Machu Picchu Renzo Giraldo

special Perufor everyone

xperiencesthat should not be missed

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A Peru full of unique experiences

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where excellent archaeological and art museums and well preserved pre-Inca, Inca, colonial and republican monuments live side by side with expressions of popular art from the past and present. Why not dance to the lively beat of huayno music or celebrate a festival in places once lived in by viceroys or freedom fighters?

Living CultureThere is a Peru of

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modern and cosmopolitan, with a rich variety of entertainment, art, design, music and one of the richest and most prestigious cuisines of the world. Here you will always find a smile as well as plenty of fun and flavor.

of Today

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Adventure There is a Peru of

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and extreme experiences where you

can go climbing in the mountains,

sandboarding in the coastal dunes,

canoeing on the rivers or trekking

along the Inca Trail.

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which gave rise to some of the most important historic

monuments of South America, including Machu

Picchu, a Modern Wonder of the World, and the city

of Caral, cradle of the oldest civilization in South

America.

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There is an Ancient Peru

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There is aNatural Peru

whose nature is among the most diverse on the planet and where different terrains

live side by side –the coastal desert, the Andes mountain range and the exuberant

Amazon jungle– providing a home for a flora and fauna of such abundance that it

ranks as the foremost place in the world for bird species (1 816) and orchids (4 000).

Wondrous Peru

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which offers dreamy beaches along its lengthy coastline, the unexplored charm of virgin nature reserves

and the magic of the world of the Andes, with mythical countryside such as Lake Titicaca, all with a

modern and exclusive range of designer hotels.

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Wondrous Peru

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Come and discover your Peru.

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Tren Andean ExplorerMusician from CuscoG

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experiencesOne trip is not enough to discover all the marvels that

Peru has to offer. Here we only highlight some of those

places and magical experiences that should not be missed

when traveling around this country. Destinations that

promise nature, archaeology, adventure, entertainment

or relaxation and that all merge together to create a

unique journey, in which each visitor can trace his own

individual route.

To help you plan your trip we have classified the

destinations into six criteria according to the different

types of activities and experiences:

Peru of Living Culture

Peru of Today

Peru of Adventure

Ancient Peru

Natural Peru

Wondrous Peru

that should not be missed

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eru ofLiving CultureC o l o r a n d t r a d i t i o n

Many of the modern-day fiestas, rituals and ways of life date back to pre-Columbian times. From the clothes they wear to the expressions of popular art, together with all the belief systems, the ways of working and the cooking techniques, Peru is brimful of evidence that the legacy of its age-old culture is still alive today.

The traditional fiestas are celebrated thoughout Peru. During the feast of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo (Cusco) the virgin is carried in a procession, surrounded by magical and religious characters, as shown in the photo. To find out more about all these events check the calendar of festivities and events for each department.

Rural community tourismPeru is full of hidden corners that are as yet untouched by the

present day, maintaining their ancestral traditions. Rural houses in Cusco, Cajamarca, Arequipa and on the islands of Amantaní

and Taquile on Lake Titicaca (see photo), even allow visitors to experience the way of life of the local inhabitants in a truly

authentic way.

Native Amazonian communitiesAs well as being a haven of biodiversity, the Peruvian jungle is also home to communities that have their own identity, language and customs. It is possible to visit some of them, such as the town of Lamas in San Martín, the Yagua in Loreto (see photo), or the Ese’eja and the Machiguengas in Madre de Dios.

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Caballitos de totoraThe ancient inhabitants of the north coast of Peru took to the seas. The boats made from totora reeds were used by the people of the Moche and Chimú cultures for fishing, as can be seen from various items of po�ery that depict this activity. Today, the “caballitos de totora” are still used as a means of transport and employment on the beaches of Huanchaco, La Libertad (see photo), where fishermen and summer visitors alike use them to get out over the waves.

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City of museumsThe history of Peru is reflected in the diversity of its museums, such as the Lima Art Museum, which covers a period of over 3,000 years of art in the country, or the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru, with its important collection of artifacts from different cultures and periods. The Larco Museum, with its fine collection of pieces of gold and silver from ancient Peru, is truly astonishing. There is also the Museum of Religious Art of the Cathedral of Lima (see photo).

Shopping destinationLima offers handicrafts and products from all

around the country. Fine fabric from vicuñas or alpacas –South American cameloids prized

for their wool– gold and silver jewelry, decorative objects such as embroidered

cushions and altarpieces from Ayacucho, po�ery from Chulucanas (Piura) or blankets

and rugs from Cusco are just some of the products available. Big-name brands from

Peru and around the world are sold in modern shopping centers, like Larcomar looking out

across the ocean.

Entertainment day and nightStores selling art and handicrafts, varied theatre listings, fashion shows, film festivals, art exhibitions, concerts, photography, book and gastronomic fairs, these are just some of the a�ractions on the city’s active cultural agenda. At night, Bohemian and designer bars, street and gourmet restaurants, and discotheques with music from every continent offer non-stop entertainment. To find out more about what’s going on check the calendar of festivities and events for Lima.

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The Peruvian Paso Horse, a tradition On the outskirts of Lima, haciendas and farms in the valley of Lurín keep a rich cultural tradition alive: the breeding of Paso horses, a race of unique a�ributes noted for its characteristic gait, which is almost dance-like in its quality. In April, the Concurso Nacional del Caballo Peruano de Paso (National Peruvian Paso Horse Competition) brings together the best breeders and exponents.

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TodayL i m a , a v i b r a n t c i t yThe capital city shows a more cosmopolitan side of Peruvian life, with its world-class cuisine, recognized by The Economist magazine as one of the 12 best on the planet, its intense nightlife and a variety of cultural activities and entertainment.

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Inca Trails, Cusco Following along the trails made by

the Incas to unite the empire is a real experience; especially when your final destination is the impressive

city of Machu Picchu. During the 4 to 5 days that it takes to cover this route you can see fauna and flora,

enjoy the adventure of the steep cliffs, narrow pathways and rocky

areas and camp out in the open.

Dune buggies and sandboarding in the desert of Ica, Ica

If you are looking for speed and adrenaline, then this is a

good place to get your senses fully charged. From Paracas or

at Lake Huacachina the dune buggy tours race across the dunes at full tilt, as well as

making scheduled stops for a bit of sandboarding fun.

Tambopata-Candamo National Reserve, Madre de Dios

Accessing this nature reserve by river and staying in one of the lodges of

the region is a real adventure. Some of them have created a system of

bridges between the tree tops to give a be�er view of the area and its

natural richness.

Canoeing on the Urubamba River, Cuscoranging from short stretches of rapids requiring li�le

technical expertise and that can even be tackled during the rainy season to other stretches that run faster and more dangerously, with major torrents,

which can only be a�empted during the dry season.

Surfing and other water sports It is possible to catch the waves all along the Peruvian coast, from the heat of the north to the cold ocean of the center and south. Expert surfers can test their skills on the longest left-handed wave in the world (2 km / 1.2 miles) at Puerto Chicama, Trujillo, La Libertad. Lovers of the sea can enjoy sports that include fishing, power boating, windsurfing and kite-surfing etc.

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E x t r e m e e x p e r i e n c e s

Peru is a multifaceted nation. Its geography bears witness to that fact: a hot desert coast, an imposing mountain range and a lush jungle invite visitors to experience all manner of extreme adventures.

Mountaineering in the White Mountain Range, ÁncashThis imposing mountain range, the second highest after the Himalayas -with more than 30 peaks over 6 000 meters in height- includes the snow-capped peak of Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru (6 768 m / 22 205 feet). On the right-hand side of the mountain range is the Callejón de Conchucos, the eastern mountains of this department, while 50 km (31 miles) to the south, the Huayhuash contains another twenty summits. The Huascarán protects the flora, fauna and beautiful scenery of the region, ideal for expeditions and hikes.

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Ancient c i t i e s a n d h o l y s i t e s

From the oldest civilization in America to the largest and most powerful empire of the south of the continent, Peru retains the architectural and artistic remains of its fascinating cultures. Discovering them is an extraordinary experience.

Machu Picchu, Cusco and the surrounding area, CuscoThe Inca city of Machu Picchu –“old mountain” in Quechua– imitates the silhoue�e of the mountain that gives it its name before revealing itself in all its splendor. Rising up next to Wayna Pichhu –“new mountain”–, it is located a li�le over 100 km (62 miles) by train from the city of Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire and the modern–day department, where Inca temples and archaeological remains sit alongside Hispanic buildings.

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Tombs, pyramids and palaces; Lambayeque and La Libertad

From the city of Trujillo (La Libertad) it is possible to visit Chan Chan (see

photo), the largest mud-brick citadel in America and ancient capital of the Chimú

culture (900 – 1 200 A.D.). It also has the impressive pyramids called the Huaca

of the Sun and Huaca of the Moon from the Moche culture (100 B.C. – 800 A.D.),

and the archaeological complex of El Brujo, where the mummy of a Moche noblewoman was found -the Lady of

Cao. In Chiclayo (Lambayeque), the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán

displays the trove of gold and silver found in Huaca Rajada, in the tomb of

this Moche nobleman. To the north, Batán Grande is the site of the tomb of the Lord

of Sicán as well as an impressive group of adobe pyramids belonging to the

Lambayeque culture (600 – 1 400 A.D.). Another notable a�raction is the Valley

of the Pyramids in Túcume, comprising 26 pyramids from this culture.

Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary, LimaThis complex dominates the side of the valley of the Lurín River, south of the city of Lima. Among its palaces and plazas is the oracle of the creator god Pachacamac, making this the main religious center of the coast. The other temples and pyramics show the architectural styles of the cultures that populated the region in successive periods: Lima, Wari, Ychsma and Inca.

Nasca Lines, IcaThese mysterious figures -lines, geometric forms, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic designs- that measure up to 275 m (902 feet) in length, were marked out using fur-rows up to 30 cm (12 inches) deep by the people of the Nasca culture, whose legacy is still kept alive almost 1 500 years on.

Pucllana and Huallamarca Huacas, Lima

Dating from the Lima culture (100 – 650 A.D.), these

pyramids are hidden among residential districts of the

capital. The Huaca Pucllana (see photo), in the district of

Miraflores, is a pyramid of 25 m (82 feet) in height, built of

thousands of adobe bricks (a mixture of mud and straw);

the Huaca Huallamarca is located in the district of

San Isidro and measures 35 m (115 feet). Both were

ceremonial centers.

Kuélap Fortress, Amazonas The walls of this archaeological

group, at 20 m (66 feet) in height, lend it a monumental

character. Built by people from the

Chachapoya culture around 700 years ago, it rises up to

3 000 m (9 843 feet).

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Naturalm a g i ca l b i o d i v e r s i tyPeru is one of the 10 megadiverse countries in the world, with hundreds of endemic species of fauna and flora; a paradise for birdwatchers and orchid lovers or for those wishing to explore the mythical and remote natural landscapes, some still virgin and always full of life.

Amazon River and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, LoretoFrom Iquitos you can start the journey through the Amazon River to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, an area of tropical rainforest that is home to a rich flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the pink dolphin, which is only found in its waters.

Manu National Park and Tambopata National Reserve, Madre de DiosThese are two of the country’s most important natural reserves. A huge variety of species of birds (such as the Red-masked parakeet on the photo), mammals, fish, insects, reptiles and plants are concentrated here, many of them endemic. It is also the habitat of some native peoples who maintain their own customs, traditions and languages.

Colca Valley, ArequipaThis inter-Andean valley is full of

contrasts: agricultural people who still maintain their traditional customs,

handicrafts and architecture live their lives between the mountains that rise

up to 5 000 m (16 404 feet) in height and the pine-clad cliffs of the Colca

Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on the planet, which is over 4 160 m (13 648

feet) deep at its lowest point.

Paracas National Reserve and desert of Ica A refuge for seals, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, flamingoes and other bird species, this nature reserve also has marvellous beaches. One hour away by motorboat are the Ballestas Islands, a natural habitat for thousands of seals and seabirds. Further south, the desert opens up in all its splendor, with impressive sand dunes and the oasis of Huacachina.

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The Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary in Lambayeque does not just protect a dry

forest ecosystem dominated by carob trees but also an important archaeological complex

with pyramids built by the Sicán culture.

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Northern beaches: Tumbes and PiuraOn the north coast of Peru it is summer all year round. Visitors can enjoy its white, sandy beaches and warm, blue sea in a se�ing that still has the air of a small town and a style that is one hundred percent natural. It is also an exceptional place for whale watching as the humpback whales migrate north from Antarctica. For those who wish to explore further inland, the National Mangrove Sanctuary of Tumbes protects the biodiversity of the region, populated by birds and other species such as the American crocodile.

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Peru is waiting for you. Please choose where you would like to begin your journey.

Gihan Tubbeh

Manual Experiencias_ING INTERIORES.indd 33 4/4/13 10:51 AM

Peru is waiting for you. Please choose where you would like to begin looking.

Peru is waiting for you. Please choose where you would like to begin your journey.

Gihan Tubbeh

Manual Experiencias_ING INTERIORES.indd 33 4/4/13 10:51 AM