Highlights
of a Peru Vacation
Overview
of Peru for Travelers
Shamans
of Peru CD
Things
to Do in Nazca, Peru
Take
an adventure trip to the Peruvian Amazon
The
Peruvian Paso Horse
Highlights of a Peru Vacation
by MICHAEL ZURAKHINSKY
No matter if you are in pursuit
of sports adventure, or an archaeological phenomenon, a visit to Peru truly
satisfies. Nestled between Bolivia to its south and Ecuador to its north,
this seaside country also shares borders with Chile, Brazil, and Columbia.
For the nature enthusiast, Peru's oddly contradicting natural features
produce a fascinating array of wildlife, including whales, giant otters,
and jaguars. Head east of the Andes into the Peruvian jungle, where you'll
glimpse some of the richest biodiversity on earth. Peru has several well-established
national parks along the desert seacoast, at the edge of the "Altiplano",
and among the high Andean Cordillera.
Rich in ancient culture and
tradition, Peru is also home to imperial ruins of great civilizations,
including the lost city of Machu Picchu and The Nasca Lines, an enigma
of mysterious desert etchings. The Peruvian Andes provide unrivalled mountain
trekking and cycling prospects for the adrenaline seeker, as well as the
spiritual traveler seeking the teachings of a shaman. At the other end
of the spectrum there is Lima, Peru's desert metropolis boasting some of
the best nightlife, music, and museums in all of South America.
Lima,
known as Peru's "city by the sea", is a virtual metropolis on the central
desert coastline, as well as an economic magnet for highland and Amazonian
villagers. The bustling sophistication of Lima is guaranteed to indulge
the cosmopolitan traveler's every desire. First class museums and nightlife,
indigenous music, dazzling architecture, historical neighborhoods, and
friendly locals abound. Head north of Lima, to Huaraz, Peru's mountaineering
center, or up the coast to Chicama for surfing and traditional Peruvian
fishing. Afterwards, soothe sore muscles at nearby Cajamarca's rejuvenating
hot springs.
Famous for its reputation
as the gringo hangout of South America, Cusco
is also the oldest inhabited city in Peru and an archaeology lover's dream.
With access to the mountaintop city of Machu Picchu, the sacred Urubamba
Valley, and plenty of exciting nightlife, Cusco is considered the most
important hub for travelers to the Incan Empire. Travel back in time strolling
stone wall-lined streets and mingle with friendly Quechua-speaking Incan
descendants. From Cusco, take the southern coastal route along the magnificent
Paracas Peninsula to see the largest sea lion colony on earth. Just offshore,
the Ballestas Islands lure nature lovers with some of the best seabird
watching in the world.
Dubbed "The White City" for
its beautiful buildings constructed of a light-colored volcanic rock called
sillar, Arequipa
is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, including the volcano El Misti,
providing ample photo opportunities. Be sure to include a visit to the
historical Convento de Santa Catalina, a colonial house of worship. Don't
miss a trip to Iquitos, the most popular Amazonian city within the Peruvian
jungle. Located in the northern region of the Amazon Basin, Iquitos is
a central starting point for jungle exploration.
A trip to Peru cannot be
considereed thorough without a visit to the spectacular Manu Biosphere
Reserve. This is considered to be one of the most remote and untouched
locations in the world. The hidden depths of the Amazon lead traverers
to discover a world teeming with exotic birds and mammals. So, in just
two weeks, you can see and do so much in this unique country.
Top
About the Author: Michael
Zurakhinsky is an experienced traveler and the writing host of www.AllAboutPeruTravel.com
- an independent resource, providing the travelers with free, online information
about Peru and the wonderful
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