Attractions of Peru

Chan Chan, located near the northern city of Trujillo, was the capital city of the disappeared Chimu Kingdom. The city reached its zenith in the 15th century when it was the largest city in pre-Hispanic America and the largest adobe citadel in the world, before it fell to the great rivals of the Chimu - the Incas. The city covers six km², divided into nine autonomous palaces which comprised squares, temples, dwellings, gardens, storehouses and funeral platforms. The city’s walls and buildings are decorated with detailed friezes. There is also evidence of industrial sectors dedicated to woodworking, weaving and precious metalworking and an irrigation system to channel water from the Moche River for use in farming.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Chan Chan Archaeological Zone

Huascarán National Park is located in the Cordillera Blanca Range of the Peruvian Andes, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. There are 27 peaks over 6,000 metres within the park, with Mount Huascarán at 6,768 metres being the highest. The snow-capped mountains, deep ravines, glacial lakes and variety of vegetation make it a region of spectacular beauty. Important wildlife found in the park include the Andean condor, spectacled bear, puma, mountain cat and white-tailed deer.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Huascarán National Park

Río Abiseo National Park is located in northern Peru and comprises mountainous landscapes, primary cloud forest and highland grasslands. Created in 1983, the park seeks to protect rare and important species such as the jaguar, spectacled bear, jaguarundi, giant armadillo and yellow-tailed woolly monkey. 36 archaeological sites have been found here with human habitation in the area believed to date as far back as 6000 BC.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Río Abiseo National Park

The archaeological site of Chavin is located in a high valley of the Peruvian Andes north of Lima. The Chavin culture developed here between 1500 and 300 BC and the site includes a complex of terraces and squares, surrounded by sculpted megaliths up to 4 metres in height.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Chavin (Archaeological Site)

The Sacred City of Caral-Supe is located north of Lima and is an archaeological site of a 5,000 year old civilisation believed to be one of the oldest in the Americas. Situated on a dry desert terrace overlooking the green valley of the Supe river, the site features complex and monumental architecture which includes six large pyramidal structures, with the layout suggesting evidence of ceremonial functions and religious ideologies.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sacred City of Caral-Supe

Cuzco was the historic capital of the Incas, developed under its ruler Pachacutec (1438-71) into a complex urban centre with distinct religious and administrative functions. The conquering Spanish preserved its structure and layout but built a colonial city over its foundations. Today, remnants from both these historical periods make Cuzco one of the most attractive and interesting cities in Latin America, as well as a great base for exploring the nearby Inca ruins including those at Machu Picchu. The Spanish colonial town is characterised by attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways with the cathedral and Plaza de Armas being particular highlights. Many of the buildings are constructed on tremendous Inca foundation stones, ingeniously constructed with interlocking joints and stonework. Some of the prominent Inca remains include the Koricancha Sun Temple located in the Santo Domingo Church and the wall of Hatunrumiyoc with its famous twelve-sided stone. Cuzco is also filled with markets and artisan shops for buying souvenirs and numerous museums detailing Inca history and art.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: City of Cuzco

Named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is one of the most extraordinary and beautiful archaeological sites on earth. Its setting amidst tropical mountain forest on the slopes of the eastern Andes is unparalleled and demonstrates a wonderful interaction of man-made structures with the natural environment. Macchu Picchu was probably the greatest urban achievement of the Inca Empire, the largest civilisation in the Americas before the arrival of Europeans, and dates to the period of the rule of Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui (1438-71) and Tupac Inca Yupanqui (1472-93). The exact purpose of the city, 100km from the capital at Cusco, is unknown, but different quarters have been identified - Farmers, Industrial, Royal and Religious. However it is Machu Picchu's architecture, stonework, and integration with its environment that makes it so impressive. The ruins are best reached after a 4 day trek along the Inca Trail, when they come spectacularly into view through the Sun Gate. It's also possible to take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and catch a bus to the site - if staying at Aguas Calientes after trekking the Inca Trail, be sure to return to Machu Picchu early next morning to experience it before the daytrippers arrive.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail and its alternative routes are some of the best trekking destinations in the world. Perhaps nowhere else combines stunning mountain scenery with beautiful and important historic sites, with the peaks and valleys of the Andes a dramatic backdrop for a series of spectacular Inca ruins. The destination is the most impressive of all, as you stand at the Sun Gate and gaze at the stunning lost city of Machu Picchu below. First explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970, the Inca Trail today is extremely popular and, with a limited number of permits issued by the government, you may need to book up to five months in advance. To escape the crowds, the alternative Lares Trek passes through similar scenery and altitudes but is well off the beaten path and away from the tourist crowds. At the end of the trail at Ollantaytambo, you can catch the train to Aquas Calientes and onto Machu Picchu.

The Sacred Valley surrounding the city of Cuzco was the heartland of the Inca Empire. In addition to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, there are numerous sites and activities available in the area. The vast Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman lies just outside Cuzco, with an outer wall comprising huge blocks of stone weighing up to 350 tonnes. This was where the Incas made their last stand against the Spanish. Other Inca ruins of note in the Sacred Valley include those at Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay while the ruins at Pisac sit high above the town offering spectacular views. The colourful Thursday market in Pisac is also well worth a visit. The beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley can be explored on foot, horseback and mountain bike while the Grade 3 rapids of the Urubamba River offer some excellent white-water rafting.

The Peruvian Amazon is part of the vast area of rainforest which covers 5.5 million km² across nine countries. Flying into the small town of Puerto Maldonado in eastern Peru, a boat trip up the Tambopata River will take you to a jungle lodge from where you can explore the rainforest. Home to more than a third of the world’s plant and animal species, the Amazon is probably the most bio-diverse areas on earth. Walks along jungle trails and boat trips offer the chance to view and explore some of these, including the plants used for food and medicine. Animals that may be spotted include monkeys, boars and a myriad of bird species, as well as giant otters and black caiman on the waters. It's also possible to visit some indigenous Indian communities who live in and off the Amazon rainforest.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Manú National Park

Lima was founded in 1535 and was the capital and most important city of the Spanish dominions of South America until the mid-18th century. Known as the 'City of the Kings', Lima's historic centre is a superb and well preserved collection of 17th and 18th century colonial buildings in the Hispano-American Baroque style. Notable buildings include Lima Cathedral and the Convent of San Francisco, while the historic quarter of the city also boasts many excellent museums filled with priceless artefacts from Incan and other pre-Hispanic civilisations, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, Museo de La Nacion and the Gold Museum. The lively Barranco Quarter is a good spot to experience Lima at night, with many restaurants, bars and clubs with traditional Afro-Peruvian music.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Lima

The Ballestas Islands lie just off the Peruvian coast south of Lima and have been called a 'little Galapagos' as they provide shelter to thousands of rare sea birds, sea lions and pelicans. A boat journey from Paracas on the mainland will allow you to get close to the islands (it's not permitted to land) and view the unusual rock formations and huge diversity of marine birds and animals. The boat also offers a view of the Paracas Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the desert hillside which can only be appreciated from the sea.

The Nasca Lines, geoglyphs scraped on the grounds of Nasca and the pampas of Jumana, are of the great mysteries of archaeology. Created by the Nasca culture between 500 BC and AD 500, the geoglyphs cover some 450 km² in Peru's arid coastal plain and depict living creatures, plants and imaginary figures as well as geometric lines and figures several kilometres long. Their purpose remains enigmatic but they are believed to have astronomical functions. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Lines is the fact that they can only be recognised as coherent figures from the air. There are viewing platforms available near some of the Lines, but the best impression is found by taking a flight over the area. The surrounding region contains many ancient cemeteries containing hundreds of preserved mummies and tapestries which can be visited.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana

The Colca Canyon in southern Peru is one of the largest and deepest in the world, twice as deep as Arizona's Grand Canyon with depths averaging about 3,400 metres. There are several villages in and around the canyon, as well as terraced fields that date back to pre-Columbian times. The village of Chivay is a good base from which to explore Colca with excellent trails to appreciate the stunning views. The viewpoint at Cruz del Condor is one of the best lookouts, particularly in the early morning when you can spot the huge Andean condors soaring on the thermal draughts rising from the canyon.

Arequipa is southern Peru is the second largest city in the country and arguably the most beautiful. Located in a stunning setting at an altitude of 2380 metres and at the base of the perfect conical peak of the El Misti volcano (5882m), Arequipa was founded in 1540 and has a beautifully preserved historic colonial centre. Many of the buildings are constructed with sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, giving the city its nickname La Ciudad Blanca, or the White City. Arequipa's buildings are characterised by robust walls, archways and vaults, courtyards and open spaces, and intricate Baroque decoration of its facades. Around the arcaded Plaza de Armas lies the city's cathedral, built in 1612, which is one of the finest in South America. The Santa Catalina Convent is a miniature town enclosed within a city block that was built in 1580 but closed to the outside world until the 1970s. Once housing 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion, it provides a fascinating glimpse into their lives. Elsewhere, the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries has an intriguing exhibit of the ice mummies found atop some of Arequipa’s surrounding volcanoes.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa

Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake at 3815 metres and the second largest lake in South America, covering an area of 8,400 km². There are several islands on the lake home to Aymara and Quechua-speaking Indian people who have adapted to living at high altitude and on the lake and still practice many of their traditional customs. A boat trip on Lake Titicaca from the port of Puno allows you to visit several of these islands and experience the culture of the people living there, as well as appreciating the beautiful natural scenery of the lake itself, ringed by Andean peaks. The floating reed islands are home to the Uros people, their islands are made from totura, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows which is also used to build their boats and homes. On Amantani Island, there are six small villages where you can stay with a local family and learn about their customs. The island's peaks of Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth) are worth climbing for sunset with some spectacular views over the lake. Taquile Island also offers the chance to explore the locals traditions of music, dance and weaving - the style of dress has changed little since colonial times and items of embroidery are available to buy from the crafts co-operative.

The Andean Explorer is a classic train journey that connects Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca to Cusco. This was the legendary route taken by Manco Capac, the first Inca ruler, who is said to have risen from the waters of Lake Titicaca and founded the Inca Empire under instructions from the Sun God. After leaving Puno, the train travels along the desolate and dusty altiplano, where llama, alpaca and vicuna graze underneath the snow-capped Andean peaks. The highest point on the journey is Le Raya Pass at 4,321 metres where the train makes a 20 minute stop to allow you to experience the high altitude climate while local traders sell textiles made from soft alpaca wool. The scenery then changes with fertile valleys worked with traditional agricultural methods. Along the way you pass the Inca ruins at Racchi, where the Temple of Viracocha is one of the biggest buildings the Incas constructed. You'll arrive in Cusco after a journey of 282km taking approximately 10 hours. There are two classes on the train - Backpacker and Andean Explorer (first class).