Beautiful places in Peru. The main attractions of Peru Peru cultural and natural monuments

The most ancient historical monuments are collected on the territory of Peru. The state became known in the 16th century when its discoverers included it in the first encyclopedia written by Diego Almagro and Francisco Pizarro. However, these lands were inhabited 20 thousand years ago. The first inhabitants were gatherers and hunters, who developed an internal culture and, thousands of years before our era, became representatives of the ancient civilizations of Nazca and Moche.

Machu Picchu

The amazing buildings of the Incas amaze you with how beautiful and durable the buildings were created by our distant ancestors. When the Spaniards captured the city, the settlement was abandoned by the Incas, who mysteriously disappeared.

For more than three hundred years, no one remembered this place. However, an expedition in 1911 discovered it again and gave tourists a unique opportunity to visit this beautiful place. The name literally translates as “ancient mountain.” This is due to the fact that it is located at an elevation of more than two thousand meters above Peru.

The ancient settlement was divided into an economic part and a residential and religious part. The first part contained plantings of cultivated crops, and the second part housed housing, ceremonial areas and temples. The architecture and sculpture of the Incas amazes with their monumentality and artistry. The Forgotten City is one of the most interesting and beautiful places in all of Peru. You should definitely come here and see all the beauty with your own eyes.

Lima

At the foot of the Andes lies the capital of Peru - the beautiful and ancient city of Lima. It was founded by Francisco Pissaro, a Spanish conquistador, who, having conquered it, marked it as the capital of the new lands of the kingdom.

Despite the entry of Spanish culture into the life of the Peruvians of Lima, they preserved the traditions of the ancient settlements of this territory. The city is a symbol of the interweaving of Spanish and Indian culture. The balance of styles can be appreciated by visiting the main squares of the city. Near the Square of Arms is the Cathedral, where the tomb of the conqueror is located. There is also a beautiful Government Palace here.

Among the cultural sites you can visit the national library and conservatory, as well as the Gold Museum and the Larco Museum, the exhibition of which will tell about the history of the ancient civilizations that inhabited these interesting places.

Iquitos

This beautiful city is located on the banks of the Amazon in the jungles of Peru. It can only be reached by water or by air. It is especially loved by hikers. Rainforests and Indian settlements attract hundreds of tourists.

Several boarding houses have been built on the banks of reservoirs, where you can organize a wonderful holiday right in the jungle. In the city you can wander through beautiful streets and places where history is frozen.

The main attraction of the city is the Casa de Fierro, which was built by the creator of the Paris Eiffel Tower. It houses numerous cafes and even a British pub.

The Historic National Museum presents a whole collection of photographs of Iquitos from a century ago. In addition, the Alpahuayo - Mishana Nature Reserve allows you to get acquainted with rare representatives of the local fauna and flora.

Arequipa

It was nicknamed the “White City” for its numerous temples and buildings made of light volcanic rocks. The second largest city in Peru after Lima has been recognized as part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Frequent earthquakes in the city are associated with three volcanoes located nearby. The most famous of them is Misty.

The central square of Armas is called the most beautiful in Peru. In this place there is a statue of a trumpeter, as well as the flag of Arequipa and the national flag of Peru.

An interesting place to visit may be Santa Catalina, a convent built at the end of the 16th century. You can also visit the Cathedral, the Mint and the Jesuit Church.

Puno

Situated on Lake Titicaca, the city was once considered one of the richest places on the entire continent. Puno owes such fame to the then neighboring silver mines of Laikakota. It is currently considered the commercial center of Peru.

The most interesting for tourists are the surrounding areas of the city, in particular Silustani, where the funeral tower is located. Another beautiful place can be considered the village of Chuquito. It was built on the territory of old Inca settlements. It houses the Church of Santo Domingo.

It is believed that it was in this place that the Inca civilization began on the shores of the cold Lake Titicaca, which now separates Bolivia and Peru.

Peru is rightfully considered one of the most interesting countries in the world. Many interesting cultural monuments of the pre-European period have been preserved here. And the nature of this country simply amazes with its splendor.
The city of Lima is the capital of Peru. It was founded in 1535 and lies on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. During the Conquest, this city became the political and military capital of Spanish possessions in South America. Currently, Lima is a large city with a not very favorable climate. It is a crowded and noisy city.
It is very hot and dry here, in addition, a cloud of smog constantly hangs over the city.
It is worth visiting the historical center of the capital, which was built according to a clear plan and is under UNESCO protection. There are many colorful Spanish colonial mansions here.

In the central Plaza de Armas square you can see a stone fountain created in the 17th century. It is considered the oldest building in the city. The Cathedral of Santo Domingo, built in 1540, houses the tomb of Francisco Pizarro.

Also of interest to tourists are the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace and two pre-Incan temples in San Isidro. The Church of San Francisco preserves catacombs from the colonial period. In the Plaza de San Martin there is a statue of San Martin, who became famous for declaring the independence of Peru.

Among the museums, it is worth highlighting the Museum of the Inquisition, the National Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, the Museum of Art, the Museum of the Nation and the unique Museum of Gold.

Theaters and restaurants are concentrated in the Miraflores area. Nightlife flourishes in the bohemian quarter of Barranco.
The "Lover's Street" Puente de los Suspiros ("Bridge of Sighs") leads to an observation deck with a magnificent panorama of the Pacific Ocean.
Tourists can also visit a large number of huge “Indian markets”, the best of which are: Mercado Indio, Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and Kennedy Park.
The surroundings of the capital are more picturesque than the city itself. The Marcahuasi plateau is located 80 km from Lima, at an altitude of about 3900 m. Here you can see many megalithic sculptures and rock paintings. Scientists are still arguing about their origin.
Pachacamac is located 29 km south of the capital. It represents a place of worship of the Divine Creator of the Earth, a very important religious center of the pre-Inca period.
In the neighboring Rimac Valley are the mysterious structures of Puruchuco and Cajamarquilla.
Cusco (Hoxo - “center of the earth”) is one of the most ancient and unusual cities in the world. It was the capital of the Inca Empire during its heyday. If you believe the legends, it was founded by the first ancestors of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo around 1200 AD. e.
The city is located at an altitude of about 3500 m, but is quite crowded. Its entire territory is under UNESCO protection.
The entire city was carved out of the mountains by the Incas many centuries ago. The city was built in the form of the silhouette of a sacred puma. Huge boulders were used during construction, but they were not held together with mortar. In this case, there are practically no gaps between the stones. The streets are striking in their straightness, and the entire city is permeated by a unique system of stone watercourses.
Plaza de Armas was built by the Spaniards on the site of the ancient cult center of Huacalpa. The main attractions of this city include: the ruins of the granite Palace of the Supreme Inca, two Inca statues of Inca Pachacute on the mountain, the Palace of Justice, the ruins of the Inca Coricancha, located east of the city center, the El Triunfo Church, the Church of Santo Domingo.
La Compaña Cathedral is interesting for its huge three-hundred-year-old Maria Angola bell, which is the largest bell in South America. Among the museums we can highlight: the Museum of the Institute of Archeology of the National University, the Viceroyal Museum and the Museum of Religious Art.
North-west of the city center is the monumental complex of structures of Sacsayhuaman (Grey-Stone Bird of Prey). This military and religious center of the Inca Empire lies on the top of a mountain, 3500 m above sea level. It is made of huge stone blocks. The center of the structure is the so-called “Inca throne”. It is surrounded by 21 bastions with powerful towers.
Nearby lie the ruins of the fortresses of Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay.
30 km from Cusco is Pisac, which is an Incan citadel at the top of a mountain range.
The main attractions of this area are: the ruins of ancient Ollantaytambo, the pyramid city of Ollantaytambo, the Cosnipata valley ("Valley of Smoke"), and the secluded Sinacara valley.
Tumbes has the picturesque Cathedral and the Aguas Verdes Nature Reserve. Chinchero (“rainbow village”) is located 28 km northwest of Cusco. During the Inca era it was a famous resort. Paucartambo and Tres Cruces also deserve attention here.
The "Inca Trail" stretches along the "Sacred Valley" past the most mysterious structures of ancient civilizations. The valleys of Huantanay and Vilcanota (Urubamba) are considered the center of the spiritual culture of the Incas.
The archaeological complex of Caral dates back to 2600-2100. BC e. It lies 200 km north of Lima and is considered the most ancient city on the continent.
35 km from Cusco is Choquepuhio, which is home to the mysterious Lurche culture. Corihuayracina, Vilcabamba Vitcos and Espiritu Pampas are the last pockets of resistance to the Spanish invasion.
It is also worth visiting the Manu National Park, which covers an area of ​​1.5 million hectares.
The famous Machu Picchu ("old mountain") is the most famous and most mysterious Inca monument on the continent.
It is located 112 km northwest of Cusco. Historians and scientists still argue about the purpose of this ancient sacred city of the Incas. Its total area is about 33 thousand hectares. The city lies on a flat mountain plateau, which is located at an altitude of 2700 m above sea level in the Urubamba Valley.
Excavations carried out here revealed the famous Intihuatana Gate of the Sun and an observatory. You can see temples and palaces carved into the rock or built from carefully fitted giant blocks. The Palace of the Moon is located at the foot of Huayna Picchu ("young mountain"). Of great interest are the famous Temple of the Three Windows and the “Sacred Square”, numerous burials and objects of the pre-Incan period. Staircases, gutters, defensive walls, swimming pools, terraces and buildings can also be seen here.
The famous Nazca Desert is one of the main attractions of the country. It is located in the department of Ica in southern Peru, between the Ingenio and Nazca rivers. Its total area is about 500 square meters. km, the desert has the shape of an almost regular square. The climatic conditions here are very harsh. This place attracts tourists and researchers because... the entire desert territory is covered with mysterious drawings of enormous size - from 40 m to 8 km. These drawings are visible only from the air, they are carved into stone and made in one continuous line.
Approximately these drawings date back to 350-700 BC. e., but their purpose is still unknown. Here you can see geometric shapes, as well as stylized images of animals, birds and people in strange attire. It should be noted that many of the objects depicted are not even found in the Nazca region.
Another attraction of this area is the Chauchilla necropolis, which dates back to the late period of the Nazca culture (around the 1st century AD).
The high-altitude Lake Titicaca is another unique monument of the country. Its name translates as "stone puma". It is located on the border of Bolivia and Peru and is the largest high-mountain navigable body of water in the world. Its area is 8287 square meters. km.
This lake by its nature is an ancient sea bay, which was raised by tectonic forces to a height of 3810 m. Therefore, oceanic ichthyofauna is observed in it - a large number of different species of marine invertebrates and fish, there are even sharks in the lake.

Reeds grow along the shores of the lake, from which local residents belonging to the Quechua and Aymara tribes build their homes, buildings for various purposes, as well as real floating islands "Uros". These islands were named after the extinct tribe of Uro Indians. On them, people's lives have remained virtually unchanged over the past five hundred years. The Incas considered the lake itself and its islands, of which there are more than 30, sacred.

The lake itself attracts with its fantastic panorama. Of great interest to tourists are also the funerary towers (“chulpas”) of Sillustani, which house the burial places of local leaders of the Inca era. The total burial area is 4 thousand square meters. m.
On the “island of knitting men” Taquile there is a good Textile Museum. Amantani Island is worth a visit. on which is the temple of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachatata (Father Sky).
In the high mountain village of Chuquito you can see the Church of Santo Domingo. And at the bottom of the lake, scuba divers found a city that dates back to the era of the Tiahuanaco culture (IX-X centuries AD). It is very reminiscent of the legendary city of Cusco - the ancestral home of the Incas.
The city of Puno, which is the capital of the region, was founded in 1668. It lies at an altitude of 3800 m on the southwestern shore of the lake. It is the main port of the lake, and was formerly one of the richest cities on the continent, because... There are silver mines next to it. The colonial cities of Juli and Pomata were built by the Spaniards in the 16th-17th centuries.
The ancient port city of Tiahuanaco is located 20 km south of the coast. It is located at an altitude of 3625 m above sea level. Its total area is about 450 thousand square meters. m. According to archaeological data, the heyday of this city dates back to the 5th century. BC e. But mathematical and astronomical calculations indicate that Tiahuanaco was created approximately in the 15th millennium BC. e.
Tiahuanaco was a thriving port and was located right on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The pyramid of Akapana ("artificial mountain") has been preserved here, the height of which is 15 meters, and the length of the side of the base is 230 m).
You can see the Kalasasaya "standing stone" with the famous Gate of the Sun, a small underground temple and giant statues, the height of which is up to 7.5 m.
The ruins of other impressive structures, which are also made of huge stone blocks, have also been preserved.
Arequipa, whose name can be translated as “let's stop here,” is Peru's second largest city and an important economic center. It is located in the very south of the country at an altitude of 2335 m above sea level. It is known that this city appeared on the site of an estate that belonged to the conquistador Francisco de Carvajal. It is located in a basin between huge volcanoes, one of which is active.
Arequipa is considered to be the most beautiful city in Peru. It is built up with buildings made in the Spanish colonial style of the late 18th century. The Convento de Santa Catalina convent is located here. dating back to 1580 and famous throughout the world.
It is also worth seeing the Jesuit Church of La Campania, the Cathedral, and the central square Plaza de Armas. The former Casa de la Moneda mint, built in the 18th century, and the Casa Moral mansion are noteworthy.
180 km from Arequipa you can visit the Colca Canyon, which is a unique natural site. This canyon is considered the deepest in the world. Its total depth is 3400 m.
Tourists have the opportunity to watch soaring condors from the Cruz del Condor observation deck. Other attractions of this region of the country include the Cotahuasi Canyon, the “Valley of Volcanoes,” the Salinas y Agiade Blanca National Park, and the Pata Pamba Pass (4825 m). You can explore ancient Inca burials in the rock caves above Antauilqui or swim in the geothermal springs located near the village of Chivay.
Costa is the Pacific coast of Peru. There are few seaside resorts here, but a large number of tourists are attracted here by numerous historical and cultural sites.

On one side this narrow strip of land is framed by the Andes, and on the other side it is washed by the waters of the ocean. The main attractions of Costa include the Paracas National Marine Reserve, the ancient clay city of Chan Chan, the Huascaran National Park and cultural monuments that date back to the 10th-5th centuries. BC Many tourists visit the seaside resort of Picasmayo, which is considered the best place for windsurfing in Peru, as well as the resort town of Paracas. There are also resort towns to the south and north of Lima.
Quite interesting are the sand dunes of Huacachina, the oases around the “capital of winemakers” Ica and the Huaylas Valley. The mysterious pre-Incan cultural cities of Sipan and Tucume are also worth seeing.
The city of Trujillo is the capital of Costa. It was founded in 1535 and represented the center of Spanish expansion into the mainland. And today this city attracts tourists with the same charm of the colonial era. Here you can see a large number of beautiful mansions built in the Spanish style.
The central square of the city, Plaza de Armas, deserves attention. It is also worth visiting the Bishop's Palace, the Town Hall, numerous monasteries and the cathedral. The central club is located in the Palacio Iturregui mansion. You can visit the Archaeological Museum and the Cassinegli Museum, as well as an art gallery.

Not far from the city are the ruins of the capital of the ancient Chimu Empire - Chan-Chan. This colossal city was built entirely from clay and stones. Previously, it was surrounded by a wall with seven bastions. The heyday of Chan-Chan was around the 12th century. At that time the city was the largest building of its era. It had important political and cultural significance. The entire territory of the city was built up with palaces, rich houses and religious buildings.
Of great interest to tourists are: the "Temple of the Rainbow" Templo del Arco Iris, the temple-fortress of Tshudi, the "Emerald Temple" of Huaca Esmeralda. The pyramids of Huaca del Sol and Huaca del Luna ("Sun and Moon") date back to the 6th century. n. e.
Not far from here lies the archaeological complex of El Brujo (III thousand years BC) with the famous Cao pyramid. You can also see the remains of extensive irrigation canals and temples from the pre-Inca period.
In the vicinity of the city of Chiclayo, which is located 200 km north of Trujillo, is the “Tomb of Lord Sipan”.
50 km south of Chimbote is the area of ​​the most ancient Indian buildings in Sechin, which date back to the 16th century. BC e. Interesting are the ruins of Gran Pajaten, monuments of the Inca period around Cajamarca and Chachapoyas. Many tourists visit the seaside resorts of Chicama and La Pimentel and the ecological reserve in Batan Grande.
The eastern part of the country is called Selva, which accounts for 60% of the territory of all Peru. Moist evergreen forests predominate here. Locals call this area "Green Hell". It is a unique ecosystem. This is where the Amazon River (Solimoes) begins. The area is home to unique Native American tribes. It is home to a large number of endemic species of plants and animals. In the jungle you can find many monuments of Indian cultures that have not yet been fully explored.
The largest city in Selva is Iquitos. Sights worth visiting include the Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve, the picturesque Lake Yarinacocha and the Amazon forests.

The unique landscapes and cultural monuments of Peru contain many mysteries and secrets of our planet. Its ancient temple complexes, ceremonial centers, pyramids, amphitheaters have preserved bizarre figures, lines, images of animals and people created by artists of the most ancient eras. Peru's rich cultural heritage is often a fantastic mosaic of fascinating events and incredible speculation and rumors.

The country is famous for its amazing natural landscapes: the lunar relief of the Nazca Desert, the vast and majestic Andes mountain ranges, the powerful high mountain ranges of the Cordilleras, and tropical rainforest areas. It was in the high mountain valleys of Peru that the ancient centers of Indian civilizations were formed, the peak of which was the famous Inca Empire. The best natural and cultural attractions of Peru, which are witnesses of the country's thousand-year development, are presented to the attention of tourists.

See photos of the best attractions of Peru, all pictures are supplemented with descriptions:

1. The Huaca Pucllana complex is the administrative and ceremonial center of Lima, created in the period 700 - 200 BC. An architectural landmark in the shape of a truncated pyramid, surrounded by galleries and courtyards.

2. Machu Picchu, a lost ancient Inca city founded around 1440, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From above, the citadel has the shape of a condor.

3. Huaca Huallamarca is an archaeological complex located in the San Isidro district of Lima. The ceremonial center of the religious elite is famous for its pyramids with unique ramps.

4. The ruins of the city of Karal are witnesses of the most ancient civilization in the world. Founded between 2600 and 2000 BC. The Peruvian city consists of temples, an amphitheater, pyramids and ordinary residential buildings. The prosperity of Karal dates back to the time of the construction of the Egyptian pyramids.

5. Nazca Desert - Known for its unique giant lines, geometric shapes and designs drawn on the ground. The length of some geoglyphs reaches several kilometers.

6. Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley of the Incas) - located near the ancient capital of Cusco. Here you can see a number of unique objects telling about the culture and traditions of the empire.

7. The archaeological complex of Pachacamac is a ceremonial center with preserved ancient temples, palaces, and pyramids. The museum on the territory of the historical monument houses an interesting collection of archaeological remains.

8. The historical center of Lima, included in the UNESCO list in 1988, is an architectural ensemble of the colonial era.

World Travel

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18.08.17 10:40

Peru, a land of adventure, incredible cities, natural beauty and high-mountain ruins left over from the Incan civilization, offers a wealth of opportunities for travelers. It is clear that the main attraction of Peru is Machu Picchu, the dream of any tourist arriving in South America. But you can also take a boat ride on the highest navigable lake in the world, look at one of the deepest canyons in the world, try your luck on the sand dunes, explore the jungle, fish in the Amazon, walk through the Sacred Valley. Here are the most interesting sights in Peru.

Ancient ruins, colonial architecture, national parks in the Amazon: attractions of Peru

Cusco: on the ruins of the Inca Empire

Walking the streets of the ancient city of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like wandering through a museum whose history dates back to the height of the Inca civilization. The ruins of their buildings were used in the construction of many beautiful colonial buildings, which themselves have already become legends and cultural monuments. The main square of Cusco, Plaza de Armas, is where all the most interesting things are concentrated: after the territory was captured by the Spanish conquistadors, the conquerors built the Cathedral and another church, La Compaña, here. Now the square is home to several cafes and other places for a pleasant stay.

Another attraction of Peru and Cusco is the Temple of Santa Domingo, standing on the ruins of the Inca sanctuary Corincancha (Temple of the Sun). Now the cathedral and the monastery of Santa Domingo form a single ensemble.

Sacred Valley and Unique Fortresses

Less than an hour's drive north of Cusco is the majestic Sacred Valley and the fortified cities (or rather, what remains of them) Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac. There are many Inca ruins in the valley that are worth exploring. It is also a very peaceful place where you can relax and stroll leisurely, absorbing the local culture. Worth visiting is the Sunday market in Pisac (as well as “small” markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays), as well as the fortress in Ollantaytambo. A little further away is the circular terraced town of Moray (it was an Inca agricultural test site).

Lima: a diverse capital

The capital of the state, Lima, is a more modern city; it cannot be compared with Cusco. But here too there is its own ancient main square (it is also, oddly enough, called Plaza de Armas). This square is the center of a historical area protected by UNESCO. Most of the buildings on the square date back to the mid-18th century. Many of them were rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1746. On the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas is the cathedral, on the northern border is the government palace of the Palacio del Goberno. The Archbishop's Palace rises right there. Along the square there is a pedestrian street called Giron de la Union with shops, souvenir shops, and restaurants. In the center of Lima you can see not only colonial architecture (the so-called Creole style - a mix of Indian and Spanish), but also examples of Moorish architecture.

Titicaca and its floating islands

The sparkling blue surface of Lake Titicaca, Peru's main natural attraction, is surrounded by picturesque hills and traditional small villages. These villages offer a mixture of magnificent scenery and a distinct culture that differs from other regions of the country. Titicaca, located at an altitude of 3820 meters, is the highest navigable lake on the planet.

Artificial (woven from a special type of reed) floating islands of Uros are the homes of small communities of Indians. What tourists see on the islands is intended specifically for curious foreigners who want to get to know the traditions of this part of Peru, but this does not make the view and “interior” of the floating islands any less attractive.

White City of Arequipa

The historic center of Arequipa, located at 2,300 meters above sea level, is often considered one of the most beautiful parts of the South American country and a popular attraction in Peru. Set against a backdrop of stunning snow-capped mountains, the ancient heart of Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main pride of the city is the examples of ancient architecture, built from volcanic rock directly on the slopes and reflecting the bright rays of the sun. Most of Arequipa's colonial buildings are made from the same stone, giving rise to its nickname "the white city".

Colca Canyon: the second deepest in the world

About a four-hour drive from Arequipa is another natural attraction of Peru - the 3,400-meter Colca Canyon (or Canyon del Colca). It was once considered the deepest in the world (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon), but later research proved that the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon was still deeper. Kolka is the result of a seismic fault in the soil between two volcanoes. A winding river snakes far below. This area was inhabited thousands of years ago, and at one time the Incas lived here. Stone terraces along the canyon walls date back to 800. Cacti grow on the slopes (over which condors soar), there are hot springs and the ruins of ancient villages.

Nazca Desert Lines: a trace of aliens?

The mysterious lines of the Nazca Desert are an unusual sight and, of course, a landmark of Peru that cannot be ignored. These huge images were not discovered until the 1920s, when they were noticed by pilots. It was the pilots who saw the lines from the air and realized that they formed clear patterns and designs (there were as many as seven dozen of them). That’s why tourists admire the grandiose images from a bird’s eye view. Some of the geometric shapes extend for 10 kilometers. The most notable among the figures are a lizard with a length of 180 meters, a condor with a wingspan of 130 meters, as well as a monkey, an orca, a hummingbird and a spider. It is not known exactly who is behind these grandiose works of art. One theory suggests that the drawings are a product of the Paracas and Nazca cultures (900 BC-600 BC). But why they were created is the question. Either this is an astronomical calendar for agriculture, or an alien landing site, or part of a cult. The lines were created by removing the surface layer of stones and placing them along the sides (outlines) of the figures, thus creating a contrast between the dark stones and the exposed, lighter surface.

Puerto Maldonado: gateway to the Amazon and nature reserves

The small town of Puerto Maldonado (just half an hour's drive from Cusco) is a magnificent Peruvian attraction and a key starting point for excursions in the Amazon.

Very close are the Bolivian and Brazilian borders and several nature reserves, including Tambolata-Candama and Manu Park, listed by UNESCO. To visit here and take part in one of the tours means to see the hot, humid jungle from the inside and get acquainted with all kinds of unique flora and fauna of this part of Peru.

In Manu National Park, not only parrots, caimans, monkeys, turtles, but also piranhas, which infest the Amazon, feel at ease. You cannot stay in the reserve, but there are simpler campsites nearby, and almost “resorts in the jungle.” Tours range from a couple of days to week-long adventures.

The Inca Trail: Road to the Clouds

Another high-altitude adventure can be experienced if you go along the Inca Trail. This is a four-day trek and the “peak” of travel in Peru: after all, the rocky terraces will lead you straight to Machu Picchu. There are several starting points, but the traditional tour starts from the Cusco-Aguas Calientes railway line. The trail passes three dozen Inca ruins and allows you to admire stunning mountain scenery. The most difficult part of the route is the second day of the hike, with a fairly steep climb and two high passes. Tours are booked in advance, because during the high season (from June to August) there is no end to tourists. Some agencies offer a shorter version of hiking the Trail (two days or even a day). There are campgrounds along the route.

Machu Picchu: a Peruvian legend in the “heaven”

Perched high on a ridge 300 meters above the high-altitude Urubamba River, the stunning Incan city of Machu Picchu is one of the most dramatic ruins on the planet and a super-popular Peruvian attraction. The impressive, often cloud-capped mountains provide a wonderful setting for the ruins, and are every bit as dramatic as Machu Picchu itself. Standing at the top and looking out over the jungle-clad mountains and river far below, it's easy to see why the Incas chose this place to build their city. Yale professor Hiram Bingham, the first modern scientist to discover the ruins, saw them in 1911 and until the end of his life considered it the “Lost City of the Incas,” documented by Spanish soldiers in the 1500s. However, other historians believe that the real "Lost City" was located in Espiritu Pampa. Why the Incas built Machu Picchu (and where they went in the 1530s) is unknown. This was probably a sanctuary. If you find it difficult to negotiate the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, you can use the railway. Trains depart from Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and arrive in the city of Aguas Calientes, where there is a bus route. But you still can’t do without a steep climb. And be prepared for thin air! But at the finish line you will feel like you are standing on top of the world. To avoid crowds, it is better to visit Machu Picchu in the morning (before trains arrive) or in the evening (when there are no more flights). The high season is June-August, but you can visit here in April-May and September-October, weather permitting.

Peru is an amazing country in which Indian traditions have survived to this day, despite the former onslaught of the Spanish conquistadors. Two cultures, native and European, mixed, ultimately forming a cocktail amazing in its brightness and originality. But local traditions and beliefs are still strong here, which makes Peru an extremely interesting country for any tourist.

1. Peru is the third largest country in the South American continent after Brazil and Argentina.
2. The first people appeared in the territory now called Peru, 10 thousand years BC.
3. In the 12th century, the Incas appeared in Peru and founded a state called Tawantinsuyu. Over the five centuries of its existence, it grew to become the largest empire that existed on the continent before its discovery by Christopher Columbus.
4. Peru is home to one of the largest and most famous Inca cities, Machu Picchu. This amazing ancient monument is officially recognized as a wonder of the world. All the townspeople suddenly disappeared in 1532, and scientists still don't know what could have happened to them.
5. The capital of Peru was founded by the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro, who destroyed the Inca Empire by executing their leader. Lima's birthday celebrations take place in January and last for a whole week.
6. In the 19th century, the territory of Peru was divided into two parts - Peru itself and Bolivia (see).
7. In Peru, on June 28, Ceviche Day is celebrated at the state level - this is a national dish of raw fish marinated in lime juice and seafood. In 2013, a monument to this delicious food was unveiled in Lima.
8. In Peru, at least one strong earthquake occurs every year (see).
9. Russians do not need a visa to travel to Peru - they can spend up to 90 days in the country without any documents other than a passport.
10. Lima is a city with an unusual climate. Its distinctive feature is high humidity combined with an almost complete absence of rain.
11. In Lima you can try almost all the cuisines of the world, for which the city has earned the title of culinary capital.
12. Peru is a corn country; about 55 species of this plant grow on its territory. Fruit grains can be not only yellow, but also black, purple or white.
13. In Peru they prepare a traditional dish of guinea pigs (see).
14. Lima is home to the oldest university on the American continents - the university opened its doors to students in the mid-16th century
15. Peru ranks sixth in the world in gold production.
16. The Peruvians managed to breed over 3 thousand types of potatoes (see).
17. Peru has the second largest number of practicing shamans in the world.
18. In southern Peru, locals eat cats.
19. In the Peruvian region of Arequipa there is one of the deepest canyons on the planet - the depth of the Colca Canyon exceeds 3.5 kilometers.
20. Peru is widely known for its tropical forests, which occupy almost two-thirds of the country (see).
21. Experts believe that the best cotton in the world is grown in Peru.
22. One of the hotels in Peru houses the world's largest collection of orchids, owned by a private individual. It includes flowers of more than 500 varieties.
23. Before the New Year, Peruvians give panties to their family and friends.
24. In the Peruvian mountains is Lake Titicaca, which is considered the highest lake on Earth suitable for navigation. This body of water is also the largest in South America (see).
25. Residents of Peru managed to tame llamas over 3,000 years ago.
26. Peru is home to almost 90 different ecosystems, making the country famous for its rich populations of plants and animals.
27. In the Sechura Desert, tourists climb the world's highest sand dune - its height from base to top is almost 1.2 kilometers (see).
28. Peru ranks first in the world in the export of asparagus.
29. Due to its diversity, the national cuisine of Peru is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
30. The mysterious Nazca Lines, intriguing scientists from all over the world, are located on a desert plateau in Peru. These are huge images of animals or geometric shapes, made using grooves up to 135 centimeters wide and up to 50 centimeters deep. Science is powerless to explain when and how these incredible drawings, visible only from a bird's eye view, appeared.