| Amazonas
-or see Map Location, (For
individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) Capital
city of Chachapoyas. Close to the famed Jungle Kuelap Ruins, Moyobamba.
Known for its 2,500 varieties of orchids.
Arequipa-or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) The "White City" located in the
southern highlands, 7,740 fect above sea level on the slopes of the Misti
Volcano. Second largest city in Peru. Crammed with Spanish Colonial and
Andalusian influences and architecture. The Santa Catalina Convent, Goyeneche
Palace and the Casa del Moral are some of its most interesting sites. Beautiful
countryside in the surrounding area. The awesome nearby Colca Canyon is
twice as deep as the Grand Canyon ! Visitors can make short one-day visits
to the Colca, take a week-long trek (year around) or descend the river
by kayak or raft, June thru September. The latter only for professionals
! Safer rafting can also be undertaken along the nearby calm Majes River,
wandering through wonderful scenery, close to numerous archaeological sites.
Apart from the Panamerican Highway, there are numerous flights daily from/to
Lima (75 mins.), Cuzco (35 mins.) and Juliaca (25 mins.)
Ayacucho -or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) The Andean "Town of Churches", which
is some times said to have more of them than houses ! Beautiful architecture
! A location with exquisite handicraft, including pottery, leatherwork,
textiles and jewelery. One of the most important centers of Peru's long
historical background. A 45 min daily flight from Lima.
Cajamarca
-or see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and
information click on the city's name)
Located in the Northern Highlands it is famed for its traditional churches,
and natural hot springs, such as the "Baños del Inca"
(Inca Baths). The famous "Rescue Room" which Inka Athahualpa
was forced by Conqueror Francisco Pizarro to fill with gold and silver,
in an effort to save his life (didn't work, they killed him anyway!) is
also located here.
Camana
-or see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and
information click on the city's name) A lovely town famous for its cuisine
with around 35,000 inhabitants, located on the South Panamerican Highway,
830kilometers from Lima, just beyond Nazca and shortly before Arequipa.
Camana is situated on the coast in an agricultural valley, with a river
that produces the most delicious “camarones” (shrimp) in the country !
During summer its 40 kms of beaches are host to large numbers of bathers
from all around, especially from Arequipa. Underwater and over water sports
are most popular here. Closeby you will find an Archaeological Museum and
“Las Bodeguillas”, caves which were used - it is said - to hideway treasures
brought down from Cuzco Inca Temples.
Canete -or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)A small easily reached sleepy town south of
Lima, close to several other similar locations in the Lunahuana valley.
Ideal for rafting, down the Cañete River. Accessible via the Southern
branch of the Panamerican Highway. Tasty down-to-earth cuisine !
Chiclayo -or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Is a northern coastal city with a hot and sunny climate. Chiclayo and other
towns in northern Peru are centres of witchcraft. Among the places of archeological
interest around Chiclayo are Túcume, Batán Grande and Huaca
Rajada, where a royal Moche mausoleum was found in 1987. The greatest discovery
was the tomb of the Señor de Sipán, whose funeral clothes
were adorned with gold, silver and jewels. Archaeologists have ascertained
that he was a royal ruler 1600 years ago and that he was about 30 years
old when he died. However, the Señor de Sipán is still shrouded
in mistery. His precise identity and cause of death remain unknown. The
priceless funeral artefacts unearthed from the tomb can be viewed at the
Brüning Museum in Lambayeque, 11km 87miles) north of Chiclayo. There
are daily flights from Lima (1 hour) and Trujillo (15 min) as well as road
access via the North Panamerican Highway from Lima (780 km.).
Chimbote, -or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) A town just south of Trujillo, on the coast
north of Lima. It is the largest fishing port in Peru, where fish flour
and canned fish are produced in exportable quantities. It is also the largest
steel producing center in the country.
Chincha -or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
This small town is located 200 kilometers south of Lima on the Panamerican
Highway. Like so many other towns on the barren Peruvian Coast, Chincha
is located in a rich valley producing fruit and vegetables. It is noted
for being the birthspot of a very prominent Negro culture and folklore,
brought from Africa by slaves who years ago worked on the "haciendas".
One of these (San Jose) is now a converted vacation resort.
Cuzco -or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Situated 3360 m (11,024 feet) above sea level,
was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Remains of the granite stone walls
of the Inca Palace and temples can still be seen-the most remarkable is
the Koricancha, or Sun Temple. Of the several churches, the 17th-century
La Merced and its monastery San Francisco Belen de los Reyes, Santa Clara
and San Blas are the most interesting, representative as they do a blend
of colonial and Indian architecture. Overlooking Cuzco is the immense fortress
of Sacsayhuaman. Also easily accessible are the Inca sites of Kenko, Puca
Pucara and Tambomachay, and the markets of Pisac (Tuesdays, Thursday and
Sundays) and Chincheros are also an attraction. The Inka City of Cuzco
is also the main entry point to reach the world-famed wonders of Machu
Picchu, The Sacred Valley of the Incas and the exciting Urubamba and Vilcanota
River Rafting locations. Cuzco is best reached from Lima or Arequipa by
air, daily. It is also accessible from Arequipa by train.
Huacho
-or see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and
information click on the city's name) A small town located 148 kilometers
north of Lima on the Panamerican Coastal Highway. It is close to the National
Park of Lachay, where a microclimate caused by a localized high degree
of humidity, has created a natural area of extensive vegetation inhabited
by small wildlife, right in the middle of the barren desert hillside.
Huaraz -or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)This city of roughly 75,000 inhabitants is
located 3091 meters above sea level in the Callejon de Huaylas, a valley
overlooked by the Andes mountain ranges of the "Cordillera Blanca"
and the "Cordillera Negra". Due to its glacial lakes and snowbound
peaks the area is often referred to as the "Peruvian Switzerland".
Closeby mountain "Huascaran" is the tallest in Peru (6,800 meters).
Huaraz is mostly sunny and dry during the daytime and cold at night, with
rainfalls December thru April. Mountain climbers from all over the world
relish visiting Huaraz.
Ica-or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Ica is easy to reach by car from Lima via
the South Panamerican Highway. The regional Museum at Ica houses many objects
from the primitive Peruvian cultures : mummies, war trophies, pottery,
cloth and gold ornaments. The surrounding area is renowned for its lovely
vineyards. Local wines and the famous "Pisco" brandy are produced
here !
Ilo-or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) A very busy port located in the southern region
of the Country in Moquegua. The area has two of the largest mines in South
America - Cuajone and Toquepala. Ilo is the outlet for mineral exports
and also handles large volumes of incoming freight destined to both Peru
and Bolivia, where it is onforwarded by rail.
Iquitos -or
see Map Location,, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Iquitos is the most important town in the heart of the jungle area of Peru.
The Peruvian Amazon area is larger than Spain, France and Germany, combined
! Formerly an abandoned Jesuit mission, it began to grow in 1864 when the
river post of Loreto was established. From the end of the XIX century untily
early 1900, it was the centre for the rich rubber industry. Great mansions
bear witness to a past splendor which ended in 1912 with the ruin of the
rubber trade. The murmur of the jungle penetrates its streets. The floating
houses of the Port of Belén, on the Amazon, are reminiscent of the
river cities of Bangkok and Hong Kong. The tiles on the outside of its
buildings give the town a unique air. Iquitos is an excellent starting
point for journeys into the jungle. It can be reached from Lima daily,
by air.
Juliaca-or
see Map Location,, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)A city of around 136,000 inhabitants located
approximately 3,800 meters above sea level on the “altiplano” (andean plateau)
of Qollao, relatively close to Lake Titicaca. A cattlebreeding area know
for its textile and leather goods. Alpaca wool trading is extensive and
typícal of the region. Closeby are the archaeological ruins of Sillustani.
Juliaca is connected by train with closeby Puno, Cuzco and Arequipa. Its
airport is served by daily flights from Lima, via Arequipa.
Lima -or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Also known as the "City of the Kings"
or "Garden City" it is the capital of Peru. A bustling metropolis
with over 7 million inhabitants, located on the coast, roughly mid-way
between the Ecuadorean border and Chile. It was founded in 1535 in the
Rimac valley by the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro. The city is very
contrasting: beautiful historical buildings with balconies, convents, churches
and plazas from the days of the Spaniards are located in the old city center,
whereas modern buildings, parks, numerous restaurants, hotels and shopping
centers are located in the residential areas of Miraflores, San Isidro,
Monterrico, La Molina and others. Lima has several splendid museums, galleries
and monuments reeking with history! The summer beach season (December-April)
is ideal for bathing and surfing, right below the cliffs overlooked by
Miraflores and San Isidro! Quaint little beach towns with restaurants serving
fresh sea food are spread along the coast 120 km. South of the city. Although
during the cool season (May-November), the city is mostly overcast, lots
of sun and pleasant countryside restaurants are found minutes away, just
up the Rimac valley. There are several pre-Inca cities on the outskirts
of Lima, such as Cajamarquilla and Pachacamac, well worth visiting. The
city is accessible by air from the U.S.A. (several daily nonstops from
Miami, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles) and from practically
all major European and South American Capitals. Likewise, it is well connected
by air with daily flights to/from all major Peruvian cities. It is also
linked to them by well paved highways and boasts of the highest railroad
in the world, taking passengers and freight eastbound into the Andean mountains.
Electricity in Lima - and also in other towns - is 220 volts, 60 cycles.
Machu Picchu-or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Though uninhabited, this historical Inca citadel
is one of the true marvels of the world !! The magnificent, breathtaking,
conglomeration of stone ruins, palaces, towers, temples, terraces, staircases
and other remains, nestling in mountains, surrounded by beautiful vegetation,
is an unforgettable lifetime experience-in itself worth the journey to
Peru !! Machu Picchu can be reached by railroad, helicopter or by walking
the Inca Trail. The entry point to reach Machu Picchu is Cuzco, connected
to Lima by daily flights.
Mancora-or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
A small coastal village surrounded by an ever - increasing number of beach
resorts, it is noted for its lovely bathing shores, snorkeling, windsurfing
and other sea sports. Close by Cabo Blanco is home to the Black Marlin,
Swordfish and other species; a location which was well known to Ernest
Hemingway and inspired him to write "The Old Man and The Sea".
The world's most perfect and even surfing waves break on many of these
beaches. Accessible from Lima via the Tumbes and Talara Airports or by
the Panamerican Highway.
Moquegua
-or see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) A city located on the Southern Peruvian Coast,
with a population of 138,000 inhabitants. The climate is dry and warm with
sunshine throughout most of the year. The town has a lovely view of the
fertile valley it overlooks. Historians report that this town was closely
related to the Tiahuanaco and Pucara cultures, belonging to the Lake Titicaca
region, up in the highlands, further to the east. Moquegua is traditionally
a fruit and wine producer, although now its main activity is mineral mining.
It is in a volcanic area, close to Huaynaputina and Tixani mountains. The
town has many monuments left by the Spaniards. Moquegua is famed for its
varied and tasty sweet products, wines, pisco and cognac.
Nazca
See Map Location. (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Nazca is a very small community of just over
50,000 inhabitants, located 440 kms south of Lima, on the Panamerican Highway.
It is famed for the closeby misterious "Nazca Lines", an unresolved
marvel, even in our modern computer age! Visible by air from small aircraft
and also from ground look-out points. These channels run along the ground
in the desert over a surface area of more than five hundred square kilometres.
Some authors have imagined the Nazca drawings to be the outline of a landing
ground for extra-terrestial space ships. Others interested in the subject
maintain that the villagers in the region had, in the far distant past,
succeeded in flying through the air in balloons. Whatever the origin of
these Nazca lines is, the Incas took the secret with them when they vanished.
Paracas-or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Paracas is a Natural wildlife sanctuary, with an immense variety of birds,
and marine life, including sea lions, penguins, red and white flamingos
and the visiting huge Andean Condor! The bay is the location where Argentine
General San Martin disembarked, to start off Peru's independence from the
Spaniards.
Pisco
-or see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and
information click on the city's name) Located on the coast south of
Lima, Pisco originally prospered because of its nearby vineyards. The town
eventually gave its name to Peru's Brandy which was later used as the most
important ingredient of the world - famed "Pisco Sour".
Piura-or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
This is the main city on the Northern coast of the country. It can be reached
daily by air. It is renowned for its well woven straw hats and other handicraft,
including artesan silverware. It is close to Paita - the main northern
city port and only a very short distance from the Chira Valley, one of
the largest and most productive agricultural areas in Peru.
Pucallpa
-or see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
The second largest city in Peru's jungle area, accesible by air daily from
Lima and Iquitos. It is the most important port on the Ucayali river, well
know for its lumber, coffee and cacao production.
Puerto Maldonado -or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) A jungle port close to the bolivian border
at the junction of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers. A producer of
lumber, rice, yuca, sugar cane and tropical fruits.
Punta Sal-or
see Map Location (For individual hotel listing and
information click on the city's name) This is a large beach resort
area in Tumbes, only a half hour from Mancora, on the northern coast of
Peru, and a growing hot vacation spot for the water or beach enthusiast,
or someone who just wants to relax and eat great seafood. Shrimp, lobster
and fish are the staple here. The Pacific waters are warm and the sandy
beaches are long, white and incredibly beautiful. Fishing, swimming, surfing,
water-skiing, yachting and canoeing are all great pastimes to enjoy here.
Nearby is the famous Caleta de la Cruz de Pizarro, where Conquistadores
landed more than 400 years ago to begin the conquest of Peru, as well as
Hemingway’s favorite fishing spot, Cabo Blanco. The nearby village of Mancora
has great seafood restaurants right on the beaches as well. Acces is either
via excellent bus service from Lima to Mancora or by plane to Tumbes.
Puno-or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Puno is the capital of the province with
the same name, has a population of about 80,000. It itself is a small dusty
town. Its claim to fame is its location. It is located on the shores of
Lake Titicaca, at an altitude of 12,421 feet. It is highly recommended
you take it easy for a few days to get used to the altitude. The altitude
also makes for the extremes in the climate in Puno. During daytime it can
be very hot ( be very liberal with sun block), but at night the temperature
can drop below the freezing point. The city itself may not be very interesting
for travellers, but the surroundings are magnificent. It and the area around
it are the cradle of the Aymara civilization and the legendary birthplace
of the founders of the Inca empire. Puno lies on the shore of Lake Titicaca,
the world's highest navigable lake, from whose waters the Inca believed
Manco Capac, their cultural founder, emerged. Many ethnic groups like the
Uros still depend on the the lake for their living. The Uros dwell on the
floating islands they build with the lake's reed vegetation. Near Puno,
overlooking Lake Umayo, are chullpas, or burial towers, that served as
the tombs of the Aymara Lords. Tours can be readily put together upon arrival
at a very reasonable price by your hotel.
Tacna-or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)Tacna is located in the far south only 35 km
from the border with Chile. Tacna has a population of about 170,000. The
city lies in the Atacama desert near the Pacific Ocean and in summer it
can get very hot. Again, don't spare the sun screen. Fortunately there's
lots of shade especially in the downtown area with the palm-tree promenade
and Plaza de Armas. Tacna is part of a duty free zone that is associated
with Arica Chile. Consequently it has one of the biggest artifact markets
around. In this case Japanese and Korean artifacts like color TV's, vcrs
but the prices really are pretty good. There are also a lot of shops with
traditional Peruvian handicrafts. It has daily flights to and from Lima
and other major Peruvian cities.
Talara -or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Center of the largest coastal oilfields in
Peru, just north of the Chira Valley, one of the most fertile, cotton,
rice, mango, banana and produce production areas on the Peruvian coast.
Tarapoto -or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). With a population of approximately 70,000
inhabitants, this town is located close to the famed “Pongo de Aguirre”,
gorge where the Huallaga river roars through the Oriental Andes mountain
range. It is in the region where the mountain area joins with the high
jungle. Tarapoto is connected by air to Lima and several regional cities,
such as Iquitos and Yurimaguas.
Tarma -or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). An enchanting little town located approximately
3,000 metues above sea level in a valley full of Eucalyptus, wheat, Barley
and corn fields. It is a relatively short distance from La Oroya (mining
town) and 114 km. North of Huancayo. Another city with a nickname of its
own : "Pearl of The Andes", it has some closeby Inca and Pre-Inca
ruins. The road beyond Tarma descends rapidly into the rich (coffee and
fruit producing) Chanchamayo Valley
Tingo Maria
-or see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and
information click on the city's name). A small town between Huancayo
and Pucallpa which sprung up and grew when the road connecting these two
locations was built. In fact, the town's main street is actually the road
itself (Good old western style !). The most renowned local attraction is
the Owl's Cave (Cueva de las Lechuzas), a few miles northeast of town,
on the road to Pucallpa. The cave is full of beautiful stalagmites and
stalactites with many, many nearly extinct nightbirds.
Trujillo -or
see Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). The colonial city of Trujillo is very close
to the ruins of Chan-Chan. This was the one of the largest sund-dried brick
cities in the world. Its remains still bear witness to a rich culture which
died out before the arrival of the Incas over 500 years ago. Trujillo is
situated in the fertile valley of Santa Catalina in an oasis bathed by
the waters of the river Moche. It has some magnificent mansions and many
baroque churches belonging to the Spanish period. A city of balconies and
iron grilles, it is pleasant and hospitable. It can be reached from Lima
daily by air, or by car via the Panamerican Highway.
Tumbes-or
see Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). The northernmost city of Peru, situated on
the Tumbes River, just off the coast, a few miles south of the border with
Ecuador. It is sunny throughout most of the year with a 24° C average
temperature and a short rainy season, January thru March. Population is
just under 200,000 inhabitants. The area surrounding the Tumbes River estuary
is considered one of the most renowned Mangrove areas on the South American
continent. Many shrimp farms are located in the general area. Several small
tourist resorts are located on the coast just south of Tumbes with beautiful
white sandy bathing beaches, windsurfing and deep sea fishing. The area
is famed for its fresh tasty fish, shrimp, lobsters, oysters, etc. It can
be reached from Lima on daily 1:30 hour flights or by the well-paved Panamerican
Highway.
|
