For accommodation
in Peru, visit All
World Vacation Station
Highlights of a Peru Vacation
by MICHAEL ZURAKHINSKY
 No
matter if you are in pursuit of sports adventure, or an archaeological
phenomenon, a visit to Peru truly satisfies. Nestled between Bolivia to
its south and Ecuador to its north, this seaside country also shares borders
with Chile, Brazil, and Columbia. For the nature enthusiast, Peru's oddly
contradicting natural features produce a fascinating array of wildlife,
including whales, giant otters, and jaguars. Head east of the Andes into
the Peruvian jungle, where you'll glimpse some of the richest biodiversity
on earth. Peru has several well-established national parks along the desert
seacoast, at the edge of the "Altiplano", and among the high Andean Cordillera.
Rich in ancient culture and
tradition, Peru is also home to imperial ruins of great civilizations,
including the lost city of Machu Picchu and The Nasca Lines, an enigma
of mysterious desert etchings. The Peruvian Andes provide unrivalled mountain
trekking and cycling prospects for the adrenaline seeker, as well as the
spiritual traveler seeking the teachings of a shaman. At the other end
of the spectrum there is Lima, Peru's desert metropolis boasting some of
the best nightlife, music, and museums in all of South America.
 Lima,
known as Peru's "city by the sea", is a virtual metropolis on the central
desert coastline, as well as an economic magnet for highland and Amazonian
villagers. The bustling sophistication of Lima is guaranteed to indulge
the cosmopolitan traveler's every desire. First class museums and nightlife,
indigenous music, dazzling architecture, historical neighborhoods, and
friendly locals abound. Head north of Lima, to Huaraz, Peru's mountaineering
center, or up the coast to Chicama for surfing and traditional Peruvian
fishing. Afterwards, soothe sore muscles at nearby Cajamarca's rejuvenating
hot springs.
Famous for its reputation
as the gringo hangout of South America, Cusco is also the oldest inhabited
city in Peru and an archaeology lover's dream. With access to the mountaintop
city of Machu Picchu, the sacred Urubamba Valley, and plenty of exciting
nightlife, Cusco is considered the most important hub for travelers to
the Incan Empire. Travel back in time strolling stone wall-lined streets
and mingle with friendly Quechua-speaking Incan descendants. From Cusco,
take the southern coastal route along the magnificent Paracas Peninsula
to see the largest sea lion colony on earth. Just offshore, the Ballestas
Islands lure nature lovers with some of the best seabird watching in the
world.
Dubbed "The White City" for
its beautiful buildings constructed of a light-colored volcanic rock called
sillar, Arequipa is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, including the
volcano El Misti, providing ample photo opportunities. Be sure to include
a visit to the historical Convento de Santa Catalina, a colonial house
of worship. Don't miss a trip to Iquitos, the most popular Amazonian city
within the Peruvian jungle. Located in the northern region of the Amazon
Basin, Iquitos is a central starting point for jungle exploration.
A trip to Peru cannot be
considereed thorough without a visit to the spectacular Manu Biosphere
Reserve. This is considered to be one of the most remote and untouched
locations in the world. The hidden depths of the Amazon lead traverers
to discover a world teeming with exotic birds and mammals. So, in just
two weeks, you can see and do so much in this unique country.
top
For accommodation in Peru,
visit All World Vacation
Station
You can find further information
about Peru here. About the Author: Michael Zurakhinsky is an experienced
traveler and the writing host of www.AllAboutPeruTravel.com
- an independent resource, providing the travelers with free, online information
about Peru and the wonderful highlights it contains.
Travel
Articles / South America
/ Peru
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