Amazing Ancient Treminus “Peru” – An Overview

Peru a place with magnificent ancient civilization and culture is a country belonging to Western South America. As amazing the place is so are its neighbors. As to its north lies Ecuador and Colombia, East - Brazil,southeast - Bolivia,south - Chile, West - Pacific Ocean. The country surrounded with so many beautiful places is of course a worthy place to visit. The Peru country attracts several travelers and archeologists due to its amazing infrastructure and nature bound beauties. The places are really wonderful and i must say that the place deserves the name as being the wonders of world with its great Machu  Picchu, apart from this great structure the county  has  many such destination which i thought its worth exploring. The place attracted me to a larger extent with its amazing history and the facts of the places. In this post i would like to explore an overview of the major destinations of the country. Readmore

Before going deep to the destinations of the country i would like to give a short intro of the country...

Location

Peru is located in the Western South America. The territory was the home of the oldest oldest Norte Chico Civilization and Inca Empire.The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty, which included most of its South American colonies. After achieving independence in 1821, Peru has undergone periods of political unrest and fiscal crisis as well as periods of stability and economic upswing.

Peru is a representative democratic republic divided into 25 regions. Its geography varies from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin. It is a developing country with a medium Human Development Index score and a poverty level around 40%. Its main economic activities include agriculture, fishing, mining, and manufacturing of products such as textiles.

Peru is populated by over 23 million people, largely descendents of Spanish settlers and native Inca and pre-Inca cultures. Today there are three national languages: Spanish, and the native Quechua and Aymara, reflecting the native Indian and Spanish roots that cultivate modern Peruvian society.

The name Peru was derived form the word Biru which was the name of the local ruler of 13th century. Francisco Pizarro who was the famous conquistador of Crown of Castile and also the vanquisher of Inca Empire explored the land further and designated the region  as "Biru" or "Peru"

It is the oldest civilization in America and complex Pre-Columbian society which prospered in 30th century and 18th century BC.Contemporary with  the emergence of pyramids of Egypt and predated mesoamerican Olmec the Norte Chico civilization emerged nearly after two millennia. Platform mounds and sunken circular plazas were the most impressive achievements of the civilization.

Inca Empire

The largest empire of the pre-Columbian America flourished in early 13th century.With the official language of the Empire being Quecha, there were many local forms of worship, most of them concerning local sacred "Huacas", but the Inca leadership encouraged the worship of Inti—the sun god—and imposed its sovereignty above other cults such as that of Pachamama. The Incas identified their king as "child of the sun."

Thus with its magnificent architectures and civilization the country has been successful in attracting numerous  amount of visitors and archeologists. Peru is one of the world's major travel and tourism destinations, attracting thousands of tourists and business travelers every year from all over the world. Peru has an excellent tourism infrastructure, having world-class airports, hotels, roads, tourist information centers, tourist places and much more. As a result, tourism in Peru has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and today it's one of the highest revenue grosser in the country. Thousands of adventure seekers, culture travelers, and nature and wildlife lovers travel to Peru every year from destinations across the world.

Truly Peru is a tourism destination with a difference, as very few countries in the world offers as much varieties as Peru offers to visitors. Earlier it was only the adventure freaks and birding enthusiasts who made a beeline for this amazing country. However, things have changed now as even leisure travelers have started looking at Peru as a unique tourism destination to visit.Peru has lots to offer its visitors in terms of tourist attractions and activities.

For nature lovers, Peru has spectacular

• mountain ranges,
• volcanoes,
• deserts,
• beaches and lush tropical jungle teeming with amazing variety of wildlife.

For culture lovers,

• the rich historical and archaeological past and
• enduring indigenous cultures of Peru

I am sure that visiting the country will definitely make the vacation memorable and a fun filled entertainment. Lets see the overview of the major destinations of the country.

The following are the major destinations of Peru

• Arequipa
• Cajamarca
• Cusco
• Iquitos
• Lima
• Puno
• Truyjillo

Arequipa

Arequipa in Peru is one of the largest cities in the country. You will find the city beautifully located in the southern part of the country. Moreover the city is also considered to be the second most important city.The city of Arequipa is situated on the snow-capped volcano of El Misti. You can witness several buildings with fine colonial-era essence on the Spanish buildings. You are provided with the opportunity of witnessing the pearly white volcanic rocks. Arequipa is also a great historic center and is regarded as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO.

The city can be seen as a combination of Peru's  history and architecture. Located just below the Peruvian Altiplano is beautifully constructed and known as the white city due to the use of sillar.light colored colonial buildings which set Arequipa apart from other Peruvian cities, are made from sillar. This is a volcanic rock which is particularly bright when the sunlight strikes it. For this reason Arequipa is often referred to as the white city.Arequipa was founded in the 1500s shortly after the Spanish conquest.

Attractions:

Convento de Santa-Catalina

The city's biggest and most breathtaking of all its religious landmarks, the Monasterio de Santa Catalina is simply enormous and dates back to 1580. Filled with over 400 nuns from only the wealthiest of Spanish families, this historic convent is famous for its frivolous past, since rather than living a life of poverty and minimalism, the nuns each had a number of slaves and servants, and regularly had parties, inviting local musicians to provide the music and entertainment. This situation was halted in 1871, after Pope Pius IX heard of the goings on, and today the Monasterio de Santa Catalina is open as a museum, allowing visitors to freely explore its cloisters and layout, although in one area a small group still continues to live here.

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas serves as the main square and public space in central Arequipa and its surrounded by impressive sights, attractions and landmarks, such as the cathedral, pavement cafes, and historic buildings, many of which were built using white 'sillar' stone and feature innumerable balconies. This really is a very pleasant place to take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee, although you will certainly be paying a little extra for the sheer convenience and appealing views.

El Misti Volcano

The volcano offering easiest climbs lies just above the Arequipa actings as a guardian and stretches just over 5800 meters. Though termed as easiest mountain climb it should followed only with experiences hikers and using the relative safety equipment. The month of July and November are the most favorable month for climbing and upon reaching the top you will discover a large iron cross, which is some 10 metres / 33 feet tall and was erected as long ago as 1901.Next to the very summit of the El Misti volcano is a spreading yellow crater, with various surrounding holes hissing as gas is expelled. From the top, the views of Arequipa and the Laguna de Salinas are nothing short of spectacular, and make any effort more than worthwhile.

There are a number of different routes up El Misti, and although these are clearly signposted, it is advisable to follow an experienced guide, and worth bearing in mind that the Apurimac trek is known for its robberies.Therefore, the much safer two-day Chiguata route remains one of the best ways to reach the top of the El Misti volcano, and generally takes eight hours to reach base camp at 4,500 metres .

Juanita Mummy is the main exhibit of the Dama de Ampato and is located close to the main square of the Museum of the Catholic University. Plan a visit to the museum so that you can see the interesting exhibition of frozen bodies of sacrificial victims.

Colca Canyon

The Colca river begins high in the Andes, at Condorama Crucero Alto, drops down to the Pacific in stages, changing its name to Majes and then Camana as it goes. Where it runs between the tiny mountain villages of Chivay to Cabanaconde is a deep canyon known as the Colca Canyon

Although it was once thought to be the deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon (Cañon del Colca) is the second deepest, after nearby Cotahuasi Canyon. It is approximately twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. Measuring 3400 m deep, the Colca Canyon is the result of a seismic fault between two volcanoes. At the base of the canyon is a winding river.The Colca Canyon area has been inhabited for thousands of years and was home to the Collagua, Cabana, and eventually the Inca peoples. Stone terracing along the canyon walls dates to 800 AD and is still in use today.It wasn't until the early 1930's that the Colca valley was explored again, this time for the American Geographical Society. Colca Valley has been known by different names: The Lost Valley of the Incas, The Valley of Wonders, The Valley of Fire and The Territory of the Condor. It has even been called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World."

The canyon is approximately a four-hour drive from Arequipa. One-day trips to the canyon are available from Arequipa but two or more days are recommended considering the driving time involved in getting to the canyon. The area is spread out and there is a lot to see and do. Besides gazing out at the canyon, there are also hot springs, churches, villages, and Inca ruins to explore. Condors are also a big attraction Colca Canyon as they soar past the cliff walls.In addition to the Colca Canyon, the La Calera hot springs at Chivay are a wonderful way to relax after a day's touring, and the Toro Muerto cemetery of the Wari Indians. The final resting place of these Indians, buried in a fetal position, is built in a 90° steep cliff face and seeing it, you wonder how the burial party managed.

Cajamarca

The Cajamarca is located in the northern regions of Peru. This region of Peru is 8,900 ft above the sea level. The climatic condition of Cajamarca is equatorial. This city is popular for cheese and dairy products. There are a number of churches and natural spas in the Cajamarca of Peru. The history of Cajamarca in Peru is more than 3,000 thousand years old. You can visit the different archeological sites of Cajamarca, while you are in Peru.

The archaeological sites like the Cumbe Mayo and the Kuntur Wasi are popular tourist destinations in Cajamarca. The Inca Empire seats in Cajamarca, which is even read by the children in the famous comic book of Tintin. In the year of 1986 the Organization of American States stated the region of Cajamarca in Peru one of the most popular Historical and Cultural Heritage of America.

Cusco

Cusco, once the capital city of the Incas, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. In 1983 the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the old Inca city became the foundation for the Spanish architecture which exists today. Walking through the narrow streets lined by Inca walls, visitors can't help but feel the history that exists here.The main tourist area is the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets. Many of the cities main attractions are within a few blocks of the Plaza. This is also where visitors will find some of the best restaurants, hotels, and shopping in Cusco.Uphill, to the northeast of the Plaza de Armas is the San Blas district. Cobble stoned streets lead up the hillside to this quaint little area. Many visitors choose to stay in this section of the city, which is much quieter than the central area and offers fine views over the entire city.

The spectacular Cusco region is  surrounded by Ucayali Region, the Madre de Dios and Puno regions.It is the archaeological capital of South America and is the oldest inhabited city of Peru. Cuzco is a popular name among the Peru Tourist Destinations.Cusco is located in the Southern Sierras. Southern Sierras is a fascinating city and has historical significances. It was the capital of the Incan Empire and attracts tourists so that they can have a wonderful vacation. Cuzco is regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the attractions of Peru.

Various museums and galleries are found in the Cuzco city in Peru. Visit the Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneo that conducts exhibitions of contemporary art. Do not miss the opportunity of visiting the Museo Historico that enables you gather knowledge on the Inca historian Garcilaso de la Vargas. Furthermore the city has galleries that try to depict the stunning scenery of the Cuzco area. Santa Catalina Convent which is a collection of religious art is also a popular site. Historical monuments in the city include a statue of the Inca warrior King Pachacuteq. It is placed in the lower part of the town of Cuzco.

Attractions

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu fascinates visitors in the very first sight with its unmatched magic and charm. Hidden beneath lush jungles for centuries, the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu were discovered by American Hiram Bingham in 1911. Probably built during the 15th century, Machu Picchu ruins consist of myriad of staircases, terraces, temples, palaces, towers, baths and fountains, all demonstrating the architectural richness of the Incas. Spread over an area of around 13 sq km, it was possibly used for military and religious purposes. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Other hiking attractions along the Machu Picchu are Fountain Caretaker's House, Ceremonial Baths, Temple of the Sun , Temple of the Three Windows, Inca Bridge, and the Intihuatana - a large block of limestone used as a solar observatory and for Inca ceremonies. If you love some adventure, then hike the peak of Huayna Picchu and Winay Wayna.

Sacred Valley

Situated within easy reach of the Inca-rich city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a spectacular valley, located within the South American Andes mountain range. Running parallel to the winding Urubamba River, which also goes by the name of the Vilcanota River or the Wilcamayu River, the Sacred Valley of the Incas can be found just 15 km / 9 miles to the north of Cusco.

The Sacred Valley is a fertile area, once inhabited by the Incas. Inca ruins are prevalent throughout the valley, with the two grandest sites at Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The Sacred Valley of today is home to a number of typical Andean villages. This is a good place to see villagers going about everyday life in the Andes.Highlights in the Sacred Valley include the

• Pisac Market and Pisac Ruins,
• the Inca sites of Moray and Salinas, and
• the beautiful town and ruins of Ollantaytambo.

For those arriving from Lima or other lower elevation areas, the Sacred Valley is a nice place to start acclimatizing. It is significantly lower than Cusco and fewer people experience altitude sickness here than in Cusco. From Cusco it is less than an hour by taxi to Pisac or 1½ hours to Urubamba.

Inculding the Sacred Valley there are many other exciting sites in and around the valley.The  place are

• calca
• Moray
• chinchero
• Ollantaytambo
• Salinas
• Pisac
• Yucay

Each place has its own importance and definitely visiting the place will beneficial and will surely be memorable. The places provide many historical salt pans, agricultural terracing ,several market an shops. The adventurous activities like hiking, rafting,mountain biking, bird watching, kayaking,horse riding, skiing.

Barrio de San Blas

The neighbourhood of San Blas is better known in Cusco as the Barrio de San Blas and is the most historic part of the city, residing just a few blocks to the north of the Plaza de Armas. Many of the cobblestone streets follow the same lines as those first laid out by the Incas, and the oldest houses have been built directly upon ancient Inca foundations. As you climb the steep streets, take time out to stop and enjoy the panoramic views, or the multitude of interesting shops. This colourful area also goes by the name of the Barrio de los Artesanos (Artisan Quarter), due to its wealth of artisan studios, galleries and workshops.

Qorikancha

The remains of Qorikancha were actually once the most important temple in the whole Inca empire, with magnificent temple walls lined with solid gold. Many ritual ceremonies were once held here by the Incas, while high priests used Qorikancha as something of an observatory. Today, these 15th-century ruins form the base of the Convent of Santo Domingo and its church, and offer only a very small suggestion of its former grandeur.

Shopping in Cuzco provides you good quality items and it has become a shopper's paradise. The city also has various restaurants and bars that provide you great dining option. Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is a religious and spiritual site that has great architectural highlight. This church's foundation is built upon the palace of Huayna Capac in 1571 and was reconstructed after 1650. Peru Travel Guide provides you information on Cuzco.Cuzco also enables you to visit the Incan Citadel with the ancient views. The hilltop of Incan citadel is situated above the village of Pisac and forms a triangular plateau. The city also takes you to the Plaza de Armas and the Qorikancha which are a few of the popular sites of Cuzco.

Iquitos

The city of Iquitos is one of the largest regions. The city of Iquitos is in the Peruvian tropical rainforests. This city is the political capital of the Loreto Region and the Maynas Province. The Iquitos in Peru is located near to the Amazon River. This city is only 627 miles from Lima.Located on the west bank of the Amazon River, Iquitos is the gateway to lush Amazon jungles in Peru. Tours to Iquitos are quite popular with nature lovers and adventure seekers from destinations all over the world. Iquitos also has its share of beautiful colonial architecture in form of Plaza de Armas and the ‘ Iron House ,' designed by Gustav Eiffel for the Paris exhibition of 1889. If you're looking for an adventure with a difference, then taking a tour to Iquitos in Peru can be a great Idea.

The climatic condition of Iquitos is tropical, humid. This city gets seasonal rain in between the months of November and March. This Peruvian city is the seat of a Roam Catholic Apostolic Vicariate. The city was established in the year of 1750s. There is a plethora of rubber industry. The city earns huge revenue from the manufacture of rubber and alcohol product. The Iron House stands tall as an example of the boom of the rubber industry in the 20th century.

Iquitos serves as the jungle capital of the Loreto Region and is the perfect place to explore parts of Peru's immense rainforest. The economy and affluence of the city owes much to its past rubber boom of the 19th century and the discovery of oil in the 1960s, and Iquitos is now enjoying much tourism and popularity.All the bird watchers will have an amazing experience watching the different species of tropical and equatorial birds. The main commercial center near to the Prospero Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this part of Peru. The Main business Square is known as Tarapaca.

Attractions

In addition, there are several interesting attractions near Iquitos, such as the beautiful

• Lake Quistococha
• Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve- the largest nature reserve in Peru.

For adventure lovers, Iquitos offers

• Excellent conditions for canopy walking, as well as
• River rafting
• Fishing and
• Bird watching on the Amazon River
• Municipal Museum
• Quistococha Zoo

Belen

Belen is best described as a floating shanty town, with rustic houses standing on wooden stilts or rafts, with the entire area being flooded by the Amazon River for much of the year, particularly during the rainy season. Around 7,000 people currently call this part of Iquitos their home, with traditional canoes often floating between the huts, selling their very own Amazonian jungle produce. Tourists will find that the unusual attractions within the Belen Quarter are best viewed early in the morning.

Tarapaca River Walk

The Malecon Tarapaca is a very special trail alongside the south-easterly river banks and was created during the affluent period of the rubber boom. Offering a peaceful place to stroll and some very pleasant panoramas, the Malecon Tarapaca stretches from just below the Plaza de Armas, leading right up to the Belen Market, running parallel to the Prospero.

The place is filled with lots of attractions and visiting every place is really wonderful and beautiful.

Lima

A wonderful and exciting South American city, Lima is Peru's capital and is actually the second-biggest desert city in existence. The landscape of Lima is diverse and ranges from rustic shantytowns, to modern shopping centres, gleaming high-rise hotels, exceptional seafood restaurants and an entertaining nightlife.Lima has evolved into a fast-paced Peruvian metropolis and although this is very much a 21st-century city, you won't have far to travel to find flamboyant colonial buildings, pre-Inca pyramids, historical churches and other tourism offerings. For excitement, the bravest tourists may like to try their hand at paragliding from the Miraflores cliffs, or surfing next to the beachfronts of Costa Verde and Barranco.

Lima is a bustling city on the dry coastal plain, dominant colors in the landscape are brown and gray, and locals dress the same as those in cities across North America or Europe.Despite this image, Lima has it's own attraction, and those willing to take the time to explore will find it is a vibrant city with much to offer. In addition to having some of the countries best museums, restaurants, and nightlife, Lima also features beautiful Spanish archecture, spacious green parks, and quaint ocean side suburbs. Home to 9 million people, almost one third of the country's population, Lima is a large part of what the Peru of today is all about and it should not be overlooked.

Attractions

The main attractions include archaeological treasures reflecting Columbian cultures and other natural resources that make the country a paradise.Lima covers an area of about 800 square kilometers and slopes gently from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. A chain of mountains such as El Agustino, San Cosme, El Pino, La Milla, Muleria and Pro hills surround the city.Lima city in Peru has Cathedral, the Church and Convent of San Francisco. The harmony of color and great architecture gives it a picturesque look. The church is considered to be an invaluable treasure that provides evidence of the deep religious faith of Lima.Museo Rafael Larco Herrera is one of the popular destinations in Lima in Peru. This is a fascinating private museum which was built in the 18th-century. You can witness the largest ceramics collections in the world, gold and silver pieces and feathered textiles in the museums.

Alameda Chabuca Granda

The Alameda Chabuca Granda is a very impressive viewpoint and those who come here will be able to enjoy unbeatable views across the River Rimac, along with the many beautiful buildings around the Viceroyalty. Also clearly visible from the Alameda Chabuca Granda is the famous Cerro San Cristobal, as well as much of Lima's cityscape. However, the views are not the only attraction here, with a series of amphitheatres providing all kinds of live entertainment, including Creole music and dancing. Art exhibitions are also staged here, while food stands provide tasty hot snacks.

Daytona Park

Situated within the district of Santiago de Surco, the ever-popular Daytona Park is an exciting theme park and has something for everyone. Modern attractions at Daytona Park include everything from carousels and bumper cars, to soft play areas and trains for younger children. Boat trips are also on offer, along with state-or-the-art video arcades and a choice of fast-food refreshments.

Park de Legends

One of the most popular family attractions in Lima, the Parque de las Leyendas is a very interesting zoo and filled with many zoological favourites, such as giraffes, bears, big cats, tortoises, hippos, penguins and even elephants. There are also a large number of native species from around Peru's coastal and Amazon jungle regions, along with the Andes.

The nightlife of Lima is extremely vibrant and interesting. There are many night clubs that will simply make your night colorful. The several archeological sites are wroth admiring  and city is much renowned for temple pyramids and palaces.

Puno

Puno is situated in the south eastern part of Peru. The Puno region is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This is one of the most popular and largest cities in the Puno Province in Peru. Puno is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Peru.

The Puno region of Peru is popular for the huge stretches of Inca Empire. This empire has a legendary connection with the mythical tales and folklores of the Inca Empire. The natives of this part of Peru believe in Sun God. It is believed that the Sun God resides deep down the waters of Lake Titicaca.This region of Peru is popular for the celebrations of the Feast of the "Virgen de la Candelaria". This city holds the festival of Regional Competition of Autoch where people from quarters of the globe participate.

Lake Titicaca

At an elevation of 3820 m  Lake Titicaca  is the highest navigable lake in the world. Stretching 170 km by 60 km across the Peruvian and Bolivian borders, this is also the largest lake in South America.The lake is steeped in legend and has been inhabited throughout the centuries by ancient cultures. Today Lake Titicaca supports a unique way of life in the Andes, not seen in other areas of Peru.

The Islas Flotantes, the famous Floating Islands, are one of the main attractions of Lake Titicaca. This traditional way of life has been in existence here for centuries. Although farming is the traditional livelihood throughout the Andes in Peru,Titicaca adds a unique element, harvesting reeds from the lake. Boats overflowing with reeds can bee seen pulling up on the beaches and unloading their goods onto the backs of burrows who carry the reeds up to the hillside farms.

Trujillo

The Trujillo city is located in the north western region of Peru. The city is located in the on the banks Moche River. The city of Trujillo is the capital of La Libertad Region. This city is one of the most popular regions of Peru.This city was established by Diego de Almagro based on the name of Villa Trujillo. It was only in the year of 1537, the Trujillo in Peru was stated as a city. The Peru Trujillo is popularly known as the "Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera". The climatic condition of Peru is dry and semi arid. The temperature varies from 21 degrees to 32 degrees. The weather is pleasant throughout the year.

Trujillo is the third largest city in Peru and the central hub of the North Coast. It also has considerably more character than many of the other towns and cities in the north. Trujillo has a unique colonial flare, with bright and pastel color buildings and beautiful wrought iron window railings.With its strong colonial past and stunning coastal situation, the tourist attractions around Trujillo are certainly varied, ranging from sandy beaches and surfing, to archaeological sites and historic mansions.

Attractions

Huanchaco Beach

Huanchaco Beach is famous around the world for its exceptional surfing conditions and this lively summer resort can be found just to the north of Trujillo. There are many wonderful beach-related attractions around Huanchaco Beach attracting huge numbers of beachgoers every year, such as soft sand, endless coastal views, beachfront restaurants serving seafood 'ceviche', and piles of traditional reed canoe-like boats, known as 'caballitos de totora'. The Chan Chan ruins are conveniently close to Huanchaco.

Trujillo in Peru has grown as one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. This city is popular due to its proximity to the world heritage centers like the Moche and the Chimu.These are the two places where the archeologists found the traces of civilization. There are a number of cultural remains in Trujillo of Peru.

Sources for more informations:

www.about.com

en.wikipedia.org

www.travour.com

travel.mapsofworld.com

www.planetware.com

www.world-guides.com

Originally published @ tidingsspot.info