important distinction, a result of the blend of pre-Hispanic influences with the European clothing that the natives were forced to wear during the colonial era.
The
majority of the ingredients found in every Peruvian dish are rice,
potatoes, chicken, pork, lamb, and fish. Most of these meals also
include one of the different kinds of "aji", or peruvian hot pepper.
These peppers are generally the yellow aji pepper, the red aji pepper,
and the red rocoto pepper. There are also many other aji that are
commonly used, but have names that are untranslatable. 
When a Peruvian goes to a restaurant at lunch time or in a special
situation (someone's birthday, for example), they primarily go to
"Cevicherias". This kind of restaurant serves all kinds of sea food. The
most traditional meal in Peru is the Ceviche. This is a cold dish,
which mainly consists of pieces of raw fish cooked in the juice of
lemons. It is always served with onions, camote (one kind of sweet
peruvian potato) and, of course, the peruvian aji pepper. 
