There is a special Peru for everyone by Visit Peru

<There is a special Peru for everyone

Hay un PerĂş para cada quiĂŠn

for everyone

<There is a special Peru xperiences

that should not be missed

Lake Titicaca

Renzo Giraldo

Machu Picchu

Dancer at Lake Titicaca

Everyone who comes discovers so much more than they expected.

Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos www.peru.travel

There is a special Peru for everyone. Handbook for Tour Operators. A publication by Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board - PromPerú. Unit of Audiovisuals and Publications © PromPerú. Av. República de Panamá Nº 3647, San Isidro, Lima - Perú. Telephone: (51-1) 616-7406 All rights reserved. www.promperu.gob.pe

Credits: Editorial management and graphic design: Comunica + A Text editing: Comunica + A Cartographic design: Grupo Geographos Photo Edition: Comunica + A

Acknowledgements: Regional Offices of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Áncash, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Cusco, Ica, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Piura, Puno and Tumbes).

Hecho el Depósito Legal en la Biblioteca Nacional del Perú No. 2013 - 05703 Lima Print: CECOSAMI PRE PRENSA E IMPRESION DIGITAL (Calle Los Plateros No. 142 - Lima 3 Perú) Lima, April 2013 Free distribution

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Welcome

| www.peru.travel www.peru.info

rincipal

pre-Hispanic

cultures

2700 B.C.

BIRTH OF CHRIST

600 A.D.

1100 A.D.

2700 - 1600 B.C. CARAL

100 B.C. - 800 A.D. MOCHE

600 - 1000 A.D. TIAHUANACO / WARI

1100 - 1470 A.D. CHIMÚ

1500 - 500 B.C. CHAVÍN

100 - 600 A.D. LIMA

600 - 1400 A.D. LAMBAYEQUE

1100 - 1450 A.D. CHANCAY

1100 - 50 B.C. CAJAMARCA

100 - 600 A.D. NASCA

800 - 1500 A.D. CHACHAPOYA

1300 - 1533 A.D. INCA

800 B.C. - 200 A.D. PARACAS

250 B.C. - 380 A.D. PUCARÁ

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Timeline

Quipu was a system created by the Incas through which they used kno ed ropes of wool or co on to manage the accounts of the Empire. This quipu shows a register of the principal events of the history of Peru.

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onquest, Viceroyalty and

Independence 1532 1532

Arrival of Francisco Pizarro to the American continent. Fall of the Inca Empire. Foundation by the Spanish of the city of San Miguel de Tangarará, Piura.

1551

1780

1866

1551

1780 - 1781

1866

Foundation of the National University of San Marcos, the first university on the American continent.

Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II and his wife Micaela Bastidas. Initial attempts at independence.

Battle of Callao on May 2nd. Spain attempts to re-conquer its lost territories but fails.

1812 - 1820

José de San Martín arrives in Buenos Aires, liberates Chile and heads for Peru to put his Continental Plan into action.

1569 1533 - 1539

Foundation by the Spanish of the cities of Cusco (1533), Jaén (1534), Trujillo (1535), Chachapoyas (1536), the port of Callao (1537), Moyobamba (1539), Huamanga (1539) and Arequipa (1539). Lima was founded as the capital on 18th January, 1535.

1536

Resistance of the last Inca leaders: Manco Inca (1538-1545), Sayri Túpac (1545-1558) and Titu Cusi Yupanqui (1567-1571).

1542

Discovery of the Amazon River by Francisco de Orellana.

Arrival of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, who organized and administered the viceroyalty. Start of the Spanish Inquisition.

1572

Túpac Amaru I, the last Inca leader in the Spanish colonial era, is captured and executed in the Main Square of Cusco. End of the Inca resistance.

1590 - 1615

Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala, son of a Spaniard and an Inca Princess, writes “The First New Chronicle and Good Government”, an illustrated work that shows scenes from Inca and viceregal life.

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1821

On 28th July the liberator José de San Martín proclaims the independence of Peru from Spain.

1822 - 1823

Simón Bolívar joins the liberation movement. José Mariano de la Riva Agüero is declared the first President of Peru.

1824

Consolidation of independence with the battles of Junín and Ayacucho. The Capitulation of Ayacucho is signed.

1879 - 1883

War of the Pacific between Chile and Peru and Bolivia.

1911

Scientific discovery of Machu Picchu by the North American explorer Hiram Bingham.

Recent history 2002

2009

2010

2011

2002

2009-2011

2010

2011

Peru is the country with the greatest economic growth in South America, according to projections made by the International Monetary Fund for 2014.

The Amazon River is chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

The democratic process is consolidated. This marks the beginning of a period of notable economic growth.

Lima Airport (Jorge ChĂĄvez International Airport) is recognized as the best airport in South America.

The Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

The OEA recognizes Peruvian cuisine as "Cultural Heritage of the Americasâ&#x20AC;?.

2007

The city of Machu Picchu is recognized as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.

Peru is recognized as the best country for doing business in South America according to the Doing Business rankings 2011.

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Overland crossings from Bolivia are at Desaguadero and Kasani (Puno).

Useful information VISAS AND CUSTOMS

Nationals from most American and Western European countries do not require visas.

Baggage Please refer to the list of items that are exempt from customs duty, which can be found on the following websites:

S RIE O S ES C C

Citizens of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Ecuador only require identity cards.

90 days

is the maximum permitted length of stay. Any longer periods or visits with other purposes in mind (residence, study, work etc.) require a visa to be arranged in advance from a Peruvian Consulate.

www.aduanet.gob.pe

AN D

Due to the varied geography of the country and its multiple climates, regardless of the season and the place, it is advisable to bring the following items with you:

CLO TH IN G

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MONEY

Nuevo Sol S/. This is the national currency. US Dollar $ This is accepted in some shops, restaurants and service stations at the daily exchange rate.

Hat Sunglasses Cotton T-shirts

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Warm clothing Sun lotion

It is possible to exchange Euros, dollars and other foreign currencies in authorized currency exchange bureaus, hotels and banks. Changing money on the streets is not recommended.

Water bottle

Loose, comfortable pants

AUTOMATIC CASH MACHINES (ATM)

Available in the main cities of the country. Various types of card are accepted accepted.

Walking boots, trainers and sandals

CREDIT CARDS

The most widely accepted cards are American Express, Visa, Diners and Mastercard.

TRAVELLER’S CHECKS

Their use is limited, so it is recommended that you check with the establishment whether or not they will be accepted before purchasing or consuming goods.

TOURIST SERVICES H

Accommodation

There are many different options: Boutique and luxury hotels Hotels, from 1-star to 5-stars Hostels and lodgings

Air transport

There are domestic flights to the country's main tourist destinations. The prices can be found on the internet. www.mtc.gob.pe

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Interstate buses

The overland transport network covers all the country's destinations except certain cities in Amazonia. Different prices are charged according to the level of comfort and whether the journey is direct with no changes. www.mtc.gob.pe

Car hire

To drive a car in Peru it is necessary to have: Driving license • Copy of passport • Vehicle documentation (SOAT-compulsory accident insurance, technical revision certificate and confirmation of ownership) • Hire car contract in the case of hire cars • The international driving license must be valid for at least one year.

Taxis

Various companies operate private taxis offering services to and from the airport and many other destinations. They have call centers and websites.

A guide to Peru 1

Downtown Callao and surrounding area Lima Historic

by city

Pages

COLOMBIA

13 - 17

DEPARTMENT OF LIMA

18 - 21

Chiclayo and surrounding area

22 - 25

DEPARTMENTS OF TUMBES AND PIURA

DEPARTMENT OF LAMBAYEQUE

Trujillo and surrounding area

DEPARTMENT OF LA LIBERTAD

Nasca and Paracas

34 - 37

Moquegua and Tacna

Cajamarca and surrounding area DEPARTMENT OF CAJAMARCA

Huánuco, Cerro de Pasco, Huancayo, Huancavelica, Abancay

PF Alto Mayo

Túcume Pómac Forest 3 Sipán

DEPARTMENT OF MOQUEGUA AND TACNA

NR Allpahuayo - Mishana 14

2 30 - 33

DEPARTMENT OF ICA

NS Tumbes Mangroves

2 NP Cerros de Amotape

26 - 29

Huaraz and the Callejón de Huaylas

DEPARTMENT OF ÁNCASH

ECUADOR

of the north Tumbes and Piura Beaches

Karajía

Ayacucho and surrounding area DEPARTMENT OF AYACUCHO

Arequipa and the valley of Colca DEPARTMENT OF AREQUIPA

Cusco

Machu Picchu and surrounding area

DEPARTMENT OF CUSCO

Puno Lake Titicaca and its islands DEPARTMENT OF PUNO

Iquitos and the Amazon River DEPARTMENT OF LORETO

84 - 88

Puerto Maldonado

Incahuasi

52 - 63

9 Ayacucho

NS Machu Picchu

NP Bahuaja Sonene

Choquequirao Vilcashuamán NS Ampay Cusco 10 12 9

Nasca Lines 68 - 71

80 - 83

NR Tambopata

Urubamba Pisac

NR Paracas

64 - 67

NP Manu 18

Pachacamac

Puerto Inca

Sillustani

Chivay

BOLIVIA

NR Salinas and Aguada Blanca PF

Protected forest

National park

Scenic reserve

Reserved zone

National reserve

Protected area

National sanctuary

Archaeological zone

Reserves of Manu and Tambopata

9 SR Nor Yauyos - Cochas

46 - 51

76 - 79

DEPARTMENT OF UCAYALI

Caral

Tarapoto

Pucallpa

RZ Huayhuash 9

42 - 45

72 - 75

DEPARTMENT OF SAN MARTÍN

BRAZIL

El Brujo El Sol y la Luna Chan Chan NP Huascarán Sechín Chavín de 5 Huántar

38 - 41

Chachapoyas

DEPARTMENT OF AMAZONAS

NP Abiseo River

CENTRAL DEPARTMENTS

NR Pacaya - Samiria

Kuélap

7 7

CHILE

www.sernanp.gob.pe

DEPARTMENT OF MADRE DE DIOS

ALTITUDE OF THE PRINCIPAL CITIES Tumbes Sea level

Trujillo 34 m

Lima 154 m

Arequipa 2 335 m

Huaraz 3 091 m

Cusco 3 399 m

Machu Picchu 2 400 m

Puno 3 827 m Tarapoto 333 m

Iquitos 104 m

Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos www.peru.travel

Peru

is a multifaceted country Peru is a multifaceted country. You choose where you want to begin and then take your own journey. As the cradle of one of the great civilizations of the continent or as the gastronomic capital of America, it offers many different journeys in one. Peru is a specialist country. Its ancestral past has left a legacy of unique knowledge and monuments. Its natural richness offers an abundance of resources, some of which are still unknown in the rest of the planet. Its cultural diversity is demonstrated through the beliefs, traditions and artistic expressions that bear witness to a permanent cultural synthesis. Peru is a captivating country. Everyone who comes discovers so much more than they expected. They discover a country of powerful but creative people. They discover that it is still possible to have authentic, life-changing experiences. They discover all the reasons that will tempt them to return and seduce them deeper into the life of the country.

Circuito Mรกgico de Agua (Magic Water Tour), Parque de la Reserva

Lima

Lima is a city in constant transformation, where modern life and the traditions of its pre-Columbian and colonial past converge.

Department of Lima, Lima | www.peru.travel

Main Square of Lima

Lima

Film, music and fashion festivals are staged alongside traditional

fiestas; modern shopping centers stand next to colonial mansions;

museums of history and art share the city with interactive exhibitions. The beach and the city complement each other to offer the best of modern living with ocean views, along with the opportunity to see seals and seabirds on the nearby islands. What to eat This is one area where all the cultures come together: populations of Japanese, Chinese, Afro-Peruvian and European origin coexist with people from the coast, mountains and jungle, which has allowed Lima to develop one of the world’s richest and most diverse cuisines. This is why Lima is considered to be the gastronomic capital of America and one of the 12 best cuisines of the world, according to The Economist magazine. Culinary styles Creole: colonial style, with a blend of Peruvian and Spanish flavors. Chifa: a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine. International: French, Italian, Indian, Korean, Arabic, Spanish and many more. Novoandean: a fusion of modern recipes using Andean ingredients and traditional techniques. Nikkei: a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Vegetarian and organic: specialist restaurants. Fish and seafood: thanks to the proximity of the

Departamento de Lima, Lima | www.peru.travel

Anticuchos (kebabs) in the Mistura Gastronomic Fair

ocean, the restaurants have access to a wide variety of fresh, top quality marine products.

What to buy Handicrafts from all the different regions of Peru can be found in the craft markets of Lima, Miraflores and Pueblo Libre. Clothing made from alpaca and vicuña, the South American cameloids known for the quality and softness of their wool, in specialist

shops. National and international brands in shopping centers such as Larcomar, Jockey Plaza, Real Plaza Primavera, Open Plaza Angamos, Caminos del Inca, Plaza San Miguel, Plaza Lima Sur, Real Plaza Centro Cívico, Aventura Mall, Mega Plaza and Plaza Norte. Antiques and artwork in the Avenida La Paz or Parque Kennedy, both in the district of Miraflores. Gold and silver jewelry and designer items in specialist shops. Contemporary design: decorative items, fashion and jewelry created by young Peruvian designers.

Accommodation and tourism services Boutique and luxury hotels, from 3 to 5-stars. Presence of the most important international chains. Tour guide services, day and night, through the most interesting parts of the city and to destinations outside Lima. Tourist bus; car hire and bike rental; 24-hour taxi service.

’

Unique experiences Living Culture Bars playing Creole music and traditional fiestas.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Anniversary of the City of Lima. 18th January. A celebration with open-air music concerts, parades and popular art fairs.

Festival de la Vendimia - Santiago de Surco. March. Wine tastings for the best wines of the district of Santiago de Surco and opportunities to help with the wine-making process.

National Peruvian Paso Horse Competition. Of Today

April. Meeting of breeders at the hacienda Mamacona, Lurín.

Shops selling art and decorative items, fashion shows, film, art and photography festivals as well as modern shopping centers etc.

International Book Fair.

Adventure Surfing and paragliding on the Lima coast. Kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking in the basins of the Rivers Lurín and Cañete.

July. Gathering of Peruvian and overseas writers. Book sales.

Peruvian National Holidays. 28th and 29th July. The commemoration includes events such as the Te Déum in the cathedral and a military parade in a central avenue, attended by the main national authorities.

Festival de Lima (Latin American Film Festival) August. A festival where you can see Latin American films and learn about actors, directors and scriptwriters from around the world.

Santa Rosa de Lima. 30th August. Celebrations focused around the patron saint of Lima, with pilgrimages to her sanctuary. The faithful throw letters of good wishes into the well where the saint threw the key to her iron belt.

Mistura. Ancient Museums of art, history, geography and gastronomy plus interactive exhibitions etc.

Natural Watching seals and seabirds on the Islas Palomino, Callao.

September. Latin America’s most important gastronomic trade fair. This event brings together all the major players in Peru’s culinary chain and top national and international chefs.

Mes del Señor de los Milagros (Month of the Lord of Miracles). October. Mass procession of faithful Catholics to accompany the image of the “Lord of Miracles” as it is borne on a litter through the streets of Lima.

Day of the Creole Song. 31st October. A celebration of one of the traditional musical genres of the Peruvian coast with concerts in restaurants and plazas.

Lima in figures Climate: Temperate. Sunny in summer (December to April). Possible light rain in winter (June to September). Max. temp.: 26ºC / 79ºF Min. temp.: 15ºC / 58ºF

Wondrous The pisco route with its traditional bars and bodegas.

Altitude: 154 masl How to arrive By air to Jorge Chávez International Airport and connections to the interior. Overland from Chile via Arequipa and from Bolivia via Cusco. International services to neighboring countries. By cruise ship to the port of Callao.

Lima Cathedral. Although the cathedral dates from the XVII century, later modifications were carried out in a mixture of different architectural styles, such as Renaissance, Baroque and NeoClassical. It contains some notable works of art, a magnificently carved choir stall and the tomb of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro.

Plaza Mayor. This was the place where Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in 1535. It is surrounded by the Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Club de la Unión. A bronze column dating from the XVII century stands in the center of the plaza.

Los Descalzos Church and Convent. Originally founded in 1565 as a house of meditation and penitence, today this convent and museum houses a valuable art collection, primarily featuring paintings of the Cusco, Lima and Quito schools.

Santo Domingo Church and Convent. This is the oldest church in Lima. It has a wonderful statue showing the crucifixion; a work from the school of Juan Bautista Vásquez. The adjacent convent holds the tombs of San Martín de Porres, Santa Rosa de Lima and San Juan Masías. This was the seat of the first university in America, the National University of San Marcos, founded in 1551.

Parque de la Reserva and Magic Water Tour. A Neoclassical design, completed in 1929. In 2006 a circuit of 13 fountains was installed, which have been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest fountain complex in a public park in the world. Here visitors can enjoy a spectacular show of music, light and color.

Santa Rosa de Lima Church and Monastery. As well as the church it is possible to visit the house where the patron saint of Lima lived and the hermitage and oratory that she built in 1614 to dedicate herself to prayer.

Lima

Main attractions

San Francisco Church and Convent. These two buildings –the church and monastery– form the most outstanding architectural group in all Lima. The most important features are the choir stalls, the Baroque and NeoClassical altarpieces and some important religious sculptures. The famous catacombs can be found in their underground galleries.

Barrio Chino. Lima’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese districts in South America, with lively shopping streets, arcades, banks and stores selling Chinese products as well as restaurants known as “chifas”. Its most outstanding architectural feature is the Portada China, a gateway leading to Calle Capón. The best way to explore this district is with a local guide.

Torre Tagle Palace. Situated in the Historic Center of Lima, this palace is now the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its outstanding attributes include its stone doorway and the Andalusian Baroque-style balconies with Moorish and Creole features, carved in cedar and mahogany, which are considered architectural jewels of the XVIII century. In addition to the halls, patios and corridors, its most impressive feature is the wooden paneled chapel.

Aliaga House. The elegant residence of one of the founders of the city of Lima, Don Jerónimo de Aliaga. Its features include a beautiful Republican balcony and several halls and patios. Nowadays it hosts a variety of cultural events.

Costa Verde Beaches. Several of the coastal districts and their beaches are connected by a highway and a seafront offering various sports and leisure facilities. Miraflores and San Isidro. Residential and commercial districts with an active nightlife and numerous entertainment venues in addition to an impressive ocean view.

Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca. Located in the heart of Miraflores and San Isidro, these truncated pyramids are pre-Inca constructions that were ceremonial and funeral centers of the Lima culture. They are noted for their architecture, based on “adobitos” -bricks made of mud and straw- and the remains of tombs, mummies and ceramics.

Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú. Located in Pueblo Libre, this museum houses collections of ceramics, gold and silverware and textiles from pre-Columbian cultures as well as artifacts from the Colonial and Republican periods. This cultural complex also includes the Quinta de los Libertadores, the XVIII century mansion lived in by Don José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar. Lima Art Museum. The museum is one of the most beautiful examples of the eclectic architecture of Lima that embraces a blend of different styles. This museum was built between 1870 and 1871 as the seat of the World Exhibition Palace and is considered one of the most important projects of its era. It currently houses an important exhibition of artworks from the various stages of Peruvian history.

Museo de la Nación. In its large, informative rooms this museum presents one of the most important collections of the cultural manifestations of Peru through the ages. It is also a center of contemporary cultural development and hosts a variety of artistic presentations, temporary exhibitions and conferences. It is one of the most impressive buildings in the San Borja district.

MATE - Asociación Mario Testino. Cultural center dedicated to the renowned Peruvian photographer Mario Testino with exhibitions that display his work in the field of fashion and with celebrities from all over the world.

Barranco. This place began life as a seaside resort for middle and high class Lima residents and was integrated into the city in 1874. It is noted for its European-style mansions and the Bridge of Sighs. It is acknowledged as a Bohemian district due to its artistic history and its bars and restaurants.

Parque de la Muralla. This park conserves part of the ancient walls that surrounded Lima in the XVII century. It contains a museum displaying archaeological finds from the region.

Larco Museum. This museum presents, in chronological order, a large private art collection corresponding to 3,000 years of preColumbian Peruvian history, including textiles, ceramics and objects of gold and silver. It is one of the few museums in the world that allows visitors to view its entire archaeological collection of 47,000 objects. The viceregal mansion that houses the museum was built on a truncated pyramid and is located in Pueblo Libre.

From

Lima

MAP OF LIMA To La Libertad To Áncash

To Junín

CALLAO

LIMA

Real Felipe Fortress. This imposing fortress was completed in 1774 and was built to defend the port of Callao from attack by pirates and corsairs. It is one of the few works of military architecture that was built by the Spanish in America.

Palomino Islands. Located on the coast opposite the seaside resort of La Punta, in Callao, this group of islands is home to a large population of seals and seabirds that can be visited on a day trip.

To Ica

KEY

Caral. This 5 000 year old is the oldest cradle of civilization in America, contemporary with societies such as those of Egypt, China and Mesopotamia. The architectural complexity of its pyramids and the remains that have been found reveal the high standard of the cultural development of its people.

Pachacamac. Located in the valley of the Lurín River, this mud-brick citadel was the home of the creator god Pachacamac (“he who moves the world”), the most venerated and feared oracle of the Andean world. It was populated by the Lima, Wari, Ychsma and Inca cultures.

Callao

Departmental

Pachacamac - Lurín

capital

Sacred City of Caral

Paved road

Lunahuaná

Unpaved road

Islands Palomino

Airport

Departmental

Port

boundary

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance Jorge Chávez International Airport (Domestic Departures, National and International Arrivals and Public Area) Tel./fax: (01) 574-8000 Mon - Sun 24 hours iperulimaapto@promperu.gob.pe Metropolitan Lima Jorge Basadre 610, San Isidro Tel.: (01) 421-1627 / Tel./fax: (01) 421-1227 Mon - Fri 9:00 to 13:00 – 14:00 to 18:00 iperulima@promperu.gob.pe

Peruvian Paso Horses. The rhythmic gait of the Paso Horses can be appreciated in the shows that are staged by the National Association of Breeders and Owners of Peruvian Paso Horses, mainly in Lurín. Visitors can also go horse riding and soak up the pleasant rural atmosphere in the haciendas of the region.

Lunahuaná. A sunny valley south of Lima, this is an ideal place for adventure sports and is also known for its crayfish dishes, its wines and its Pisco. The ancient citadel of Inca Wasi is also located nearby.

Larcomar - Miraflores Module Nº 10, Plaza Principal Tel./fax: (01) 445-9400 Mon - Sun 11:00 to 14:00 - 15:00 to 20:00 iperularcomar@promperu.gob.pe

Department of Lima, Lima | www.peru.travel

Máncora

<Piura and <Tumbes Máncora is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the north, sharing its fame with Cabo Blanco, a small cove used by fishermen where Ernest Hemingway came to hunt black marlin (swordfish), as told in his book “The Old Man and the Sea”. Here surfers can tackle one of the best waves in the world. In the extreme north of the country is the department of Tumbes, with its National Mangrove Sanctuary and beaches such as Punta Sal and Zorritos. What to eat Tumbes is noted for its fresh ceviche of black clams (a seafood dish with a strong flavor, marinated in lemon juice and accompanied by chilies, salt, onion, sweet potatoes and boiled sweet corn), “caldo de bola” (plantain dumplings with a beef filling) and “majarisco” (fried and mashed green plantain accompanied by a variety of seafood). The cebiche in Piura is prepared in various different ways. It can be made from grouper 18

Departments of Piura and Tumbes | www.peru.travel

On the north coast of Peru it is summer all year round. The beaches in the departments of Tumbes and Piura are famous for their clean sand, their fresh, delicious seafood and for the chance to practice all manner of water sports. or mackerel or any fresh fish but with lemons from Chulucanas and Zarandaja beans. Piura is also the home of “seco de chabelo” (a mixture of strong flavored beef jerky with seasoned fried plantain) and “sudado de mero or cabrillón” (a hearty fish soup served with large pieces of onion and tomato). Meanwhile, fried cassava and “chifles” (fried plantain) are some of the local snacks. For dessert, visitors can try “dulce natilla” and drink beer or “chicha de maíz de jora” (corn beer). There is a wide selection of restaurants in the cities of Tumbes and Piura; in Catacaos and on the beaches of Los Órganos, Máncora and Punta Sal.

What to buy Piura plays host to a range of traditional craftsmen. Catacaos is best known for its gold and silversmithing; Chulucanas (La Encantada) sells pottery; Santo Domingo, woven straw hats; Huancabamba, floral arrangements using shells and other marine items, and woven bags, blankets

and ponchos made on traditional backstrap looms; Tumbes is famous for its carved woodwork and crafts using marine products.

Accommodation and Tourism Services Hotels up to 4-stars in Piura, Máncora, Tumbes and Punta Sal as well as basic but comfortable accommodation in the seaside resorts and areas close to the beach. Public transport in all the cities, equipment hire for water sports available from some hotels and specialist companies. The north is a region of many mosquitoes and extreme heat in the summer (December to April), so it is recommended that visitors bring insect repellent, sun block and hats and drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate.

César Vega

Unique experiences Living Culture Visit the city of Chulucanas with its famous decorative ceramics and the town of Catacaos, with its filigree gold and silverwork (see photo) and woven toquilla straw.

Of Today Try the delicious marine gastronomy in some of the restaurants of the region.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Anniversary of Tumbes. 7th January. Local people take part in a concert on the evening before and there is a grand firework display. There are also civic ceremonies and exhibitions.

Semana Santa de Catacaos (Easter Week). March or April (a movable feast). One of the most important fiestas in the department and that of Bajo Piura. On Easter Thursday and Good Friday there is a modern performance of the Last Supper known as the “Siete Potajes”, with marked gastronomic connotations.

Semana Turística de Tumbes. 21st to 27th September. Tourism Week sees civic activities plus food and craft fairs, supported by the authorities and local populace.

Fiesta Jubilar de Piura.

Adventure Water sports such as surfing on the beaches of Lobitos, Cabo Blanco, Órganos and Máncora; deep sea fishing and dive fishing in Punta Sal and Máncora and canoeing on the Tumbes River.

Natural There are three nature reserves with different ecosystems and a vast array of fauna: the Cerros de Amtape National Park, Tumbes Reserved Zone and Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary (see photo). Wondrous Days and nights of relaxation and entertainment in the luxury hotels on the beaches of Máncora and Punta Sal.

8th October. A week of celebrations to mark the anniversary of Piura with cookery competitions, waiter races, donkey races, a dance festival and a colorful allegorical parade.

Fiesta del Señor Cautivo de Ayabaca (Piura). Two weeks in October. Thousands of parishioners come to the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Pilar to pay homage to and request miracles from the image of Señor Cautivo. Many pilgrims carry crosses as a penance. Bands and dance groups from the region also take part. So many worshippers come that they have to sleep in the streets and squares of Ayabaca. They eat ham with boiled corn, dried meat with “chifles” and sweet dishes such as “tortas de viento”, “bocadillos” and “alfeñique”.

Piura and Tumbes in figures Climate: Hot. Sun all year round. Possibility of light drizzle or short showers all year round. Max. temp.: 36 ºC / 94.1 ºF Min. temp.: 21 ºC / 59.9 ºF

Altitude: Piura 29 masl Tumbes at sea level

How to arrive Via the Pan-American Highway North: From Lima (Lima): Piura: 973 km / 15 h Tumbes: 1 270 km / 19 h

From Trujillo (La Libertad): Piura: 420 km / 6 h Tumbes: 698 km / 10 h

From Lima (Lima): Piura: 1 h 40 min Tumbes: 1 h 50 min

From Trujillo (La Libertad): Piura: 420 km / 6 h Tumbes: 40 min

Departamentos de Piura y Tumbes | www.peru.travel

Catacaos. A town that has skilled artisans who weave toqulla straw and cotton as well as making beautiful filigree pieces in silver and gold.

<Piura

Chulucanas. A lively city also known as “the guitar of Piura”, and birthplace of tondero, the typical dance of Peru. It is also famous for its ceramic craftsmanship: the noted Chulucanas pottery. A fertile land with tropical fruit such as lemons and mangos.

Main attractions

Huancabamba and the lagoons of Las Huaringas. Fourteen lagoons famous for their medicinal properties. The main lagoon, La Negra or Huaringa (meaning “thick liquid” and “God of might”) gave its name to the group and is the favorite lagoon of most healers. It is a mystic region that is difficult to access.

Colán. A sandy beach with calm, warm waters. This seaside resort is characterized by its wooden houses from whose balconies it is possible to watch some of the best sunsets on the whole Peruvian coast.

Whale watching. Between the beaches of los Órganos and Cabo Blanco it is possible to observe the arrival, from Antarctic waters, of humpback whales, who come here to breed and raise their young in the waters off the north coast of Peru. The migration occurs in the months of August, September and October.

Paita and Yacila. A picturesque bay, also known as the “window of Paita” for the unrivalled view that it offers. It has some remarkable mansions along the sea front. Five kilometers away (3.1 miles) there is Yacila, a beautiful beach with huge waves and a fishing cove with one of the most beautiful sunsets on the whole north coast.

Cabo Blanco. A small beach one kilometer in length (0.6 miles), rectangular, sandy and with regular breakers; a paradise for deep sea sports fishing, especially for black marlin. It hosts national surfing competitions.

Los Órganos. To the north are Vichayito and Punta Veleros, two unmissable beaches.

Máncora. One of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the Peruvian coast, extending for 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). In the season of “crecidas” (high seas) the town welcomes a great many surfing enthusiasts. During the months of August and October it is the perfect place to see humpback whales.

MAP OF TUMBES AND PIURA 6

<Tumbes

Main attractions

TUMBES

4 1 3

TALARA

PAITA

PIURA

To Lambayeque

Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary. This mangrove sanctuary protects the biodiversity of this habitat of fresh and salt water, rich in species of flora and fauna. The surrounding area is home to 120 species of birds, including both migratory and resident species, and around 100 species of fish, as well as the American crocodile.

Tumbes Reserved Zone. This reserve conserves Peru’s many coastal, tropical forests, with spectacular landscapes full of wildlife. It is a refuge for endemic species of birds, animals and plants in danger of extinction, such as the Tumbes crocodile.

To Lambayeque

KEY 1

Máncora

Departmental

Colán

boundary

Cabo Blanco

Departmental

Punta Sal

capital

Zorritos

Paved road

Manglares de Tumbes

Unpaved road Airport Port

Offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance

Cerros de Amotape National Park. This national park protects the dry forests and the equatorial forests that spread across the Western foothills of the Andes. It has some interesting species such as the coto (howler monkey) and peccary, a species of wild pig.

TUMBES Main Square Malecón III Milenio 3rd floor Tel.: (072) 50-6721 iperutumbes@promperu.gob.pe

Punta Sal. A place of calm, warm waters that enjoys an average temperature of 24ºC (75ºF).

Border Complex of Aguas Verdes Km. 1 292,5 Pan-American Highway North (Next to Immigration) Tel.: (072) 56-5218 iperutumbesav@promperu.gob.pe PIURA Main Square Jr. Ayacucho and Calle Libertad S/N Serpost Building - Centro Cívico Tel.: (073) 32-0249 Mon -Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperupiura@promperu.gob.pe Cap. FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico Airport (Arrivals) Flight schedule iperupiuraapto@promperu.gob.pe

Zorritos. A beach with fine, white sand, warm waters and continuous waves. Ideal for water sports such as power boating, windsurfing and fishing.

Puerto Pizarro. An old seaside resort and fisherman’s cove. From here it is possible to go on excursions out to nearby islands and to a crocodile breeding farm. Departments of Piura and Tumbes | www.peru.travel

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Chiclayo

Sacred huacas and pyramids, forests and natural

refuges, beaches and deserts, restaurants and

museums; the department of Lambayeque has plenty to offer the visitor. The surroundings of the city of Chiclayo, the departmental capital, are brimful of attractions. The museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán holds an impressive collection of artifacts related to this Moche nobleman, whose tomb can also be visited in the Huaca Rajada. The forest of Chaparrí is a natural haven for various species of fauna and flora, while the port and seaside resort of Pimentel offer gentle afternoons in the sun or days of fishing and surfing. Adventure, history, nature and pleasure blend together once more on the north coast of Peru. What to eat Chiclayo and all of Lambayeque is famous for its exquisite cuisine, which relies on ancestral secrets and will delight the most exacting of palates. Traditional dishes include rice with duck, “cabrito”, cebiche, “causa” and “espesado”; all dishes that go perfectly with “chicha de jora”, a liquor

Department of Lambayeque, Chiclayo | www.peru.travel

made from fermented maize, whose origin dates back to pre-Hispanic times. And when it comes to desserts, be sure to try “king kong”, “alfajores” and “machacado de membrillo”. There are some excellent restaurants in Chiclayo and Lambayeque. Different varieties of chilies feature in a great deal of the coastal cuisine (especially in marine and Creole dishes), so it is wise to be cautious.

Accommodation and tourism services Hostels and hotels up to 4-stars in Chiclayo and up to 3-stars in Lambayeque. Hostels in Pimentel, Ferreñafe and Túcume. Guided tours from Chiclayo to museums and archaeological sites. Both public transport (buses) and private transport are available from Chiclayo.

What to buy The handicrafts found in the department of Lambayeque are rich and varied. They include objects made from palm, straw and a variety of natural fibers as well as fine textile work such as embroidery and clothing made from straw, cotton and thread (including some that use gold and silver). The local pottery -both utilitarian and artistic- is also worthy of note, as is the gold and silverware and the embossed leatherwork. The “Feria de Exposiciones Típicas” is a well-known craft fair in the district of Monsefú.

Burial paraphernalia of the Lord of Sicán

Unique experiences Living Culture Take part in a mystic experience by attending a folk medicine session in Salas or Túcume.

Of Today Visit three of the most modern museums in Peru: the Royal Tombs of Sipán (see photo), the National Museum of Sicán and the Brüning Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. Adventure Catch some waves in the port and seaside resort of Pimentel.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Señor de la Justicia in Ferreñafe. 25th April. A major celebration lasting eight days with a procession that accompanies the sacred image and spectacular fireworks displays that light up the night sky over Ferreñafe. There is a lively craft fair and a gastronomic festival.

Niño del Milagro de Eten. 22nd June. This commemorates the apparition of the Baby Jesus in the temple of Eten during Corpus Christi on 22nd June 1649, with the apparition re-appearing one month later. To that end Eten lays claim to being the third Eucharist city of the world, after Jerusalem and Padua. The festivities include a fair that showcases local products and handicrafts.

Cruz del Chalpón. 5th August. This is the largest religious festival of Lambayeque. Thousands of pilgrims leave Motupe and walk all day to the top of Chalpón Hill, where there is a cross in a cave. They then carry the cross back to Motupe. As well as the masses, processions and novenas, there are cockfights, horseracing and circus acts.

Señor Cautivo de Monsefú. Ancient Explore the sacred huacas and pyramids such as those of Túcume (see photo), Batán Grande and Huaca Rajada.

Natural Go bird watching and make contact with the wildlife in the forests of Chaparrí or in the wildlife refuge of Laquipampa.

Wondrous Taste the delicious gastronomy of the Lambayeque region, which uses ancient ingredients such as “zapallo loche” and “chicha de jora”.

14th September. The celebrations start on 31st August and culminate on 23rd September. The central date is 14th September. There are displays of textiles in thread and straw, flower arranging competitions and dance shows with bands from local villages.

Chiclayo in figures Climate: Hot. Sun all year round. Max. temp.: 30 ºC / 86 ºF Min. temp.: 15 ºC / 59 ºF

Altitude: 46 masl (151 foot) How to arrive Via the Pan-American Highway North: From Lima (Lima): 765 km / 12 h 30 min From Trujillo (La Libertad): 206 km / 3 h From Piura (Piura): 213 km / 2 h 30 min From Tarapoto (San Martín): 702 km / 14 h From Lima (Lima): 1 h 30 min / regular flights From Trujillo (La Libertad): 30 min / regular flights Departamento de Lambayeque, Chiclayo | www.peru.travel

Chiclayo

Main attractions

MAP OF CHICLAYO

To Piura

To Amazonas To Cajamarca

To Piura

LAMBAYEQUE 1

FERREÑAFE 6

CHICLAYO

3 5

To La Libertad

The Cathedral. In this holy place, built in the Neo-Classical style, people worship the beautiful statue of “Cristo Pobre” and the image of the “Virgen de la Paz”.

KEY 1

Sicán National Museum

Túcume Archeological Complex

Huaca Chotuna Archeological Complex

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and Brüning National Archeological Museum

Pimentel Beach Resort

Chaparrí Ecological Reserve Departmental boundary Departmental capital Paved road Unpaved road Airport Port

Offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance Main Square 579 Siete de Enero Street Tel.: (074) 20-5703 Mon - Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuchiclayo@promperu.gob.pe

Modelo market. This market has a section dedicated to the sale of medicinal herbs used by the healers of the area.

Department of Lambayeque, Chiclayo | www.peru.travel

City of Lambayeque. Attractive colonial mansions with generous patios and churches with interesting architecture. It is also home to the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and the Brüning Museum of Archeology and Ethnography. Pimentel. Popular port and seaside resort in the north of Peru, recommended for surfers and walkers. There is a long tradition here of local fishing in the picturesque boats known as “caballitos de totora”. Good selection of restaurants and hostels.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. This museum displays the collection of gold, silver and copper artifacts that came from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. The main exhibits include earrings, ceremonial scepters, medallions, a heavy circular ingot of solid gold, nose rings, golden collars in the form of owl heads, as well as a golden headdress, eyes, helmet and chin etc.

Brüning National Archeological Museum. This museum contains a summary of the pre-Columbian cultures of northern Peru, as studied by the traveler Enrique Brüning. It displays objects of pottery, textiles, stonework, woodwork etc.

From

Chiclayo

Chaparrí Ecological Reserve. This is the first private conservation area in Peru. Its aim is to conserve the dry forests of the area and the rich biodiversity that they hold. Deer, spectacled bears, llamas, tigrillos (a type of wild cat) and other species live in this habitat.

National Sicán Museum (Ferreñafe). This museum displays pieces found in the archaeological excavations of Batán Grande, as well as replicas of objects, giving an overview of the different aspects of the Sicán culture (a name meaning “House of the Moon”). It also contains graves and mummies of notable personages from this preHispanic civilization.

Batán Grande. An impressive group of adobe pyramids from the culture of Sicán or Lambayeque. Here, in the 1930s, a series of golden objects was discovered, including the famous Tumi de Oro (a golden ceremonial knife) and a mask with jade eyes. The tomb of the Lord of Sicán was discovered in 1991.

Túcume. This dates back to 700 A.D. and, according to legend, was founded by Calac, a descendent of Naylamp, a mythological God who arrived from across the sea to found the kingdom of Lambayeque (750 1150 A.D.). It is also known as the Valley of the Pyramids because it is formed of 26 pyramids, whose construction is believed to have taken around 500 years.

Monsefú. A picturesque district, famous for its woven articles of straw and thread as well as its metallic embroidery featuring gold and silver threads.

Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary. This dry forest is a haven for carob trees, birds and archaeological remains from the Sicán culture. It protects the most important natural formation of carob trees in the country and the Peruvian turkey hen has been re-introduced here; a bird under threat of extinction. The archaeological findings have yielded an astonishing quantity of gold objects.

Huaca Rajada – Sipán. This is located on the edge of the former hacienda Pomalca. Here, in 1987, a tomb was discovered containing the intact and finely decorated remains of a high Moche nobleman, the Lord of Sipán.

Zaña. A city of great opulence during the Colonial era, which was sacked by pirates in 1686. Also called the “ghost city”, it is the origin of many stories and legends told by its people.

Plaza principal of the Tschudi Palace, Chan Chan

<Trujillo

A city of colonial and traditional architecture, Trujillo –the departmental capital of La Libertad– is also the place where

some of the most important archaeological sites in Peru can be found. Just a few kilometers away, the grandeur of temples such as the Huaca del Sol and the Huaca de la Luna (the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon) and the impressive archaeological group of Chan Chan -the largest mud-built city of the pre-Hispanic world- add to the beauty of this warm land, where it is also possible to enjoy excellent regional cuisine, spectacular days on the beach and important traditional fiestas like the National Marinera Dance Competition. What to eat In Trujillo, the gastronomy is provided by the generous ocean, where the best fish and seafood combine with the fruits of its valleys to create delicious dishes such as “causa de lapa” (limpet), “causa de raya” (ray), cebiches, jellies and soups made from various fish. Special mention must be made of the “pepián de choclo” and the “sopa teóloga”, which are typical of the Spanish mestiza cuisine. According to tradition, a special soup called “shambar” is eaten every Monday to provide energy for the week’s labours. For pudding

Department of La Libertad, Trujillo | www.peru.travel

there are sweet temptations in the form of “dulce de membrillo” and “dulce de humitas”. A wide range of international foods is also available.

What to buy Wood carvings, filigree silver objects or items made from straw or embossed leather, handmade following ancient traditions that are still used today. The ponchos and woolen blankets of Otuzco, Huamachuco and Pataz are also very attractive.

Accommodation and tourism services The city of Trujillo has hotels and hostels of up to 4-stars. In the seaside resorts of Huanchaco and Puerto Chicama (Malabrigo) there are hotels and hostels of up to 3-stars. Guided tours are offered from Trujillo to the archaeological monuments. It is possible to hire buses and cars for special visits. All destinations can be reached by public transport. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking as the temperature is often high during the day. Sunglasses, hat and sun lotion are also recommended. At night it is advisable to have a jacket or coat.

“Caballitos de totora” (fishing boats) in Pimentel

Unique experiences Living Culture National Marinera Dance Competition, an unrivalled opportunity to appreciate this typical dance in its full splendor.

Of Today International Festival of Spring, with activities of social help, cultural events and other shows.

Calendar

of festivals and events

National Marinera Dance Competition. January/February. An unrivaled opportunity to appreciate the Marinera (a typical dance) in all its splendor.

Carnaval de Huanchaco. February. This carnival dates back to the beginning of the century and was inspired by the Carnival of Venice.

Hawaiian Windsurfing Championships. March. This takes place on the beaches of Puerto Chicama (Malabrigo) and attracts windsurfers from all over the world.

Festival Internacional de la Primavera.

Adventure Ride the longest lefthanded wave in the world (2 km/1.2 miles) on the beach of Puerto Chicama (Malabrigo).

September/October. The International Festival of Spring offers craft fairs, art exhibitions, music concerts, fashion parades, lively social dances, a display of North American majorettes and other activities, culminating in a great parade of allegorical floats.

Concurso Nacional de Caballos Peruanos de Paso. September/October. Organized by the Association of Breeders and Owners of Peruvian Paso Horses of Trujillo, this competition takes place during the Festival of Spring.

Ancient Visit Chan Chan, the most extensive mud-brick city of the pre-Hispanic world.

Trujillo in figures Climate: Hot. Sun all year round.

Natural Watch endemic birds and hummingbirds in Huamachuco.

Possibility of light drizzle or short showers all year round. Max. temp.: 26 ยบC / 78 ยบF Min. temp.: 14 ยบC / 57 ยบF

Altitude: 34 masl (112 feet) How to arrive

Wondrous Shopping for local handicrafts in Moche and Huanchaco.

From Lima (Lima): 9 h (via the Pan-American Highway North, exit at km 560). From Chiclayo (Lambayeque): 210 km / 3 h From Piura (Piura): 410 km / 6 h From Tumbes (Tumbes): 759 km / 11 h

From Lima (Lima): 1 h 10 min / daily flights

<Trujillo

Main attractions

MAP OF TRUJILLO

To Lambayeque

To Cajamarca

5 4

TRUJILLO

3 1

El Carmen Church and Monastery. Built in 1759, this monastery and church form one of the best architectural groups in the city. The library contains works from the Quito and Flamenca schools. To Lima

Cathedral. Built in 1666, the cathedral houses valuable works of art, in particular some paintings from the Cusco school and sculptures. Saint Francis Church. This church dates from the XVIII century. Built in a Baroque style, it is noted for its main altar, the multicolored altarpieces and the spectacular pulpit carved in wood.

Calonge or Urquiaga House. A mansion with beautiful Moorish latticework, now converted into a museum. Delicate Viceregal and Republican furniture is on display in its rooms. It also has a valuable numismatic collection. Ganoza Chopitea or de los Leones House. For many specialists, this is the most representative building of the architectural style of the city, with a Baroquestyle facade and a Rococo pediment with two lions.

KEY

National University of Trujillo Museum of Archeological, Anthropology and History. This museum displays artifacts from the different pre-Hispanic cultures of the region, in particular those found in the Huaca de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon).

Museo del Juguete. In this toy museum visitors can see the way that toys have changed over time, from the pre-Hispanic era to the decade of the 1950s.

Department of La Libertad, Trujillo | www.peru.travel

Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna

Huanchaco

El Brujo Archeological Complex

Chicama

Pacasmayo Departmental boundary Departmental capital Paved road Unpaved road Airport UNESCO World Heritage Site

Offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance Main Square 420 Diego de Almagro Street Tel./fax: (044) 29-4561 Mon - Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperutrujillo@promperu.gob.pe

Casa del Mayorazgo de Facalá. The most notable feature of this house is its main patio with an ancient well surrounded by wooden pillars, but it also has beautiful latticework windows and a corner balcony in a Mudejar style.

Chan Chan

Port José Cassinelli Museum. This museum has pieces from the Moche and Chimú cultures as well as some from the Recuay culture.

Bracamonte or Lizarzaburu House. This building is representative of two eras, combining Viceregal elements of the XVIII century and Republican features of the XIX century.

Emancipation House. It was here that the Declaration of Independence of Trujillo was prepared in 1820. It was the seat of the inaugural Constituent Congress and later the house from which President Riva Agüero ran his government.

1 2

Modern Art Museum of Trujillo. This was the first museum of its kind at national level. It shows works from important contemporary Peruvian and overseas artists.

Huaca de La Luna Archeological Complex (Tourist Parador) Mon-Sun 9:00 to 14:00

Citadel of Chan Chan. The urban center of Chimú (XII to XIV centuries A.D.) is the largest mud-brick city of pre-Hispanic America and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

From

<Trujillo

El Brujo Archeological Complex. On the adobe walls of its great pyramid (the sacrificial wall), which are 30 high (98 foot), the Moche people depicted a rich iconography.

Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. Archaeological complex from the Moche culture (III VIII centuries A.D.). The Pyramid of the Sun, at 43 meters (141 foot) in height, is considered to be the largest pyramid in Peru. The Pyramid of the Moon (see photo) is noted for its dazzling and colorful walls.

Lady of Cao. A Moche noblewoman who is thought to have governed the valley of Chicama 1,700 years ago. Her grave was found in a perfect state of conservation in El Brujo.

Huaca del Dragón or Arco Iris. This adobe pyramid, known as the Pyramid of the Dragon or Rainbow, is some 1,100 years old and has walls decorated in high relief with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic images. One notable figure is a two-headed being with many legs, similar to a dragon.

Puerto Chicama or Malabrigo. Known by surfing enthusiasts for having the longest left-handed wave in the world.

Huanchaco Beach Resort. In the waters of this seaside resort it is still possible to see the “caballitos de totora”; four-meter long handmade boats that have been used by the fishermen of the north Peruvian coast since Pre-Columbian times.

Pacasmayo. A seaside resort and port with traditional architecture and excellent waves. Nearby there are various archaeological sites and some dry forests of carob trees.

Cullicocha Lagoon

<Huaraz

Huaraz is the jumping off point for traveling into the impressive White Mountain Range, which offers more than

26 snow-capped peaks over 6,000 m (19,685 feet) in height; including Huascarán, which at 6,768 meters (22,205 feet) has the honor of being the country’s highest mountain. Opposite this impressive Andean chain is its counterpart, the Black Mountain Range, which may be lower but is no less beautiful. Between the two, the valley of the Santa River forms the well-known “Callejón de Huaylas”, whose countless shades of green form a backdrop all the way along its length for the principal cities of the region: Carhuaz, Yungay, Caraz and Huaraz, the departmental capital. Lakes of glacial water, fields of flowers, snow-capped peaks and some of the most important archaeological sites of Peru are just some of its attractions. This is an area that is well worth getting to know. What to eat Huaraz has restaurants to suit every taste, including the most exotic. There is plenty of opportunity to access international cuisine. Good local restaurants serve pasta, crepes and vegetarian dishes. The main features

Department of Áncash, Huaraz | www.peru.travel

of the regional cuisine include “chancho al horno” (roast pork) and “pachamanca” (meat, potatoes, sweet corn and maize cooked underground between hot stones). However, the most popular dish is “picante de cuy”, guinea pig roasted over flames and seasoned with chilies and spices. From the bountiful Áncash coast come marine products that make it possible to serve excellent fish and seafood dishes, although these do not entirely displace the good flavor of the typical local trout (served fried or grilled).

What to buy The area is known for its production of typical local costumes and embroidery of colorful skirts; and local people still conserve the art of making candles, much used in the various processions of the region. It is also possible to find blankets made from sheep’s wool from Chavín and San Marcos (Carhuayoc), ceramics from Taricá, items of wrought iron, embossed leather, basketwork and woven blankets and

ponchos made from llama wool. The people of Chacas (in Conchucos) are famous for their beautiful wood carving.

Accommodation and tourism services Hotels and hostels of up to 3-stars in the cities of Huaraz, Carhuaz, Caraz, Chavín de Huantar, Chimbote, Casma and Huarmey. Lodgings in Yungay, Recuay, Chiquián, Chacas and Pallasca. Tourist and personal transport, auxiliary and specialist, for trekking and long journeys up to the mountains. Full equipment for mountain climbing or various excursions. Mountain guide service and conventional guides for the main trekking routes; it is also possible to hire muleteers, porters and cooks etc. for mountain trips. Take all necessary precautions for the cold and the altitude. It is advisable to eat light (low fat) meals on the first day. When going to snowy places you should wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection. The activities in the White Mountain Range are subject to the rules of the National Park.

Unique experiences

Calendar

of festivals and events

Living Culture

Carnivals.

Handicrafts in magical towns like Taricá, Chavín and Chacas.

February. In Huaraz, Caraz, Huari and Chavín. The highlights are the carnival queen parades, the procession of the Rey Momo, other parades, Mardi Gras, the procession of the cross, the contest of “yunzas” (popular songs) and Ash Wednesday.

Semana Santa Huaracina (Easter week). Of Today Gourmet lunches and dinners in some of the restaurants of the area: there is a choice of international, vegetarian and regional cuisine. Adventure Mountaineering in the highest and most beautiful mountains of Peru (Huascarán, Huandoy, Yerupajá, Alpamayo, etc.)

Ancient Visit Chavín de Huántar, Wilcahuaín and the temple of Sechín (Casma).

April or March, a movable feast. This is a time of religious ceremonies, with processions, decorated floats and visits to holy places.

Señor de Mayo. 2nd to 10th May. A fiesta to pay homage to the Lord of Solitude, with competitions, “shacsha” dancing, novenas and processions.

Mountaineering Week. End of June. Adventure sports such as cycling, rock climbing, canoeing and paragliding as well as films and concerts.

Anniversary of the Political Creation of the Province of Huaraz. 25th July. Social and cultural activities and shows celebrate the anniversary of the province.

Feast of Santiago Apóstol (Aija) / Anniversary of Huaraz and Huaylas. 25th July. A fiesta in honor of the patron saint of Aija, with the traditional “yucacanga” (gifts of cassava). The anniversaries of Huaraz and Huaylas are commemorated with civic, cultural and artistic events.

Feast of Saint Mary of Assumption of Huata. 15th August. A festival of great spiritual fervor, with religious, sporting, cultural and social activities.

Fiesta de Santa Rosa de Lima. 30th August. A religious celebration in Yungay and Chiquián.

Natural Marvel at the enormous Puyas Raimondii (12 m / 39 foot high) and contemplate the tarucas (Andean deer) and the majestic condors in the Huascarán National Park. Wondrous Relax in the thermal baths of Monterrey or Chancos.

Huaraz in figures Climate: Temperate. Heavy rains from January to March. Possibility of light rain all year round, increasing in November and December. Max. temp.: 25ºC / 76ºF Min. temp.: 4ºC / 40ºF

Altitude: 3 091 masl (10,141 feet) How to arrive Pan-American Highway North to Km 206 where you take the road to Pativilca. Pan-American Highway North. Daily departures from Lima to Huaraz, and from Trujillo. From Lima (Lima): 400 km / 8 h From Trujillo (La Libertad): 570 km / 10 h From Lima (Lima): 55 min ANTA Airport, Carhuaz

<Huaraz

Main attractions

MAP OF HUARAZ

To La Libertad

HUAYLAS

CARAZ 1

YUNGAY CARHUAZ

HUASCARÁN NATIONAL PARK

HUARAZ

RECUAY

Áncash Archeological Museum. This museum houses an important collection of stone statues from the Recuay culture as well as ceramic artifacts and textiles from the pre-Inca cultures of Chavín, Huaraz Blanco sobre Rojo, Mochica, Wari and Chimú. It has the largest lithic park in South America. 3

HUAYHUASH RESERVED ZONE To Lima

KEY 1

Mount Huascarán

Mount Alpamayo

Mount Yerupajá

Chavín de Huántar Archeological Complex

Sechín Departmental boundary

Sanctuary of the Lord of the Solitude. Built after the earthquake of 1970, this sanctuary is the home of the image of the Señor de la Soledad, patron of the city of Huaraz, whose image dates from the time of the foundation of the city in the XVI century. The main fiesta is celebrated on the 3rd May with an impressive display of “shacsha” dancing.

Departmental capital Paved road Unpaved road Airport Port Protected area UNESCO World Heritage Site

Offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance Main Square Atusparia Street, of. 1. Tel./fax: (043) 42-8812 Mon - Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuhuaraz@promperu.gob.pe

Monterrey. This is one of the most popular places with tourists and locals alike thanks to its pleasant thermal waters, which reach 49ºC (120ºF), and are distributed through a series of pools (public and private). The region offers rural restaurants and lodgings.

Department of Áncash, Huaraz | www.peru.travel

Tourist Information Office (Tourist bus parking area) San Martín Street, block 6 Mon-Sun 9:00 to 10:30

Callejón de Huaylas: Carhuaz, Yungay and Caraz. Typical towns from which visitors can appreciate the beauty of the countryside and set out on treks and excursions.

Huascarán National Park. Shaped by the White Mountain Range, this national park extends over 340 thousand hectares. It covers 434 lakes, 41 rivers and 663 glaciers –including the highest mountains in Peru such as Huascarán (6,768 m / 22,205 ft), Huandoy and Alpamayo– and contains protected zones for Andean plant species such as the Puya Raimondii and the queñual tree. It is also an ecological refuge for animal species like the Andean condor and the vicuña. It was recognized by UNESCO as a nucleus of the Biosphere Reserve in 1977, and as a Natural Heritage Site in 1985.

Llanganuco Lake. Beautiful glacial lakes can be found in a stretch of valley cradled by the high peaks of Huandoy and Huascarán; they are noted for the intense turquoise green of their waters and the dense forests of queñual that grow around them.

From

<Huaraz

Wilcahuaín and Ichic Willcahuaín. Archaeological site whose construction dates back to the X century A.D. The most impressive feature of this complex is a three-storey building built entirely from stone and mud. The roof of this edifice is made of large slabs in a style characteristic of the Wari people.

Mount Pastoruri. This mountain rises to 5,240 m (17,192 ft) and forms part of the main tourist circuit of the Callejón de Huaylas. As they travel towards this snow-capped peak visitors can see Patococha lake, many examples of the Puya Raimondii, cave paintings and the natural pool of Pumapashimi.

Huayhuash Mountain Range. Located at the southern end of the White Mountain Range, where it borders the regions of Huánuco and Lima. This is where the peak of Yerupajá (6,634 m / 21,765 ft) can be found, the second highest mountain in the country and the most difficult to access. The most important city of the area is Chiquián (3,200 m / 10,499 ft), which marks the start of trekking routes for treks lasting 8 to 15 days.

Parón. This is the largest lake in Huascarán National Park and one of the most beautiful lakes in the White Mountain Range. Its waters, which are an intense turquoise color, are surrounded in spectacular fashion by a collection of snow-capped peaks, which include Huandoy (6,395 m / 20,981 ft), Caraz (6,025 m / 19,767 ft), Chacraraju (6,112 m / 20,053 ft) and Artesonraju (6,025 m / 19,767 ft).

Chavín de Huántar Archeological Complex. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, this complex consists of temples, galleries, stone buildings and plazas. It was the most important ceremonial center of the ancient culture of Chavín. In one of its subterranean galleries visitors can see the Lanzón stela (see photo), an impressive monolith of 4.53 m (13 ft) in height, which appears to be some kind of mythical wild beast.

The monkey, Nasca Lines

Nasca and Paracas

The coastal desert of the department of Ica hides some great mysteries. On the plains of Nasca it is only from the air that visitors can appreciate the lines and geoglyphs that appear in an area of 450 km2, giving life to the famous Nasca lines. Here

the figures of a hummingbird, a monkey, a spider and reptiles etc. are famous throughout the world. Bodega and vineyard in Tacama

The wealth of the Paracas National Reserve lies in the great variety of marine fauna, such as seals, gulls and Humboldt penguins, and in the tranquil beaches that become a perfect haven for travelers wishing to relax and enjoy the sun and nature. Pisco, the neighboring city, is famous for being the place of origin of the national drink of the country that shares its name.

Department of Ica, Nasca and Paracas | www.peru.travel

What to eat

Accommodation and tourism services

The cuisine of Ica has its roots in native African cooking to produce dishes such as “carapulcra” and “sopa seca”. Along with these stews, other favorites include “picante de pallares” (a grainy and hearty soup), seasoned with chilies, milk, cheese and eggs. Desserts include the exquisite “teja”, glazed on a base of dried lemons, figs or pecans, filled with manjar blanco and coated with sugar. The modern version of this traditional sweetmeat is “chocoteja”, which is bathed in chocolate. There are restaurants in Chincha, Paracas, Ica, Palpa and Nasca.

There are comfortable hotels and hostels in the towns of Chincha, Ica, Paracas and Nasca. Guided tours; flights over the Nasca and Palpa Lines from Ica and the town of Nasca (35 minutes); complete trekking and camping service; desert trips in dune buggies. In Paracas, trips in motorboats to the Ballestas Islands (2 hours). It is recommended that flights over the Nasca Lines and the trip to the Ballestas Islands are done in the morning when the weather conditions are usually better.

Hotel in Paracas

Unique experiences Living Culture Procession of the Señor de Luren, which brings together hundreds of worshippers.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Festival del Verano Negro. Last week in February. In Chincha. The competition of AfroPeruvian dance is famous. There are also food and wine festivals and craft fairs.

Festival Internacional de la Vendimia. Of Today Enjoy a pisco sour in the bars looking out over the Huacachina Lake (Ica).

First fortnight in March. In Ica. Celebration of the grape harvest that includes tastings of wine, pisco and cachina, mostly in the bodegas that produce pisco and wine from the Ica countryside. In addition there are food festivals, allegorical parades, the election of the carnival queen and music festivals.

Adventure Go sandboarding in the dunes of Ica and in Cerro Blanco (Nasca). Dune buggies in Huacachina. Boat trips and water sports such as windsurfing in Paracas. Ancient

Religious celebration of the Señor de Luren.

Fly over the Nasca Lines and visit the temple of Cahuachi.

Semana Santa (Easter week) and the first Thursday and third Monday of October. In Ica. A procession of the patron saint of the city with a grand turnout of worshippers, which also offers fairs, games and other activities.

Natural Watch the wildlife in the Paracas National Reserve and on the Ballestas Islands.

Nasca and Paracas in figures Climate: Hot. Sun all year round. Possibility of light drizzle or short showers all year round. Max. temp.: 32 ºC / 89 ºF Min. temp.: 9 ºC / 49 ºF

Altitude: Ica 406 masl ( 1 332 feet) Wondrous Go to the numerous bodegas that surround the town of Ica and try the unrivalled pisco and high quality wines.

Nasca 588 masl (1 929 feet) Paracas 2 masl, average (6,5 feet)

How to arrive ? From Lima, on the Pan-American Highway South: Paracas: 250 km / 3 h 15 min Ica: 303 km / 4 h Nasca: 444 km / 7 h 35

MAP OF ICA

To Lima

To Ayacucho

Paracas National Reserve. A rich coastal ecosystem covering 335 hectares and consisting of deserts, beaches, islands, cliffs and the sea, which offers protection in the natural habitat to a wide range of species such as pelicans, flamingoes, penguins, dolphins, seals and an infinite variety of fish and crustaceans.

<Paracas

PISCO 3

ICA

PALPA ICA To Apurímac To Cusco

Main attractions

NASCA

To Arequipa

KEY 1

Nasca Lines

Geoglyphs of Llipata (Palpa)

Huacachina Desert

Paracas National Reserve Departmental boundary

Ballestas Islands. Located outside the area of the reserve, one hour away by boat to the north-west. Beautiful scenery that is home to a wide variety of birds and seals, which can be observed with ease from a motorboat. This trip is one of the most popular excursions from Paracas.

Departmental capital Paved road Unpaved road Port Protected area UNESCO World Heritage Site

Offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance María Reiche Newman Airdrome Vista Alegre, Nasca.

Tambo Colorado Archeological Remains. An Inca urban center that has been very well preserved. It may have been built during the era of the Inca Pachacútec to provide lodgings for soldiers and high authorities.

Department of Ica, Nasca and Paracas | www.peru.travel

<Ica

Main attractions

Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins Regional Museum. This museum displays one of the most important collections of the pre-Inca cultures that developed in the region, including the Nasca and Paracas cultures. Ceramics, textiles, funeral bundles and trepanned skulls can be seen in its exhibition rooms.

<Palpa Wine-making bodegas. Ica is the land of the sun and of great vineyards. The town is surrounded by the best bodegas of the country, where the most famous brands of wine and pisco, Peru’s flagship drink, originated.

Huacachina Oasis. An old resort town that surrounds an oasis five km (3.1 miles) from the city of Ica, now converted into an important recreational center with comfortable hotels. From here it is also possible to go on one of the tours designed for Peruvian and overseas visitors, which combine trips in dune buggies with the experience of sandboarding (sliding down sand dunes on boards).

Nasca

Cantayoc Aqueducts. Located 4 km (2.5 miles) from the city of Nasca, this irrigation system based on subterranean aqueducts is unique in Peru and possibly in the world. It was built by the Nasca culture using ropes and logs of huarango wood. Despite the frequent earthquakes that have struck the area over the centuries, there are currently more than 30 channels in the Nasca region that are still used by the farmers in the valley.

San Fernando Bay and National Reserve. These two sites comprise two very different sectors: coastal forests formed at the mouth of the Rivers Ica and Grande, and sandy beaches where seasonal wetlands form near Punta Caballas. A rich diversity of marine and coastal wildlife is concentrated here, including seals, otters, penguins and cetaceans. The region is also home to typical mountain animals such as guanacos and condors, which travel down to the coast along a fragile biological corridor.

Llipata Geoglyphs. These enormous designs or geometric figures represent the deities of the Nasca culture. They can be seen from a vantage point in the district of Llipata (Km 407 of the Pan-American Highway South).

Main attractions

Nasca and Palpa Lines. An enormous network of lines and paintings of animals and plants attributed to the Nasca culture, which cover an area of 450 km² (174 miles²). Some of the best figures are the hummingbird, dog and monkey. The figures of the hand and the tree can be seen from a vantage point 12 m (39 ft) in height, but to appreciate the full scale of the images it is necessary to fly over them in a light aircraft. Visitors are always impressed by the vast scale of many of the designs and the depth of the lines themselves, which varies between 15 and 30 cm. Dr. María Reiche, the foremost expert, believes that they were used by the Peruvian astronomers of old as a giant solar and lunar calendar. The lines date from the VI century A.D.

Antonini Didactic Museum. On display in this museum is a collection of archaeological pieces from the different stages of the Nasca culture: trophy heads, musical instruments such as antaras; textiles, funeral bundles and part of the aqueduct of Bisambra, which is an example of the enormous hydraulic skill of the Nasca people. These remains are the result of excavations carried out at the Cahuachi ceremonial center.

María Reiche House Museum. It was here that Dr. María Reiche lived and carried out her main investigations, and where her remains were laid to rest. It contains information about her studies, maps, plans, photographs and a teaching model of the lines. It is located at Km 421 of the Pan-American Highway South, Nasca.

Cahuachi Ceremonial Center. Located in the lower part of the Nasca valley, about 28km (17 miles) from the city center. This mud-brick ceremonial center, the largest in the world, was inhabited by a high religious caste which, according to some archaeologists, was responsible for building the Nasca Lines. The sacred site consists of a group of truncated, mudbrick pyramids built by the Nasca people. In its heyday, the site was visited by thousands of pilgrims who came from all the neighboring valleys.

Stone Forest of Cumbemayo

Cajamarca

A land of valleys and green fields, Cajamarca stands out for having been the place where two worlds met -the Inca and the Spanish- in

a historical episode that has left its mark in legends, monuments and archaeological sites. It is here that the Inca Atahualpa was taken prisoner by the forces of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. He offered to secure his release by filling a room two times over with silver and once with gold. The main attractions include the Inca Bath, a spa complex with private and public pools. In the surrounding area tourist can visit the Porcón Farm, a cooperative that lives in harmony with nature.

What to eat

What to buy

The Cajamarca farms have the best cattle in the country and the most delicious cheeses, which form the basis for superb dishes such as “humita de queso” and the aromatic “sopa o chupa verde”. The city’s restaurants offer a good range of meat and barbecue dishes and, to a lesser extent, international cuisine and fish and seafood (except trout, which is freely available).

The craftsmen of Cajamarca work in a variety of techniques, such as traditional weaving on looms (Porcón and San Miguel), in order to make blankets, ponchos, rugs, belts and bags; other notable craft products include the hats made in Celendín and Bambamarca; woven cotton in Chota; stone carving in Huambocancha and pottery in Mollepata, Shundal and Cruz Blanca.

Accommodation and tourism services

Rural community tourism in Granja Porcón

Department of Cajamarca | www.peru.travel

Hotels of up to 4-stars in Cajamarca and basic accommodation in other towns. Tourist and ecological lodgings in the farming community of Porcón Farm. Overland transport, guided tours and complete services for visiting the local attractions and nearby places. The altitude is not particularly dramatic but it is still important to acclimatize. Visitors are advised to avoid strenuous exercise during the first few hours and should eat light, easily digestible foods and drink mate de coca to avoid altitude sickness.

Unique experiences Living Culture Rural community tourism in the communities of Sulluscocha, Chagmapampa and Porcón Farm, where the local farmers offer lodgings in special airconditioned houses. Of Today The Carnival in the city, with its unusual and colorful performers.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Carnival. February. An impressive demonstration of color, dance, costumes and masks, with original performers who stage genuine battles fought with water and talc.

Fiesta de las Cruces de Porcón. March or April (a movable feast). Each year, on Palm Sunday, a solemn religious festival is celebrated in Porcón Bajo complete with a procession carrying the image of the Señor de Ramos, accompanied by a great many mirrored crosses. Celebrations also happen in Contumazá, Cajabamba and Hualgayoc.

Virgen del Carmen.

Adventure Trekking and hiking along the ancient Inca trails.

From 16th to 29th July. Patronas Feast of Celendín. This celebration dedicated to the patron saint of Celendín has two main days: the 16th of July, celebrated throughout the town, and the 29th, where visitors can enjoy lavish fireworks, the production of beautiful carpets and the procession of the holy image. After this date the traditional bullfight takes place over five days.

Touristic Week.

Ancient Visit the Windows of Otuzco, a necropolis carved in stone, the surprising channels of Cumbemayo and the Cuarto del Rescate (Rescue Room). Natural Observe birds in the canyon of Sangal where it is possible to see goldfinches, thrushes, sparrows, eagles and, most thrilling of all, the grey-bellied comet (Taphro-lesbia griseiventris), which is in danger of extinction. Wondrous Health and relaxation in the thermal waters of the Inca Baths.

Second week of October. This week sees craft and food fairs as well as dance competitions and the coronation of the Tourism Queen of the region.

Cajamarca in figures Climate: Temperate. Rainy season in March and April. Light rain from November to February. Dry season from June to August. Average: 14 ºC / 57 ºF Max. temp.: 21 ºC / 70 ºF Min. temp.: 6 ºC / 43 ºF

Altitude: 2 720 masl (8924 feet) How to arrive From Lima (Lima): 859 km / 13 h From Trujillo (La Libertad): 294 km / 6 h From Chiclayo (Lambayeque): 258 km / 5 h From Lima (Lima): 1 h 20 min / Direct flights 39

Cajamarca

Main attractions

MAP OF CAJAMARCA

To Lambayeque To San Martín

Cathedral or Santa Catalina Main Church. This is one of the most outstanding examples of Peruvian Baroque. Its facade is a harmonious combination of columns, cornices and finely carved niches.

San Francisco Church. This church was originally called “San Antonio”. In addition to the church it is possible to visit the convent, the Museum of Religious Art and the Sanctuary of the Virgin Dolorosa, patron saint of the city.

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CAJAMARCA To La Libertad

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KEY

Bethlehem Complex. The architectural group of the Bethlehem Monument dates back to the XVIII century and comprises the church, the former Hospital de Varones (Museum of Medicine) and the former Hospital de Mujeres (Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography). The main feature of the Baroque-style church is its doorway, which is meticulously carved in stone.

La Recoleta Complex. Church and convent built in the second half of the XVII century. The facade of this place of worship is in the form of an altarpiece in the platoresque neo-Classical style with elegant steeples in place of towers.

Windows of Otuzco

Porcón Farm

Celendín

Cumbemayo Archeological Complex Departmental boundary Departmental capital Paved road Unpaved road Airport

Santa Apolonia Natural Lookout. Located in the old part of the city, this vantage point is a great place to appreciate the beauty of the valley of Cajamarca. On the outskirts of the city it is possible to come across remains of pre-Hispanic buildings such as the so-called “Silla del Inca”, a stone block carefully carved to give it its present shape.

Department of Cajamarca | www.peru.travel

Cuarto del Rescate (Rescue Room). This is the only remains of Inca architecture in the city. It was built in stone, with the walls at a slight incline to give it its trapezoidal shape so characteristic of Inca structures.

Windows of Otuzco. A necropolis whose square and rectangular niches were carved on a surface of volcanic rock. Some evidence suggests that it is connected to the Caxamarca culture, which was influential in the region between the years 300-800 A.D.

Tres Molinos Fund. Close to the Windows of Otuzco. This is a breeding center for cattle and Peruvian Paso horses. It is noted for its production of milk, cheese and other dairy products. It also has a hydrangea garden full of these beautiful, large flowers.

Cajamarca From

Inca Baths. Thermal waters at temperatures exceeding 72ºC (158ºF), with minerals that have therapeutic properties for the treatment of diseases of the bones and the nervous system.

Casa Hacienda La Collpa. This property dates from 1900 and shows evidence of the prosperous farming activity that continued up to the 1960s. Visitors can see how each cow is called to milking by name.

Porcón Farm. This place combines agro-tourism, nature and cultural exchanges. It is also a good place for walking in the lush pine forests populated by deer and vicuñas.

Kuntur Wasi Ceremonial Center. This offers some of the most interesting evidence of the pre-Inca cultures in the north of Peru. It is made up of enormous terraces edged with blocks of stone that create a staircase leading from one level to the next.

Cumbemayo Archeological Complex. Surrounded by a stone forest that exhibits the silhouettes of pious monks. Some of the main features of the complex are an aqueduct (1000 B.C.), which is an unusual work of hydraulic engineering; the so-called Sanctuary, an outcrop that has the appearance of a giant human head, and Las Cuevas, whose caverns contain engravings and petroglyphs.

Celendín. This town is predominantly involved in agriculture and is famous for its craftsmen, who are expert in the manufacture of straw hats.

Cutervo National Park. This town is predominantly involved in agriculture and is famous for its craftsmen, who are expert in the manufacture of straw hats.

Ayacucho ceramics

Ayacucho

The “Handicrafts Capital of Peru” is an Andean

city of faith and devotion, famous for having more

than 33 colonial churches in the city alone. It is also known for its impressive Easter week procession and its colorful and varied range of popular art.

Named Ayacucho by Simón Bolívar, it is also known by its original name of Huamanga, as some of its most outstanding handicrafts are fashioned in the white stone of the same name, also known as alabaster, which is abundant in the area. Near the colonial city is the Pampa de Ayacucho Historic Sanctuary, site of the battle that finally achieved independence for Peru and other South American countries that were under Spanish dominion, while a few minutes away the town of Quinua radiates peace and tranquility with its welcoming scenes of white houses and narrow streets. What to eat Although there is plenty of choice of both international and Creole cuisine, the majority of restaurants in Ayacucho serve local dishes. The regional cuisine relies heavily on pork, vegetables and Andean grains. Its most famous dish is “puca picante”, a stew based 42

Department of Ayacucho | www.peru.travel

on “chicharrón” (pork cooked in its own fat), with a sauce made from peanuts, beetroot, chilies and achiote. Main courses may include “qapchi”, a salad containing potatoes, fresh cheese, chopped onion and yellow chilies, and “patache”, a wheat-based soup with added bacon. Jam made from “sauco”, a fruit typical of the region, is an essential part of breakfast.

regional, national and international food. Transport and guided tours are available through travel agencies. It is advisable to have light meals, drink infusions of mate de coca and steer clear of alcohol, especially on the first day.

What to buy The craftsmen of Ayacucho are well-known for their famous altarpieces, which depict local and religious scenes. The textile industry employs ancient techniques such as the use of natural dyes in its colorful woven carpets and blankets with floral motifs. Other notable items are its huamanga stoneware (transparent alabaster) and its filigree silverwork. Haggling over the price is a typical feature of the shopping experience.

Accommodation and tourism services The city has hotels and hostels of up to 3-stars. There is a variety of restaurants offering

Vilcashuamán

Unique experiences Living Culture Visit the craft district of Santa Ana.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Carnival of Ayacucho. February or March, a movable feast. The carnival is celebrated in various provinces of the department. Colorful performers take to the streets over three days with regional music, costumes and typical dishes.

Easter week. Of Today Processions on floral carpets during Easter week.

March or April (a movable feast). This is celebrated from Palm Sunday through to the Resurrection. Processions recreate the Passion of Christ and pass through streets carpeted with flowers.

Chaccu (vicuña shearing ceremony). 24th June. In the Bárbara D’Achille National Reserve at Pampa Galeras, in the province of Lucanas, the wild vicuñas are rounded up and shorn using techniques inherited from the Incas.

Fiesta del Agua or Yaku Raymi. Adventure Horse riding in the Pampa de Ayacucho Historic Sanctuary.

August. In the district of Andamarca, province of Lucanas, the water channels are cleaned using the rite of Pagapu (offering thanks to Mother Earth and the Andean gods). The Scissor Dance is a sight to behold.

Battle of Ayacucho Tribute.

Ancient Visit Vilcashuamán (see photo) and the Wari Archaeological Complex.

December. The re-enactment of the Battle of Ayacucho, in which the liberating army defeated the Spanish forces on 9th December 1824, cementing the independence of Peru and the end of the Viceregal era, is accompanied by typical dishes and a popular fiesta featuring local musicians. There are also sporting activities with athletes from all over the country as well as Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela, etc.

Ayacucho in figures Climate: The rainy season runs from November to April. Natural Explore the puya forest of Vischongo.

Max. temp.: 24 ºC / 75 ºF Min. temp.: 9 ºC / 49ºF

Altitude: 2 761 masl (9 feet) How to arrive From Lima (Lima): 556 km / 8 h Via the Ruta de Los Libertadores

Fascinating Three days of celebrations during the Carnival of Ayacucho.

From Lima (Lima): 556 km / 9 h From Ica (Ica): 389 km / 5 h Via the Ruta de Los Libertadores From Cusco (Cusco): 601 km / 22 h From Huancayo (Junín): 317 km / 9 h Colcabamba / 257 km / 9 h Via Ancco From Huancavelica (Huancavelica): 245 km / 5 h Via Rumichaca From Lima (Lima): 1 h Regular flights 43

Ayacucho

Main attractions

MAP OF AYACUCHO

AYACUCHO

To Ica To Lima

To Apurímac

To Apurímac To Cusco

To Nasca

Colonial temples. More than 33 churches, each one decorated with artistic altars: The cathedral (1612); Saint Christophers Church (1540), the oldest place of worship; Saint Francis of Assisi Chruch (1552); Saint Clair of Assisi Church and Monastery (1568); Saint Teresa Church (see photo), (1703); Saint Dominic (1548) and Moray Church (1540).

KEY 1

Wari Archeological Complex

Pampa de Ayacucho Historic Sanctuary

Quinua Departmental boundary Departmental capital Paved road Unpaved road Airport

Offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance

Main Square 45 Portal Municipal (City Hall of Huamanga) Tel./fax: (066) 31-8305 Mon - Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuayacucho@promperu.gob.pe Cnel. FAP Alfredo Mendívil Airport (Arrivals) iperuayacuchoapto@promperu.gob.pe

Colonial houses. These mansions had large entrance halls, elaborate stone doorways and walls with zoomorphic images, mostly of pumas and snakes. Some of the most impressive houses are Casona Vivanco (see photo), (XVII century); Casona Ruiz de Ochoa (XVIII century); Casona Boza y Solís (XVII century); Casona de Castilla y Zamora (1677), seat of the National University of San Cristóbal de Huamanga.

Department of Ayacucho | www.peru.travel

Artisanal District of Santa Ana. This craft district is traditionally lived in by families of artisans in different trades who express their creativity through alabaster carvings, woven fabrics, altarpieces, handicrafts, tin ware, ceramics, furs and saddlery etc.

Wari Archeological Complex. This complex marks one of the largest urban centers of ancient Peru and belonged to the Wari culture, which flourished between the VI and XI centuries A.D.

Ayacucho From

Pampa de Ayacucho Historic Sanctuary. This historic sanctuary was the site of the Battle of Ayacucho (1824), where a commemorative obelisk has now been placed. It is possible to go horse riding in this area.

VilcashuamĂĄn. A pretty administrative center of the Inca culture, as can be seen in the base of the church of San Juan Bautista. It has one temple dedicated to the sun and another to the moon, as well as an impressive ceremonial terrace (Ushno).

Village of Quinua. This town preserves the spirit of the typical Andean settlements and its inhabitants are mostly dedicated to the art of pottery. This is where the Capitulation of Ayacucho was signed, finally putting an end to Spanish rule.

Pampa Galeras National Reserve. This extensive plateau with its gentle undulations is surrounded by valleys and ravines. As well as being the best natural refuge for vicuĂąas, one of the most beautiful animals of the Andes, it is also the habitat of other typical animals of the region such as the Andean fox, taruca, vixcacha and a considerable variety of birds. Access from the city of Nasca (Ica).

Santa Catalina Monastery

Arequipa

Known as the “White City” for the color of its sillar,

the volcanic stone used in the construction of its

colonial houses, churches and convents, which form part of its extraordinary architectural legacy, Arequipa is also a land of exceptional natural beauty, located between valleys, canyons and volcanoes.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of the region is guarded by the impressive presence of the Misti Volcano. The mountain range has left its mark on Arequipa: it meets the ocean at Atico, a coastal zone of superb beaches, and also offers the contrasting landscape of the Colca Canyon, which is 4,160 m (13,648 ft) deep at its lowest point and from whose vantage point visitors can watch the flight of the majestic condor.

Misti Volcano

What to eat

Tourist in the Colca Canyon

Department of Arequipa | www.peru.travel

The culinary tradition of Arequipa can be enjoyed in the so-called “picanterías” (traditional restaurants that cook on wooden fires). A good meal starts with “rocoto relleno” (baked peppers stuffed with minced meat, spices, cheese, eggs and milk). The most popular second courses are “caldo blanco” (made from lamb, potatoes, chick peas, chuño and spices) and “puchero” (boiled beef, pork and chicken with vegetables and spices). Main courses include “adobo” (a stew made from pork loin, chilies, onions and “chicha de jora”, served with bread), “picantes” (made from pork or beef, lamb or duck), “chupe de camarones” (prawns sautéed with chilies then cooked with broad beans, cheese, milk, rice, sweet corn and potato) and “malaya frita” (beef skirt cooked until golden). The favorite desserts are “queso helado” (an ice cream made from milk, cinnamon, coconut and spices), chocolates and toffees. Drinks include a good local beer, regional carbonated drinks or “chicha de jora”. Meals often finish with “té piteado” (tea with aniseed) or “anís Nájar” (anisette).

What to buy The culture is vibrant and exudes creativity from its watercolorists, modern artists and writers, let alone the artisans working in stone, textiles and embroidery, such as the ones in Colca, and embossed leatherwork. Chocolates and liqueurs are also made locally.

Accommodation and tourism services The city of Arequipa has hotels of up to 5-stars. In Colca, there are luxury hostels and hotels in the towns along the valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length. In Cotahuasi and Orcopampa in the Valley of the Volcanoes there are various types of simple accommodation. The city of Arequipa offers transport, complete meal services and other tourist services. The valley of Colca offers transport (car, bus) and full trekking and canoeing services. It is advisable to use specialist companies to visit the Valley of the Volcanoes and Cotahuasi. Arequipa also has a good reputation for the organization of conventions and congresses and has a high quality infrastructure for that purpose. Due to its strategic location, Arequipa is the starting point for various circuits through the south of Peru.

Unique experiences Living Culture Experience how the stonemasons of Arequipa continue to use ancestral techniques for carving the local sillar stone.

Of Today Visit the Viceregal Museum of Art in Arequipa.

Adventure Trekking, canoeing, mountaineering (climbing to the volcanoes of Misti and Chachani, Ampato, Coropuna and the Chila Mountain Range) and rock climbing. Ancient Explore archaeological sites and places with cave paintings such as Puerto Inca, Toro Muerto and the Caves of Sumbay (see photo).

Natural Go birdwatching in the valleys of Colca and Cotahuasi and in the Lagunas de MejĂa National Sanctuary and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Wondrous

Girl from Chivay

Spend a day in the therapeutic thermal waters of Yura in Arequipa, La Calera in Chivay and Chacapi in Yanque, in the Valley of Colca; Huancarama in Orcopampa - Castilla and Luicho in Cotahuasi.

Church of the Company of Jesus Christ. Experts consider this holy group to be perhaps the most beautiful and complete architectural achievement of the city. It is representative of the religious architecture of the XVII century. Located in one of the corners of the Main Square, it contains paintings from the Cusco school, a beautiful carved wooden pulpit and the chapel of San Ignacio, which is noted for its wonderful colors.

Plaza de Yanahuara. This peaceful square contains one of the most important churches in Arequipa, San Juan Bautista, built in 1750 and now considered a true architectural gem. It also houses the lookout, with inscriptions from Arequipan poets in its sillar-built arcades, which give a magnificent view out across the city and its three volcanoes.

Arequipa

Main attractions

La Recoleta Convent. A Franciscan convent from the XVII century. This building presents different styles that range from the Romanesque to the Neo-Gothic. It is noted for its magnificent library that contains more than twenty thousand books, some of which are four hundred years old.

Casonas. Built in architectural styles from the XVII and XVIII centuries, these grand houses can be found in the streets and squares of the historic center. Of particular note are the Casa del Moral (see photo), dating from the XVIII century, whose facade, carved in sillar, represents one of the best examples of Arequipan Baroque), the Casona Goyoneche (whose original foundations date from 1558, famous for its ornamental architecture and its colonial art) and the Casa Tristรกn del Pozo (built in 1738 on the remains of houses from the XVI century, which combines unusual characteristics of the Arequipan architectural style).

Santa Catalina Monastery. A small walled citadel with cloisters, plazas, streets, straw roofs and paved floors which was inaugurated in 1580 as a retreat for female members of religious orders. It houses valuable colonial paintings from the Cusco school, sculptures and images, cult objects and well preserved rooms, as well as items from daily life of more than four centuries ago.

Saint Lazarus neighborhood. A picturesque district of alleyways, narrow passages, small plazas and generous houses, known for being the oldest part of Arequipa where the city is said to have been founded. Dominican priests settled here in 1538.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Virgin of Chapi Feast 1st May A traditional pilgrimage to the Chapi Sanctuary, some 90 km (56 miles) outside the city of Arequipa.

Main Square and Catedral. The Main Square, famous for the harmonious symmetry and the grand architecture of its double arcades, is the starting point for any visit. On one side the cathedral, also built of sillar in a Neo-Classical style, displays valuable works of art, sculptures, jewelry and religious art along with its famous Belgian organ dating from the XIX century. Visitors can easily access the Museum and the Cathedral.

Anniversary of the city of Arequipa 15th August. Various activities such as the Feria Internacional de Arequipa (located in the Cerro Juli), craft exhibitions, the Festidanza and the Corso de la Amistad.

Arequipa in figures Climate: Temperate. Possibility of light drizzle or short showers all year round. Max. temp.: 23 ºC / 73 ºF Min. temp.: 7 ºC / 45 ºF

Altitude: Santa Teresa Museum of viceregal Art. The Monasterio de Carmelitas Descalzas de San José opened its doors as the Museum of Viceregal Art 295 years after its foundation. The religious seclusion that was maintained for almost three centuries has allowed time to stand still for every space and object. It now houses the most exquisite collections of paintings, sculptures, religious artifacts and furniture from the XVI to XIX centuries. Univeristy of San Agustín Archeological Museum.This museum has pre-Hispanic textiles, mummies and stone and metal objects. However, its most valuable property is its collection of “keros”, or ceremonial vases, known as the Yabar Collection.

2 335 masl (7 661 feet)

Due to its altitude Arequipa offers excellent conditions for gradual acclimatization before heading to Colca (3 600 m / 11 811 feet) Cusco (3 400 m / 11 155 feet) and Puno (3 800 m / 12 467 feet). Staying in Arequipa for two or three days reduces considerably the risk of suffering altitude sickness, otherwise known as soroche.

How to arrive Museo Histórico Municipal. The exhibition of this museum is dedicated to the eras of Independence and the Republic. It displays objects, documents and photographs as well as authentic uniforms worn during the war. Currently it has a display of jewelry and other artifacts from the Chiribaya culture. Museums of the University of Santa María de Arequipa. These two museums are the Archaeological Museum and the Andinos Sanctuary Museum. The first shows, in chronological and scientific order, the entire cultural development of Arequipa through history. The second exhibits the mummy Juanita from May to December as well as other Andean mummies.

Daily flights from: Lima (Lima): 1 h 30 min Cusco (Cusco): 30 min Juliaca (Puno): 20 min Tacna (Tacna) 30 min

Overland from: Lima: 1 009 km / 15 h Cusco: 491 km / 9 h Puno: 294 km / 5 h Tacna: 270 km / 6 h

It has an excellent port in Matarani for receiving cruise ships. From here it is easy to access the various attractions of the region and the Southern Peru Tourist Corridor.

Contemporary Art Museum. This museum houses a permanent collection of works of art of Peruvian painters from 1900 to the present day as well as some sculptures and photographs taken by the Vargas brothers.

Colca Valley and Canyon. An inexhaustible destination that combines natural riches, living history and adventure sports such as canoeing, mountaineering, mountain biking, hiking and horse riding. The canyon drops down to 4 160 m (13 648 feet), twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in Colorado. Along the valley there are fourteen colonial towns where it is possible to see extraordinary evidence of civil and religious architecture, stone houses with roofs of straw and ichu grass, and churches such as those of Lari, Yanque, Cabanoconde and Sibayo, which are real masterpieces of mestizo Baroque art. At the top of the canyon there are vantage points strategically located for looking out over the countryside and watching the majesty of the condor in flight.

Arequipa From

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. An impressive landscape of volcanoes, rivers, salt flats and unusual rock formations. It protects an ecosystem of the “puna seca”, or dry plateau, that has been essential in conserving the Chili River basin and the vicuña as well as other species of fauna and flora, including three species of flamingo, 358 species of plants and 141 of birds. It covers an area of 340 000 hectares and includes the volcanoes of Misti (5 825 m / 19 110 feet), Chachani (6 075 m / 19 931 feet) and Ubinas (5 676 m / 18 622 feet), the most active volcano in Peru.

Lomas de Atiquipa and Quebrada de la Waca. Close to the port of Chala. A phenomenon of vegetation on the low coastal hills that run from the north of Chile and along part of the Peruvian coast. This is a habitat rich in bird and plant species, many of them endemic. It has terraces, granaries, paths and other constructions from the Inca period such as Quebrada de la Waca, now called Puerto Inca (see photo), situated opposite the low hills of Atiquipa, which was used to store products on route to Cusco.

Las cuevas de Sumbay. Located along a small side track from the road to the Colca Canyon, these caves have around 500 examples of cave art dating back 6 000 and 8 000 years.

Valley of the Volcanoes. A magical terrain that goes from 3 800 m (12 467 feet) to 1 700 m (5 577 feet) and contains more than thirty small but perfectly formed volcanic cones. These dwarf volcanoes, which vary in height from 30 and 60 up to 80 and even 300 meters, create a rare spectacle between outcrops of lava from enormous eruptions. The towns here are inhabited by ancient communities in a constant struggle to survive on this rough land. Among the lava there is some highly specialized flora and fauna, including sixteen species of cactus.

Cotahuasi Valley and Canyon. A notable natural spectacle in the highlands of Arequipa, which offers great biodiversity and a variety of different landscapes, such as the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped peaks of Coropuna and Solimana, the waterfalls of Sipia and its thermal waters and the canyon of Cotahuasi, which drops to a depth of 3 562 m (11 687 feet). The zone has been declared a Scenic Reserve (natural protected area) and is ideal for hiking, canoeing, climbing, paragliding or mountain biking.

Toro Muerto and Querullpa. Toro Muerto holds one of the largest repositories of cave art in the world. Five square kilometers (1.93 square miles) are covered with rocks engraved with thousands of figures in a wide range of designs (animals, geometric and dancing figures) which were worked by the people of the region between 700 and 1 500 A.D. Just a few minutes away lies Querullpa and the astonishing traces of prehistoric animals from around 150 to 200 million years ago who lived in this land when this mountainous place was a tranquil beach.

Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary. A unique wetland that survives 2 000 km (1 243 miles) from the coast. Despite its small size (690 hectares) this reserve is home to eight different habitats and is a strategic point for migrating birds (more than 200 species).

MAP OF AREQUIPA

To Lima

COTAHUASI 2

ORCOPAMPA

ANDAGUA ATIQUIPA 1 CHALA

CHUQUIBAMBA

CAYLLOMA SIBAYO

CHIVAY

3 AYO HUAMBO

APLAO 7

To Puno To Cusco 6

AREQUIPA CAMANÁ QUILCA Port MATARANI Port ISLAY

Socabaya. A historic district that contains the place known as “Las Peñas de Socabaya”, a natural system of caves that distil water and “La Mansión del Fundador” (see photo), a grand house built in Huasacache by the founder of Arequipa, Garcí Manuel de Carbajal.

In the countryside around Arequipa Sabandía. This beautiful district is noted for its countryside, where fields perch on pre-Inca terraces. Some of its houses still conserve characteristics of the Republican patron of the XIX century. It is also the location of the Sabandía Mill. Sogay. A picturesque town whose surrounding area, like that of Quequeña, has reservoir beds of petroglyphs on an area of level ground and ruins dating back 500 years. Sogay is known for its waterfalls, which are reached by walking up a small canyon. Quarries of sillar. A gorge near the airport that was created by water erosion, uncovering a small canyon of white volcanic rock deposited by the craters of Chachani several million years ago. This material is known as “sillar”. The new circuit of the stonemasons of Añashuayco offers rural community tourism and the chance to watch the stonemasons, who use ancestral techniques to carve the traditional blocks of stone used in the construction of Arequipa. It is a place for exploring both nature and culture in impressive scenic surroundings. An ongoing project is adapting a large amphitheater as well as offering adventure tourism in the form of climbing and hiking.

MOLLENDO 4

TAMBO To Moquegua

KEY 1

Puerto Inca

Departmental boundary

Cotahuasi Canyon

Departmental capital

Colca Canyon

Paved road

Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary

Unpaved road

Valley of the Volcanes

Airport

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National

Port

Reserve

UNESCO

Toro Muerto

World Heritage Site

Offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance

Main Square 110 Portal de la Municipalidad Tel.: (054) 22-3265 Mon - Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuarequipa@promperu.gob.pe Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport (Arrivals and Main Hall) Tel.: (054) 44-4564 Mon - Sun 6:20 to 22:00 iperuarequipaapto@promperu.gob.pe

Cusco

Walking through Cusco is like traveling back in time.

Dancing in the festival of Inti Raymi, Sacsayhuamรกn

The paved streets and temples built by the Incas still stand in the same place they were built more than 500 years ago, bearing loyal witness to the heyday of this culture, the most important in all of South America, and its ultimate conquest by the Spanish, who also left a valuable legacy in this city.

Unique experiences Living Culture Sunday fairs at Chinchero and Pisac. Join in with the farmers in Raqchi. Take part in the fiesta of Inti Raymi or Qoyllur Rit’i. Of Today Nighttime entertainment in some of the city’s bars, gourmet restaurants and discotheques.

Adventure Canoeing, mountain biking, paragliding etc, in the area around Cusco. Canopy tours in Santa Teresa, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Ancient

Cusco Cathedral

The Main Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by the cathedral, the church of the Company of Jesus Christ and dozens of cafés, shops, hotels and restaurants that fill it with life at all hours of the day and night. Here, as is the case throughout the historic center, the colonial buildings were constructed on top of Inca buildings, creating a unique style. Yet just a short distance away it is also possible to find temples and archaeological sites that demonstrate the skill of the Inca architects in all their grandeur, as in Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. One hour’s walk away is the valley of the Urubamba, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, whose capital, the city of Urubamba, is at 2 875 m (9 432 feet). This fertile zone in the north-west of the province of Cusco was chosen as one of the urban and agricultural centers of the empire. Here visitors can see the presence of important temples and architectural monuments such as those of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, as well as the system of terraces that can be observed on the steel hillsides and in archaeological sites such as Moray, which is presumed to have been a genetic laboratory used for agricultural experimentation. The valley gave its name to the pass of the Vilcanota River, which changes its name as it enters this region, becoming the Urubamba.

Visit the archaeological zones of Choquequirao, Sacsayhuamán, Tipón, Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Natural Go birdwatching in two extraordinary sites: on Huacarpay Lake and on Abra Málaga.

Wondrous Spend a day shopping in the craft district of San Blas.

Tourists in the town of Chinchero

What to eat Such is the impact of tourism on Cusco that there are restaurants for all tastes and budgets. On a par with the typical South Andean cuisine, the menus include stews such as “qapchi” or “lawa” and dishes based on alpaca meat (prized for its exquisite flavor and low cholesterol). A further trend worth noting is the growing popularity of Novoandean cuisines, which uses Andean ingredients such as quinoa and physalis but modern cooking techniques. There is an abundance of restaurants serving pasta dishes, vegetarian food and, in general, international cuisine. The traditional “picanterías”, for their part, offer menus that are designed to hold on to the earthy flavors of the regional foods.

Accommodation and tourism services

Cusco has accommodation in all categories, including excellent boutique hotels and 5-star establishments, with air conditioning and good restaurants. There are restaurants in every category. The area also offers equipment hire for hiking, camping and canoeing. There are various means of transport: cars, buses and trains to Puno and Machu Picchu. Guided tours and specialist trips. Weaver, Chinchero

What to buy The main craft items include woven fabrics, ceramics, silver jewelry, replicas of Cusco paintings, furs, wood carvings(decorated with gold leaf), religious imagery (Three Kings, Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus and Archangels), masks and other items. The district of San Blas is home to craft workshops such as those of the master craftsmen Edilberto Mérida, Antonio Olave, Jesús La Torre and the Mendívil family. Hotel in the Urubamba Valley

It is necessary to acclimatize to the region. Visitors are advised to avoid strenuous exercise during the first few hours and should eat light, easily digestible foods and drink mate de coca to avoid soroche or altitude sickness. During the rainy season it is advisable to wear a poncho or raincoat; during the dry season hats and sun lotion are necessary. 54

Department of Cusco | www.peru.travel

Calendar

of festivals and events

mAP oF CuSCo

easter week.

March or April (a movable feast). Holy Monday, procession and blessing of the Señor de los Temblores, patron saint of Cusco.

Corpus Christi.

May or June, a movable feast. Procession of the images of 16 patron saints.

Qoyllur rit’i. 6

To Apurímac To Ica

May / June, a movable feast. The name of this festival means “Snow Star” and mixes the ancestral cult of the “Apus” or mountains with Catholic rituals. 50 thousand people wearing the typical costumes of the different regions of the south come together and process to the Santuario de Sinakara. The pilgrims usually carry stones of different weights and deposit them on the “apacheta” (a mound of stones).

4 1 2 3

CuSCo

Inti raymi.

To Puno

To Puno To Cusco

Key 1

Sacsayhuamán

Departmental boundary

Tambomachay

Departmental capital

Písac

Paved road

Yucay

Unpaved road

Ollantaytambo

Airport

Machu Picchu

UNESCO

Choquequirao

World Heritage Site

offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance CuSCo velazco Astete Airport (Arrivals and Main Hall) Tel.: (084) 23-7364 Mon-Sun 6:00 to 17:00 iperucuscoapto@promperu.gob.pe main Square 177 Portal de Harinas BCP Traveler Point Mon-Sun 8:00 to 20:00 iperucusco@promperu.gob.pe machu Picchu Av. Pachacutec block 1 s/n, of. 4 Tel./fax: (084) 21-1104 Mon-Fri 9:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00 iperumachupicchu@promperu.gob.pe

24th June. Re-enactment of the fiesta of the Sun God, the highest Inca deity, with a great folkloric display. This begins in Qoricancha and culminates in Sacsayhuaman. It was the largest, most important and spectacular festival carried out in the time of the Empire of Tahuantinsuyo, whose religion was based on the worship of the sun.

nuestra Señora del Carmen.

16th June. Colorful dances and a procession in honor of the Virgen del Carmen in the town of Paucartambo. Important people like the Q’ollas, Chunchus and Maqtas re-enact purgatory with races and acrobatic displays. The main day starts at 5 a.m. with a dawn mass. The highlight of the main mass, at 10 a.m., is the singing of the black Qollas and Qhapac. In the afternoon the procession of the virgin is awaited by hundreds of faithful worshippers, while in the rooftops and balconies the Saq’ras (mischievous characters) add a colorful touch to the festivities.

Cusco in figures Climate:

Cold/dry. Heavy rains from December to March. Possibility of light drizzle or short showers all year round. Max. temp.: 20.9 ºC / 69.62 ºF Min. temp.: 0.1 ºC / 32.18 ºF

Altitude: 3 399 masl (11 152 feet) how to arrive daily flights:

From Lima (Lima): 1 h 15 min From Arequipa (Arequipa): 35 min From Juliaca: 55 min From Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios): 55 min From La Paz, Bolivia: 1 h / Flights every other day From Lima (Lima): 1 104 km / 21 h 30 min (Via Nasca, Abancay, Cusco) From Nasca (Ica): 671 km / 14 h From Arequipa (Arequipa): 516 km / 10 h From Juliaca: 8 h From Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios): 15 h From Puno (Puno): 389 km / 6 h Puno - Cusco: 9 h Cusco - Aguas Calientes: 3 h Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos www.peru.travel

55 03

Church of the Company of Jesus Christ. This is a majestic church of the Jesuit Order, in the heart of the Main Square of the Imperial City, next to the Cathedral. It contains a beautiful collection of paintings, delicate sculptures in wood and maguey and some more unusual corners, such as its underground chapel for prayers for the dead, the sacristy and the covered aerial corridors that reach up to the central dome.

Cusco

Main attractions

Main Square. In Inca times this was known as “Haucaypata” (“place of weeping or meeting”). It was the scene of some important historical events. In pre-Hispanic times it was a site of holy ceremonies.

Neighborhood and Chruch of San Blas. This picturesque craft district is built on the same site as the ancient Inca district of T’oqokachi. Inside its beautiful temple is a rich art collection and a fantastic carved wooden pulpit.

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Constructed on the famous temple of Qoricancha, the temple of the Inca sun god which, in accordance with Andean cosmogony, was situated in the middle of the world. The site covers the temple of the sun, the royal chambers and the holy temples of the moon, the stars, the rainbow and the circular turret that is the main external feature of the monument.

Cathedral. A monumental architectural gem of the XVI century formed of three churches with a rich collection of more than 1 200 works of art on display. Its main features are its altars, which are richly decorated in gold leaf, its extraordinary choir stalls that are carved out of solid wood and a curious picture of the Last Supper that includes a guinea pig, a native species.

Sacsayhuamán Archeological Complex. This attraction encompasses 33 archaeological sites, the best known of which are Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. On the main plaza of Sacsayhuaman the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is celebrated on 24th June. The archaeological complex of Qenko or “labyrinth” probably dates from the year 1500 A.D.; here ceremonies were carried out in worship of the sun, the moon and the stars. Pukapukara offers numerous chambers, internal plazas, aqueducts, watchtowers and paths and could well have served as an inn or a place for the Incas to rest and stay. Tambomachay, on the other hand, could have played an important religious role connected with water and the regeneration of the earth.

Museum of Pre-Colombian Art. In its 11 rooms this museum has 450 works of art, including ceramics and jewelry, created between 1250 B.C. and 1532 A.D. by various pre-Columbian cultures. Archbishop’s House and the Twelve-angle Stone. Viceregal construction of Arab influence built on the base of the palace of Inca Roca. It is currently the home of the Museo de Arte Religioso (Museum of Religious Art). In Calle Hatunrumiyoc, adjacent to the palace, there is an ancient Inca wall that is a remarkable example of the skills of polishing and placing each stone. The highlight of this structure is the so-called “Twelve-angle Stone” (see photo), famous for the perfect fit of its corners.

Church and Convent of La Merced. This church, the principle seat of the Mercedarian Order, is a complete example of majestic viceregal architecture. Inside visitors can appreciate its collection of Cusco paintings, which have been impeccably restored. However, the highlight of any visit here is the marvelous monstrance, or religious vessel. Made of gold, it is covered with a multitude of diamonds, rubies, pearls and many other precious stones. It is said to be a replica of the monstrance of Toledo in Spain.

Machu Picchu Museum. Located in the Casa Concha of the University of San Antonio Abad, this museum displays more than 360 items from Machu Picchu that were found at Yale University. The collection includes ceramic pots, metal objects and skeletons.

Village of Maras. The church and houses of this town preserve the coats of arms of indigenous noblemen on their doorways. From here it is possible to visit the salt mines of Maras, which date back to the Inca culture. The view of approximately three thousand pools is truly spectacular. The local people demonstrate the ancient techniques and let visitors help in the harvesting process.

Village of Písac. This town is known for its craft market and for having some interesting archaeological remains from Inca times: an irrigation system, an astronomic observatory, a solar clock or “Intihuatana” and terraces.

Moray Archeological Complex. An impressive circular system of terraces. It is believed that this place was an important center for agricultural experimentation that, due to the use of concentric terraces and the different temperatures on each level, would have reproduced all the ecological soils in the surrounding area of Tahuantinsuyo.

In the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Village of Chinchero. The main highlight of this town is the church, which was built in the colonial era and where visitors can see some beautiful paintings of the Cusco school. On Sundays it holds a fair in which traders and farmers exchange their products using a bartering system. The area also contains important archaeological remains and terraces.

City of Urubamba. Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, in pre-Hispanic times it was an extremely important agricultural center. Today its economy is based around agriculture and tourism services.

Village of Yucay. From ancient times this has been seen as a very important center for hydraulic technology and agricultural production. Here, too, it is possible to see the palace of the Inca Manco Sayri Túpac. According to legend, it was the personal property of the Inca Huayna Cápac.

Ollantaytambo. This place is known as the “town of the living Inca” as its people have held on to the habits and customs of old. The archaeological group of Ollantaytambo includes a temple, some terraces and an urban sector. It was a notable administrative center which would also have had military functions, as shown by its walls and turrets. From Ollantaytambo it is possible to visit the village of Willoc, whose Quechua-speaking inhabitants are noted for their red clothing, which identifies them as members of a unique community that is different from the rest of the region.

City of Calca. Located in the folds of the snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray and Sawasiray. Here visitors can see the archaeological complex of Huchu’y Qosqo or Cusco Chico, the therapeutic thermal waters of Machacancha (warm, sulfurous waters) and Minasmoqo (cold, sparkling waters).

<excursions from Cusco

machu Picchu historic Sanctuary. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.

raqchi Archeological Complex. This archaeological complex dates from the XV century and is considered one of the boldest of all Inca constructions. The main highlight of the group is the Templo de Wiracocha, built of mud bricks supported on foundations of volcanic stone. A few minutes away, in the town of the same name, the inhabitants offer interesting rural community tourism deals. Pikillacta. This pre-Inca city is thought to have been at its height between the years 800 and 1100 A.D., in the period corresponding to the regional development of the Wari. The grand urban and ceremonial center is almost 2 km (1.2 miles) long and is made up of a citadel surrounded by steep embankments and walls rising up some 7 m (23 feet) in height. There are many deposits, “qolqas” or granaries which, in almost all the constructions, are made of small stones joined with mud. village of oropesa. Traditionally this town is known as the “Land of Bread”. The houses still have many ovens which are used to produce the delicious rural breads known as “chutas”. huaro. In the square of this small district there is a colonial temple that may have been built between the XVII and XVIII centuries. It has some fabulous murals attributed to Tadeo Escalante (1803), one of the last painters of the Cusco School, and an altar carved in wood and covered with sheets of embossed silver and gold leaf. Tipón Archeological Complex. According to legend, this is one of the royal gardens that Wiracocha ordered to be built. It is possible to see the advanced Inca technology in its terraces and irrigation channels.

Andahuaylillas. This is known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” due to the magnificent decoration of the wall paintings, which evoke wonder and admiration in visitors.

Choquequirao Archeological Complex. This site is considered to be one of the lost citadels of the Valley of Vilcabamba, where the Incas took refuge after 1536. The complex keeps revealing new architectural stone groups. It has hundreds of terraces, rooms and irrigation channels. It can be reached from the town of Cachora (Apurímac) in a two-day hike.

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail

Hidden high up on the mountain of the same name -which translates from the Quechua as â&#x20AC;&#x153;old mountainâ&#x20AC;?- the impressive Inca city of Machu Picchu, at 2 400 m (7 874 feet), blends into its surroundings.

Machu Picchu

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and chosen as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, the beauty of this site is almost indescribable. The architecture of its temples and sacred chambers, which is both monumental and supremely sophisticated, leaves every visitor marveling at how a city of this scale could have been built in such a remote location. Today it is possible to access the city by train or bus or by walking along part of the trail developed by the Incas to unite the empire. Following the Inca Trail can take between 4 and 8 days, depending on the level of interest and fitness of the traveler.

Department of Cusco, Machu Picchu | www.peru.travel

ACCommodATIon And TourISm ServICeS At the entrance to the city there are toilet facilities, a telephone, a fast food restaurant and a luxury hotel. The district of Machu Picchu (known as the town of Aguas Calientes) has 3 and 4-star hotels plus basic hostels as well as restaurants and an assortment of craft stalls. Along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu there are areas specifically marked out for overnight stays by the managing authority of Machu Picchu (UGM). Wiñaywayna has a tourist lodge with a basic hospitality service for 39 people and a restaurant that can cater for around 100 guests. The accredited agencies that operate on this route are in charge of providing basic supplies for each visitor, such as food, tents and sleeping bags. It is important to respect the natural conservation regulations of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Reservations for walking the Inca Trail must be made in advance; in high season the advice is to book at least 3 months in advance. Information about availability and authorized tour operators can be found on the website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

Terrace of a hotel at Machu Picchu

Tourist in the citadel of Machu Picchu

The dISCovery Hiram Bingham, a historian and professor from the University of Yale, was informed of the existence of some Inca structures that aroused his interest. On his return to Peru in 1911, while he was searching for Vilcabamba -known to be the last capital of the Incas- he was taken by a local peasant to the zone and arrived, in July of that year, in Machu Picchu. Although they were overrun by vegetation, it was still possible to see the splendor of the stone buildings. The explorer knew from the outset that this was an important discovery. Today it has become a true Wonder of the World. The citadel that can be seen today forms part of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, a natural protected area that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Interior of a hotel in Aguas Calientes

The InCA TrAIL To mAChu PICChu This trail formed part of the network of paths created by the Incas to unite the main administrative and religious centers all across Tahuantinsuyo. One of these paths connected Cusco with Machu Picchu. Travelers in search of adventure are now able to walk along some sections of these legendary paths. From one of them, known as the Inca Trail, it is possible to observe archaeological sites and varied scenery, which has made it the most famous path in all South America. The total distance covered is around 43 kilometers (28 miles), starting from a point known as Kilometer 88. Another trail starts in Mollepata, passes over the hillsides of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain and, four days later, arrives at the lost city of the Incas. Visitors who do not want the rigors of a demanding trek can cover a one-day route that takes in the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna.

machu Picchu in figures Climate: Average annual tem-

perature of 16°C. The dry season runs from May to September. The wet season runs from October to April.

Altitude: 2 400 masl (7 874 feet) how to arrive Access from Cusco to Machu Picchu railway station: 110 km / 4 h Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 4 to 8 days.

Huayna Picchu

Sacred Plaza Temple of the Three Windows

Main Temple

Industrial Zone (Los Morteros) Temple of the C贸ndor

Intihuatana

Home Workshop

Main Square Royal Palace

Main Staircase Temple of the Sun Main places to visit on a tour of the citadel of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Covering 32 592 hectares, this protected area contains 34 archaeological groups connected to each other via the Inca Trail, including the city of the same name. It offers a rich variety of species of flora and fauna, much of it native to the area. The steepness of the area and its environmental configuration have led to the existence of new zones of life. Its altitude varies from 2 000 to 6 000 m (6 562 to 19 685 feet), covering high Andes and plateaus as well as subtropical zones or jungle, which are home to a vast biodiversity. Its

Department of Cusco, Machu Picchu | www.peru.travel

AGRICULTURAL SECTOR (terraces)

greatest wealth is found in the humid zones between 2 000 and 3 000 m (6 562 and 9 843 feet). 500 species of orchid and various vines and bromeliads are registered here. There is also an enormous variety of fauna. 432 species of birds have been registered, including the cock-ofthe-rock (Rup铆cola peruviana) and many different hummingbirds. The larger mammals include the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatos), the puma (Puma concolor) and dwarf deer (Mazama chunnyi). There is also an important diversity of reptiles, amphibians and insects.

Wiñaywayna. This translates from the Quechua as “forever young” and is perhaps the most beautiful building on the Inca Trail; it can be reached on the third day of the trek. However, it is not necessary to spend four or five days walking the Inca Trail to get to know Wiñaywayna; it can be accessed from the town of Machu Picchu by following the railway track and then starting an ascent from Km 104. The walk takes 3 1/2 hours. Intihuatana or solar clock

Citadel of Machu Picchu. This is divided into two zones. The agricultural sector is surrounded by a succession of terraces of different designs and dimensions. It also has five rooms with storerooms known as “qolcas”, or granaries. The urban sector contains the best architectural features of a wealthy city. The city is U-shaped: to the north there is a large religious sub-sector while to the south are the residential areas, with buildings that are assumed to have been inhabited by priests, administrators and even “acllas”, or specially chosen women. This is where the Intihuatana is located, considered by many to be the solar clock of the Incas. Its name means “hitching post of the sun” and due to its location it is thought that it also served to indicate the position of the sun during the solstices. Alternatively it may have been a sacrificial altar.

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Machu Picchu

Intipunku. The name means “Gateway of the Sun” in Quechua and it forms the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. Arriving here just before dawn to look down on the Inca city emerging from the mist is a very moving sight.

Temple of the Moon. From the main square of Machu Picchu a three hour walk takes visitors to Huayna Picchu and this fascinating temple, where the religious conceptualization of the three levels of the Andean world becomes apparent: the Hanan Pacha (the world above the earth), the Kay Pacha (the world of the earth) and the Ukju Pacha (the world inside the earth), represented by the condor, the puma and the snake.

Site Museum and Botanic Garden. The museum of Manuel Chávez Ballón and the botanic gardens are located at the foot of the Inca city and display pieces of sliverware and ceramic found in the different sites of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu. The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Huayna Picchu (“young mountain” in Quechua) towers up over the Inca citadel. Climbing to its summit is an unforgettable experience. Along the way and at the summit it is possible to see holy chambers and extraordinary terraces build on the steep sides.

Mandor Waterfalls. After a two-hour walk along the course of the Vilcanota River visitors reach the start of the route up to the Valley of Mandor, where it is possible to bathe and relax in the waterfalls. On the way visitors can observe the interesting wildlife of the region, with species that include the colorful cock-ofthe-rock, parrots and green jays.

Putucusi Lookout. Rising above the town of Machu Picchu is the mountain of Putucusi, whose summit offers spectacular views of the canyon of Vilcanota and the city of Machu Picchu. The ascent is via a trail covered in dense vegetation and takes approximately three hours.

Women on the island of Taquile, Lake Titicaca

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Here Lake Titicaca, 3 827 m (12 500 feet), appears in all its splendor. A natural habitat for many species of animals it is also a refuge

for Andean people who continue to keep their ancient traditions alive, such as the inhabitants of the islands of los Uros, Amantaní and Taquile. A visit to these islands is just one of the attractions of this department in the southeast of Peru. Pre-Inca structures such as the “chullpas” or tombs of Sillustani form a stark contrast to the colonial buildings, such as the church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán in Chucuito, which was built in 1534 and is considered the oldest church on the Altiplano. It is also a land of colors: the blue sky is reflected in the silvery waters of Lake Titicaca while the sun shines on and illuminates the vivid colors of the costumes of each of the dances and festivals that are celebrated here, such as the festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria, the most important celebration in the region.

mutton, pork and alpaca. The exotic products of Lake Titicaca, such as the “pejerrey” or silverside fish (from Argentina), and trout (from North America) have been assimilated into popular dishes and are served in commercial restaurants. The city of Puno has a wealth of restaurants offering a wide range of foods, dominated by pasta, meat, soups and creams.

What to buy Textiles and other products made from alpaca, llama and sheep’s wool are characteristic of the region. Musical instruments such as the

What to eat Puno is the empire of the substantial sheep’s head stew, taken in small, steaming mouthfuls to help the body acclimatize to the challenging climate of the Altiplano. Puno’s cuisine incorporates Andean ingredients such as cheese, fresh potatoes, quinoa and 64

Department of Puno | www.peru.travel

Female craft workers, Uros

“siku” (a wind instrument) and the “charango” are also made here. Popular ceramic items include the “Toritos de Pucará” and the “Ekeko”, a figure that wears a lot of different products and, according to tradition, brings prosperity.

Accommodation and tourism services Puno offers luxury hotels as well as hotels and hostels of all categories. On the islands of Taquile and Amantaní there are rural homestay options plus there is an ecological hostel on the island of Suasi as well as a luxury hotel in the bay of Titilaka. In Anapia lodgings can be found in the homes of local people. There are also guided tours of the city, the surrounding area and the islands of the lake, via boat services to Taquile, Amantaní, Uros, Anapia and Suasi. In Puno it is important to be careful on the first day to avoid the effects of soroche, or altitude sickness, particularly if you have arrived by plane. The solution to this problem is simple: eat light meals, do not take any strenuous exercise and drink plenty of water and mate de coca.

Unique experiences Living Culture Rural community tourism on the islands of Taquile, Amantaní, Tikonata and in the towns of Llachón and Luquina, located on the peninsulas of Capachica and Chucuito. Of Today Be part of the feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria, one of the most important festivals in Peru.

Adventure Go kayaking on the highest navigable lake in the world and mountain biking at 3 000 masl(9 843 feet). Sports fishing in the lake.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Feast of the virgen de la Candelaria. First two weeks of February. This is the most important festival of the region. It is celebrated over a one-week period with a continuous folkloric display, the highlights of which include dances such as the Diablada, Morenada and Llamerada, among hundreds of others. More than 140 folkloric groups take part, involving over 40,000 dancers and 12,000 musicians.

Feast of Alacitas and las Cruces. From 3rd to 4th May. This special occasion is marked by people offering miniature handicrafts at various street fairs.

Anniversary of the founding of the city of Puno. 4th November. On this day there is a re-enactment of the legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, who emerged from the waters of Lake Tititcaca to found the Empire of the Incas. The occasion is marked by civic events and displays of typical dances.

Puno in figures Climate: Cold / Dry. Heavy rains from January to

Ancient Visit the sites of Sillustani (see photo) and Cutimbo.

March. Possibility of light rain all year round. Temp. max: 14°C / 58°F Temp. min: 3°C / 37°F

Altitude: 3 827 masl (12 556 feet) how to arrive Natural See vicuñas on the islands of Umayo and Anapia; come across native species of fish, amphibians and birds like the Junín Grebe on the lake.

From Lima (Lima): 1 302 km / 18 h Via Arequipa - Juliaca - Puno From Cusco (Cusco): 389 km / 6 h on paved roads From Arequipa (Arequipa): 294 km / 5 h on paved roads From Tacna (Tacna): 377 km / 6 h From La Paz (Bolivia): 260 km / 5 h in buses or shared minibuses

Wondrous Go shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs in the markets and stores of Puno and on the islands of los Uros. Pottery is sold in Pucará.

From Lima (Lima): 1 h 40 min (direct flights) / 2 h 40 min (flights with stops in Arequipa and Cusco) From Arequipa (Arequipa): 30 min to Juliaca From Cusco (Cusco): 50 min to Juliaca From Cusco (Cusco): 384 km / 239 miles / 10 h Departures: mon - Wed - Sat 65

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main attractions

mAP oF Puno

To Cusco

To Arequipa

PUNO

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Cathedral of Puno. Built in the XVII century. This is an example of Spanish Baroque and includes Andean elements that give this monument its mestizo character. To Tacna To Moquegua

Key 1

Lake Titicaca

Chullpas de Sillustani

Chucuito Departmental boundary Departmental capital Paved road Unpaved road

Conde de Lemos balcony. Constructed at the end of the XVII century. It is said that the Viceroy Conde de Lemos stayed in this house when he arrived in the region to quell a rebellion. It houses a cultural center and an art gallery.

Airport Port

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Tourist information and assistance

main Square Corner Jr. Deustua and Jr. Lima Tel./fax: (051) 36-5088 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperupuno@promperu.gob.pe Inca manco Cápac – Juliaca Airport (Arrivals Hall) iperupunoapto@promperu.gob.pe

yavarí Ship museum. An iron ship built in Great Britain in 1862 and transported, over six years, from the Pacific coast to the Altiplano in a total of 2,766 pieces. It still has its original engine, equipment and other items and is currently considered the oldest and largest vessel of its kind still operating in the world.

Department of Puno, Puno | www.peru.travel

Titicaca National Reserve and Lake Titicaca. A natural protected area with dozens of species of birds, fish and amphibians. The lake, shared between Peru and Bolivia, is also important in terms of Andean mythology: according to legend it was from these waters that Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo emerged, sons of the sun god and founders of the Inca Empire. On the Peruvian side there are various natural islands such as Amantaní, Taquile, Soto, Anapia and Suasi, and man-made islands such as those of los Uros. Floating Islands of the Uros. This is a group of more than sixty floating islands made of reeds, each inhabited by Uro-Aymara families who preserve their ancestral traditions such as fishing and hunting wild birds. The men are skilled at maneuvering their reed boats and the women are expert weavers. Chucuito. In colonial times this was a tax collecting center. It is noted for its plaza and the churches of Santo Domingo -which dates from 1534 and is the oldest church on the Altiplano- and La Asunción (from the XVII century). Also in this district is Inca Uyo, a possible Inca observatory.

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Sillustani Archeological Complex. Located on the shores of Lake Umayo. It is famous for its tombs; circular stone towers built in the style of mausoleums where a series of funeral rites were held.

Capachica Peninsula. Located opposite the Chucuito Peninsula and practically surrounded by Lake Titicaca. From its natural vantage point it is possible to make out the colorful landscape of the lake and some populations such as Tilali, Moho, Pusi, Juliaca, Huancane, Paucarcolla, Puno, Chucuito, Juli, Pomata and Copacabana in Bolivia.

Pomata. Also known as the “philosophical balcony of the Altiplano” for its marvelous views over Titicaca, which invite reflection and contemplation. Its highlights are the Church of Santiago Apóstol, with its doorways full of indigenous motifs and a famous carved dome.

Chullpas de Cutimbo. One of the main preHispanic funerary centers of the Altiplano, linked to the Lords of the Lupacas and Collas. It has cave paintings that are 8,000 years old and other remains from between 1100 A.D. and 1450 A.D. (Incas). It is famous for its large tombs, some of them graceful and with engravings of lizards, monkeys, cobras and felines.

Moho. Considered the “Garden of the Altiplano” because of its warm microclimate and variety of roses. Close by is the town of Conima and its noteworthy church, San Miguel Arcángel.

Amantaní Island. This island is inhabited by ten communities dedicated to the cultivation of Andean products such as potatoes, maize and oca. Its ceremonial centers (Llaquistiti and Coanos) are highly noteworthy, as is the marvelous view of the lake from its vantage points. The local people offer accommodation and the possibility of sharing their homes.

Taquile Island. The inhabitants of this island still maintain the customs and costumes of olden times. Their elaborate and fine textiles have been proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is possible to find accommodation with local families.

Llachón. A community of 1 300 inhabitants who still maintain their indigenous customs, with rural homes that are conditioned to receive visitors. It can be reached by motorboat from the port of Puno and from the islands of Taquile or Amantaní, or overland from Puno and Juliaca.

Lampa. Known as the “Pink City” because of the color of its walls. Nearby are a breeding center for chinchillas, the K’ello K’ello forest of queñuals and the cave paintings of Lenzora as well as the replica of the Pietà by Michaelangelo.

Comumunity of Cambría and Suasi Island. In this village it is possible to join the local farmers in their agricultural, fishing and textile weaving activities. From here, rowing boats leave for the island of Suasi, a private area that is protected to keep the ecosystem intact.

Town of Juli. Founded by the Dominicans in 1534, this town was then occupied by Jesuits, who converted it into a center for preparing other missionaries. Known as the “Little Rome of America”, it is noted for its Baroque-style churches with important stone sculptures, wood carvings, paintings and oils. It was one of the first towns in America to install a printing press. Here the first bilingual Aymara and Spanish works were edited in order to disseminate the Christian doctrine.

Pucará. Famous for its traditional pottery, in particular its “toritos”, or little bulls. From here it is possible to visit the archeological complex of Kalasaya, a ceremonial center of the Pucará culture, built around 200 B.C.

Wiñaymarca Archipelago - Anapia Island. Located on the lakeside border between Peru and Bolivia, Wiñaymarca (a lake that connects Titicaca with the Strait of Tiquina) contains an archipelago of islands where vicuñas can be found. It offers accommodation with views out over Titicaca and the splendid Royal Mountain Range in Boliviana.

Amazon River

<Iquitos

Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian jungle and the gateway to the Amazon River, the longest and largest river in

world. Surrounded by tropical forests and the imposing and the the river, it can only be reached by air or by river, which adds to Amazon River its undeniable charm. Orange-cheeked parrot on the Alto Nanay

Elegant buildings and grand houses built during the Rubber boom at the end of the XIX century nestle in the Amazon landscape. From here it is possible to travel on the great river to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, with its lakes and pink dolphins, or to the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve, which has magical, almost virgin swamp forests where, in the last few years, half a dozen species of bird that are new to science have been discovered. 68

What to eat Restaurants serve regional, national and international food that makes use of the resources of the area, such as the delicious “chonta” (palm) or “paiche”, a large river fish that is sometimes marinated in the juice of forest fruits. The most popular restaurants offer creative regional stews such as the famous “juanes”, a risotto made with chicken and wrapped in bijao leaves; the delicious “tacacho”, made of chopped plantain and “chicharrón de chancho”, or the dish known as “inchicapi”. A separate mention must go to the provocative traditional drinks, which include “hitochado” and “chuchuhuasi”, which are meant to have curative or aphrodisiac powers.

What to buy Many of the handicrafts come from various indigenous people in the region. Most notable are the ceramics with their geometric paintings, painted and embroidered cloth with linear designs and motifs taken from nature, the

carvings of animals from the jungle and a range of other decorative and useful objects made using local materials. Avoid buying any handicrafts and products made using animal parts from creatures under threat of extinction.

Accommodation and tourism services Iquitos offers one 5-star hotel, several comfortable 3-star hotels and tourist accommodation with full services provided. The port of Nauta has basic accommodation and lodging houses. Close to the city, the jungle shows its extraordinary biodiversity. The lodges situated along the route of the Amazon River -from Nauta to Pevas- offer comfortable services and programs that make it possible to come in close contact with nature. They also offer overland and river transport, guided tours, a full service for visiting the jungle, river cruises along the Amazon River, and visits to some of the indigenous peoples of the region.

Department of Loreto, Iquitos | www.peru.travel

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Unique experiences

Calendar

of festivals and events

Living Culture Visit the indigenous people.

Of Today Bars and restaurants that serve the best local food.

Feast of San Juan 24th June. The feast of San Juan Bautista is highly symbolic throughout Peruvian Amazonia because of its association with water as a vital element. It is a time for tasting the traditional “juanes” and other typical dishes of Amazonian cuisine.

Carnaval Amazónico February. This carnival is celebrated in the various provinces of Iquitos, with performers, masks, shows put on by the indigenous people of the region, competitions of painted bodies, dances and typical music. There are also groups performing music and traditional dances.

Adventure Travel on the Amazon River and its tributaries.

Ancient Eiffel House, designed by the famous French architect and built using sheets of iron. Main Church and grand houses that date from the era of the Rubber boom. Natural Birdwatching, with some birds that are unique in the world. Observation of the local flora, such as the circular, floating Victoria Regia water lily, which has leaves of up to 1 m diameter. Wondrous Luxury cruises along the Amazon River.

Iquitos in figures Climate: Tropical. Sun and rain all year round. The rain is less heavy between June and August. The period of heavy rain and storms runs from September to May. Temp. max: 31.7 ºC / 89.06 ºF Temp. min: 20.8 ºC / 69.44 ºF

Altitud: 104 masl (341 feet) How to arrive From Pucallpa (Ucayali): 5 days From Lima (Lima): 1 h 50 min From Tarapoto (San Martín): 50 min From Pucallpa (Ucayali): 55 min From Leticia (Colombia): 55 min

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IQU ITOS

ALLPAHUAYO MISHANA NATIONAL RESERVE

Port and village of belén. Known as the “floating district” because it is made up of houses built on reed platforms that float on top of the water in times of floods, in the traditional style of the region. It has a colorful and interesting market.

PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE

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<Iquitos

main attractions

Key 1

Boras of San Andrés

Nanay River

Santo Tomás Village

Putumayo River

Quistococha tourist

Ucayali River

complex

Yavarí River

Pilpintuwasi

Departmental

Butterfly Farm

boundary

Lake Zungaracocha

Departmental

Grau Lookout

capital

Padre Cocha

Paved road

Quistococha

River

Amazonas River

Airport

Itaya River

Port

Marañón River

Protected area

boulevard and Pier of Iquitos. From here you have an attractive panorama of the River Itaya and the floating district of Belén, and as you walk along you can see important historical monuments. It has wide sidewalks, small squares with gardens and an unusual roundabout, a monument to biodiversity and to the myths and legends of the Amazon region

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Tourist information and assistance

main Church. Built in the neo-Gothic style between 1911 and 1924, the vaulted ceiling of this church is profusely decorated with images of Christian piety. Its large altarpiece shows the image in finely carved wood of San Juan Bautista, patron saint of the city.

Department of Loreto, Iquitos | www.peru.travel

historic buildings. A series of architectural gems bear witness to the presence of the “rubber barons” at the end of the XIX century. Richly decorated small palaces with Arabic tiles (Rocha, Morey and Cohen houses), buildings in Art Nouveau style (the former Hotel Palace) and the celebrated residence designed by Gustave Eiffel, known as the Iron House, which was built with materials brought from France.

downtown 161 Napo Street Tel./fax: (065) 23-6144 Tel IP: 3015 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuiquitos@promperu.gob.pe Crl. FAP Francisco Secada v. Airport (Arrivals Hall) Tel.: (065) 26-0251 Tel. IP: 3016 Flight schedule

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<Iquitos

Indigenous people. Like the Bora, Yagua, Witoto and Matsés, the local people still maintain their ancestral customs, traditions and wisdom. They are dedicated to traditional fishing and small-scale agriculture.

Padre Cocha. Inhabited by descendents of the Kukama people, this community of craftsmen is dedicated primarily to pottery.

Quistococha Tourist Complex. Situated in 369 hectares of natural forest, this complex has an attractive zoo housing animals typical of the region, a natural lake and a man-made beach where visitors can bathe and sunbathe. Its charms also include white sands and beautiful scenery.

Amazon Rescue Center. This rescue center promotes the rescue and recuperation of river mammals such as the Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis). Visitors can interact and feed these animals under the care of experts.

Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm. This butterfly farm has more than 20 varieties of exotic butterfly in a beautiful habitat of forest and tropical flowers. It is also a rescue center for wild animals in danger of extinction. It lies close to the Nanay River.

Santo Tomás Village. This region is home to a peasant community descended from the Kukama people, whose principal economic activities are fishing and pottery.

Monkey Island. An island covering approximately 200 hectares in the middle of the Amazon River that is home to over 40 monkeys of 8 different species as well as sloths and fruit trees.

Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve. This reserve protects the largest known concentration of white sand forests or swamps in the Peruvian Amazon as well as black water floodplain forests. Across its 58,000 hectares, the reserve contains a vast and unique biological richness, including numerous species of endemic plants and animals with a restricted distribution, many of them still without a full scientific description. It is easy to access due to its proximity to Iquitos.

Fundo Pedrito. A small breeding zoo for paiche, caimans, piranhas and Taricaya turtles. In the main lake visitors can see the Victorias Amazonicas, the largest water lilies in the world. The entrance fee includes fish to offer to the animals, which is a spectacular experience.

Nauta From

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. A nature reserve that, due to its size, has been considered one of the most important reserves in Peru. Thousands of fish breed in its lakes, including the paiche, the biggest fish of the rivers in the Amazon basin. It is also home to the much prized pink dolphin, the black caiman, the giant otter, the manatee or river cow and the Taricaya turtle. To enter this reserve it is necessary to obtain permission from SERNANP.

Santa Clara (Nanay River). Between the months of July and October (low season) beaches of fine sand form on the banks of the River Nanay, ideal for enjoying a day of bathing or fishing.

Meetings of the Waters. 30 km (19 miles) from Nauta is the place where the black waters of the Marañón River and the brown waters of the Ucayali River flow together without mixing for a stretch, creating the great Amazon River.

Detail of friezes on the fortress of Kuélap

Chachapoyas

While Chachapoyas is up in the mountains the atmosphere is still

that of the jungle. The exuberant flora that grows in the department of Amazonas, which includes orchids and bromeliads, and its unique fauna, with the Andean bear and cock-of-the-rock, make it a genuine natural refuge. Just three hours from the departmental capital is the fortress of Kuélap, built around 1 300 A.D. as a defensive point for the Chachapoya culture, at 3 000 masl (9 843 feet). The sarcofagi of Karajía, set high up on a cliff, are further evidence of the historic richness of the region and the skills of the pre-Inca peoples. The city also appeals to visitors as a result of its natural charms, such as the waterfalls of Gocta, the third highest in the world.

prices. The locals are particularly fond of guinea pig cooked with peanuts and potatoes and “purtumute”, the most popular dish, which in its simplest form combines beans, boiled corn and cilantro. “Licor de leche” and “pan semita” are the trademark products of this city.

What to buy Wood carvings and textiles handmade from sheep’s wool using natural dyes. Floral arrangements featuring orchids. Excellent pottery in Huancas.

What to eat The range of food on offer in the restaurants of Chachapoyas is very diverse but the main attraction is the regional Creole cuisine, whose dishes include the “juanes de yuca” (boiled and grated cassava mixed with rice and chicken), tamales and humitas, chicken soup and “lomo saltado”. There are also some excellent beef dishes prepared in different ways, at affordable

Department of Amazonas, Chachapoyas | www.peru.travel

Accommodation and tourism services The restaurants in Chachapoyas are welcoming and offer a varied menu of regional and Creole dishes. It is possible to arrange overland transport to Kuélap, guided tours to Gocta and other destinations and full service options for visits to other towns. It is advisable to wear warm clothing and to bring a raincoat.

View of the Gocta cataracts from a hotel

Unique experiences Living Culture Popular traditions of the people of Huancas, Colcamar and Jalca Grande.

Calendar

of festivals and events

raymillacta First week in June. The Raymillacta (“Grand feast of the people”) attracts groups of musicians and dancers from all the provinces of Amazonas, other regions of Peru and overseas.

Feast of Saint mary of the Assumption Of Today

The Leymebamba Site Museum is home to more than 200 mummies with their funeral offerings, discovered on the Lake of the Condors.

From 7th to 15th August. The image of the Virgin is carried through the streets of Chachapoyas, carpeted with multicolored rugs.

Festival of the Lord of Gualamita From 10th to 15th September. Re-enactment in Lámud; the legend tells of the origin of the image of the Lord in Cusco.

Adventure Walk through the Qiocta caves or to the Gocta Cataracts.

Ancient Visit less well known archaeological sites such as the fortress of Kuélap, the sarcofagi of Karajía (see photo) and the Lake of the Condors. Natural Go birdwatching, including some native species such as the marvelous spatuletail.

Chachapoyas in figures Climate: Temperate. Heavy rains in March, April and October. Dry season from June to August. Possibility of light rain during the rest of the year. Temp. max: 21 ºC / 70 ºF Temp. min: 9 ºC / 48 ºF

Altitude: 2 334 masl (7 658 feet) how to arrive ?

Wondrous Enjoy a day of relaxation at the Fundo Santa Isabel, with one of the most beautiful views of the valley of Utcubamba.

From Lima (Lima): 1 350 km / 22 h (via Trujillo and Chiclayo, on the Pan-American Highway North to Km 865, then turn east, in the direction of the Abra de Porculla, and then a further 372 km to Chachapoyas). From Tarapoto (San Martín): 341 km / 8 h From Cajamarca (Cajamarca): 336 km / 11 h From Chiclayo (Lambayeque): 570 km / 9 h 73

Chachapoyas

Cathedral or Santa Catalina Church. This cathedral is one of the most outstanding examples of Peruvian Baroque and has a facade that combines in perfect harmony columns, cornices and finely carved niches.

main attractions

mAP oF ChAChAPoyAS

main Square. The main urban space in the city. The Hispanic influence is clear to see here, with its grand houses with straw roofs and a lovely basin from the XIX century in the center. To Moyobamba To Tarapoto To Jaén To Olmos 7 2

CHACHAPOYAS

4 1 To Cajamarca

obispado. An old colonial house that was the birthplace of Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza (1750-1825), a teacher and priest and one of the most notable precursors of the Independence of Peru. Inside this centuries-old house there are some valuable items of furniture from that era as well as some interesting colonial paintings with religious motifs.

5 6

Key 1

Kuélap

Karajía

Huancas

Colcamar

Jalca Grande

Leymebamba

Gocta Cataracts Departmental boundary Departmental capital

Fundo Santa Isabel. This offers the most beautiful view out over the valley of Utcubamba and the mountain peaks of the province of Luya. Located within the city limits of Chachapoyas, it has recreation areas and beautiful orchids.

Independence Square. A pretty and traditional plaza that commemorates the victory of Higos Urco, a battle during the era of Independence. In the center there is a monument to the patriots of Chachapoyas.

Paved road Unpaved road Airport Port

offices of iPerú

Tourist information and assistance

monsante house. This mansion is part of the Hispanic legacy of the city. Declared a Cultural Heritage Site, it was the home of an Empress dedicated to the tobacco trade. It has its own plant nursery.

Department of Amazonas, Chachapoyas | www.peru.travel

yanayacu Well. Located in the hills of Luya Urco, some attribute this well to a miracle of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo in an era of intense drought.

main Square 590 Ortiz Arrieta. Tel.: (041) 47-7292 Mon - Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 09:00 to 13:00 iperuchachapoyas@promperu.gob.pe

KarajĂa Sarcophagi. Built on the side of a precipice, these pre-Inca tombs are over 1,000 years old, measure 2 m (6.5 feet) in height and are modeled in clay and decorated with geometric motifs.

KuĂŠlap. Impressive stone fortress built by the Chachapoya culture in around 1300 A.D. It is noted for its extremely high walls that reach 20 m (66 feet) in height and for the architectural beauty of its circular houses decorated with friezes.

Chachapoyas From

Huiquilla Private Conservation Area. This private conservation area is a refuge for wildlife and contains important animal species that include the spectacled bear, the Andean fox and the agouti. Covering an area of 1,150 hectares, Huiquilla is one of the last pockets of primary forest in the region and an important place for birdwatching, as demonstrated by the fact that it has 88 registered species.

Jalca Grande. A traditional town that has a marvelous church dating back to early colonial times with designs of the ancient Chachapoyas people on its walls. It also has a small community museum which exhibits interesting historic material. Five minutes away is the archaeological complex of Ă&#x201C;llape.

Revash Archeological Complex. Interesting constructions of funeral houses on the sides of a steep rocky outcrop. This site is noted for its paintings of animals in red ochre.

Leymebamba Site Museum, Mallqui Center. A modern museum that exhibits the mummies and objects found in the Lake of the Condors as well as textiles, ceramics and weapons found in the region. A visit is highly recommended.

Gocta Cataracts. At 771 m (2,530 feet) in height, these waterfalls are considered the third highest on the planet and were only recently discovered (2006). The area provides a natural habitat for toucans, monkeys, pumas and the beautiful cock-of-the-rock.

Pomacochas Lake. Its waters come from underground streams and are a dark green color in the deepest part (80 m / 262.5 feet). Its main attraction is that in the surrounding area it is possible to see the marvelous spatuletail, a native of Peru and considered by many experts to be the most beautiful hummingbird in the world.

Huancas. An extremely traditional town whose inhabitants are expert potters who have managed to achieve a good balance between traditional and modern designs. Nearby is the Canyon of Sonche, which is noted for its impressive scenery.

Lake of the Condors. This lake is surrounded by spectacular scenery. It was here that they discovered the mummies that can now be seen in the Museum of Centro Mallqui. The original mausoleum rose up above the lake.

Qiocta Cave. This vast, deep cave hides pre-Inca burials and unusual natural formations. It is necessary to wear gumboots.

<Tarapoto

Tarapoto is a charming place thanks to the lively nature of its people and its impressive Amazonian

scenery. Easy to reach, it is located less than 2 hours away from the city of Moyobamba, the

capital of the department of San Martín, where you can find up to 2 500 varieties of orchid. Here, the lush and exuberant jungle scenery combines with lakes of calm, crystal-clear, blue water and impressive waterfalls -including some of the most beautiful of the whole country- which has led to it being known as “the land of waterfalls”. Archaeological sites such as the Gran Pajatén complex or the mestizo town of Lamas add to its natural richness in a travel experience that stimulates all the senses. What to eat The cuisine of the department of San Martín is typical of the Peruvian Amazon. Some of the best dishes include “tacacho con cecina” (a fried dough made from roast plantain mixed with butter and dried meat) and “ninajuane” (a fried dough with pieces of chicken, eggs and spices, wrapped in bijao leaves). Also available are delicious, Burgundy-style wines produced in the district of San Antonio de Cumbaza (the only town of San Martín that has vineyards) and “uvachado”, the 76

Department of San Martín, Tarapoto | www.peru.travel

flagship liqueur of San Martín, made from wild grapes macerated in aguardiente.

What to buy Excellent straw hats as well as baskets, made in the city of Rioja. Carved wood and fine pottery in Chazuta and Lamas. Lamas is also known for its fabrics.

Accommodation and tourism services Hotels and hostels of up to 3-stars and good lodgings in the surrounding area. Overland transport from the cities of Tarapoto and Moyabamba. A variety of high quality food in the restaurants of Tarapoto, Moyabamba

and Juanjui. Tour guide services to the main waterfalls and lakes of the region. As everywhere in the Amazon region it is advisable to wear light cotton clothing, long sleeves, a hat and raincoat as well as gumboots, bite protection and insect repellent (except in Moyobamba, where there are hardly any mosquitoes). Avoid contact with wildlife, especially with brightly colored amphibians that may look harmless. The laws of Peru prohibit and restrict the extraction, transport, trade and export of any wild species of flora and fauna, alive or dead.

Accommodation in Lago Lindo

Unique experiences Living Culture Dances and bands celebrate the cult of water in the Feast of San Juan.

Calendar

of festivals and events

Feast of San Juan bautista. 24th June. This is celebrated across the whole region to mark the supremacy of water as a source of life. It is a fiesta for all ages, with typical bands and dancing and many typical dishes. Cecina con tacacho

Of Today Visit Lamas Street with its restaurants, cafés and bars.

Adventure Go trekking and hiking to the waterfalls of Aguashiyacu and Tununtunumba.

Ancient Visit the petroglyphs of Polish, whose origins are still shrouded in mystery.

Tarapoto in figures Natural Watch the flora and fauna in the surrounding area of Blue Lagoon and Lago Lindo as well as in the Tingana-Avisado forest.

Climate: Tropical. Heavy rains from February to April and in October. Possibility of light rain during the rest of the year. Temp. max: 34 ºC / 92 ºF Temp. min: 19 ºC / 66 ºF

Altitude: 333 masl (1 093 feet) Wondrous

how to arrive

Enjoy sunny days on the fine sandy beaches of the Cumbaza River.

From Lima (Lima): 1 020 km / 26 h From Trujillo (La Libertad): 908 km / 15 h From Chiclayo (Lambayeque): 702 km / 14 h From Chachapoyas (Amazonas): 341 km / 8 h From Moyobamba (San Martín): 105 km / 3 h From Lima (Lima): 1 h 25 min / Daily flights 77

mAP oF TArAPoTo

To Amazonas

MOYOBAMBA

To Loreto

7 3

1 2 TARAPOTO

4 5

Cumbaza bathing resort. The Cumbaza is, along with the Shilcayo, one of the two main rivers that provide water to the city of Tarapoto. In addition to its practical use, the Cumbaza is also the preferred destination of the inhabitants of the city. Its fine sandy beaches tend to be full of families who enjoy this natural scenery all year round. To Huánuco

<Tarapoto

main attractions Key 1

Aguashiyacu Waterfalls

Cerro Escalera

Huamaíllo

Tununtunumba

Blue Lagoon (El Sauce)

Río Abiseo National Park (Gran Pajatén)

Lamas Departmental boundary Departmental capital Paved road Unpaved road Airport UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lamas Street. A paved street with a bohemian air about it, Lamas Street is quite definitively the center of the nightlife of Tarapoto. A series of restaurants, cafés and pubs come to life as soon as night starts to fall. There are good places to eat and dance, sometimes with live music.

Department of San Martín, Tarapoto | www.peru.travel

From

<Tarapoto Lago Lindo. A natural haven for wildlife, located half an hour from El Sauce. This private reserve of 1,400 hectares was catalogued in 2002 as one of 55 places in the world to demonstrate “good practice in sustainable ecotourism development”. You only have to see the forests that surround it, with monkeys leaping through the tree tops and birds creating a deafening noise, to understand the truth of this distinction.

Aguashiyacu Waterfalls. This is a magnificent waterfall 40 m (131 feet) in height, located on the edge of the road that goes from Tarapoto to Yurimaguas. The waters drop tempestuously over the Cerro Escalera, bathing ferns and orchids as they go and providing a unique natural spectacle.

Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon, also known as El Sauce Lake, is a beautiful, smooth body of water some 5 km (3.1 miles) in length. Located 1 1/2 hours from the city of Tarapoto, to get there visitors cross the Huallaga River in small, flat-bottomed boats known as “chatas”. At one end of the lake is the pleasant village of El Sauce, colonized at the beginning of the XX century by Lamista indians. The people depend for their food on tilapia, a fish that is found in this natural pool and which is used to make an exquisite ceviche.

Páucar Yacu Hot Springs. Formed by four pools of medicinal waters, one cold and the others at temperatures of between 37 and 40 ºC (99 and 104ºF). There is an undeniable attraction in being out in the open air, in full contact with nature: paucares and strident parrots fly over the bathers. There are three bungalows available for use by visitors.

Town of Lamas. Clear proof of the interrelation and fusion that arose between the Andean and Amazonian worlds. The Italian scholar Antonio Raimondi called it “the city of three storeys” because its location -on the top of a hill- defined its terraced layout. Despite being located in the jungle, the town has the structure of mountain houses, probably reflecting the origin of its inhabitants. The people of the “El Wayco” district, in the lowest part of the town, speak Quechua as their mother tongue and have developed traditions with a significant Andean influence. Lamas is one of the few populations in the Peruvian Amazon that is not sited on the banks of a river.

Polish Petroglyphs. Strange pictures or engravings in stone of plants and animals, with a marked repetition of a snake theme, spread out over a hectare. It has not yet been possible to establish exactly who created these petroglyphs, nor what era they belong to, although it is assumed that they correspond to the early part of the Chachapoya culture. The name “Polish”, which means “open plain” alludes to the geographic conformation of the terraces where they are found.

Tununtunumba Waterfalls. The left bank of the River Huallaga forms a natural backdrop to this beautiful wonder. “Tununtunumba” means “from fall to fall” in the Quechua tongue and alludes to the three leaps made by the waters that form this massive waterfall.

From

Moyobamba

Calzada Hill. A fantastic rocky promontory covered with ancient jungle. As well as being an excellent natural viewpoint for looking out over the valley of Alto Mayo it is also an important refuge for the wild fauna and flora, and is particularly noted for the beautiful orchids that bloom during the months of September and October.

Tingana–Avisado Forest. This is the last evidence of the vast forests of aguaje and renaco that once covered the entire Alto Mayo region. It covers an area measuring 5,757 hectares around the lower part of the River Avisado, from which the extraordinary Tingana or “the forest that walks” appears to emerge. With an atmosphere that is unique in the world, it has a very damp ecosystem despite being over 800 m (2,624 feet) high. Among the animals that make their homes here are giant otters, Capuchin monkeys, black-capped monkeys and sloths as well as an interesting variety of birds, fish, reptiles and insects.

Sandoval Lake

<Puerto Maldonado

The department of Madre de Dios is a paradise of biodiversity, forests, virgin jungle and rivers. Close to Puerto Maldonado, the capital city, is the Tambopata National Reserve, which borders on the Bahuaja Sonene National Park in the south. Towards the north-west is the Manu National Park, one of the most important wildlife refuges on the planet. These nature reserves give shelter to hundreds of species of fauna and flora, some of them unique in the world; others in danger of extinction. In addition it is the home of native populations with their own traditions and languages, such as the Ese’eja ethnic group in Bahuaja Sonene or the Machiguengas in Manu, to name but two. From visiting lakes and lagoons and seeing birds, mammals, butterflies and fish, to going on an adventure in a boat or in the water, here everything is possible.

This happy union makes it possible to enjoy dishes such as “patarashca”, which consists of fish wrapped in bijao leaves and roasted over coals, and “timbuche”, a fish soup made with green plantains and a strongflavored cilantro. The lodges located along the riverbanks also serve international food. In many restaurants in Puerto Maldonado a Brazilian influence can be seen in the dishes that combine beans with beef. And everywhere you can enjoy the exquisitely refreshing fresh tropical fruit drinks.

What to buy What to eat The regional cuisine is marked by the use of local resources provided by the local farmers (cassava, plantains, peanuts and other subsistence crops) and the fruits of nature (paiche, palm shoots, bush meat etc.).

Woodcarvings: paperweights, ashtrays, wooden postcards and other decorative items. Necklaces and bracelets made of vegetable fibers, seeds and jungle roots. Keyrings are also made out of chestnut.

Department of Madre de Dios, Puerto Maldonado | www.peru.travel

Accommodation and tourism services Puerto Maldonado offers accommodation in a range of different categories. In Tambopata there are some excellent lodges which can be reached by river from Puerto Maldonado. In Manu the accommodation in the PNM nature reserve -the River Manu basin- includes lodges and campsites, which can be accessed via an authorized tour operator that arranges the entry permits and payment of the visiting rights. On the way to the park, departing from Cusco, there are eco-lodges in the buffer zone as well as basic accommodation in the towns of Salvación, Pillcopata and Boca Manu. Visitors can arrange full service tours, accompanied by naturalists and specialist guides.

Unique experiences

Calendar

of festivals and events

Living Culture

Feast of San Juan

Visit native communities with their own identity, language and world view, such as the Ese’eja, the Machiguengas and the Yines etc.

24th June. This is celebrated all through the department in honor of Saint John the Baptist, with the greatest activity in the resort towns and on the banks of the major rivers, where it is possible to listen to typical bands and eat local dishes (the ”juane” is not to be missed) in an emotive atmosphere.

Of Today Scientific tourism occupies a privileged position as this is the most diverse place on earth, containing many unique species and others that are already extinct elsewhere, including a wide variety of medicinal plants. Adventure Hikers will find Madre de Dios the perfect destination as many of the lodges offer interesting hiking trails.

Puerto maldonado in figures Climate: Tropical. Sun and rain all year

Natural Observe the flora and fauna. In its nature reserves it is possible to see big cats, macaws, tapirs and peccaries as well as mushrooms, orchids and hundreds of mahogany trees.

round. The season of heavy rain and storms runs from November to March. In April, May and October there is heavy rain while from June to September the rain is lighter. Max. temp.: 32 ºC / 90 ºF Min. temp.: 17 ºC / 62 ºF

Altitude: 183 masl (600 feet) how to arrive From Lima (Lima): 2 h 45 min

Wondrous Enjoy the regional cuisine, from exotic tropical fruit juices through to fish dishes such as “patarashca” (see photo) and “timbuche”.

From Lima (Lima), via Arequipa - Cusco: 33 h From Lima (Lima), via Abancay - Cusco: 40 h

mAP oF PuerTo mALdonAdo

Serpentarium. This reptile house mostly takes in local reptiles and amphibians found in the immediate area of nearby populations to prevent them being harmed by humans or causing damage to the people. The animals are transported by the staff of the serpentarium and by citizens involved in looking after the natural world. The animals find refuge in the zoo and are integrated into programs of socialization, research, education, exhibition, rehabilitation and tourism promotion.

MANU NATIONAL PARK

PUERTO MALDONADO 1

<Puerto maldonado

TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE

BAHUAJA SONENE NATIONAL PARK

Key 1

Inambari River

Madre de Dios River

Manu River Departmental boundary Departmental capital Unpaved road Airport UNESCO World Heritage Site

butterfly house. Located near Puerto Maldonado Airport, this is a garden of butterflies created in the laboratory, which breed the larva of various species. It gives visitors the opportunity to see butterflies in their natural habitat and in their various stages of development and growth.

recommendations It is advisable to bring lightweight, cotton clothing, with long sleeves, a hat, a flashlight and a raincoat as well as gumboots. The use of repellent and protection from biting insects is also recommended as well as other precautions for visiting the jungle. It is important to employ the services of a specialist guide and to follow the instructions given. The laws of Peru prohibit and restrict the extraction, transport, trade and export of any wild species of flora and fauna, alive or dead. Only visit areas that are authorised by the National Service of Nature Reserves (SERNANP). Tour operators return to Cusco by river or overland, or overland to Puerto Maldonado and then by air to Cusco or Lima.

market of Puerto maldonado. This is probably the most important source of supplies in the city and is a place where many food products are sold as well as an innumerable variety of fruits and medicinal products from the native Amazon communities.

Department of Madre de Dios, Puerto Maldonado | www.peru.travel

Sandoval Lake. Surrounded by some impressive scenery, this is home to a large variety of species of flora and fauna, such as garzos, shanshos -the last ruminant birds on the planet- and caimans. Here it is possible to fish, hire boats, swim or appreciate the reflections in the water as night falls. From here visitors can explore one of the few chestnut forests in Peru.

Valencia Lake. This lake is an exceptional place due to its trees and fish. The rich nature of its waters allows the native Huarayan people, such as the settlements nearby, to dedicate themselves to fishing for doncella (a type of catfish), bream, dorado, piranhas and paiche. As well as fishing, another important economic activity in the area is harvesting chestnuts.

Tambopata National Reserve. Located in the basins of the Tambopata River and the Heath River, the reserve has an incalculable richness of biodiversity. The reserve has recorded 632 species of bird, 1 200 of butterflies, 169 of mammals, 205 of fish, 103 of amphibians and 67 of reptiles. Its flora is typical of tropical regions. To enter the reserve it is necessary to have obtained advance permission from SERNANP.

From

<Puerto Maldonado

Manu National Park. This reserve covers the entire basin of the River Manu on lands belonging to the regions of Cusco and Madre de Dios, and holds one of the greatest concentrations of life on the planet, with important records covering varieties of birds (more than 800 species, such as the Harpy eagle and the cock-of-therock), mammals (around 200 species) and an incredible variety of unclassifed bats, insects and reptiles. The figures of plants are equally surprising: around 2 000 species, including giant orchids and trees that exceed 45 m (148 feet) in height with trunks measuring up to 3 m (10 feet) in diameter. Many of these species are unique in the world. Equally, this region is inhabited by over 30 native peoples, who have their own traditions, cultures and languages, such as Machiguengas, Amahuacas, Yaminahuas, Piros, Amarakaeríes, Huachipaires and Nahuas.

Bahuaja Sonene National Park. Located in the departments of Puno and Madre de Dios, this reserve contains extensive mountain forest, tropical jungle and areas of palm forest as well as chestnut forests and valuable woods. It is one of the most biodiverse nature reserves in the world, with unique species and others in danger of extinction, such as the giant otter and the black caiman. It is also inhabited by the Ese’eja ethnic group.

Collpa de Guacamayos de Colorado. Located in the Tambopata National Reserve. This place is the scene for a moving spectacle, as vast numbers of macaws, parrots and pericos congregate each morning and fly around the largest sanctuary on the planet before starting the ceremony of “colpeo”, which consists of feeding on the clay found on the cliff face.

Paca Lake, Junín

Other destinations not to be missed

Laguna de Paca, Junín

Wherever you look, Peru is full of fascinating destinations. As well as the traditional tourist circuits there are other, less well-traveled routes that are worth visiting. Here is a summary of some of the less well-known attractions in the center and south of the country.

<Huánuco Department of Huánuco

The department of Huánuco is located between the west side of the Andes and the valley of the Huallaga River, which gives it a contrasting geography: alongside the snow-capped peaks there are hot, jungle valleys. Huánuco, the departmental capital, is situated 405 km (252 miles) from Lima and offers attractions such as the town of Tomayquichua, with its pretty, rural countryside and narrow streets; the Temple of the Crossed Hands, in the archaeological zone of Kotosh, is 4 000 years old; then there is the Inca complex of Huánuco Pampa, also known as Huánuco Viejo (meaning “old”). 120 km (75 miles) away is the tropical city of Tingo María, gateway to the Peruvian lower jungle, whose main features are the Cave of las Lechuzas, El Boquerón del Padre Abad and the Velo de la Novia waterfall.

Huánuco Pampa Archeological Complex

Altitude: Huánuco 1 894 masl (6 214 feet) Tingo María 652 masl (2 119 feet)

Huánuco

Other destinations | www.peru.travel

Lechuzas

Cerro de Pasco <huancayo

department of Pasco

department of Junín

45 km (28 miles) south of the city of Cerro de Pasco, the departmental capital, there is the Huayllay National Sanctuary, a natural sanctuary for a wide range of different species of flora and fauna and the impressive Huayllay Stone Forest, an extensive rocky area with enormous sculputural forms that apprear to have been carved in the stone by the wind and rain. Altitude: Cerro de Pasco 4 338 masl (14 232 feet) Huayllay Stone Forest

Perené River

Located 305 km (190 miles) from Lima along the Central Highway: Huancayo is the departmental capital. Its lands and those of the neigboring provinces of Jauja and Concepción were inhabited by the preInca cultures of the Huanca or Wanka. It is famous for its Sunday fair and for the attractive valley of the Mantaro River, as well as for the convent of Santa Rosa de Ocopa, the lake of Ñahuinpuqio and the stone forest of Torre Torre, with its geological formations in red clay that resemble towers and castles. Tarma is another famous province in this department, known for its typical Andean countryside with pretty flower gardens and mud-brick houses with tiled roofs. From here it is possible to travel to the cities of San Ramón and La Merced, in the province of Chanchamayo, famous for their waterfalls and hot countryside, right in the heart of the jungle. Altitude: Huancayo 3 261 masl (10 699 feet)

Cerro de Pasco

Huancayo 85

Tren Macho Huancavelica

Incahuasi, province of Huaytará

<Huancavelica Department of Huancavelica

The capital of the department is the final stop on the Huancayo-Huancavelica railway, better known as the “Tren Macho”, or macho train, as it has long been said of this service that it ”left when it wanted and arrived when it felt like it”. The 128 km (80 mile) stretch of track begins in the old station of Chilca in Huancayo and goes to Huancavelica, passing through spectacular countryside with crops of prickly pears, flowering broom and the famous colonial bridge of Izcuchaca. In the province of Huaytará, 215 km (134 miles) from the city of Huancavelica, there are some important Inca buildings such as an Inca temple, on which the Spanish built the church that stands there today, as well as the Baños del Inca and Inca Wasi, a group of perfectly carved stone structures with traditional trapezoidal doorways. Altitude: Huancavelica 3 676 masl (12 060 feet) 86

Huancavelica

moquegua

department of moquegua

Located 1 146 km (712 miles) south of Lima, the city of Moquegua has magnificent countryside dotted with groves of olives, peaches, chirimoyas, pears and cherries, as well as vineyards where high quality wines and piscos are made. Just 40 minutes from the city are the beaches of the port of Ilo, where there are some notable grand houses such as the Gambetta group, Zapata House, Valdivia House and Segovia House, among others, all built in the XIX century.

Port of Ilo, Moquegua

Altitude: Moquegua 1 410 masl (4 626 feet)

Main Square of Tacna

<Tacna

department of Tacna The city of Tacna is the capital of the department of the same name, located in the extreme south of Peru on the border with Chile, 1 292 km (803 miles) from Lima. Its geography is marked by an arid, coastal desert and, to a lesser degree, the Andean puna. This region was settled by some of the first peoples in Peru, whose remains can be seen in the petroglyphs of Miculla or the cave paintings of Toquepala. In the city itself visitors can see monuments such as the house of the leader of the Independence Movement, Francisco Antonio de Zela, in a colonial architectural style, now converted into the Archaeological Museum. Altitude: Tacna 562 masl (1 844 feet)

Moquegua

Tacna 87

Ampay Snow Mountain

Abancay

Department of Apurímac

Abancay, the departmental capital, is located 954 km from Lima and is one of the main points on the overland route to Cusco, being less than 200 km from the Imperial City. Its main attractions include the Ampay National Sanctuary, a beautiful valley which has the largest forest of intimpa in the country, a species whose Quechua name means “tree of the sun”. Here it is possible to go hiking, canoeing and climbing on Ampay Mountain, with its two peaks that rise up over 5 000 masl (16 500 feet) in height. A few kilometers from the city is the archaeological 88

Other destinations | www.peru.travel

complex of Sayhuite, an Inca ceremonial center that is believed to have been linked to agriculture and livestock, where visitors can see a solar clock or Intihuatana, and the famous rock of Sayhuite, a great monolith with high and low relief carvings and more than 200 representations of animals, terraces, lakes and steps, etc. which appears to be a map or model of Tahuantinsuyo. Altitude: Abancay 2 378 masl (7 802 feet)

Apurímac

Ucayali River

<Pucallpa department of ucayali

Pucallpa, is the departmental capital and is located 802 km (498 miles) from Lima in the jungle on the banks of the Ucayali River. Originally populated by native communities of Shipibos, the region underwent a demographic explosiong during the rubber boom, an era in which the first groups of migrants settled here. It is currently an excellent destination for enjoying the charms of the jungle, or a jumping-off point for boats going to Iquitos, in the department of Loreto, heading into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Altitude: Pucallpa 154 masl (505 feet)

Pucallpa 89

A legacy for the world Peru, World Heritage Site

Over the years, Peru has been recognized on numerous occasions for its wealth of history, nature and customs. This is made clear by the fact that it is part of the global network of places identified as World Heritage Sites. Established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1972 through the World Heritage Convention, this title was set up to help preserve both the legacy of archaeological sites and the biodiversity and beauty of the natural landscapes that are unique in the world, protecting the culture of each country. Peru has 15 sites and customs recognised in this way, most of them declared Material World Heritage and some Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites. They are all well worth getting to know.

Our living languages, an ancestral heritage The changeable geographic zones and the variety of cultures and traditions that exist in this country have enabled Peru to develop many different native languages, many of which are still alive today. Traveling around the country gives visitors the opportunity to hear them, just as they have been passed down from generation to generation from time immemorial. In the mountains, for example, Quechua can still be heard in its various forms, mostly in the departments of Áncash, Huánuco, Junín, Huancayo, Cajamarca, Ayacucho, Cusco, Arequipa, Amazonas and part of Puno, although here the main language is Aymara. 15 linguistic families have been identified in the jungle regions, as well as other isolated tongues that have not yet been classified. There are more than 40 of these, with the most commonly spoken being Asháninka (departmento of Ucayali and jungle areas of Cusco, Huánuco, Pasco and Junín) and Aguaruna (departments of Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín and Cajamarca).

Intangible cultural heritage

Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos www.peru.travel

Textile art from the island of Taquile. Lake Titicaca, Department of Puno (p. 67).

2005

Scissor Dance. Department of Huancavelica and Ayacucho (pp. 42-43).

2010

The Huaconada, a ritual dance of myths. Department of Áncash (pp. 30-31).

2010

Pilgrimage from the Sanctuary of Señor de Qoyllur Rit’ i. Department of Cusco (p. 55).

2011

ECUADOR

COLOMBIA

BRAZIL

8 5 3 4

PACIFIC OCEAN

2 1

BOLIVIA 10

CHILE

Material heritage 1. City of Cusco Department of Cusco (pp. 52-57).

1983

5. Chan Chan Citadel Department of La Libertad (p. 29).

1986

2. Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary Department of Cusco (pp. 60-63).

1983

6. Manu National Park Department of Madre de Dios (p. 83).

1987

3. Huascarán National Park Department of Áncash (pp. 33).

1985

7. Lima Historic Center Department of Lima (p. 16).

1988 1991

4. Chavín Archeological Complex Department of Áncash (pp. 33).

1985

8. Abiseo River National Park Department of San Martín (pp. 76-79).

1990 1992

9. Nasca Lines and Geoglyphs and Pampas de Jumana Department of Ica (p. 37).

1994

10. Historic Center 2000 of the city of Arequipa Department of Arequipa (pp. 48-49). 11. Sacred City of Caral-Supe Department of Lima (p. 17).

2009

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Airports LIMA Jorge Chávez International Airport 14 km from Lima. Tel.: (01) 517-3500 www.lap.com.pe AREQUIPA Rodríguez Ballón International Airport 10 km from Arequipa. Tel.: (054) 44-3458 AYACUCHO Alfredo Mendívil Duarte 4 km from Ayacucho. Tel.: (066) 31-2418 CAJAMARCA Mayor Gral. FAP Armando Revoredo Airport 4 km from Cajamarca Tel.: (076) 82-2523 CUSCO Velasco Astete International Airport 3 km from Cusco. Tel.: (084) 22-2611 CHICLAYO Aeropuerto Cap. FAP José Abelardo Quiñones. 2 km from Lambayeque Tel.: (074) 20-4934 HUARAZ Germán Arias Grazziani 23 km from Huaraz. Tel.: (043) 42-3174 IQUITOS Francisco Secada Vigneta International Airport. 10 km from Iquitos. Tel.: (065) 22-8151 JULIACA – PUNO Inca Manco Cápac Airport 49 km from Puno. Tel.: (051) 32-8226 PIURA Cap. FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico Airport 2 km from Piura. Tel.: (073) 34-4503 PUCALLPA Cap. FAP David A. Abenzur Rengifo Airport 7 km from Pucallpa Tel.: (061) 57-2767 PUERTO MALDONADO Padre José Aldamiz Airport. 7 km from Puerto Maldonado. Tel.: (082) 57-1531 TACNA Carlos Ciriani Airport 5 km from de Tacna Tel.: (052) 84-4503 TARAPOTO Cap. FAP Guillermo Del Castillo Airport 2 km from Tarapoto. Tel.: (042) 52-2278 TRUJILLO Carlos Martínez Pinillos Airport 15 km from Trujillo. Tel.: (044) 46-4013 92 02

Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos www.peru.travel

More information: www.corpac.gob.pe

Tourism institutions and associations Public institutions

Tourism authorities and associations

Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism MINCETUR www.mincetur.gob.pe

National Chamber of Tourism - CANATUR www.canaturperu.org Peruvian Association of Domestic and Incoming Tour Operators - APOTUR www.apoturperu.org

Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board / PromPerú www.promperu.gob.pe

Association of Incoming Tour Operators ASOTUR www.asotur-peru.com

Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.rree.gob.pe

Peruvian Association of Travel Agents APAVIT www.apavitperu.org

Ministry of Culture www.mcultura.gob.pe General Direction of Migration and Naturalization - DIGEMIN www.digemin.gob.pe

Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Related Businesses - AHORA ahora@infonegocio.net.pe

National Geographic Institute - IGN www.ignperu.gob.pe Peruvian Service of Natural Protected Areas - SERNANP www.sernanp.gob.pe/sernanp/ Tourism Police - DIRTURE www.pnp.gob.pe/direcciones/dirture/inicio. html

International offices GERMANY ARGENTINA BELGIUM, HOLLAND AND LUXEMBOURG COLOMBIA SPAIN USA CANADA FRANCE ITALY JAPAN UNITED KINGDOM For more information about our contact details in other countries: treceptivo@promperu.gob.pe

Peruvian Association of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism - APTAE www.aptae.org Society of Peruvian Hotels - SHP www.sociedadhotelesdelperu.org Peruvian Association of Youth Hostels APATJ www.hostellingperu.com.pe

Peruvian National Service of Metereology and Hydrology - SENAMHI www.senamhi.gob.pe

Airlines Aerolíneas Argentinas www.aerolineas.com.ar

American Airlines www.aa.com

Lacsa www.taca.com

Aeroméxico www.aeromexico.com

Avianca www.avianca.com

Lan www.lan.com.pe

AeroSur www.aerosur.com

Continental Airlines www.continental.com

Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com

Air Canada www.aircanada.com

Copa Airlines www.copaair.com

Taca www.taca.com

Air France - KLM www.airfrance.com www.klm.com

Delta Airlines www.delta.com

Tam www.tam.com.br

Gol Transportes Aéreos www.voegol.com.br

Sky Airlines www.skyairlines.com

Iberia www.iberia.com

Spirit Airlines www.spiritair.com

Air Comet www.airpluscomet.com Alitalia www.alitalia.com

Domestic routes Atsa www.atsaperu.com LC Perú www.lcperu.pe Lan www.lan.com.pe Peruvian Airlines www.peruvian.pe Star Perú www.starperu.com Taca www.taca.com 93

Offices of iPerú Tourist information and assistance Tel: (51 1) 574-8000 iperu@promperu.gob.pe 24 HOURS www.peru.info

AREQUIPA Main Square 110 Portal de la Municipalidad Tel.: (054) 22-3265 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 a 13:00 iperuarequipa@promperu.gob.pe Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport (Arrivals and Main Hall) Tel.: (054) 44-4564 Mon-Fri 6:00 to 21:30 Sat-Sun 6:00 to 18:00 iperuarequipaapto@promperu.gob.pe

AYACUCHO Main Square 45 Portal Municipal (City Hall of Huamanga). Tel.: (066) 31-8305 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuayacucho@promperu.gob.pe Cnel. FAP Alfredo Mendivil Airport (Arrivals Hall) iperuayacuchoapto@promperu.gob.pe

CUSCO Velazco Astete Airport (Arrivals and Main Hall) Tel.: (084) 23-7364 Mon-Sun 6:00 to 17:00 iperucuscoapto@promperu.gob.pe 94 02

Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos www.peru.travel

Main Square 177 Portal de Harinas BCP Traveler Point Mon-Sun 9:00 a 21:00 iperucusco@promperu.gob.pe

IQUITOS

CHACHAPOYAS

Downtown 161 Napo street, Office 4 Tel.: (065) 23-6144 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuiquitos@promperu.gob.pe

Main Square 590 Ortiz Arrieta Tel.: (041) 47-7292 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 09:00 to 13:00 iperuchachapoyas@promperu.gob.pe

Cnel. FAP Francisco Secada V. Airport (Arrivals Hall) Tel.: (065) 26-0251 Flight schedule iperuiquitosapto@promperu.gob.pe

CHICLAYO

LIMA AIRPORT AND CALLAO

Main Square 579 Siete de Enero street Tel.: (074) 20-5703 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuchiclayo@promperu.gob.pe

Jorge Chávez International Airport (Domestic Departures Hall, National and International Arrivals Hall and Central Mezzanine) Tel.x: (01) 574-8000 Mon-Sun 24 hours iperulimaapto@promperu.gob.pe

HUARAZ Main Square Atusparia street, office 1. Tel.: (043) 42-8812 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperuhuaraz@promperu.gob.pe Tourist Information Office (Tourist bus parking area) San Martín street, block 6 Mon-Sun 9:00 to 10:30

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METROPOLITAN LIMA

PUNO

TRUJILLO

Jorge Basadre 610, San Isidro Tel.: (01) 421-1627 / Telefax: (01) 421-1227 Mon-Fri 9:00 to 18:00 iperulima@promperu.gob.pe

Main Square Corner of Jr. Deustua with Jr. Lima Tel.: (051) 36-5088 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperupuno@promperu.gob.pe

Main Square 420 Diego de Almagro street Tel.: (044) 29-4561 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 18:00 / Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperutrujillo@promperu.gob.pe

Inca Manco Cápac - Juliaca Airport (Arrivals Hall) Flight schedule iperupunoapto@promperu.gob.pe

Huaca de La Luna Archeological Complex (Tourist Parador) Mon-Sun 9:00 a 14:00

Larcomar - Miraflores Malecón de la Reserva, Miraflores Module Nº 10, Plaza Principal Telefax: (01) 445-9400 Mon-Sun 11:00 to 14:00 / 15:00 to 20:00 iperularcomar@promperu.gob.pe

MACHU PICCHU Pachacutec Av. block 1 s/n, office 4 Tel.x: (084) 21-1104 Mon-Sat 9:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00 Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperumachupicchu@promperu.gob.pe

PIURA Main Square Jr. Ayacucho and Calle Libertad S/N Serpost Building-Centro Cívico Tel.: (073) 32-0249 Mon-Sat 9:00 - 18:00 / D 9:00 - 13:00 iperupiura@promperu.gob.pe Cap. FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico Airport (Arrivals Hall) iperupiuraapto@promperu.gob.pe

TACNA 491 San Martín Av. (Former Palacio Municipal) Tel.: (052) 42-5514 Mon-Sat 8:30 to 18:00 Sun 8:30 to 13:00 iperutacna@promperu.gob.pe Cnel. FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa Airport (Arrivals and Main Hall) iperutacnaapto@promperu.gob.pe Complejo Fronterizo Santa Rosa - Hito La Concordia Next to the Immigration office Fri-Sat 8:30 to 16:00

TUMBES Main Square Malecón III Milenio 3rd Floor. Tel.: (072)506721 Mon-Sun 9:00 to 13:00 iperutumbes@promperu.gob.pe Border Complex of Aguas Verdes Pan-american Highway North Km. 1292.5 Next to the Immigration office Tel.: (072)56-5218 Thurs-Sat 9:00 to 17:00 iperutumbes@promperu.gob.pe

Terminal Terrestre Manuel A. Odría Servicio Nacional Calle Prolong. Hipólito Unánue s/n Mon-Sun 8:30 to 14:00

Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos| www.peru.travel

95 03

Photographic credits DEPARTMENT OF AMAZONAS p. 72 Mylene D’Auriol / Renzo Tasso

p.49 Gihan Tubbeh / Archivo PromPerú

p. 54 Alex Bryce / Daniel Silva / Renzo Giraldo

p. 73 Luis Gamero / Renzo Tasso / Walter Hupiu / Rob y Anahi Williams / Heinz Plenge / Luis Gamero / Walter Hupiu

p. 50 Renzo Tasso / James Posso / Fernando Bravo / Heinz Plenge / Pilar Olivares / Inés Menacho

p. 56 Enrique Castro-Mendívil / Carlos Sala / Eduardo Cayo / Gihan Tubbeh

p. 74 Magalí Del Solar / Luis Gamero / DIRECTUR Amazonas

p. 51 Archivo de PromPerú

p. 75 Luis Gamero / Renzo Tasso / Walter Hupiu / Magalí Del Solar / Luis Gamero / Mylene D’Auriol / Beatrice Velarde

DEPARTMENT OF Ayacucho

DEPARTMENT OF ÁNCASH p. 30 César Vega p. 31 Rafael Cornejo / Antonio Incháustegui / Alex Bryce / Mayu Mohanna / Renzo Giraldo / Mylene D’Auriol p. 32 Wilfredo Loayza / Mylene D’Auriol p. 33 Pilar Olivares / Alex Bryce / Renzo Uccelli / Archivo de PromPerú / Mylene D’Auriol

DEPARTMENT OF Apurímac

p. 43 Alex Bryce / Gihan Tubbeh / Carlos Sala / Luis Gamero / Walter Wust

Machu Picchu

p. 45 Gihan Tubbeh / Renzo Giraldo / Carlos Sala

p. 61 Gihan Tubbeh / Renzo Giraldo

DEPARTMENT OF Cajamarca

p. 62 Gihan Tubbeh

p. 38 Carlos Sala / Mylene D’Auriol p. 39 Mylene D’Auriol / Ernesto Benavides / Gihan Tubbeh / Luis Gamero / Rob and Anahi Williams / Walter Hupiu

DEPARTMENT OF Arequipa

p. 41 Mylene D’Auriol / Carlos Sala / Luis Gamero / Walter Hupiu

p. 48 Renzo Tasso / Gihan Tubbeh / Magalí Del Solar / Fernando Bravo

p. 59 Gihan Tubbeh / Renzo Giraldo / Carlos Sala

p. 60 Gihan Tubbeh / Renzo Giraldo

p. 40 Carlos Sala / Renzo Uccelli / Mylene D’Auriol / Josip Curich

p. 47 Gihan Tubbeh / Renzo Tasso / Renzo Uccelli / Heinz Plenge

p. 58 Alex Bryce / Enrique Castro-Mendívil / Gihan Tubbeh / Carlos Sala / Alejandro Balaguer / Jorge Sarmiento

p. 44 Gihan Tubbeh

p. 88 Renzo Giraldo

p. 46 Gihan Tubbeh / Renzo Tasso

p. 42 Flor Ruiz / Luis Gamero

p. 57 Gihan Tubbeh / Wilfredo Loayza / Enrique Castro-Mendívil

p. 63 Gihan Tubbeh / Carlos Sala / Eduardo Cayo / Alex Bryce / Heinz Plenge

DEPARTMENT OF Huancavelica p. 86 Mylene D’Auriol

DEPARTMENT OF Huánuco p. 84 Carlos Sala / Alejandra Proaño

DEPARTMENT OF Cusco

DEPARTMENT OF Ica

p. 52 Gihan Tubbeh

p. 34 Heinz Plenge / Alex Bryce / Gihan Tubbeh

p. 53 Gihan Tubbeh / Alex Bryce / Rob and Anahi Williams / Jorge Sarmiento

p. 35 Walter Hupiu / Enrique Castro-Mendívil / Renzo Uccelli

Gihan Tubbeh

p. 36 Eduardo Cayo / Alex Bryce / Carlos Sala p. 37 Gihan Tubbeh / Museo Regional de Ica Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins / Enrique Castro-Mendívil / Michael Tweddle / Beatrice Velarde / Eduardo Cayo / José Alva / Heinz Plenge / Archivo Ministerio de Cultura

DEPARTMENT OF Junín p. 85 Juan Gabaldón

DEPARTMENT OF La Libertad p. 26 Walter Silvera / Alex Bryce p. 27 Daniel Silva / Renzo Tasso / Alex Bryce / Michael Tweddle / Heinz Plenge p. 28 Alex Bryce / Carlos Sala / Domingo Giribaldi / Michael Tweddle / Daniel Silva p. 29 Alex Bryce / Daniel Silva / Magalí Del Solar / Walter Silvera

DEPARTMENT OF Lambayeque p. 22 Michael Tweddle / Magalí Del Solar p. 23 Alejandro Balaguer / Alex Bryce / Heinz Plenge / Renzo Tasso p. 24 Carlos Sala / Mylene D’Auriol p. 25 Alex Bryce / Mylene D’Auriol / Anibal Solimano / Renzo Tasso / Christian Jara / Mayu Mohanna / Luis Yupanqui / Daniel Silva / Archivo de PromPerú

Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos www.peru.travel www.peru.info

97 03

Photographic credits Department of Lima p. 13 Alex Bryce p. 14 Gihan Tubbeh / Enrique Castro-Mendívil p. 15 Luis Gamero / Gihan Tubbeh / Carlos Ibarra / Manchamanteles / Enrique Castro Mendívil p. 16 Anibal Solimano / Carlos Sala / Sebastián Castañeda / Luis Gamero / Enrique Castro Mendívil / Beatrice Velarde / Giancarlo Shibayama / Carlos Ibarra / Domingo Giribaldi / Daniel Silva p. 17 Carlos Ibarra / Talía Barreda / Michael Tweddle / Beatrice Velarde / Gihan Tubbeh / Enrique Castro-Mendívil

DEPARTMENT OF Loreto p.68 Gihan Tubbeh / José Álvarez Alonso p. 69 Alex Bryce / Gihan Tubbeh / Michael Tweddle / Flor Ruiz p. 70 Gihan Tubbeh / Juan Gabaldón / Alex Bryce p. 71 Alex Bryce / Wilfredo Loayza / Alex Bryce / Renzo Tasso / Luis Gamero / Terra Incognita / Heinz Plenge / Kevin Shafer / Carlos Sala / Álvaro García

DEPARTMENT OF Madre de Dios p. 80 Magalí Del Solar p.81 Mylene D’Auriol / Enrique Castro-Mendívil / Antonio Incháustegui / Rafael Cornejo p.82 Arturo Bullard / Daniel Silva / Rafael Cornejo

p.83 Magalí Del Solar / Terra Incognita / Enrique Castro-Mendívil / Eduardo Cayo / Daniel Silva / Rainforest Expeditions

Department of Tacna

Department of Moquegua

Departments of PIURA AND TUMBES

p. 87 Carlos Sala

p. 18 César Vega

Department of Pasco

p. 19 Pilar Olivares / Gihan Tubbeh / Alejandro Tello / Raúl García

p. 85 Luis Gamero

Department of Puno p. 64 Juan Puelles / Daniel Silva p. 65 Renzo Giraldo / Gihan Tubbeh / Renzo Uccelli / Daniel Silva / Juan Puelles p. 66 Mylene D’Auriol / Juan Puelles p. 67 Gihan Tubbeh / Pilar Olivares / Arturo Bullard / Isla Taquile / Flor Ruiz / Alex Bryce / Renzo Giraldo / Domingo Giribaldi / Mylene D’Auriol / Gianonni / Anibal Solimano

DEPARTMENT OF San Martín p. 76 Gihan Tubbeh p. 77 Gihan Tubbeh / Archivo de PromPerú / Renzo Tasso / Carlos Sala / Antonio Incháustegui / Armando Rodriguez / Rafael Cornejo p. 78 Carlos Sala / Armando Rodriguez p. 79 Armando Rodríguez / Heinz Plenge / Gihan Tubbeh / Renzo Tasso / Archivo de PromPerú / Armando Rodríguez

p. 87 Luis Yupanqui

p. 20 Raúl García / Flor Ruiz / Anibal Solimano / Renzo Tasso / Domingo Giribaldi / Pilar Olivares / Gihan Tubbeh / José Barragán p. 21 Gihan Tubbeh / Walter Hupiu / Magalí Del Solar / Talía Vargas / Renzo Tasso

Department of Ucayali p. 89 Magalí Del Solar

EXPERIENCES THAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS Peru of Living Culture p.22 1. Gihan Tubbeh / 2. Christian Jara / 3. Gihan Tubbeh p.23 4. Carlos Sala

Peru of Today p.24 5. Luis Gamero / 6. Anibal Solimano / 7. Pedro Cárdenas p.25 8. Gihan Tubbeh

Renzo Tasso

Peru of Adventure p.26 9. Mylene D’Auriol / 10. Gonzalo Barandiarán / 11. Eduardo Cayo / 12. Walter Hupiu / 13. Anibal Solimano p.27 14. Koky Castañeda

Ancient Peru p.28 15. Gihan Tubbeh / 16. Talía Barreda / 17. Magalí Del Solar / 18. Walter Silvera / 19. Beatrice Velarde p.29 20. Eduardo Cayo

Natural Peru p.30 21. Michael Tweddle / 22. Carlos Ibarra / 23. Luis Yupanqui / 24. Heinz Plenge / 25. Alex Bryce p.31 26. Renzo Uccelli

Wondrous Peru p.34 27. Gihan Tubbeh / 28. Gihan Tubbeh / 29. Yayo López p.35 30. Alex Bryce

TIMELINE Michael Tweddle / Anibal Solimano / Carlos Sala / Flor Ruiz / Michael Tweddle / Gihan Tubbeh / Heinz Plenge Pardo / Renzo Giraldo / Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan / Mylene D’Auriol/ Magalí Del Solar / Walter Silbera Anibal Solimano / Miguel Carrillo / Luis Gamero / Mylene D’Auriol Daniel Silva / Ernesto Benavides / Renzo Tasso / Gihan Tubbeh

Departamento de Loreto, Iquitos www.peru.travel www.peru.info

99 03

A Peru full of unique experiences

Renzo Giraldo

Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria, Puno

There is a Peru of

Living Culture where excellent archaeological and art museums and well preserved pre-Inca, Inca, colonial and republican monuments live side by side with expressions of popular art from the past and present. Why not dance to the lively beat of huayno music or celebrate a festival in places once lived in by viceroys or freedom ďŹ ghters?

José Cáceres

Cebiche

There is a Peru of Today modern and cosmopolitan, with a rich variety of entertainment, art, design, music and one of the richest and most prestigious cuisines of the world. Here you will always ďŹ nd a smile as well as plenty of fun and ďŹ&#x201A;avor.

Canopy tours in Mรกncora

There is a Peru of

Gihan Tubbeh

Adventure

and extreme experiences where you can go climbing in the mountains, sandboarding in the coastal dunes, canoeing on the rivers or trekking along the Inca Trail.

Old town of Pisac

There is an Ancient Peru

which gave rise to some of the most important historic monuments of South America, including Machu

Picchu, a Modern Wonder of the World, and the city of Caral, cradle of the oldest civilization in South

Gihan Tubbeh

America.

Amazon River

Carlos Ibarra

There is a Natural Peru

whose nature is among the most diverse on the planet and where diﬀerent terrains live side by side –the coastal desert, the Andes mountain range and the exuberant Amazon jungle– providing a home for a ﬂora and fauna of such abundance that it ranks as the foremost place in the world for bird species (1 816) and orchids (4 000).

Hotel Titilaka, Lake Titicaca

There is a Wondrous Peru which oďŹ&#x20AC;ers dreamy beaches along its lengthy coastline, the unexplored charm of virgin nature reserves and the magic of the world of the Andes, with mythical countryside such as Lake Titicaca, all with a

Gihan Tubbeh

modern and exclusive range of designer hotels.

Come and discover your Peru.

Musician from Cusco

Gihan Tubbeh

Tren Andean Explorer

experiences

that should not be missed One trip is not enough to discover all the marvels that Peru has to offer. Here we only highlight some of those places and magical experiences that should not be missed when traveling around this country. Destinations that promise nature, archaeology, adventure, entertainment or relaxation and that all merge together to create a unique journey, in which each visitor can trace his own individual route. To help you plan your trip we have classified the destinations into six criteria according to the different types of activities and experiences: Peru of Living Culture Peru of Today Peru of Adventure Ancient Peru Natural Peru Wondrous Peru 03

eru of Living Culture Co lo r

a n d

t ra d i t i o n

Many of the modern-day fiestas, rituals and ways of life date back to pre-Columbian times. From the clothes they wear to the expressions of popular art, together with all the belief systems, the ways of working and the cooking techniques, Peru is brimful of evidence that the legacy of its age-old culture is still alive today.

1 The traditional fiestas are celebrated thoughout Peru. During the feast of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo (Cusco) the virgin is carried in a procession, surrounded by magical and religious characters, as shown in the photo. To find out more about all these events check the calendar of festivities and events for each department.

Native Amazonian communities As well as being a haven of biodiversity, the Peruvian jungle is also home to communities that have their own identity, language and customs. It is possible to visit some of them, such as the town of Lamas in San MartĂn, the Yagua in Loreto (see photo), or the Eseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;eja and the Machiguengas in Madre de Dios.

Rural community tourism Peru is full of hidden corners that are as yet untouched by the present day, maintaining their ancestral traditions. Rural houses in Cusco, Cajamarca, Arequipa and on the islands of AmantanĂ and Taquile on Lake Titicaca (see photo), even allow visitors to experience the way of life of the local inhabitants in a truly authentic way.

Caballitos de totora The ancient inhabitants of the north coast of Peru took to the seas. The boats made from totora reeds were used by the people of the Moche and Chimú cultures for fishing, as can be seen from various items of pottery that depict this activity. Today, the “caballitos de totora” are still used as a means of transport and employment on the beaches of Huanchaco, La Libertad (see photo), where fishermen and summer visitors alike use them to get out over the waves.

Shopping destination Lima offers handicrafts and products from all around the country. Fine fabric from vicuñas or alpacas –South American cameloids prized for their wool– gold and silver jewelry, decorative objects such as embroidered cushions and altarpieces from Ayacucho, pottery from Chulucanas (Piura) or blankets and rugs from Cusco are just some of the products available. Big-name brands from Peru and around the world are sold in modern shopping centers, like Larcomar looking out across the ocean.

City of museums The history of Peru is reflected in the diversity of its museums, such as the Lima Art Museum, which covers a period of over 3,000 years of art in the country, or the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru, with its important collection of artifacts from different cultures and periods. The Larco Museum, with its fine collection of pieces of gold and silver from ancient Peru, is truly astonishing. There is also the Museum of Religious Art of the Cathedral of Lima (see photo).

7 02

Entertainment day and night Stores selling art and handicrafts, varied theatre listings, fashion shows, film festivals, art exhibitions, concerts, photography, book and gastronomic fairs, these are just some of the attractions on the city’s active cultural agenda. At night, Bohemian and designer bars, street and gourmet restaurants, and discotheques with music from every continent offer non-stop entertainment. To find out more about what’s going on check the calendar of festivities and events for Lima.

Peru of Today Lima, a vibrant city The capital city shows a more cosmopolitan side of Peruvian life, with its world-class cuisine, recognized by The Economist magazine as one of the 12 best on the planet, its intense nightlife and a variety of cultural activities and entertainment.

The Peruvian Paso Horse, a tradition On the outskirts of Lima, haciendas and farms in the valley of LurĂn keep a rich cultural tradition alive: the breeding of Paso horses, a race of unique attributes noted for its characteristic gait, which is almost dance-like in its quality. In April, the Concurso Nacional del Caballo Peruano de Paso (National Peruvian Paso Horse Competition) brings together the best breeders and exponents.

Inca Trails, Cusco Following along the trails made by the Incas to unite the empire is a real experience; especially when your final destination is the impressive city of Machu Picchu. During the 4 to 5 days that it takes to cover this route you can see fauna and flora, enjoy the adventure of the steep cliffs, narrow pathways and rocky areas and camp out in the open.

10 11

Tambopata-Candamo National Reserve, Madre de Dios Accessing this nature reserve by river and staying in one of the lodges of the region is a real adventure. Some of them have created a system of bridges between the tree tops to give a better view of the area and its natural richness.

Dune buggies and sandboarding in the desert of Ica, Ica If you are looking for speed and adrenaline, then this is a good place to get your senses fully charged. From Paracas or at Lake Huacachina the dune buggy tours race across the dunes at full tilt, as well as making scheduled stops for a bit of sandboarding fun.

Canoeing on the Urubamba River, Cusco ranging from short stretches of rapids requiring little technical expertise and that can even be tackled during the rainy season to other stretches that run faster and more dangerously, with major torrents, which can only be attempted during the dry season.

Surfing and other water sports It is possible to catch the waves all along the Peruvian coast, from the heat of the north to the cold ocean of the center and south. Expert surfers can test their skills on the longest left-handed wave in the world (2 km / 1.2 miles) at Puerto Chicama, Trujillo, La Libertad. Lovers of the sea can enjoy sports that include fishing, power boating, windsurfing and kite-surfing etc.

Peru of

Adventure

Extreme experiences

Peru is a multifaceted nation. Its geography bears witness to that fact: a hot desert coast, an imposing mountain range and a lush jungle invite visitors to experience all manner of extreme adventures.

Mountaineering in the White Mountain Range, ﾃ］cash This imposing mountain range, the second highest after the Himalayas -with more than 30 peaks over 6 000 meters in height- includes the snow-capped peak of Huascarﾃ｡n, the highest mountain in Peru (6 768 m / 22 205 feet). On the right-hand side of the mountain range is the Callejﾃｳn de Conchucos, the eastern mountains of this department, while 50 km (31 miles) to the south, the Huayhuash contains another twenty summits. The Huascarﾃ｡n protects the flora, fauna and beautiful scenery of the region, ideal for expeditions and hikes.

Pucllana and Huallamarca Huacas, Lima Dating from the Lima culture (100 – 650 A.D.), these pyramids are hidden among residential districts of the capital. The Huaca Pucllana (see photo), in the district of Miraﬂores, is a pyramid of 25 m (82 feet) in height, built of thousands of adobe bricks (a mixture of mud and straw); the Huaca Huallamarca is located in the district of San Isidro and measures 35 m (115 feet). Both were ceremonial centers.

Nasca Lines, Ica These mysterious figures -lines, geometric forms, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic designs- that measure up to 275 m (902 feet) in length, were marked out using furrows up to 30 cm (12 inches) deep by the people of the Nasca culture, whose legacy is still kept alive almost 1 500 years on.

Kuélap Fortress, Amazonas The walls of this archaeological group, at 20 m (66 feet) in height, lend it a monumental character. Built by people from the Chachapoya culture around 700 years ago, it rises up to 3 000 m (9 843 feet).

Tombs, pyramids and palaces; Lambayeque and La Libertad From the city of Trujillo (La Libertad) it is possible to visit Chan Chan (see photo), the largest mud-brick citadel in America and ancient capital of the Chimú culture (900 – 1 200 A.D.). It also has the impressive pyramids called the Huaca of the Sun and Huaca of the Moon from the Moche culture (100 B.C. – 800 A.D.), and the archaeological complex of El Brujo, where the mummy of a Moche noblewoman was found -the Lady of Cao. In Chiclayo (Lambayeque), the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán displays the trove of gold and silver found in Huaca Rajada, in the tomb of this Moche nobleman. To the north, Batán Grande is the site of the tomb of the Lord of Sicán as well as an impressive group of adobe pyramids belonging to the Lambayeque culture (600 – 1 400 A.D.). Another notable attraction is the Valley of the Pyramids in Túcume, comprising 26 pyramids from this culture.

Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary, Lima This complex dominates the side of the valley of the Lurín River, south of the city of Lima. Among its palaces and plazas is the oracle of the creator god Pachacamac, making this the main religious center of the coast. The other temples and pyramics show the architectural styles of the cultures that populated the region in successive periods: Lima, Wari, Ychsma and Inca.

Ancient Peru

cities and holy sites From the oldest civilization in America to the largest and most powerful empire of the south of the continent, Peru retains the architectural and artistic remains of its fascinating cultures. Discovering them is an extraordinary experience.

Machu Picchu, Cusco and the surrounding area, Cusco The Inca city of Machu Picchu –“old mountain” in Quechua– imitates the silhouette of the mountain that gives it its name before revealing itself in all its splendor. Rising up next to Wayna Pichhu –“new mountain”–, it is located a little over 100 km (62 miles) by train from the city of Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire and the modern–day department, where Inca temples and archaeological remains sit alongside Hispanic buildings.

Natural Peru

Manu National Park and Tambopata National Reserve, Madre de Dios These are two of the country’s most important natural reserves. A huge variety of species of birds (such as the Red-masked parakeet on the photo), mammals, fish, insects, reptiles and plants are concentrated here, many of them endemic. It is also the habitat of some native peoples who maintain their own customs, traditions and languages.

m a g i ca l b i o d i v e r s i ty

Peru is one of the 10 megadiverse countries in the world, with hundreds of endemic species of fauna and flora; a paradise for birdwatchers and orchid lovers or for those wishing to explore the mythical and remote natural landscapes, some still virgin and always full of life.

The Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary in Lambayeque does not just protect a dry forest ecosystem dominated by carob trees but also an important archaeological complex with pyramids built by the Sicán culture.

Amazon River and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Loreto From Iquitos you can start the journey through the Amazon River to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, an area of tropical rainforest that is home to a rich flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the pink dolphin, which is only found in its waters.

Colca Valley, Arequipa This inter-Andean valley is full of contrasts: agricultural people who still maintain their traditional customs, handicrafts and architecture live their lives between the mountains that rise up to 5 000 m (16 404 feet) in height and the pine-clad cliffs of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on the planet, which is over 4 160 m (13 648 feet) deep at its lowest point.

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Paracas National Reserve and desert of Ica A refuge for seals, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, flamingoes and other bird species, this nature reserve also has marvellous beaches. One hour away by motorboat are the Ballestas Islands, a natural habitat for thousands of seals and seabirds. Further south, the desert opens up in all its splendor, with impressive sand dunes and the oasis of Huacachina.

Northern beaches: Tumbes and Piura On the north coast of Peru it is summer all year round. Visitors can enjoy its white, sandy beaches and warm, blue sea in a setting that still has the air of a small town and a style that is one hundred percent natural. It is also an exceptional place for whale watching as the humpback whales migrate north from Antarctica. For those who wish to explore further inland, the National Mangrove Sanctuary of Tumbes protects the biodiversity of the region, populated by birds and other species such as the American crocodile.

Wondrous Peru

Luxury cruises through Amazonia A unique opportunity to visit native communities, identify the exotic ďŹ&#x201A;ora and fauna of the region and enjoy beautiful scenery from the comfort of a 5-star cruise. Specialist guides, gourmet cuisine and cocktails on board are just some of the services provided.

Sophisticated sensations There is a Peru for everyone looking to enjoy themselves to the maximum with all five senses; a Peru of sophisticated experiences in spas overlooking the ocean, luxury excursions through the jungle and the mountains, or nights of pleasure in boutique hotels in some of the most impressive sceneries in the world.

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Relaxation and pleasure in natural surroundings There are some destinations where it is still possible to escape from the world and give oneself over to pleasure: massages in the boutique hotels in the valley of the Urubamba in Cusco or on the beach of MĂĄncora in Piura; a cup of champagne in a Bedouin tent in the full desert of Ica or a sunny evening in a private country house with spa in the valley of Arequipa (see photo), are just some of our recommendations for genuine rest and relaxation.

Lima and the art of eating well The capital of Peru is also the gastronomic capital of the Americas. The variety and richness of the ingredients, the union of ancestral and modern techniques and the fusion of cultures has made Lima a true crucible of flavors that come from all the regions of the country and the world, resulting in a culinary mix that forms part of the modern Peruvian identity. Enjoying a trio of cebiches, a fish and seafood dish, is just one of the small but significant pleasures on offer.

Boutique hotels in Cusco To the magical charms of the city of Cusco is added the pleasure of a first class stay in colonial houses, ancient monasteries or designer hotels, with the chance of savouring gourmet dinners and enjoying a service that is 100% personalized.

Peru is waiting for you. Please choose where you would like to begin looking.