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Peru Adventure and History
Peru Outdoor Adventure

Trekking in the Sacred Valley: The most famous trek outside Cusco is, of course, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But if you're not up to 4 strenuous days with a group along a highly structured trail, there are plenty of additional hiking options in the Sacred Valley. Other trails are much less crowded and share some of the same extraordinary scenery. Ollantaytambo and Yucay are the best bases for walks in the pretty countryside of the Urubamba Valley.

Running Big-Time White Water: Just beyond Cusco in the Urubamba Valley are some excellent river runs, ranging from mild to world-class. Novices can do 1-day trips to get a taste of this thrilling sport, while more experienced rafters can take multiday trips and even hard-core rafting journeys along the Tambopata River in the Amazon jungle. The area around Arequipa and the Colca Canyon in southern Peru is even better for rafting. The easiest and most convenient runs from Arequipa are on the Río Chili. More advanced rafting, ranging up to Class VI, beckons on the Río Majes, Río Colca, and Río Cotahuasi.

Exploring Colca Canyon: Perhaps second only to the Callejón de Huaylas Valley in northern Peru for quality independent hiking is Colca Canyon. One of the most celebrated is the descent into the canyon itself, from the Cruz del Cóndor lookout. There are others that are even longer and more demanding, but more accessible hikes are also possible; walking from one village to another in the valley should satisfy most peoples' urges to get outdoors. Excursions on horseback throughout the valley and into the canyon are also possible. Hard-core sports enthusiasts might take on remote Cotahuasi Canyon, deeper and more rugged even than Colca.

Mountain & Volcano Climbing Near Arequipa: For mountaineers (and fit, adventurous travelers), the volcanoes just beyond Arequipa are perfect for some of Peru's best ascents. Several don't demand technical skills. Towering El Misti, which forms part of the Arequipa skyline, is an extremely popular climb, and the city's other major volcano, Chachani, also presents an accessible ascent. Peaks in the Colca Valley are great for serious climbers, such as the Ampato Volcano and Coropuna, which, at more than 6,425m (21,075 ft.) is perhaps the most stunning mountain in the Cotahuasi Valley and is for specialists only.

Spotting Birds & Wildlife in the Peruvian Amazon: Peru's Amazon rainforest is some of the most biologically diverse on the planet. The southeastern jungle and its two principal protected areas, the Tambopata-Candamo Nature Reserve and the Manu Biosphere Reserve, are terrific for viewing wildlife and more than 1,000 species of birds. One of the great birding spectacles is the sight of thousands of macaws and parrots feeding at a clay lick. Keep your eyes peeled for more elusive wildlife, such as caimans, river otters, and even jaguars and tapirs.

Surfing the Waves of Peru's Pacific Coast: Brazil might have more popular recognition as a surfing destination, but wave connoisseurs dig Peru, with 2,000km (1,200 miles) of Pacific coastline and a great variety of left and right reef breaks, point breaks, and big-time waves. Beaches are mostly uncrowded, but the water is cold, and most surfers wear wet suits year-round. More than two dozen beaches attract surfistas. Northern Peru, best from October to March, is the top choice of many; surfers hang out in the easygoing fishing village of Huanchaco, but the biggest and best waves in Peru are found at Puerto Chicama (also called Puerto Malabrigo), about 80km (50 miles) up the coast from Trujillo. The best beaches in southern Peru, where surfing is best from April to December (and at its peak in May), are Punta Hermosa, Punta Rocas, Cerro Azul, and Pico Alto.

Trekking & Climbing in the Cordillera Blanca: The Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain chain in the world, is almost wholly contained in the protected Huascarán National Park. For walkers and mountaineers, the scenery of snowcapped peaks, glaciers, lakes, and rivers is unrivaled in Peru. Fifty summits soar between 4,800 and 6,662m (15,744-21,851 ft.) high, so naturally, expert mountaineers are drawn to the Cordillera, but trekking and climbing opportunities abound for less experienced outdoors types. The classic trek is the 4- to 5-day Santa Cruz-Llanganuco route, one of the most beautiful in South America.

Mountain Biking in the Callejón de Huaylas: Mountain biking is just really developing some legs in Peru. The top spot is the valley near the Cordillera Blanca, the pristine mountain range in central Peru. Hundreds of mountain and valley horse trails lace lush fields and push past picturesque Andean villages and alpine lakes. Hard-core peddlers can test their lung capacity climbing to 5,000m (16,400-ft.) mountain passes. For cycling camaraderie, check out the Semana del Andinismo in Huaraz, which features a mountain-bike competition.

Intriguing Historical Sites

Cantalloc Aqueduct & Chauchilla Cemetery: An incredible necropolis dating to around A.D. 1000 and a sophisticated irrigation system in the area around Nasca are two of the south's most interesting archaeological sites. Of the thousands of graves at Chauchilla, 12 underground tombs have been exposed. What they hold is fascinating: the bleached bones of children and adults with dreadlocks, and some of the garments and goodies they were buried with. Close to town, nearly three dozen aqueducts represent a spectacular engineering feat of the Incas and their predecessors. The canals have air vents forming spirals descending to the water current and are still in use today by local farmers.

Colonial and Inca Cusco: Vibrant Cusco is a living museum of Peruvian history, with Spanish colonial churches and mansions sitting atop perfectly constructed Inca walls of exquisitely carved granite blocks that fit together without mortar. Streets still have evocative Quechua-language names that date back to Inca times, such as Saqracalle ("Where the demons dwell") and Pumaphaqcha ("Puma's tail").

Qoricancha-Templo del Sol: The Inca Temple of the Sun is an exceptional example of the Incas' masterful masonry. Dedicated to sun worship, the greatest temple in the Inca Empire was a gleaming palace of gold before the Spaniards raided it. During the summer solstice, the sun still magically illuminates a niche where the Inca chieftain held court. A sensuously curved wall of stone is one of the greatest remaining examples of Inca stonework.

Sacsayhuamán: On a hill overlooking Cusco, the monumental stonework at Sacsayhuamán forms massive zigzagged defensive walls of three tiers. Built by the Inca emperor Pachacútec in the mid-15th century, some blocks weigh as much as 300 tons, and they fit together seamlessly without mortar. The main pageant of the splendid Inti Raymi festival, one of the greatest expressions of Inca and Quechua culture, is celebrated every June 24 at Sacsayhuamán.

Pisac Ruins: At the beginning of the Sacred Valley, just 45 minutes from Cusco, are some of the most spectacular Inca ruins in Peru. Equal parts city, religious temple, and military complex -- and perhaps a royal estate of the Inca emperor -- the ruins enjoy stunning views of the valley. A hike up the hillside to the ruins, beginning at Pisac's main square, is one of the most rewarding climbs you're likely to take.

Ollantaytambo's Fortress Ruins: Even though the Incas never finished this temple for worship and astronomical observation, it is still extraordinary, perhaps the greatest evidence to be found of their unparalleled engineering and craftsmanship. On a rocky outcrop perched above the valley, dozens of rows of incredibly steep stone terraces are carved into the hillside; high above are elegant examples of classic Inca masonry in pink granite.

New "Lost" Inca Cities: Archaeologists keep unearthing fantastic Inca ruins in and around Machu Picchu. Most are still being excavated and documented, but Choquequirao, to which hard-core trekkers put off by the crowds and regulations of the Inca Trail are now hiking, and the recent discoveries Corihuayrachina, Cota Coca, and Llactapata are all envisioned as new Machu Picchus.

Huacas de Moche: On the outskirts of Trujillo, this complex of mysterious Moche adobe pyramids, the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon, dates to A.D. 500. The Temple of the Sun (Huaca del Sol), today sadly eroded, is still mammoth -- it was once probably the largest man-made structure in the Americas. The smaller Temple of the Moon (Huaca de la Luna) has been excavated; revealed inside are cool polychromatic friezes of a scary figure, the decapitator god..

Chan Chan: A sprawling city of adobe in the Moche Valley, just beyond Trujillo, Chan Chan was the capital of the formidable Chimú empire. Begun around A.D. 1300, it is the largest adobe complex of pre-Columbian America. Among the nine royal palaces, the partially restored Tschudi Palace has unusual friezes and is evocative enough to spur thoughts of the unequalled size and sophistication of this compound of the Chimú kingdom, which reached its apogee in the 15th century before succumbing to the Incas. Chan Chan includes three other sites, all quite spread out, including a modern museum.

The Ruins of Kuélap: The remote site of Kuélap, hidden by thick cloud forest and more than 800 years old, is one of the man-made wonders of Peru waiting to be discovered by visitors. The ruins are still tough and time-consuming to get to, but the fortress complex of 400 round buildings, surrounded by a massive defensive wall, rewards the efforts of adventurous amateur archaeologists.

Chavín de Huántar: About 110km (70 miles) from Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca are the 3,000-year-old ruins of Chavín de Huántar, a fortress-temple with excellent stonework constructed by the Chavín culture from about 1200 to 300 B.C. These are the best-preserved ruins of one of Peru's most sophisticated and influential ancient civilizations. In a subterranean tunnel is the Lanzón, a huge and handsome stone carving and cult object shaped like a dagger.

Museums

Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera, Lima: The world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian art focuses on the Moche dynasty (A.D. 200-700) and its extraordinary ceramics. Packed shelves in this 18th-century colonial building hold an incredible 45,000 pieces. And it wouldn't be a proper presentation of the Moche culture without a Sala Erótica, dedicated to the culture's shockingly explicit ceramic sexual depictions.

Museo de la Nación, Lima: The National Museum traces the art and history of the earliest inhabitants to the Inca Empire, the last before colonization by the Spaniards. It's sprawling but very well designed, with scale models of major archaeological sites and great carved totems and textiles.

Convento y Museo de San Francisco, Lima: The capital's best colonial-era church, the Convent of St. Francis is a striking 17th-century baroque complex with gorgeous glazed ceramic tiles and carved ceilings. The museum holds excellent examples of religious art and a splendid library, but deep beneath the church are some creepy catacombs, dug in the 16th century to house the remains of tens of thousands of priests and parishioners.

Casa-Museo María Reiche, Nasca: One of Peru's best small museums, named for the German woman who dedicated herself to the study of the Nasca Lines, displays a good collection of Paracas textiles, Nasca ceramics, mummies, and colonial art. Outside of Lima, it's one of the best spots for a primer on southern Peru's rich history and archaeology.

Museo Antonini, Nasca: A private archaeology museum with a mission, this Italian initiative presents artifacts from the sophisticated Nasca culture and details the process of excavations. In the museum's backyard is the Bisambra aqueduct, an ancient Nasca stone irrigation canal. The museum is in possession of the world's greatest collection of painted textiles, from the huge adobe city of Cahuachi nearby, but as of yet has no place to display them.

Museo Inka, Cusco: This fine collection of exhibits and artifacts from pre-Inca civilizations and Inca culture poses an excellent introduction to the Incas. The handsome colonial-era mansion that houses the museum, built on top of an Inca palace, is one of Cusco's most important. Women weave Andean textiles in the courtyard.

Museo de Arte Precolombino, Cusco: This new and handsomely designed museum of pre-Columbian art possesses some pristine pieces representing the whole of Peru's history, all taken from Lima's overwhelming Larco Herrera museum. Housed in a colonial mansion on one of Cusco's prettiest squares, the museum is small enough to be engaging rather than exhausting.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina, Arequipa: The Convent of Santa Catalina, founded in 1579, is hands-down the greatest religious monument in Peru. More than a convent, it's an extraordinary and evocative small village, with Spanish-style cobblestone streets, passageways, plazas, and cloisters, where more than 200 sequestered nuns once lived (only a handful remain). Spending a sunny afternoon here is like being transported to another world: a small village in Andalucía, Spain.

Museo Santuarios Andinos, Arequipa: Down the street from the Convent of Santa Catalina at the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries is a singular exhibit, one of the most important recent archaeological finds in Peru: Juanita, the Ice Maiden of Ampato. A 13- or 14-year-old girl sacrificed in the 1500s by Inca priests on a volcano at more than 6,000m (20,000 ft.), "Juanita" was discovered in almost perfect condition in 1995. Her frozen remains, kept inside a high-tech chamber, have been studied by scientific teams from the U.S. and Peru to elicit clues from her DNA.

Museo Arqueológico Bruning, Lambayeque: Housing one of Peru's most important archaeological discoveries, the glittering royal tomb of the Lord of Sipán, this terrifically designed museum is a must-see. The Moche royal figure, buried 1,700 years ago, and his tomb, unearthed in all its undisturbed glory of ceremonial treasures, are astounding. Also on the premises is a wide-ranging collection of 1,500 items from the Lambayeque, Moche, Chavín, Vicus, and Inca civilizations, including a memorable gold room.

Conjunto Monumental de Belén, Cajamarca: A historic architectural complex of carved volcanic stone, Belén comprises an extraordinary colonial church and two former hospitals housing medical and archaeological exhibits, including textiles and ceramics dating back to 1500 B.C. and interesting ethnographic displays.

Natural Attractions

Islas Ballestas: The Ballestas Islands, considered the "Peruvian Galápagos," are home to an amazing roster of protected species, including huge colonies of sea lions, endangered turtles and Humboldt penguins, red boobies, pelicans, turkey vultures, and red-footed cormorants. The islands are so covered with migratory and resident sea birds that they are known for their production of guano, or bird droppings. The Ballestas are part of the Paracas National Reserve, which is two-thirds ocean.

Colca Valley: The Colca Canyon is an awe-inspiring site and the best place in South America to witness giant condors, but the entire area, which Mario Vargas Llosa called the "Valley of Wonders," is extraordinarily scenic. From snowcapped volcanoes to patchwork valleys of green, narrow gorges, and beautiful desert landscapes, Colca has it all. On the way to Colca Canyon, you pass the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Nature Reserve, where you can glimpse vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas from the road.

Tambopata-Candamo Nature Reserve: A huge reserve of rainforest in the departamento (province) of Madre de Dios, Tambopata has outstanding biodiversity: more species of birds (nearly 600) and butterflies (1,200) than any place of similar size on earth, as well as a dozen different types of forest and gorgeous oxbow lakes, and at least 13 endangered animal species. The famous Tambopata macaw clay lick, where thousands of brilliantly colored macaws and parrots gather daily for feedings, ranks as one of the wildlife highlights of Peru.

Manu Biosphere Reserve: Remote Manu -- about as close as you're likely to come to virgin rainforest anywhere -- is the second-largest protected area in Peru. Its incredibly varied habitats include Andes highlands, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rainforests. One hectare (2 1/2 acres) of forest in Manu could have 10 times the number of species of trees found in a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America, and Manu has the highest bird, mammal, and plant diversity of any park on the planet. The reserve is one of the world's finest for birding (greater even than all of Costa Rica); other wildlife includes giant river otters, cocks-of-the-rock, and perhaps 15,000 animal species, as well as native Amerindian tribes that remain untouched by the modern world.

Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve: The reserve, nearly 322km (200 miles) south of Iquitos, is the largest protected area in Peru and one of the best conserved in the world. Its dense, pristine rainforest and wetlands comprise 1.5% of Peru's total surface area and contain some of the Amazon's greatest wildlife, including pink dolphins, macaws, black caimans, spider monkeys, and giant river turtles. Found in the reserve (at last count) are 539 species of birds, 101 species of mammals, 256 kinds of fish, and 22 species of orchids.

Huascarán National Park: For trekkers and climbers, the soaring peaks of the longest tropical mountain range in the world are a South American mecca. It's a visual feast, with 200 alpine lakes, 600 glaciers, and incomparable mountain vistas. The park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Trust site, contains nearly the whole of the 161km (100-mile) Cordillera Blanca.

Lagunas Llanganuco & Puya Raimondi: Near Huaraz, the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca are the biggest natural draw for trekkers, but the area is replete with all kinds of natural wonders. The Llanganuco lakes are two turquoise, glacier-fed alpine lakes that reflect the snowy summits of several 6,000m (20,000-ft.) mountains. In the valley of Pachacoto, 56km (35 miles) from Huaraz, are the famous Puya Raimondi plants: trippy bromeliad plants that soar up to 12m (39 ft.), flower just once in 100 years, and immediately die. The colorful flowers, against the backdrop of the Cordillera Blanca mountains, make for one of the prettiest pictures in Peru.

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This post was modified on 13 Apr 2008 at 07:45 am.
- 13 Apr 2008, 07:30 am
Billy Ivy wrote: > Peru Outdoor Adventure > > Trekking in the Sacred Valley: The most famous trek outside Cusco is, > of course, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But if you're not up to 4 > strenuous days with a group along a highly structured trail, there > are plenty of additional hiking options in the Sacred Valley. Other > trails are much less crowded and share some of the same extraordinary > scenery. Ollantaytambo and Yucay are the best bases for walks in the > pretty countryside of the Urubamba Valley. > > Running Big-Time White Water: Just beyond Cusco in the Urubamba > Valley are some excellent river runs, ranging from mild to > world-class. Novices can do 1-day trips to get a taste of this > thrilling sport, while more experienced rafters can take multiday > trips and even hard-core rafting journeys along the Tambopata River > in the Amazon jungle. The area around Arequipa and the Colca Canyon > in southern Peru is even better for rafting. The easiest and most > convenient runs from Arequipa are on the Río Chili. More advanced > rafting, ranging up to Class VI, beckons on the Río Majes, Río Colca, > and Río Cotahuasi. > > Exploring Colca Canyon: Perhaps second only to the Callejón de > Huaylas Valley in northern Peru for quality independent hiking is > Colca Canyon. One of the most celebrated is the descent into the > canyon itself, from the Cruz del Cóndor lookout. There are others > that are even longer and more demanding, but more accessible hikes > are also possible; walking from one village to another in the valley > should satisfy most peoples' urges to get outdoors. Excursions on > horseback throughout the valley and into the canyon are also > possible. Hard-core sports enthusiasts might take on remote Cotahuasi > Canyon, deeper and more rugged even than Colca. > > Mountain & Volcano Climbing Near Arequipa: For mountaineers (and fit, > adventurous travelers), the volcanoes just beyond Arequipa are > perfect for some of Peru's best ascents. Several don't demand > technical skills. Towering El Misti, which forms part of the Arequipa > skyline, is an extremely popular climb, and the city's other major > volcano, Chachani, also presents an accessible ascent. Peaks in the > Colca Valley are great for serious climbers, such as the Ampato > Volcano and Coropuna, which, at more than 6,425m (21,075 ft.) is > perhaps the most stunning mountain in the Cotahuasi Valley and is for > specialists only. > > Spotting Birds & Wildlife in the Peruvian Amazon: Peru's Amazon > rainforest is some of the most biologically diverse on the planet. > The southeastern jungle and its two principal protected areas, the > Tambopata-Candamo Nature Reserve and the Manu Biosphere Reserve, are > terrific for viewing wildlife and more than 1,000 species of birds. > One of the great birding spectacles is the sight of thousands of > macaws and parrots feeding at a clay lick. Keep your eyes peeled for > more elusive wildlife, such as caimans, river otters, and even > jaguars and tapirs. > > Surfing the Waves of Peru's Pacific Coast: Brazil might have more > popular recognition as a surfing destination, but wave connoisseurs > dig Peru, with 2,000km (1,200 miles) of Pacific coastline and a great > variety of left and right reef breaks, point breaks, and big-time > waves. Beaches are mostly uncrowded, but the water is cold, and most > surfers wear wet suits year-round. More than two dozen beaches > attract surfistas. Northern Peru, best from October to March, is the > top choice of many; surfers hang out in the easygoing fishing village > of Huanchaco, but the biggest and best waves in Peru are found at > Puerto Chicama (also called Puerto Malabrigo), about 80km (50 miles) > up the coast from Trujillo. The best beaches in southern Peru, where > surfing is best from April to December (and at its peak in May), are > Punta Hermosa, Punta Rocas, Cerro Azul, and Pico Alto. > > Trekking & Climbing in the Cordillera Blanca: The Cordillera Blanca, > the highest tropical mountain chain in the world, is almost wholly > contained in the protected Huascarán National Park. For walkers and > mountaineers, the scenery of snowcapped peaks, glaciers, lakes, and > rivers is unrivaled in Peru. Fifty summits soar between 4,800 and > 6,662m (15,744-21,851 ft.) high, so naturally, expert mountaineers > are drawn to the Cordillera, but trekking and climbing opportunities > abound for less experienced outdoors types. The classic trek is the > 4- to 5-day Santa Cruz-Llanganuco route, one of the most beautiful in > South America. > > Mountain Biking in the Callejón de Huaylas: Mountain biking is just > really developing some legs in Peru. The top spot is the valley near > the Cordillera Blanca, the pristine mountain range in central Peru. > Hundreds of mountain and valley horse trails lace lush fields and > push past picturesque Andean villages and alpine lakes. Hard-core > peddlers can test their lung capacity climbing to 5,000m (16,400-ft.) > mountain passes. For cycling camaraderie, check out the Semana del > Andinismo in Huaraz, which features a mountain-bike competition. > > > > > Intriguing Historical Sites > > Cantalloc Aqueduct & Chauchilla Cemetery: An incredible necropolis > dating to around A.D. 1000 and a sophisticated irrigation system in > the area around Nasca are two of the south's most interesting > archaeological sites. Of the thousands of graves at Chauchilla, 12 > underground tombs have been exposed. What they hold is fascinating: > the bleached bones of children and adults with dreadlocks, and some > of the garments and goodies they were buried with. Close to town, > nearly three dozen aqueducts represent a spectacular engineering feat > of the Incas and their predecessors. The canals have air vents > forming spirals descending to the water current and are still in use > today by local farmers. > > Colonial and Inca Cusco: Vibrant Cusco is a living museum of Peruvian > history, with Spanish colonial churches and mansions sitting atop > perfectly constructed Inca walls of exquisitely carved granite blocks > that fit together without mortar. Streets still have evocative > Quechua-language names that date back to Inca times, such as > Saqracalle ("Where the demons dwell") and Pumaphaqcha ("Puma's tail"). > > Qoricancha-Templo del Sol: The Inca Temple of the Sun is an > exceptional example of the Incas' masterful masonry. Dedicated to sun > worship, the greatest temple in the Inca Empire was a gleaming palace > of gold before the Spaniards raided it. During the summer solstice, > the sun still magically illuminates a niche where the Inca chieftain > held court. A sensuously curved wall of stone is one of the greatest > remaining examples of Inca stonework. > > Sacsayhuamán: On a hill overlooking Cusco, the monumental stonework > at Sacsayhuamán forms massive zigzagged defensive walls of three > tiers. Built by the Inca emperor Pachacútec in the mid-15th century, > some blocks weigh as much as 300 tons, and they fit together > seamlessly without mortar. The main pageant of the splendid Inti > Raymi festival, one of the greatest expressions of Inca and Quechua > culture, is celebrated every June 24 at Sacsayhuamán. > > Pisac Ruins: At the beginning of the Sacred Valley, just 45 minutes > from Cusco, are some of the most spectacular Inca ruins in Peru. > Equal parts city, religious temple, and military complex -- and > perhaps a royal estate of the Inca emperor -- the ruins enjoy > stunning views of the valley. A hike up the hillside to the ruins, > beginning at Pisac's main square, is one of the most rewarding climbs > you're likely to take. > > Ollantaytambo's Fortress Ruins: Even though the Incas never finished > this temple for worship and astronomical observation, it is still > extraordinary, perhaps the greatest evidence to be found of their > unparalleled engineering and craftsmanship. On a rocky outcrop > perched above the valley, dozens of rows of incredibly steep stone > terraces are carved into the hillside; high above are elegant > examples of classic Inca masonry in pink granite. > > New "Lost" Inca Cities: Archaeologists keep unearthing fantastic Inca > ruins in and around Machu Picchu. Most are still being excavated and > documented, but Choquequirao, to which hard-core trekkers put off by > the crowds and regulations of the Inca Trail are now hiking, and the > recent discoveries Corihuayrachina, Cota Coca, and Llactapata are all > envisioned as new Machu Picchus. > > Huacas de Moche: On the outskirts of Trujillo, this complex of > mysterious Moche adobe pyramids, the Temple of the Sun and Temple of > the Moon, dates to A.D. 500. The Temple of the Sun (Huaca del Sol), > today sadly eroded, is still mammoth -- it was once probably the > largest man-made structure in the Americas. The smaller Temple of the > Moon (Huaca de la Luna) has been excavated; revealed inside are cool > polychromatic friezes of a scary figure, the decapitator god.. > > Chan Chan: A sprawling city of adobe in the Moche Valley, just beyond > Trujillo, Chan Chan was the capital of the formidable Chimú empire. > Begun around A.D. 1300, it is the largest adobe complex of > pre-Columbian America. Among the nine royal palaces, the partially > restored Tschudi Palace has unusual friezes and is evocative enough > to spur thoughts of the unequalled size and sophistication of this > compound of the Chimú kingdom, which reached its apogee in the 15th > century before succumbing to the Incas. Chan Chan includes three > other sites, all quite spread out, including a modern museum. > > The Ruins of Kuélap: The remote site of Kuélap, hidden by thick cloud > forest and more than 800 years old, is one of the man-made wonders of > Peru waiting to be discovered by visitors. The ruins are still tough > and time-consuming to get to, but the fortress complex of 400 round > buildings, surrounded by a massive defensive wall, rewards the > efforts of adventurous amateur archaeologists. > > Chavín de Huántar: About 110km (70 miles) from Huaraz and the > Cordillera Blanca are the 3,000-year-old ruins of Chavín de Huántar, > a fortress-temple with excellent stonework constructed by the Chavín > culture from about 1200 to 300 B.C. These are the best-preserved > ruins of one of Peru's most sophisticated and influential ancient > civilizations. In a subterranean tunnel is the Lanzón, a huge and > handsome stone carving and cult object shaped like a dagger. > > > > Museums > > Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera, Lima: The world's largest > private collection of pre-Columbian art focuses on the Moche dynasty > (A.D. 200-700) and its extraordinary ceramics. Packed shelves in this > 18th-century colonial building hold an incredible 45,000 pieces. And > it wouldn't be a proper presentation of the Moche culture without a > Sala Erótica, dedicated to the culture's shockingly explicit ceramic > sexual depictions. > > Museo de la Nación, Lima: The National Museum traces the art and > history of the earliest inhabitants to the Inca Empire, the last > before colonization by the Spaniards. It's sprawling but very well > designed, with scale models of major archaeological sites and great > carved totems and textiles. > > Convento y Museo de San Francisco, Lima: The capital's best > colonial-era church, the Convent of St. Francis is a striking > 17th-century baroque complex with gorgeous glazed ceramic tiles and > carved ceilings. The museum holds excellent examples of religious art > and a splendid library, but deep beneath the church are some creepy > catacombs, dug in the 16th century to house the remains of tens of > thousands of priests and parishioners. > > Casa-Museo María Reiche, Nasca: One of Peru's best small museums, > named for the German woman who dedicated herself to the study of the > Nasca Lines, displays a good collection of Paracas textiles, Nasca > ceramics, mummies, and colonial art. Outside of Lima, it's one of the > best spots for a primer on southern Peru's rich history and > archaeology. > > Museo Antonini, Nasca: A private archaeology museum with a mission, > this Italian initiative presents artifacts from the sophisticated > Nasca culture and details the process of excavations. In the museum's > backyard is the Bisambra aqueduct, an ancient Nasca stone irrigation > canal. The museum is in possession of the world's greatest collection > of painted textiles, from the huge adobe city of Cahuachi nearby, but > as of yet has no place to display them. > > Museo Inka, Cusco: This fine collection of exhibits and artifacts > from pre-Inca civilizations and Inca culture poses an excellent > introduction to the Incas. The handsome colonial-era mansion that > houses the museum, built on top of an Inca palace, is one of Cusco's > most important. Women weave Andean textiles in the courtyard. > > Museo de Arte Precolombino, Cusco: This new and handsomely designed > museum of pre-Columbian art possesses some pristine pieces > representing the whole of Peru's history, all taken from Lima's > overwhelming Larco Herrera museum. Housed in a colonial mansion on > one of Cusco's prettiest squares, the museum is small enough to be > engaging rather than exhausting. > > Monasterio de Santa Catalina, Arequipa: The Convent of Santa > Catalina, founded in 1579, is hands-down the greatest religious > monument in Peru. More than a convent, it's an extraordinary and > evocative small village, with Spanish-style cobblestone streets, > passageways, plazas, and cloisters, where more than 200 sequestered > nuns once lived (only a handful remain). Spending a sunny afternoon > here is like being transported to another world: a small village in > Andalucía, Spain. > > Museo Santuarios Andinos, Arequipa: Down the street from the Convent > of Santa Catalina at the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries is a singular > exhibit, one of the most important recent archaeological finds in > Peru: Juanita, the Ice Maiden of Ampato. A 13- or 14-year-old girl > sacrificed in the 1500s by Inca priests on a volcano at more than > 6,000m (20,000 ft.), "Juanita" was discovered in almost perfect > condition in 1995. Her frozen remains, kept inside a high-tech > chamber, have been studied by scientific teams from the U.S. and Peru > to elicit clues from her DNA. > > Museo Arqueológico Bruning, Lambayeque: Housing one of Peru's most > important archaeological discoveries, the glittering royal tomb of > the Lord of Sipán, this terrifically designed museum is a must-see. > The Moche royal figure, buried 1,700 years ago, and his tomb, > unearthed in all its undisturbed glory of ceremonial treasures, are > astounding. Also on the premises is a wide-ranging collection of > 1,500 items from the Lambayeque, Moche, Chavín, Vicus, and Inca > civilizations, including a memorable gold room. > > Conjunto Monumental de Belén, Cajamarca: A historic architectural > complex of carved volcanic stone, Belén comprises an extraordinary > colonial church and two former hospitals housing medical and > archaeological exhibits, including textiles and ceramics dating back > to 1500 B.C. and interesting ethnographic displays. > > > > Natural Attractions > > Islas Ballestas: The Ballestas Islands, considered the "Peruvian > Galápagos," are home to an amazing roster of protected species, > including huge colonies of sea lions, endangered turtles and Humboldt > penguins, red boobies, pelicans, turkey vultures, and red-footed > cormorants. The islands are so covered with migratory and resident > sea birds that they are known for their production of guano, or bird > droppings. The Ballestas are part of the Paracas National Reserve, > which is two-thirds ocean. > > Colca Valley: The Colca Canyon is an awe-inspiring site and the best > place in South America to witness giant condors, but the entire area, > which Mario Vargas Llosa called the "Valley of Wonders," is > extraordinarily scenic. From snowcapped volcanoes to patchwork > valleys of green, narrow gorges, and beautiful desert landscapes, > Colca has it all. On the way to Colca Canyon, you pass the Salinas > and Aguada Blanca Nature Reserve, where you can glimpse vicuñas, > llamas, and alpacas from the road. > > Tambopata-Candamo Nature Reserve: A huge reserve of rainforest in the > departamento (province) of Madre de Dios, Tambopata has outstanding > biodiversity: more species of birds (nearly 600) and butterflies > (1,200) than any place of similar size on earth, as well as a dozen > different types of forest and gorgeous oxbow lakes, and at least 13 > endangered animal species. The famous Tambopata macaw clay lick, > where thousands of brilliantly colored macaws and parrots gather > daily for feedings, ranks as one of the wildlife highlights of Peru. > > Manu Biosphere Reserve: Remote Manu -- about as close as you're > likely to come to virgin rainforest anywhere -- is the second-largest > protected area in Peru. Its incredibly varied habitats include Andes > highlands, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rainforests. One > hectare (2 1/2 acres) of forest in Manu could have 10 times the > number of species of trees found in a hectare of temperate forest in > Europe or North America, and Manu has the highest bird, mammal, and > plant diversity of any park on the planet. The reserve is one of the > world's finest for birding (greater even than all of Costa Rica); > other wildlife includes giant river otters, cocks-of-the-rock, and > perhaps 15,000 animal species, as well as native Amerindian tribes > that remain untouched by the modern world. > > Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve: The reserve, nearly 322km (200 > miles) south of Iquitos, is the largest protected area in Peru and > one of the best conserved in the world. Its dense, pristine > rainforest and wetlands comprise 1.5% of Peru's total surface area > and contain some of the Amazon's greatest wildlife, including pink > dolphins, macaws, black caimans, spider monkeys, and giant river > turtles. Found in the reserve (at last count) are 539 species of > birds, 101 species of mammals, 256 kinds of fish, and 22 species of > orchids. > > Huascarán National Park: For trekkers and climbers, the soaring peaks > of the longest tropical mountain range in the world are a South > American mecca. It's a visual feast, with 200 alpine lakes, 600 > glaciers, and incomparable mountain vistas. The park, a UNESCO > Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Trust site, contains nearly the > whole of the 161km (100-mile) Cordillera Blanca. > > Lagunas Llanganuco & Puya Raimondi: Near Huaraz, the snowcapped peaks > of the Cordillera Blanca are the biggest natural draw for trekkers, > but the area is replete with all kinds of natural wonders. The > Llanganuco lakes are two turquoise, glacier-fed alpine lakes that > reflect the snowy summits of several 6,000m (20,000-ft.) mountains. > In the valley of Pachacoto, 56km (35 miles) from Huaraz, are the > famous Puya Raimondi plants: trippy bromeliad plants that soar up to > 12m (39 ft.), flower just once in 100 years, and immediately die. The > colorful flowers, against the backdrop of the Cordillera Blanca > mountains, make for one of the prettiest pictures in Peru. > > See one of our member travel planners for assistance if you would > like to visit
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