PERÚ AND THE CITIES: LIMA, AREQUIPA, CUZCO, PUNO

Thanks to its strategic location, Peru is a privileged destination for tourism and one of the most attractive markets for investment. Heir to ancient cultures and a rich colonial tradition, Peru is a magical spot which involves one of the richest biodiversities of Earth, and is a melting pot of different cultures who together are forging the promise of a better future.

LIMA
Centuries before it was founded as the City of Kings, the territory of Lima, capital of Peru and of the department of Lima, was inhabited by civilizations that had gauged its wealth and strategic location. Proof of that can be seen in the countless huacas or temples that dotted the valley, particularly the Pachacamac shrine, a major pilgrimage center during the Inca empire. This spurred Spanish Conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535 to choose the Rímac River Valley to found the capital, as its location by the sea provided a link with sailing routes. Lima is the main gateway to Peru, a major city bustling with living history and movement. It is an ethnic melting pot, featuring pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern elements. The metropolis is also surrounded by every aspect of Nature: the sea, islands, mountains, desert and plantlife. Its various quarters feature an active nightlife and well-endowed cultural scene, as well as plentiful public transport and non-stop activities, a city of more than 8 million souls. Before exploring Lima, the visitor should map out a route. The old city center harbors churches and mansions brimming with colonial and religious art, including such superb architectural examples as the Casa Aliaga or Palacio de Torre Tagle mansions. Colonial Lima also features many fine churches and convents such as Santo Domingo, San Agustín, San Francisco and La Merced. Further south lie the Pantanos de Villa, a natural wetlands area which has been declared a reserved zone and which is a haven for more than 150 bird species, while the Pachacamac complex is to be found further south. In the Cañete highlands, 180 km from Lima, lies the Lunahuaná Valley, a hotspot for adventure sports. To the north, 105 km from Lima are the Lomas de Lachay, a national reserve in the foothills which features a unique mist-fed eco-system of wild plant and animal species. A little further north, meanwhile, is Paramonga, which features pre-Hispanic archaeological sites. The climate is dryer and sunnier east up the Central Highway, in the Andean foothills. The road heads up through the province of Huarochirí, until it reaches the town of San Pedro de Casta, from where one can see the Marcahuasi plateau. The area is the site of huge natural formations eroded by the climate into the shape of animals and people.

AREQUIPA
The Misti volcano may be dormant, but Arequipa wakens every morning amidst a flurry of activity. And although the summit of the volcano is often wreathed by small clouds of smoke, the Arequipa townsfolk -proud of their land- do not fail to invite visitors to stroll through the streets of white stone and traditional squares. The lordly city of Arequipa owes the characteristic hue of its houses and other constructions to the white sillar stone quarried in the region. Founded as the Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de Asunta (the Beautiful Villa of Our Lady of Asunta), Arequipa was recognized as a city in 1541. Throughout its history, Arequipa has also been the cradle of leading thinkers and politicians. Today, the visitor can take in the spectacular neo-Renaissance Cathedral, the impressive Santa Catalina Convent, colonial mansions and museums, all of which are reason enough to visit Arequipa. On the outskirts of the city one can find many other attractions. The Colca Valley is without a doubt the best-known both in Peru and abroad. Just four hours northeast of the city, the Colca boasts some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Peru: superb terracing, snow-capped peaks, dizzying canyons and towns dating back to the sixteenth century. There are 14 villages that have been preserved in the valley since those early colonial times, which the Spaniards used to settle the ancient Collagua and Cabana tribes, who had previously been scattered around the region. The visitor to the Colca Valley will surely be fascinated by the narrow streets and richly decorated churches. The Colca is also a haven for adventure sports fans. Other sites include the ancient Toro Muerto rock paintings, the Imata natural stone formations and the Cotahuasi Canyon, believed to be the world's deepest. But what truly unites the different parts of Arequipa is without a doubt its exquisite cuisine. Visitors should not fail to try the local rocoto relleno (stuffed hot chili pepper), adobo (marinated roast beef) and the spicy chupe stews, which are simply irresistible.

CUZCO
Inca walls, colorful costumes, churches built on top of palaces, citadels lost in the Andean heights, legendary roads -all the beauty of a glorious past that enfolds the visitor who arrives in Cuzco, the sacred city of the Incas and archaeological capital of the Americas. Ever since US archaeologist Hiram Bingham discovered the citadel of Machu Pichu for the world, Cuzco has fired the imagination of thousands of travelers from all over the world who venture down the Inca Trail every year headed for the summit of one of the world's most extraordinary monuments. The city of Cuzco, however, features many other attractions which by themselves would be enough to attract visitors: the main square, which the Incas called Huacaypata, the artisans quarter of San Blas, the Convent of Santo Domingo, built on top of the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha, the palaces of the Inca and his court, part of a long list of archaeological wonders. There are also several circuits on the outskirts of town, which usually include the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuaman or Tambomachay. Visitors can also take part in all kinds of adventure sports and participate in the most spectacular religious festivals on the continent. Celebrations include Qoyllur Rit´i, which is held at 4,000 meters, the Corpus Christi procession and the famous Inti Raymi spectacle. With its bustling nightlife, Cuzco is also a magical city of dizzying excitement. Together with its rich archaeological legacy which is to be found on practically every street corner, its cultural scene makes the sacred city of the Incas the most spectacular destination in the Americas.

PUNO
Puno is one of Peru's foremost tourist destinations and one of the most interesting spots on the continent. Few cities lie by the shores of such a extraordinary body of water as Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Legend has it that from the waters of Lake Titicaca emerged Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, the mythical founders of the Inca empire. The area also gave rise to one of the greatest pre-Inca civilizations, that of Tiahuanaco, the maximum expression of the ancient Aymara people. The Spaniards founded the city of Puno in 1668. It is a city rich in local mestizo art, the fusion of native and Spanish styles in its colonial balconies, weavings and pottery. However, a greater attraction lies a bare 10 blocks from the main square: Lake Titicaca, which covers an area of 8,560 square kilometers and which local fishermen row across on rafts made from totora, a type of reed that grows along the shore. There are also motorboats for hire for visitors. The lake is also dotted with dozens of islands, each of them with their own characteristics and peculiarities. The floating islands of the Uros, whose inhabitants descend from one of the oldest known tribes in the Americas, feature typical native huts made from reeds. The inhabitants of Taquile island, meanwhile, still use traditional weaving techniques that tourists can learn if they decide to stay the night there and accept the traditional hospitality of the locals. In other cities around the department like Pucará, stand out for their superb pottery, while visitors can explore the chullpa stone burial towers at Sillustani, built by the Tiahuanaco culture. The area is also famous for its traditional festivals such as the Virgen de la Candelaria and dances like the Diablada, celebrated in February, an ideal time to visit the area. An unforgettable experience.

Thanks to: PromPeru

PLEASE CHECK OUR SUGGESTED PROGRAM TO ENJOY PERU:

DAY 01- LIMA
Arrival to Lima Airport and transfer to the Leon de oro Hotel.

DAY 02- LIMA - AREQUIPA - CITY TOUR & SANTA CATALINA ( Private services )
Continental Breakfast.
After breakfast, transfer to airport to take flight to Arequipa. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. 01 night of accommodation with breakfast. In the Afternoon, half day city Tour of Arequipa.

A tour including visits to the main square, Cathedral, Compañía Church and the traditional districts of Cayma and Yanahuara. From there continue to Santa Catalina convent, the architectural monument of the city. The tour takes approximately 3 hours.

DAY 03 - COLCA CANYON 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHTS ( Shared services )
Buffet Breakfast.
In the morning, we will visit Chachani, Yura, small valley with thermal springs, see wild vicuñas in Pampa Cañahuas national reserve, Alpacas & llamas in Tocra, some birds like flamingoes, ibis, Andean gooze, ducks, Andean eagle "Kara Kara" view point of the Volcanoes and snow covered mountains in Patapampa ( 4,800 m . - 15,000 ft .). See the Ampato, Sabancaya, Walca Walca, etc. Chivay, capital of the valley. Overnight

DAY 04 - COLCA CANYON / AREQUIPA
Buffet Breakfast
After breakfast, we will start a full day trip to visit Yanque & Maca towns, churches, inca terraces, some pre inca graves. Time for lunch. Return to Arequipa.

DAY 05 - AREQUIPA – PUNO
Buffet Breakfast.
In the morning transfer to the airport to take flight to Juliaca. Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Puno, overnight.

DAY 06 – FULL DAY UROS & TAQUILE ISLANDS WITH LUNCH. ( Shared services )
Buffet Breakfast
After breakfast, we will start a boat navigation to arrive to Uros Island, in the Titikaka Lake. Later, we will visit the Taquile island. Taquile Island is famous for its craft production, particularly for its beautiful textiles. The island is narrow at about 1 Km . wide and 6 to 7 Km . long. The visit could be exhausting because of the 533 steps on the stone stairway to climb to get to the village and because of the altitude ( 13,000 ft above sea level). On Taquile there are numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins as well as Inca terracing. Later, return to Puno, overnight the Hotel.

DAY 07– PUNO / CUZCO BY BUS, WITH LUNCH & TOURS.
Buffet Breakfast.
Transfer to the train or bus station. Ten hour train or bus ride to Puno, across the scenic high Andes landscapes. Arrival and transfer to hotel.

DAY 08– CUZCO – CYTI TOUR + NEAR BY RUINS ( Shared services )
Buffet Breakfast
Afternoon visit the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) the most sacred buildings during the Inca culture, continuing to the nearby ruins includes visits to the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, overlooking the city of Cusco, pre-Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is a monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay: beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins.

DAY 09 – FULL DAY MACHU PICCHU WITH BOX LUNCH Vista Dome train. ( Private Local Guide )
Buffet Breakfast
Transfer from the hotel to San Pedro station. Following the northbound train towards the lower lands to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, you will arrive at the Aguas Calientes station. From there a bus will take you Hiram Brigham road arriving to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The bus ride itself only takes about half an hour and is full of breathtaking sights. The guide will thoroughly take you and your party through Machu Picchu telling the history of the area and answering any questions you may have about this spectacular wonder. A box lunch is included and after your return to Aguas Calientes, you will board the train back to Cusco.

DAY 10 – FULL DAY PISAC MARKET & OLLANTAYTAMBO RUINS WITH LUNCH. ( Shared services )
Buffet Breakfast .
A drive to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit the famous handicraft Indian Market of Pisac (available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday). Lunch en route in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, after an hour drive north, we arrive at Ollantaytambo, the only Inca city continuously inhabitant from Inca time, and visit the amazing fortress of Ollantaytambo. Sharing with another paxs with a bilingual guide. back to Cusco. Overnight at the Los Andes de America Hotel.

DAY 11 - CUZCO – LIMA
Buffet Breakfast
In the morning transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima

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RIPIO TURISMO - Incoming Tour Operator Argentina & Chile- Leg. 10.687 Secretaría de Turismo de la Nación Argentina.
info@ripioturismo.com.ar

Ripio Turismo Website: www.ripioturismo.com.ar
Patagonia-Cruises is a website of Ripio Turismo EVT - www.patagonia-cruises.com.ar
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Design & General Idea: Nuevas Ideas© Consultora Turística - 1999-2009

RIPIO TURISMO - Incoming Tour Operator Argentina & Chile- Leg. 10.687 Secretaría de Turismo de la Nación Argentina.
info@ripioturismo.com.ar

Ripio Turismo Website: www.ripioturismo.com.ar
Argentina-Guide.com.ar is a website of Ripio Turismo EVT - www.argentina-guide.com.ar

Design & General Idea: Nuevas Ideas© Consultora Turística - 1999-2005