Peru is a wonderful holiday destination in South America. Although most famously known for Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a popular tourist destination, Peru has much more to offer to seasoned tourists.
Machu Picchu, 80 kilometres northwest of the city Cusco, is an Inca site situation high in the sky. The famous 15th-century lost city of the Incas is located 2,430 metres above sea level. Archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Although locals have known about Machu Picchu for centuries, global attention on the amazing site has only been in the last century.
Peru also has a large amount of the Amazon rainforest, second only to Brazil. The Peruvian rainforest covers nearly 60 percent of the country, providing tourists with lush and diverse landscapes, plant life and animals. Peru also has the Andean mountain range and the Pacific ocean which provides a unique ecosystem.
Colca Canyon is a site not to be missed. The canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. You can book overnight or sightseeing tours to the Colca Canyon from Arequipa, which is Peru’s second largest city. The ride to the canyon is spectacular, passing through volcano and mountain towns, sometimes as high as 4,900 metres above sea level.
Lima, Peru’s largest and capital city, has many historical and cultural sights. Home to numerous museums and historical cathedrals, Lima is also a coastal city with stunning beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Delicious restaurants, clubs and plenty of places for shopping makes Lima a must-see for any traveller in Peru on holiday.
Lake Titicaca, located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, is the highest lake in the world, sitting at 3,811 metres above sea level. It is also the largest lake in South America and is home to floating reed islands. These islands are inhabited by Uros tribe, a tribe that dates back to pre-Incan times.
The Ballestas Islands, near the beach town of Paracas, can be accessed by tour boats. The tours typically take two hours. Like the Galapagos Islands, these small islands are home to many rare birds, including penguins. You can also witness sea lions, dolphins and whales while taking the boat tour and visiting the islands.
The Peruvian Andes, famous for glaciers and snow-covered peaks, are located in Central Peru. Cordillera Blanca, the highest range of the Peruvian Andes, is in north central Peru, approximately 420 kilometres north of Lima. The range includes HuascarĂ¡n. At 6,768 metres, this mountain is the highest in Peru and the third highest in the Western Hemisphere.
Peru can make a wonderful holiday destination, offering these activities and plenty more. Peru is rich with history of various cultures, offering archaeological relics and modern conveniences that can make everyone happy on holiday. If you decide to visit Peru, there are plenty of tours and travel excursions that can help you see all of the places you want to see.
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