Peru Land of the Incas:
PERU
This enigmatic, majestic and colorful land was chosen by WIRACOCHA (Supreme Andean God) to embrace the great Inca civilization.
Peru is located in the southwest of the American continent; due to its excellent geographic location, it posses a great variety of geographic sceneries, 83 different ecology zones, a heterogenic climate and temperatures that are from artic cold to the highest tropical heat, and along with this an impressive bio diversity of unique species in the world.
In its variety and colorful geography, Peru offers:
o Quiet, clear and exotic beaches (in the coast)
o A glowing blue sky, colorful valleys, majestic glaciers and crystalline lakes (in the mountains)
o Exuberant flora and awesome rivers (in the jungle).
Peru is the owner of a millennial historic and cultural legacy that is more than 20,000 years old; admirable expressions of the human creation that are showed in their buildings, temples, palaces, etc.
Architecture and engineering work that is object of amazement for the entire world. Besides all the natural scenery and the rich culture, we offer inexhaustible artistic work with magic-religious content, handcrafts, textiles, sculptures, music and dancing as well.
The COSMOVISION ANDINA translated in a peculiar way as the conception of the men, environment and cosmos beginning in the PACHAMAMA (mother earth): beginning and end of life; and their relationship among its components to ascertain the existence and permanent practice of ritual along the year.
Through public and private entities, Peru offers to their visitors security and comfort along with unforgettable moments, modern hotels and amusement places that will satisfy your requirements.
Climate.
Perú touch you, wake you up, challenge you and captivate you.
In The Peruvian territory almost all the terrestrial climates are present to offer us a nature hummed of life ranging from the depths of the Pacific Ocean with 3,080kms of coasts, to 6,768 m.a.s.l., at the top of the snow-capped mountain named Huascarán, in the world’s highest tropical mountain range. The geographical location of Perú, could let us think about an only one specific climate, but due the presence of the Andes, the anticyclone of the south Pacific and the cold stream of water named corriente de Humboldt, Perú has a great variety of climates.
What is the weather like in the Coast?
The winter season is from March to October, in this period, Lima is cold and covered with thick fog and drizzle due humidity. In the other parts of the coast the climate is assorted with temperature between 10º C and 19º C. The summer is from December to march, the temperature between 19º C and 25º C.
What is the weather like in the mountains?
During the year there are two defined seasons, the dry season between May and October characterized for the intense cold , temperature ranging from -10ºC. to 15ºC. At this time a clear and bright sky is observed.
The rainy season between November and April plenty of rainfalls, temperature ranging from 12ºC. to 22ºC.
What is the weather like in the jungle?
Tropical weather the year-round really hot and lot of rainfall that let exuberant vegetation bloom and extent everywhere and shelter a really diverse animal life.
Temperature ranges from 25ºC to 40ºC.
Peru has a territory comprising 1’285,215 Km2 with three very differentiated regions: The coastal plain, mountains of the Andes and the Amazonian jungle .
In addition 11 ecological regions are present in Peru ranging from the deep ocean to the high mountains, from the arid Desert to the living jungle.
Language.
Peru has two official languages Spanish or Castilian and Quechua or Runa Simi. In addition there are 55 native dialects.
Peruvian people have a good disposition for understanding the visitors, no matter what language they spoke.
Currency.
The official currency is Nuevo Sol, 3.0 equivalence one american dollar.
It is a good idea that visitors have enough low denomination bills and coins.
Almost all Credit cards are accepted but American Express and Visa are the most usually accepted cards.
Electric energy.
Electric current provided 220 volts.
Most of fancier hotels have 110 volt sockets.
Some European and American plugs require other plugs attached.
History.
The human groups that settled Peru from ancient times until the Spanish invasion are classified in five distinct periods.
A periods of relations between advanced groups closely related by the same technical style but with a group predominance, and periods of many differentiated styles due to autonomous development of regional communities.
Nature.
Peru is amongst the top 12 countries with the major biodiversity of the world, 25,000 species of plants, 1,710 species of birds, 361 kinds of mammals, 251 of amphibious, 297 of reptiles and 2,000 of fish, only to name some.
From 104 life zones of our planet 84 are present in Peru.
Gastronomy.
“Cooking and well eating disposition – from appetizer to pudding- is probably the most extended habit of the Peruvian society”
We have a master’s skillfulness for seasoning, aromas and flavor.
The roots of Peruvian cuisine lies in millennial agricultural tradition which converted undomesticated plants in cultivable produce adapted to almost any kind of climate and region, that let ancient Peruvians to get good quality crops most of the year.
Dances & festivities.
At least 3,000 popular festivities are performed every year. Colorful pilgrimages, processions, parades, dances and agricultural shows.
Liberty and sensuality coexist in harmony with spirituality. Sacred and secular customs are tightly joined.
Peruvians dance 365 days per year and practice 1,300 musical genres approximately.
The ancestral musical consciousness and the actual development are so original than the ancient techniques conceived to dominate nature and organize complex social interactions of Andean human groups.
Energy and mysticism.
Peruvians has a profound respect for mother earth, the mountains and the sacred glaciers.
Great spiritual masters claim that for the Aquarium age the transcendental energy from earth has moved from the Himalayas to the Andes. In ancient cities every body is able to experience the equilibrium between Andean society and nature and every body is touched in strange ways by this energy.
The south region of Cusco and the nearby jungles, are the place of birth of important icons, symbols and utopias of continental magnitude that feature us like Andean settlers.
Peru landscapes and architectural legacy increase their magical and prodigious reputation like mystical emitter, plenty of unexpected sensations and spirituality.
Creative artisans.
It is a delight to contemplate Peruvian handicrafts and even better observe the making process.
Peru is without a doubt a land of creative people. Creativity, let our ancient ancestors affront adversity of every day life and change it into Herculean works. Our millennial heritage is stamped in every aspect of the present life.
We are skilful to elaborate handicraft made of diverse row material like wood, animal horns and bones, silver, gold, bronze, straw, pottery, leather, wool, stone and plant seed.
We suggest travelers hold enough room in the luggage to packing it with souvenirs.
Huaraz
Principal attractions:
- Callejón de Huaylas.
- Beautiful landscapes, lakes and glaciers.
- Archeological remains Temple of Chavín.
Trujillo Chicalyo
Plain and deserted coast important archeological discoveries and remains of Mochica civilization.
Trujillo, majestic city founded in colonial epoch, It is a commonplace for a dance specialty called Marinera
Chachapoyas
Andean town, situated 74 km. from archeological citadel of Kuelap 800 AC.
The imposing defensive walls of this citadel reach 25m height and 600m length.
A good chance to go through diverse regions.
Adventurer’s spirit required.
Minimal lodging facilities.
Long hours on rough roads.
Conecting points
From here three possibilities arise for the traveler, come back to Chiclayo or continue the adventure to Leimebamba, Celendín and Cajamarca going through to enjoy the wonder sights of the Andes.
The third possibility is continue to Tarapoto, attractive place situated between the high and low jungle. Land of waterfalls, profound gorges, beautiful orchids and arboreal brackens and plentiful of palm trees.
From Cajamarca or Tarapoto the return to Lima is by plain.
On Paracas bay disembarked the patriot army under San Martín command. The liberator of Perú was inspired by the flamingos flying over, to create the two-color Peruvian flag.
Many fascinating animal species search shelter and inhabit this protected preserve. There are , seals, Humboldt’s penguins, unusual fish and more than 200 fowl species. The boat trip to Ballestas islands let us observe to all of them in their natural environment.
Besides having a a dry and sunny weather all the year and a low water supply, Ica is an agricultural oasis.
You are able to find many liquor stores and wine cellars, the recognized Peruvian liquor known as pisco is produced here.
The dunes are the perfect scenery to explore a desert in the Andean region and have a first-hand contact with this pleasant desert.
A recommended experience for adventurous lovers, this will constitute one of your most exciting memories.
Nasca plain’s. In the middle of one of the most driest and inhospitable deserts of the planet enigmatic figures emerge on the surface.
Nazca geoglyphs grabbed over the Nasca plains remain one of the biggest enigmas for contemporary archaeology. These lines are 20cm average deep soil-tracks that represent animal, vegetal, and geometric figures.
Nasca People Built aqueducts that use the low caudal and underground stream water to improve their crops.
Arequipa, surrounded by three mountain capped volcanoes close to 6000 masl: Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu.
Known as the white City due its buildings were made of ashlars (sillar), a volcanic stone of intense whiteness.
It is the principal textile producer of alpaca fibber.
Eternal blue sky, splendorous sun, green countryside, large houses, historical monuments and splendid gastronomy, without a doubt a city that delight your senses.
The maximum deep in the Colca Canyon is 3 680m.
Mario Vargas Llosa, Outstanding Peruvian writer called it: Valley of wonder, due to its spectacular terraces which make possible to cultivate even steep slopes. Its kindly inhabitants keep their curious customs.
It is a nice sensation to observe the Andean condor gliding in their natural environment and the awe-inspiring sight of one of the most beautiful natural landscapes of the world.
Puno, located at 3,800msnm in the peruvian high plains, this is covered by ichu wild natural pasture.
Puno has been called folklore’s capital of the Americas. On the first days of February one of the most spectacular festivities is performed to honor Virgin of candle mass.
The most stimulating activity is take a boat-tour to navigate on the highest navigable lake of the world.
Los Uros is a contemporary indigenous people who inhabited floating islands made by themselves. They periodically add new strata of vegetal stuff called totora, and they use this stuff to build their houses and their boats.
From Puno to Cusco you can travel by car, bus or train. If you go on the road by private service you are able to do some stopovers to visit interesting places like Rajchi ( Remains of a colossal Inca temple) and Andahuaylillas ( an original colonial church).
Cusco, Considered center of the world in the old days, and nowadays considered the archeological capital of the Americas.
A city with architectural complexity. Singular European building design contrast with the imposing presence of the big-stone walls made by the Incas.
Besides being a really enchanting city of historical and archeological attractiveness that provides comfort to visitors , Cusco is a place for profound inner experiences, which every visitor consider in personal way, but it really strengthen the vital energy of all of them.
Plenty of handicraft-shops, traditional markets, cafés, restaurants and life-music. The Andean musicality wrap visitors from all the world in nice cosmopolitan camaraderie atmosphere.
Urubamba Valley has an extraordinary climate, colorful markets and picturesque towns and villages full of ancestral traditions. The valley invites to practice extreme sports and have exceptional experiences.
Machu Picchu National Sanctuary is consider cultural and natural heritage for mankind. The Inca city at the top of a mountain that is part of a extensive range of strange geological formations .
The famous Inca city design take advantage of natural features of the mountain, visit Machupicchu is a mystical experience that touch the visitors.
- 4 day-Trekking toward the lost city of the Incas, Machupicchu, going along the trail where the ancient Peruvians walked and built gorgeous constructions.
- Know our millennial culture guided by an expert. Enjoy the fascinating ruins of this magical city as well as the spectacular views and sightseeing that will connect you with nature.
- Our professional staff will make your journey an unforgettable adventure. You must enjoy only.
A green ocean plenty of exotic life singing joyfully to provides you a warm welcome to this beautiful paradise.
Ideal place to penetrate playfully into the miracle of life, its intriguing relations and discover the nature equilibrium.
Located in the middle of Amazonian plains, it is possible to arrive there by plain or ship only.
It is still possible to observe the striking luxury a remain of the past wealth reached during the height of the rubber production.
Close to the city it is the Amazonas river , the world’s second longest river and the most wide fast flowing of the world, home for hundreds of unique biological species and aboriginal societies.
Pacaya Samiria preserve, located on the confluence of Marañón and Ucayali rivers, have lots of lakes, ponds and swamps.
Untouched jungle, one of the most primitives of the Amazon, includes three preserves: Tambopata Candamo, Bahuaja-Sonene and Manu (declared World Patrimony) Many scholars say that if the time to save only one natural spot in the earth arrives, this place will be the chosen one.
There are comfortable lodges in the preserves.
A imposing and dazzling place, extremely alive.
Capital city of Peru, the historical centre of Lima was declared humankind Patrimony and shows the splendour of the viceroyalty. In 1551 San Marcos the first university of America was founded in Lima.
Monasteries, churches, balconies y altars stand out. And museums show the magnificence of the ancient Andean art.
City of contrasts, look to the sea from a big cliff.
Modern buildings and ancient altars coexist together.
Restaurants are famous for providing the best of Peruvian gastronomy, delicious meals for the most demanding palate.
We are able to satisfy your expectations
You are expecting an unforgettable vacation trip for spending your holiday, you want to travel and visit a stable region with a grand scope of possibilities: Adventure, mystery, history, spirituality, plenty of nature, wild life, exotic landscapes, romantic beaches, loving people and delicious cuisine.
South America, the fourth largest of the earth's seven continents (after Asia, Africa, and North America). Lying astride the equator and tropic of Capricorn and is joined by the Isthmus of Panama, on the north, to Central and North America. Extending from the Caribbean Sea on the north to Patagonia on the south, close to Antarctica. Comprising 12 nations (ten of them Latin: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.), two former dependencies: Guyana, of Great Britain, and Suriname, of the Netherlands and French Guyana, an overseas territory of France and, the British dependency of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). In the Pacific Ocean are several; territories of South American republics: Easter Island (Spanish Isla de Pascua) or Rapa Nui (Chile) and the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). Dominated by the vast Amazon Basin in the equatorial part of the continent (The main lowland is drained by the Amazon River, the world's second longest river), and the Andes Mountains (The second highest mountain range in the world) and its greatest elevation atop Aconcagua (6960 m/22,834 ft) in western Argentina, is the highest peak in the western hemisphere. Many of the large permanent lakes are situated at relatively high elevations in the Andes. The largest is the Lake Titicaca. South of the tropic of Capricorn, South America has cool to cold winters and cool to warm summers. Included in this region is the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places in the world. The areas of wet tropical climate contain a dense cover of rain forest, or Jungle or selva. The largest forest area in the world, this rain forest covers much of equatorial South America, including the Brazilian coast and the lower slopes of the Andes, and contains tropical hardwoods, palms, tree ferns, orchids, bamboos, and lianas. Regional exclusiveness distinguishes some mammals only found in this region, including two unique species of monkey, strange rodents and bloodsucking bats. There are only one kind of bear (Spectacled bear) one species of tapir; and members of the camel family, (Alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and Guanacos). Also characteristic of the continent are jaguar, coati, peccary and giant anteater. Birds exhibit greater seclusion and singularity. About 23 families and about 600 genera of exclusively Neotropical birds are observed, as well as the greater part of other important families, such as those of the hummingbirds (500 species), tanagers, macaws, sea fowls and large birds (Condor, rhea and flamingo). Many reptiles like boas and anacondas; crocodiles, caimans, and iguanas are found in jungle areas. Varied freshwater fish are abundant. Also other invertebrates and insects call attention for their peculiarity. On the whole, South American fauna is more local and distinct than that of any continent other than Australia; more than four-fifths of its species are restricted to its zoogeographic boundaries. The Galapagos Islands are the habitat of reptiles and birds that are unknown elsewhere, including the Galapagos penguin, Darwin's finches, and the Galapagos giant tortoise. Although South America's population has a diverse ethnic heritage, its principal elements are the Native Americans and the descendants of Spaniards, Portuguese, and African blacks. The racial spectrum produced by mixing the various groups is broad. Spanish is the official language of 9 countries on the continent. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil; English, of Guyana; Dutch, of Suriname; and French, of French Guyana. Many Native American languages (Quechua, Aymara, and Guarante;) are spoken by a large number of people. A South American people, the Inca, built one of the largest and wealthiest pre-Columbian empires in the Western Hemisphere. Located on the western coast of South America, the empire extended more than 4000 km (more than 2500 mi) and included regions of present-day Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. The city of Cusco, located in southern Peru, served as the Inca capital, reaching its peak as an administrative, religious and military centre in the mid-1400s. Cusco was a hub for a grand network of roads interconnecting practically all South America.
Nowadays Cusco, Qosqo or Cuzco is Peru´s main tourist destination and one of the most important in South America. Cusco is the most ancient city continually inhabited in the Americas, the spiritual centre in the Aquarium age and a city with a good night atmosphere propitious to experience new emotions, meet interesting people for amusement and make friends. An encounter point for fans of extreme sports (river rafting, Kayaking, body boarding, hydro speeding, mountain climbing, mountaineering, high altitude trekking & biking, paragliding) a paradise for explorers, nature lovers, birdwatchers; a religious sanctuary for esoteric practices; and a living academy to learn Spanish and Quechua.
Most travelers to Peru land in either Lima o La Paz and take a flight or bus to the historic capital of the Inca empire. The airlines from Lima are Lan Peru, Taca . From La Paz the one airline is Loyd Aereo Boliviano. Prepare your camera for your best photos and snapshots in the spectacular atractions of Cusco. (Main Square, The cathedral, La Compañia Church, San Blas Quarter, San Blas Church, Hatun Rumiyoc Street, La Merced Convent, Koricancha, Convent of Santo Domingo; Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tampumachay or Tambomachay; Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras salt ponds, Chinchero. Others, Machupicchu, Choquekirao, Tipon, Pikillacta, San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, Tres cruces and Kosñipata Valley, Paucartambo, Coylloritti, Inti Raymi Festivities). The Inca trail to the Machupicchu historical sanctuary is the most classical trek route in South America, and the Manu Biosphere Reserve is an outstanding place for wild life preservation ideal for ecotourism.
In addition Peru and Bolivia are civilised countries with friendly, helpful and hardworking people, lots of tourist attractions, hospitality, entertainment and a variety of ecosystems with unique trees, plants, and animals.
Discover them at any of their magnificent preserves and parks.
They have lots of Native American remains (Mochica or Moche, Tiahunaco, Nazca, Chacahapoyas, Inka) that archaeological excavations have uncovered.
Marvel at the magnificent monumental cities hidden in the Andes (Machupichu, Chokequirao, Kuelap, Vilcabamba) and approach to civilisations lost thousands of years ago.
Explore our strange land formation, mountains and glaciers (Cordillera Blanca, Huascaran, Alpamayo, Ausangate, Salkantay), the lush, green areas high in the mountains, the jungle (Manu, Puerto Maldonano, Iquitos), the desert and the coast (Punta Sal Beach Resort) rivers, lakes.
Or be awed by our colourful folklore, aboriginal art, picturesque villages (Ancash, Arequipa, Cochabamba, Cusco, Huaraz, Ica, Lima, Piura, Puno, Uros, Taquile, Trujillo) colonial churches, impressive mixed religious practices (shaman healing ritual), archaeological museums.
Relax in our comfortable tourist accommodations: airports, lodging (Hotels. Hostels, inns), discos, pubs, cafes, restaurants, sightseeing.
You can get some travel tips and improve your information about Peru reading some book guides like the Lonely planet, south American footprint, Le petite Routard, and contacting institutions like the South American Explorers Club. Or you can search the www.promperu.org.pe, www.mincetur.org.pe.
Dont wait. It´s always a good time to visit us.
No matter where you go, yours´ll find something to delight you. South American destination, the final goals for an unforgettable vacation trip.
Whatever your interests, we have what you are looking for.
