Peru is a country of history and landscapes. This article will try to shed some light on those aspects of Peru.
When it comes to history, culture, beauty, and adventure, Peru is a dazzling destination. Being the common ground of places like the ancient Inca City of Machu Picchu and Cusco’s Architectural Treasures, it’s not surprising that Peru is considered so rich in history, culture, and architecture. With vast tracts of the country made up of ruins and rainforests, tourists can enjoy their trip to Peru with a lot of surprises. So, let’s explore this article and get to know more about what travelers can see and do in the vibrant country of Peru:
Machu Picchu
When people think of Peru and when they search the internet about the best places in Peru, almost every article will have Machu Picchu as their top recommendation. Machu Picchu, perched high on a hill 300 meters well above Urubamba River, is believed to have been established as an escape route by Emperor Pachacutec. This “UNESCO World Heritage Site” is for climbers, and visitors must walk 88 kilometers along the Inca Trail to access the estate. Also, only 500 people are allowed to trail in a day. So, you better grab your tickets fast as the permits sell out quickly. You can take the help of Machu Picchu Tours in cases like this.
Machu Picchu, the magnificent Inca Settlement, is also one of the Seven “Wonders of the World”, with spectacular landscapes of a destroyed city and heartwarming places.
Cusco’s Architectural Treasures
Walking through the former capital of Inca will be one of the most breathtaking experiences for a tourist. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the shape of a puma by the Inca, with the finest old colonial buildings, a treasure trove of the city’s long history.
Within the district, visitors can see the “Temple of the Virgins of the Sun” and the “Incan Temple of the Sun,” which are lavishly decorated with wall paintings.
Arequipa
This place is more commercial than the other historical sites of Peru. It has a history that is occupied with many baroque, rococo, neoclassical, and modern buildings. Arequipa features an intriguing architectural blend and beautiful churches, like the “Monasterio de Santa Catalina,” which exudes an irresistible aura of a bygone era.
It also is the perfect place for restaurant hopping as it has the most diverse cuisine on offer. Various foods are made with the Peruvian staples of potatoes, corn, and grains (especially quinoa). You definitely should consider trying the traditional Peruvian meat Alpaca.
Lake Titicaca
Peru’s tranquil natural wonder is Lake Titicaca. Famous for being the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca is the perfect place to stop and unwind for a few days to enjoy a mix of beautiful scenery and culture. There are plenty of historic sites here, surrounded by rolling hills and traditional small villages.
A boat ride through the small villages is a tradition that travelers can enjoy in order to appreciate the lake properly.
Lima
In the south, you will get to the coastal city of Lima which holds significant historical value. Lima is famous for the main square, Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor), a historic center.
The mild climate makes the colonial city ideal for tourists to stroll around. The city of Lima looks out over the Pacific Ocean and is the center of Peru’s economic life as well.
Nazca Lines
Peru is not only about history and culture it has mysteries as well. Nazca Lines are the unusual sight of Peru as the origin of this site is unknown and controversial. The lines drawn on the desert floor can only be seen from the air. The lines are stretched up to 10 kilometers so to understand the shapes and the distinct patterns, it can only be appreciated from an aerial view.
While there are no definitive references for its origins, hypotheses suggest that the outlines were formed between 600 AD and 900 BC by the Nazca and Paracas cultures.
The Sacred Valley
To the north of Cusco are the towns of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo, and the beautiful Sacred Valley. They are as fascinating as the colonial sites of Peru. From almost anywhere in the valley, you can be certain of a good view with natural beauty. Probably the most spectacular views of the fortress are from the lovely small city of Ollantaytambo. To escape the busy city life and enjoy the circular terracing of the town of Moray and have a tranquil trip, you definitely should visit this site.
Lake 69
The sparkling blue water of Lake 69 is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site that gives you a wonderland with both the view of the lake and snowy mountains. You can go to Lake 69 if you catch a flight from Lima, which will take approximately 75 minutes.
As it’s surrounded by snowy mountains, it is better to travel to this spot between May and September to avoid the coldest weather. Take the ferry across the lake to experience the nature surrounding the lake. Every bit of the experience is worth it.
Chiclayo
This is an ancient city that displays the burial sites of the 14 Lords of Sipán. The people of this city gave their lives during the fight for independence from the Spanish. It is the common ground of many churches, pyramids, cathedrals, monuments, and museums. The heroic city retains artifacts of the 14 mummies held inside The Grand Royal Tombs of Sipán.
This ancient city is home to more sights than most can see on one visit.
Peru is a stunning country with colonial architecture, mountains, valleys, and coastal areas. Nature lovers can head to the natural areas to soak up the sun and enjoy the water, while archaeology fans will have a field day in colonial sites. Peru is the perfect country to enjoy art, architecture, stunning landscapes, and history.
May your visit to Peru be a memorable and exciting one!
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