The legendary sights of Peru. beautiful places peru peru interesting places

Peru - amazing country, in which the traditions of the Indians have survived to this day, despite the former onslaught of the Spanish conquistadors. Two cultures, native and European, mixed up, eventually forming a cocktail that is amazing in its brightness and originality. But local traditions and beliefs are still strong here, which makes Peru extremely interesting country for any tourist.

Peru is the third largest country in the South American continent after Brazil and Argentina.
The first people appeared in the territory now called Peru, 10 thousand years before our era.
In the XII century, the Incas appeared in Peru, who founded a state called Tahuantinsuyu. Over the five centuries of its existence, it has grown to the largest empire that existed on the continent before its discovery by Christopher Columbus.
Machu Picchu is one of the largest and most famous Inca cities in Peru. This amazing ancient monument is officially recognized as a wonder of the world. All the townspeople suddenly disappeared in 1532, and scientists still do not know what could have happened to them.
The capital of Peru was founded by the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro, who destroyed the Inca empire by executing their leader. Lima's birthday celebrations take place in January and last for a whole week.
In the 19th century, the territory of Peru was divided into two parts - Peru proper and Bolivia (see).
In Peru, on June 28, Ceviche Day is celebrated at the state level - this is a national dish of raw fish marinated in lime juice and seafood. In 2013, a monument to this gourmet food was unveiled in Lima.
Peru has at least one strong earthquake every year (see).
Russians do not need a visa to travel to Peru - you can spend up to 90 days in the country without issuing any documents other than a passport.
Lima is a city with an unusual climate. Its distinguishing feature is high humidity combined with an almost complete absence of rain.
In Lima, you can try almost all the cuisines of the world, for which the city has earned the title of culinary capital.
Peru is a corn country, about 55 species of this plant grow on its territory. Fruit grains can be not only yellow, but also black, purple or white.
In Peru, a traditional guinea pig dish is prepared (see).
The oldest university in the Americas is located in Lima - the university opened its doors to students in the middle of the 16th century
Peru ranks sixth in the world in gold production.
The Peruvians managed to breed over 3 thousand types of potatoes (see).
Peru ranks second in the world in terms of the number of practicing shamans.
In the south of Peru locals eat cats.
In the Peruvian region of Arequipa, one of the deepest canyons on the planet is located - the depth of the Colca Canyon exceeds 3.5 kilometers.
Peru is widely known for its tropical forests, which cover almost two-thirds of the country's territory (see).
Experts believe that Peru produces the best cotton in the world.
A hotel in Peru houses the world's largest privately owned orchid collection. It includes flowers of more than 500 varieties.
Before the onset of the New Year, Peruvians give shorts to their relatives and friends.
In the Peruvian mountains, Lake Titicaca is located, which is considered the highest mountain lake on Earth suitable for navigation. This reservoir is also the largest in South America (see).
The inhabitants of Peru managed to tame llamas over 3000 years ago.
Almost 90 different ecosystems coexist on the territory of Peru, thanks to which the country is famous for its rich populations of plants and animals.
In the Sechura Desert, tourists climb the world's highest sand dune - its height from base to top is almost 1.2 kilometers (see).
Peru ranks first in the world in the export of asparagus.
The national cuisine of Peru, due to its diversity, is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
The mysterious Nazca lines, intriguing scientists from all over the world, are located on a desert plateau in Peru. These are huge images of animals or geometric shapes, made using furrows up to 135 centimeters wide and up to 50 centimeters deep. Science is powerless to explain when and how these incredible drawings appeared, distinguishable only from a bird's eye view.

Peru still remains for many tourists the same lost world. The life of the Amazon and ancient civilizations keeps many mysteries and secrets. They are what make Peru so attractive. Here is a unique flora and fauna, good ocean beaches, painted like a desert carpet and mountains, in which the largest birds on the planet live - the condor has a wingspan of about three meters. Real fantasy to see him above you in five meters.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Cusco region is the main attraction of the country. In the ancient city of Machu Picchu laid Railway, but you need to know that access to tourist groups is limited. Only 400 people can visit it per day. The mountainous part of Peru is extraordinarily beautiful, in the transcendental city you just want to be silent from the magnificence. The only trouble that can happen is mountain sickness. Stock up on leaves and tea from Coca - it perfectly relieves its symptoms.

Period Spanish colonization left a huge mark on the architecture of Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, left an imprint on the culture of the American Indians. Locals are not shy about national clothes. No need to be surprised at the girls in colorful skirts and a men's bowler hat. In return, Peru gave Europe corn, potatoes and tomatoes. (What would we do without potatoes?). In the city of Puno on the banks of the Titicaca, there is an excellent ethnographic bazaar. Here they usually buy products made of llama wool, blankets, ponchos. Local kitchen pleases with abundance and is even listed in the Guinness book for diversity, but the most Peruvian dish is fried guinea pig.

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What to see in Peru?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu was discovered by researchers only in 1911. For more than 400 years, nothing was known about the city, and the inhabitants of the Inca country mysteriously disappeared in the 15th century. The winter residence-sanctuary of the ruler of Pachacutec is located at an altitude of more than 2000m. There are only 200 buildings in the city. Construction methods, stone processing methods are still a mystery.

Lake Titicaca keeps many secrets in its waters. Despite the fact that it is located at an altitude of 3812m, sharks and other marine animals are found here, and the rocks have marks of former tides. In 2001, divers discovered the underwater city of Wanaku. The lake is navigable. You can order a two-day tour and visit Puno, explore the reed islands, the village of the natives.

Kolka is the most deep canyon in the world. His maximum depth 4160m. You can climb to the top high point Canyon Cruz del Condor. From the observation deck, you will get beautiful pictures of condor eagles. The slopes of Kolka are used by residents for agriculture, creating complex systems of terraces. Tourists also visit the valley of volcanoes and geothermal springs near Chivay.

In the Nazca desert, not only rains are rare, but also winds. The unique microclimate allowed the preservation of huge geoglyphs. The reason for their appearance, scientists have not yet figured out. Alien or religious signs, just the fantasy of a group of ancient revolutionary artists - no one knows. You can view them only from the window of an airplane or from observation tower Panama American Highway. From here you can see 3 figures.

There are about 40 floating islands on Lake Titicaca. These man-made pieces of land were created by the Uru people in case of a war with the Incas. After the fall of their civilization, the river people remained to live on the straw islands. Not only the soil under your feet consists entirely of reeds, but also Indian houses, boats, and household items.

The navel of the earth, as the word Cuzco is literally translated, attracts tourists from all over the world. Former capital Inca architecture combines ancient Aboriginal masonry and Spanish colonial style. Cusco is a museum open sky filled with original local flavor. Every street of this city is under the protection of UNESCO.

Just 30 km from Cusco is the ancient city of Pisac. Its streets are divided into quarters, stone houses and the largest ancient cemetery have been preserved. The city is divided into two parts - the temple and the city. A staircase carved into the rock leads to the sacred buildings. Under the temple mountain of Pisac there is a small settlement of Indians.

The pyramids of Tucume are built of clay stones. The highest reaches 40m. Corridors with frescoes and bas-reliefs, courtyards, and storage rooms have been preserved. There are 26 temples in the Valley of the Pyramids. Researchers believe that this abandoned sanctuary was popular in antiquity and was a place of pilgrimage.

Gokta falls from a height of 771m in a double cascade. The most beautiful sight here is during the rainy season. A rain forest grows near the waterfall, in which hummingbirds, toucans, spectacled bears and other rare animals live. The waterfall was discovered in the Amazon in 2002. In the nearby villages of Coca or Cocachimba, you can take a guide to climb up to the falls.

The Paracas Peninsula is distinguished by a huge geoglyph-chandelier. Its length is 128m and width is 70m. The location of the drawing on the shore Pacific Ocean allowed archaeologists to assume that it served as a lighthouse and was made much later than the Nazca drawings. In the nearby city of Pisco, there is a boat for a trip to another Peruvian mystery.

lovers active tourism can go hiking along the Inca Trail. It stretches 39 km and was used by the Indians exclusively for religious purposes. This route is one of the five best in the world. It passes through the cloud forests to the top of Machu Picchu, includes a change in climatic zones and requires prior acclimatization.

The Manu Nature Park is divided into three zones: open to the public, scientific and main, where there is no access. On the territory of the reserve lives great amount species of birds, mammals, insects, plants. The reserve organizes river rafting to the tribes of the Amazon, and also offers to spend the night on the territory in eco-capsules.

A little over 100 people live permanently in Huacachina. This is a real classic oasis with a lake and palm trees, located near the city of Iki. There are high dunes around, which attract fans of buggy and sandboarding. Some dunes reach 150m. The best time here from May to August.

Chan Chan was an ancient metropolis. Its area is 20 sq km. Its clay walls were decorated with gold and patterns. Behind them it was possible to hide not only from enemies, but also from heat or cold. The houses had a ventilation system. Pools for collecting water, administrative buildings, temples have been preserved.

Plaza de Armas or the square of arms is the main attraction of the city of Cusco. It has a lot of hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants. Here you can hear the sound of the largest bell in South America from Cathedral. On the square, colonial-style buildings and Inca masonry have been preserved.

The cathedral was consecrated in honor of St. John. Church construction began in 1535 by the conqueror of Peru, F. Pissarro, whose sarcophagus is kept in the chapel. Three times the building was destroyed by earthquakes. The current temple built in 1746 impresses with its white and gold walls and Gothic vaulted ceilings. There is a functioning museum inside the church.

The special masonry of the fortress causes bewilderment of modern researchers. How huge blocks could be laid out in a zigzag manner, as if fitting corner to corner. Some blocks are much larger than human growth. Behind the three main walls in the center of the circle is the Inca stone calendar. Under the fortress, a system of catacombs was discovered that led to the city and the temple of the sun.

The center of the second largest city is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The colonial-style buildings are built of white volcanic stone. Tourists are attracted by the Cathedral, the monastery of Santa Catalina, decorated with frescoes and murals, the Casa del Moal mansion with a patio, the Square of Arms.

Near Maras, stone terraces have been preserved, which the locals use to extract salt. Water from salt spring enters artificial pools and evaporates naturally. If desired, tourists can participate in the mining process. In the dry season, salt is literally rowed with a shovel.

The three rocky islands of Ballestas are home to penguins, sea lions, seals, gannets, pelicans, etc. Sometimes whales and dolphins swim up. You can visit here only as part of an excursion group. Boats run regularly from Pisco. You can’t go ashore, but the animals are already clearly visible.

Peru - officially the Republic of Peru - is a country in western South America. It is bordered to the north by Ecuador and Colombia, to the east by Brazil, to the southeast by Bolivia, to the south by Chile, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The Peruvian territory was the birthplace of the Norte Chico, one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The Inca Empire also existed here - the largest state in America before Columbus. The Spanish Empire conquered the area in the 16th century and made it their colony. The country gained independence in 1821.

Peru today 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 rainforests of the Amazon Basin. It is a developing country with a cost of living of about 40%. Its main areas of activity include Agriculture, fishing, mining, and manufacturing products such as textiles.

The Peruvian population of 28 million is multi-ethnic, including Amerindians, Europeans, Africans and Asians. The main spoken language is Spanish, although a significant number of Peruvians speak Quechua or other native languages. This mixture of cultural traditions has resulted in a wide variety of expressions in fields such as art, cuisine, literature, and music.

Peru is one of the most visited countries in Latin America - the territory of this country contains the largest number of monuments of the ancient Inca Empire - Machu Picchu, Cusco and many others. Also in Peru are monuments of such ancient cultures as Nazca (Nazca lines, which are visible only from space), monuments of Chavin and Quechua cultures.

Sights of Lima

The capital of the country - Lima was founded in 1535, and during the Conquista was the political and military capital of the Spanish possessions in South America. Today, this huge city, located on the Pacific coast, is considered one of the most unfavorable to visit - dry and hot climate (average annual temperature is about +26 C with 50 mm of precipitation), constant smog from "garua" and car exhausts, the accumulation of millions people and machines give Lima the reputation of "the city where the sun never shines". But nevertheless, the historical center of Lima Centro, built according to a clear scheme, with Spanish colonial mansions and lattice wooden balconies (declared by UNESCO as one of the World cultural heritage mankind), as well as the rich quarters of the outskirts are quite interesting.

The main attractions of the capital are central square Plaza de Armas with a stone fountain (XVII century, the oldest building in the city), the Cathedral of Santo Domingo (1540, it houses the tomb of Francisco Pizarro) and the Government Palace, numerous buildings of the colonial era, the Archbishop's Palace and the Church of San -Francisco, in which the catacombs of the colonial period have been preserved, the Plaza de San Martin with the statue of San Martin declaring the independence of Peru, two temples of the pre-Inca period in San Isidro, the Museum of the Inquisition, the Museum of Art, the colossal Museum of the Nation and unique Museum gold, National Museum archeology and anthropology, as well as the Museum of Ceramics named after Rafael Larco Herrera.

Noteworthy is the area of theaters and restaurants Miraflores, the bohemian quarter of Barranco - the center nightlife of the city, the wealthy seaside district of San Isidro, the "street of lovers" Puente de los Suspiros ("Bridge of Sighs") leading to observation deck with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, as well as a number of huge "Indian markets" (Merchado Indio, Miraflores, Pueblo Libre, Kennedy Park, etc.), which are considered the best places for shopping.

The outskirts of the city are more picturesque than the capital. 80 km from Lima, at an altitude of about 3900 m, is the plateau of Marcahuasi. A huge number of megalithic sculptures and rock paintings are concentrated here, the origin of which is still unknown. On a rocky cliff 29 km south of Lima lies Pachacamac - a place of worship for the Divine Creator of the Earth, the most important religious center of the pre-Inca period. In the neighboring Rimak valley are located mysterious structures Puruchuko and Cajamarquilla.

Other sights in Peru

Cusco (Khosho - "center of the earth") is one of the most ancient unusual cities in the world. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. The name of the city is translated from the language of the Quechua Indians as "the navel of the Earth." Indeed, it was during the height of the Inca Empire, which stretched from Peru to Chile and Argentina. Start from Cusco excursion routes. For example, in Pisac - the citadel of the Incas on the top of the mountain range, to the Pyramid of the Moon, to Chincheros, a typical village of the Quechua Indians, who organize folk markets on Sundays. To the north-west of Cusco, at an altitude of about 3500 m above sea level, there is a monumental archaeological complex Sacsayhuaman ("Gray stone-colored bird of prey") - three parallel zigzag walls, a stone "throne of the Inca", 21 bastions, over which powerful towers rise , each of which was able to shelter up to a thousand soldiers. 80 km. from Lima, at an altitude of approximately 3900 m, there is a little-known plateau of Marcahuasi, striking with giant stone sculptures of animals (elephants, turtles, camels), which currently do not live not only in Peru, but throughout South America, and rock paintings human faces.

Trujillo is famous for its churches and monasteries, the archaeological museum and colonial mansions. Not far from Trujillo is the capital of the ancient Chimu empire - Chan Chan, built of clay and stones. Millions of stones went to the construction of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Another pyramid - Kao, decorated with colored reliefs, can be seen in the archaeological complex of El Brujo. In the vicinity of the city of Chiclayo in 1987, one of the most impressive burials in the world, the "Tomb of Lord Sipon", was discovered. During excavations, many gold and silver jewelry were found in it. Another archaeological complex discovered by Thor Heyerdahl attracts tourists to the small town of Tukums.

In the cities and villages of the Sierra, the 300-year-old influence of Spanish culture is also felt - the Catholic style, temples, the obligatory central square of Plaza de Armas ("Weapon Square"), and the rectangular "chessboard" urban development. The eastern part of the country, the Selva - a humid hot climate, a tropical forest, the wild sources of the Amazon River, numerous fortresses of the Inca culture, many of which are still lost in the jungle.

One of them - Machu Picchu ("Machu" in Quechua means "old", "Picchu" - "mountain"), located not far from Sacsayhuaman, was discovered only in 1911. There are a lot of assumptions and hypotheses, but so reliably and it is not known when this city arose and by whom it was founded. In essence, this is a whole complex of archaeological groups, the number of which currently reaches 24 (and is constantly increasing as a result of new research), which are scattered over an area of about 33 thousand hectares. Of particular interest to visitors is the Stone of the Sun - "Intihuatana", which is believed to have played the role of an astronomical observatory, the Sacred Square, the ruins of the Temple of the Three Windows, the ruins of various structures, stairs, of which there are more than a hundred, aqueducts, punched in the stones.

Machu Picchu is an ancient city lost in the Andes, one of the most important monuments of the Inca civilization. Due to its strategic location in the Andes, the city was not captured by the Spanish conquistadors, which saved the city from sacking, and now it is completely preserved and the most important architectural monument of Peru. Peru is an internationally recognized reserve of monuments of the past. The cultures of Chavan, Chimu, Nazca, Tiahuanco, Mochica and, of course, the Inca left many mysteries - the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu, palaces, pyramids, mausoleums and religious buildings of the Lambasque Valley. Costa (Pacific coast) attractive sand dunes, flocks of flamingos, cormorants, penguins, colonies of sea lions. In the Nazca desert, in addition to the famous mysterious drawings, numerous monuments of the ancient Indian cultures of Peru are well preserved - Mochica, Chan Chan, the cult and priestly center of Pachacamac. In the central mountainous part, the Sierra - the great Andes, the deepest gorges, turbulent rivers, inaccessible villages.

Lake Titicaca, located on the border of Bolivia and Peru, is located at an altitude of 3810 meters, it is the world's largest alpine navigable reservoir - its area is 8287 square meters. km. This is ancient lake has retained its ichthyofauna to this day, rather oceanic than freshwater, there are even sharks.

Tiahuanaco is an ancient port city on the shore of the lake, located at an altitude of 3625 m above sea level and occupies an area of 450 thousand square meters. m. The data of mathematical and astronomical estimates relate the construction of Tiwanaku to approximately 15,000 BC. The ruins of impressive structures located here have stonework, about the same as in Machu Picchu. The largest and oldest of these buildings is the Akapana pyramid ("artificial mountain" in the Quechua language), 15 m high, the length of the side of the base is 230 m.

One of the "pearls" of the country - famous desert Nasca, located in the department of Ica in the south of the country, between the rivers Ingenio and Nasca. A vast (about 500 sq. km), almost square stone plateau, lying in a harsh arid climate, is dotted with enigmatic drawings of colossal (from 40 m to 8 km) sizes visible only from the air, made by one continuous line carved in stone. The date of their creation is tentatively estimated as 350-700 BC. e., but it is not completely known why they were created. Several hundred different figures - from squares and simple straight lines to stylized images of animals, birds and people in strange attire (moreover, many types of depicted living objects simply do not occur in the Nazca region), cover a huge area, sometimes intersecting with each other, sometimes stretching in strict rows for several kilometers.

In addition to the drawings, there is another interesting attraction in Nazca - the Chauchilla necropolis, dating back to the late period of the Nazca culture (around the 1st century AD).

There is one mysterious country in South America. It is special in that it keeps the mysteries of ancient civilizations, and on its territory there are many monuments belonging to the era of the great Inca Empire. Now the main question: what to see in Peru? This is what we will look into. Below are the most significant sights of Peru.

What to see in Peru first of all?

As in any country, in the described republic there are the best sights and those that can be left for later. For those who have such information, a great pastime is guaranteed.

1. Machu Picchu

View of Mount Huayna Picchu and the ruins of Machu Picchu

Be sure any tourist who arrives in Peru needs to get acquainted with one of the specimens representing the most amazing buildings of America in ancient times. A unique place permeated through and through with historical splendor and originality - lost city covered with many mysteries and legends. This object was once listed by UNESCO, after which it was named the New Wonder of the World and is included in. The city was discovered in 1911 by a professor from Yale University. It is interesting to know that Machu Picchu is not the name of the city itself, it is only Mountain peak which is nearby. Myself locality divided into sectors, each had its own role, namely cemeteries, dungeons, temples and a residential area.

2. Colca Canyon

Panorama of the Kolka river canyon

This landmark of Peru is a river valley flowing in the south of the republic, namely 160 km southwest of Arequipa. The name comes from the language of the Quechua Indians, in literal translation it means "grain barn". In the valley you can see many stepped terraces - andenes, they indicate that the ancient peoples of Peru actively developed agriculture. A trip to the canyon will definitely be memorable, if only because it is located in the ring high volcanoes, the height of some even exceeds 6 thousand meters. Also, attention is drawn to the Condor cross, birds from the family of American vultures flying over the canyon.

3. Nazca Desert

Mysterious lines in the Peruvian Nazca Desert

What to see in Peru in 1 day? An excellent option is one of the most amazing places with a touch of mysticism on the entire planet Earth. The desert gained world fame due to the presence of giant mysterious lines. If you look at them from a bird's eye view, one gets the impression that quite realistic images were created by the efforts of a gigantic master. Even more amazing is the number of these drawings, there are more than 30 identifiable drawings on the territory, about 700 pieces. geometric shapes, and lines and stripes are generally countless. This landmark of Peru is one of the most visited. People from all over the world come to see it.

4. Lake Titicaca

Landscape of Alpine Lake Titicaca

It is located in the highlands, namely on the border between Bolivia and the described republic. The lake has not only an unusual name, but by and large it is a piece of the ancient ocean, raised to a dizzying height. This explains the ocean fauna, a large number of various marine invertebrate fish live in the lake, even sharks are no exception. The area is one of the best attractions, because in the vicinity of the lake, as well as on its islands, there are many ruins of ancient settlements. The main city of the described region is Puno.

5. The floating islands of the Uros

One of the floating reed islands of the Uros tribe

We continue to describe interesting places Republic of Peru. As mentioned above, there are many islands on the territory of the alpine lake. So, the Uros tribes live on them, they moved there from the banks of Titicaca in order to protect themselves from the oppression of new rulers. For this, large rafts were built using reeds. To this day, the tribes live on floating islands, they are engaged there in fishing, hunting for ducks, collecting eggs. Even reed is used for food, namely its core. Guides in Peru tell the guests of the country about the way of life of the local people, some inhabitants of the islands even show their houses, reveal the secrets of housekeeping.

Check out the beautiful places of Peru in this wonderful video!

6. The ancient city of Pisak

Ancient Inca terraces near the city of Pisac

It is located 33 km from Cusco, namely in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the Urubamba River. The settlement at one time served as an Inca fortress. In terms of historical significance, the described landmark of Peru ranks second; it is the legendary Inca citadel between the mountains. Looking at the remains of strong fortifications built at one time by the Incas, one can conclude that the ancient builders were of a high level of virtuosity. On the territory of the city of Pisak there is a fortress of the same name, it is built entirely of stones, and the path to it is an endless ribbon of steps.

7. City of Cusco

The former capital of the Inca Empire - the city of Cusco

Once it was the capital of the ancient Inca empire, so it was decided to include this entire settlement in the UNESCO heritage list. All over the world, it is considered one of the oldest, as well as strange. From the reviews of the city of Cusco, you can find out that the spirit of American and European civilization is felt in it. One gets the feeling that you are walking through the settlement of the Incas, and through the capital of the Spanish colony. As for the main attractions in Cusco, they include several museums, almost all of which are dedicated to the history of the civilization of the ancient people. It is worth paying attention to the local colorful market, local clothes.

8. Tucume Pyramid Valley

Tucume Pyramid Valley - the ancient religious center of the Indian tribes

This landmark of Peru is a unique archaeological complex, which includes 26 pyramids, the height of which reaches 40 m. To get there, it is better to use air transport, the duration of the flight depends on the place of departure, it can be Lima or Trujillo. You can give preference to ground transport, but then you have to spend about 3 or 10 hours, again, it all depends on the point of departure. The rating of this place among tourists is quite high, because many people want to see with their own eyes the structures built by the Lambayeque Indians back in 700 BC. The most striking pyramid in the valley is Huaca Larga, which attracts attention with its length, reaching 700 m. There is also a museum on the territory, built in the style of the surrounding ancient structures.

9 Andean Candelabra

Mysterious prehistoric geoglyph found on the Paracas Peninsula

Excursions to Peru are often organized to the side national reserve Paracas. It is believed that this place was one of the first to be inhabited by an intelligent civilization. And there are many amazing, to some extent even incomprehensible objects. One of these is the Andean Candelabra. It is a giant geoglyph on the slope of a huge sandy mountain. Looking at the photo on the Internet, it seems that some giant just painted it, and if the wind blows, the drawing will disappear. The geoglyph covers an area of 128 m in length and 100 m in width. The thickness of the lines is in the range of 0.5-4 m, and the depth is about 2 m. Agree, it’s hard to believe that such a landmark of Peru is a reality, but it really exists.

10. Inca Trail

Tourists on the ancient Inca Trail

It's about amazing walking route, which, as the name implies, was laid by the Incas. It leads to Machu Picchu, this is a real rocky path with its characteristic difficulties. Once this path was used exclusively for religious purposes. Don't know where to go in Peru? Try to climb the Inca trail, but only use the services of a professional guide, and also hire a porter, you will appreciate his usefulness at the end of a difficult climb.

11. Gokta Waterfall

Double cascade of Gokta Elemaki waterfall

On the territory of the Republic of Peru there is a province called Chachapoyas, which means "people of the clouds." Not so long ago, a German explorer discovered a two-cascade Gokta waterfall with a height of 771 m. The name comes from a neighboring settlement located in the eastern part of the country. What to see in Peru? The described stream of water rapidly falling from a height deserves attention, because the nature surrounding it is not touched by civilization, and the local flora and fauna delight with their diversity.

12. Manu National Park

corner national park Manu

The place of its formation is the confluence of two rivers, it is considered the world capital of flora and fauna. national park Manu is a kind of gate of the Tambopata reserve. Without exaggeration, we can say that this is a real ecological paradise. The described attraction of Peru attracts with an incredible variety of flora and wild fauna of the jungle. You can get there by plane, for example, from Lima, Cusco.

13. Ancient City of Chan Chan

Holes in clay roofs ancient city Chan Chan

It was founded in the pre-Columbian era, and is located on the Pacific coast. At the time of 1300 AD. this settlement was one of the largest on the entire continent. The official description says that 28 km 2 was inhabited by about 100 thousand people. It can be seen that the Chimu Indians built the city for centuries, because its remains have survived to our times. When reviewing the sights, note that the buildings were made of stones and clay, and the plan is presented in a clear geometric pattern.

14. Huacachina Oasis

Oasis of Huacachina among the dunes of the Peruvian Sechura desert

Looking at his photo , it's hard not to agree that this is one of the most picturesque oases. There you will definitely spend an unforgettable vacation. The peculiarity of the oasis is its surroundings with sand dunes, it seems that you are in the heart of Africa. About 100 people live in a settlement built around a lake of natural origin. What to visit in Peru, namely on the territory of the Huacachina oasis? The main entertainment there is snowboarding, designed for sand.

15. Lima Cathedral

Armory Square in front of Lima Cathedral

The location of this attraction of Peru is the historical center of Lima, namely the Plaza Mayor. The construction of the temple lasted for three years from 1535. Its importance in colonial times was reflected on a grand scale. Unfortunately, earthquakes were not uncommon in the described area, the building was periodically repaired. The changes that were made reflected different eras of art. Recommendations from the Cathedral are very positive, it is worth seeing with your own eyes.

attractions in Peru: what else to visit in Peru?

A trip to a country in South America will certainly be interesting and unforgettable, the main thing is to organize everything correctly. Knowing where to go in Peru, what to see, you maximum benefit spend a vacation, and most importantly, take with you a luggage of vivid impressions.

16. Saxuaman Fortress

The ruins of the Saxahuaman fortress on the outskirts of Cusco

It is another mystical building from the time of the Incas, it is located on the very outskirts of Cusco. The fortress is surrounded by three protective walls, and in the central part there is a solar calendar. Among the ruins, a swimming pool, underground chambers, citadels, special barrels for supplies stand out and attract the interest of tourists. Nowadays, a festival dedicated to the heavenly solar luminary is annually celebrated on the territory of the fortress.

17. Plaza de Armas (Cusco)

The central square of the city of Cusco - Plaza de Armas

What else is there to visit in Peru? There are other interesting places, including the central square. She plays a very important role in the life of Cusco. Once upon a time there were swamps in its place, they were drained and the vacated territory began to be built up. Nowadays, all the main attractions are concentrated around the square, as well as places of entertainment, such as cafes, shops, restaurants. Attention should be paid to colonial buildings, as well as elements of Inca buildings. Important holidays for the republic are celebrated on the square, concerts and rallies are held. In a word, there really is something to see in Peru.

18. Arequipa Historic Center

Buildings made of white volcanic stone in the center of Arequipa karlnorling

This city is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful in the country. It was built up at the end of the 18th century. On the territory you can observe a large number of colorful buildings in the colonial style, they are built mainly of white volcanic stone. The old part of the city is represented by a large number of historical and architectural sights, the main ones are ancient churches and monasteries. And you still ask what to visit in Peru?

19. Maras salt mines

Maras salt terraces - a complex of fields created for the extraction of salt

As a continuation of the topic of what to see in Peru, I would like to recommend travelers a small town located on the territory of the once powerful Inca civilization. Its main highlight is the salt mines, which offer incredible views from above. From them you will definitely have the most vivid impressions. At one time, the Incas designed entire systems of canals and wells. To this day, they feed on mineral-rich hot spring water. As a result, salt is formed.

20. Ballestas Islands

Inhabitants of the rocky islands of Ballestas

The archipelago is also known as the small Galapagos, and they have very few similarities. The rocks on the described island have a different color, it is reddish below and white above. On the islands you can observe a huge variety of feathered inhabitants, whether you are lucky or not, depends on the season. What to see in Peru on the island of Ballestas? Keep in mind, we are talking about the world's largest colony of sea lions that live on protected local beaches.

In conclusion, I would like to say that we must not forget about the need to book a room in advance. There are plenty of hotels in Peru, you can get acquainted with their characteristics on special information sites.