A country that leaves you breathless, unspoilt beaches, coastal desert, deep canyons and dense Amazon jungle.
Lake Titicaca, which straddles Peru’s border with Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world—and one of the most beautiful. The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, which would be stunning anywhere, are truly spectacular in their Andean setting, high above the Urubamba River. And Cusco, once the centre of the Inca empire and now a vibrant gateway to Inca ruins, is also high in the Andes.
Yet even at sea level, Peru can leave you breathless. With unspoiled beaches, coastal desert, deep canyons and dense Amazon jungle, its variety of natural wonders is astonishing.
Then, there are the cultural treasures of Peru . The contrast between old and new runs throughout the land: Poncho-clad indigenous peoples walk their llamas through modern cities, past Spanish cathedrals built on the foundations of ancient Inca ruins. Giant, stylized designs were etched in the earth by the Nazcz who were a great pre-Columbian civilization.
Peru is where pre-Columbian culture reached its most graceful peak. Like the Parthenon in Greece or the Pyramids of Egypt, the Inca and pre-Inca ruins of Peru provide an unforgettable glimpse of the genius of a lost world.
Advisor tips for Peru
Hotels
Hotel Monasterio -Cusco, Peru
300 year old monastery good location, fabulous atmosphere and excellent service. – Mary Ann
Miraflores Park -Lima, Peru
Excellent location in a quiet area with park across from hotel for people that like jogging. – Mary Ann
Country Club -Lima, Peru
This historic hotel was built in 1927 totally refurbished in 1998 considered a national monument and located in the best residential suburb and across from an 18 hole Golf Club. – Mary Ann
Restaurants
Astrid & Gaston -Lima, Peru
Considered best restaurant inLimais a fusion of many cultures with accent on local produce and regions of Peru. Open for lunch 1230 to 1530 and dinner 0745 to 1145. – Mary Ann
Rosa Nautica -Lima, Peru
Overlooking thePacific Oceanone of the best traditional Peruvian cuisine, specializing on seafood. – Mary Ann
Huaca Pucllana -Lima, Peru
Located in a breathtaking setting within the ruins of the Huaca Pucllana which you can visit before having your meal for a minimal fee of USD10.00. The cuisine is Peruvian criollo tradition by Chef Marilu Madueno (Cordon Blue Paris) with combination of local flavours and with contemporary’s techniques. - Mary Ann
Al Fresco -Lima Peru
One of the best seafood restaurants featuring the famous “Ceviche” fish cooked in Lime juice and “Tiradito” thin slices of Bass drizzled with olive oil. This restaurant is located at Mira Flores and the setting is bright and airy. Best time to go is for lunch. – Mary Ann
Los Tres Keros -UrubambaValley Cusco
Excellent Peruvian and Italian dishes combined with highlands flavours. - Mary Ann
Tunupa restaurant for buffet style food built next to the Urubamba River in Cusco, in a colonial environment. Has a lovely chapel for weddings and you can hire a locals to play Indian music. – Mary Ann
Café
Café Suissse - La Tiendecita Blanca -Lima, Peru
Classic old style café, a Lima institution since 1937. Best known for exquisite pastries, cakes, breads and gourmet food shop and perfect for lunch and even breakfast. You can even go Swiss and order a fondue.
San Antonio offering delicious sandwiches, pastries, cakes, coffee and the famous “Chicha Morada” a soft drink made out of purple corn refreshing and very healthy for you. There is one in Miraflores and others around Lima.
UNSECO World Heritage sites in Peru
City of Cuzco
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Chavin (Archaeological Site)
Huascarán National Park
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
Manú National Park
Historic Centre of Lima
Río Abiseo National Park
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana
Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa
Sacred City of Caral-Supe
