What are the top Peruvian destinations when planning your trip to Peru? What tourist regions of Peru are recommended to visit? From Auri, let us suggest you some places that you should take into consideration in your next visit to Peru. Considering that today’s travelers seek above all to contribute to their own mental well-being, contribute to local communities and take away memorable memories.
Among the many Peruvian destinations, this blog will highlight the following:
Cusco
Cusco is the tourist heart of Peru. Cradle of a glorious past that remains present through these spectacular Inca constructions scattered throughout the region. Megalithic constructions that are masterpieces of engineering and architecture: Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Waqrapukara and a long list of Inca sites. Cusco is also home to impressive natural sites that have been trending on social media in recent years: the colorful mountains of Vinicunca, Pallay Poncho and Palcoyo; as well as the glacial Humantay Lake.
In Cusco we find impressive trekking routes that connect the most impressive landscapes in different ecological levels. An example of this is the Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu, descends from the high mountains of the Andes to the rainforest. It is catalogued as one of the best treks in the world for . Culture, history, nature, customs, mysticism, adventure, traditional neighborhoods, local communities, and an endless number of elements make Cusco Peru’s favorite destination by excellence.
Puno
Puno is home to the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. This high plateau region is also the birthplace of the Andean culture. Legends say that from the waters of Lake Titicaca emerged the creator god of the Andean culture: Wiracocha. Likewise, a legend attributes the lake to be the place of origin of the Incas.
On the other hand, Puno is the capital of Peruvian folklore with its pompous and joyful festivities that last for weeks. Puno is one of Peru’s favorite cultural destinations. In Puno we will be captivated by the chullpas of Sillustani or the impressive archaeological site of Pucara. The living and ancestral culture of its people is still alive in the islands of Uros, Taquile and Amantani or in their artistic expressions such as the bulls of Pucara (toritos de Pucara).
Ica
If there is a word to define this Peruvian coastal region, it is mystery. Ica is characterized by its gigantic pre-Columbian geoglyphs in the Nazca and Palpa deserts. Hundreds of geoglyphs that have given many researchers more than one headache. In Ica also awaits us unique nature destinations such as the famous “Oasis of America”, the Huacachina. A body of emerald green waters in the middle of endless coastal dunes.
The deserts of Ica are ideal for adventure sports such as sandboarding, buggy rides or paragliding. If you are a wildlife lover, don’t miss the opportunity to swim with sea lions in the Whale Islands. Finally, if you come to Ica do not miss the opportunity to taste the best of the Ica wine harvest through its prestigious red and white wines.
Loreto
Loreto is the most extensive region of Peru. Its gigantic forests are home to the most diverse species of flora and fauna. Loreto is one of the largest ecosystems on the planet, where animals, plants and native communities live together. Forests that are as diverse as they are fragile, which is why there are four natural protected areas in the region.
The Loreto region is crossed by the longest and largest river in the world, the Amazon. In the river we can do sport fishing activities, nature tourism or let ourselves be dragged by its waters in unique rainy cruises. If we look for culture in its capital Iquitos, we find architectural jewels whose constructions date back to the time of the heyday of rubber. In short, Loreto is the ideal destination for all nature lovers.
Arequipa
Declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO due to its impressive colonial constructions in white sillar, Arequipa is the land of volcanoes and a region that keeps an enviable gastronomy. Also, in the region we find the Colca Canyon, an impressive geographical feature with a maximum depth of 4130 meters. This canyon is home to the largest non-marine flying bird in the world: the Andean condor.
In Arequipa, delicious dishes typical of the region await us, such as rocoto relleno (stuffed red pepper), solterito arequipeño (a typical dish from Arequipa) or adobo arequipeño (a typical dish from Arequipa). The region is home to protected natural areas, dream spas, impressive sites of colonial architecture and above all landscapes of mountainous, barren, desert, volcanic and endless plains.
Lima
Lima is the Peruvian capital, home of the most modern buildings in Peru. The city is the fruit of a great culinary and cultural miscegenation. This great metropolis is known as the City of Kings. Lima stands out for being the gateway to Peru and a world gastronomic center. Among its noisy streets we find historic buildings dating back to colonial times: palaces, churches and mansions that coexist with modern and elegant buildings.
Lima is home to the most important pre-Hispanic temple on the Peruvian coast, the sanctuary of Pachacamac. Some other attractions are Barranco (Lima’s bohemian district), the magical water circuit, the Huaca Pucllana and the Pantanos de Villa. Lima is the Peruvian capital that offers a wide range of flavors, sensations, colors and experiences.
Madre de Dios
In the Madre de Dios region we find one of the most biodiverse natural areas in the world: Manú. This National Park preserves innumerable wildlife. In its almost 2 million hectares we find 10% of the world’s plant species. A single hectare of Manu contains more than 200 species of trees.
In the territories of Madre de Dios we will also find the Tambopata National Reserve, which together with the Manu protects one of the most important jungles on the planet. Also in this region is the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, the Sandoval Lake and the Tambopata butterfly farm. All the landscapes of Madre de Dios are home to a great biodiversity, which makes the region a spectacle teeming with life, a highly ecotouristic area.
Peru is a whole world to explore. In every nook and cranny of its vast geography there are places waiting to be discovered by your eyes. With many years of experience in the travel industry, the professionals at Auri Peru are ready to help you plan and realize your dream trip in every detail. Come and enjoy your adventure in Machu Picchu and other extraordinary places in Peru!
