Active/Adventure Travelers
Active travelers won’t be disappointed by Peru’s exhilarating adventure experiences! Covering sixty percent of the country, the Peruvian Amazon boasts some of the greatest biodiversity in the world, ideal for bird watching, nature trails, canopy walks and immersive experiences with local communities and ecolodges. Next, explore Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, on a native totora reed boat, and head to Arequipa to let the extraordinary geography – from coastal deserts to towering Andean peaks – inspire your next great adventure!

Bird Watching
With some 1836 species of birds, Peru is one of the most important birding destinations in the world and a paradise for bird-watchers. Its number of species represents one-fifth of all the species registered in the world. Peru also contains an impressive 84 of the 104 recognized life zones in the world - resulting in an incredible number of unique habitats that provide 120 endemic bird species. Peru is the second leading country in the world for bird diversity and the first for bird observation.

Paragliding and Hang-Gliding
Free fiight lovers will feel overjoyed by what they can do in Peru. The Sacred Valley of the Incas (Cusco) provides flyers the experience of soaring over Incan ruins, and, in the Huaylas Valley of Áncash, they can float on winds that blow between towering mountains. Likewise, along the Costa Verde boardwalk in Lima, you can fly above the ocean waves and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city.

Trekking
To trek Peru is to journey through incredibly beautiful Andean countryside with a backdrop of everlastingly white mountains and crystal clear lakes, to walk along the Qapac Ñan (Inca Trail), that network of roads built by the Incas to unite their empire, and to see the culture of communities that adorn the pathways. There are trekking routes that take you on adventures through the White and Huayhuash Ranges in Áncash as well as many others in the department of Cusco that will lead you to Machu Picchu.

Mountain Climbing
After the Himalayas, the Andes are the highest mountains in the world. One of those mountains is Mount Huascarán, located in the White Range, which happens to be the highest mountain found anywhere in the tropics. Along with this record breaking mountain are dozens of others that surpass 5,000 masl (16,400 fasl). The Peruvian Andes feature mountains of different technical diffculty levels – from high to medium to easy – as well as the chance to make first assaults and to open new climbing routes.

Mountain Biking
Part of the attraction to mountain biking through Peru is the opportunity to discover ancient Incan and pre-Incan trails, visit archeological sites and picturesque villages, as well as to ride through different ecological tiers in just a few hours. There is one route, starting in the town of Olleros, south of Lima, where you can descend 3,600 meters (11,808 feet) in a ride that is just 70 kilometers (113 miles) long. Pachacámac (Lima), Cusco, Puno, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon are also great places for cyclists.

Surfing
The Peruvian coastline is bathed by Pacific waves all year long. If you go north, the best surfing beaches are Máncora, Los Órganos, Cabo Blanco, Lobitos, Pacasmayo, Chicama – which is famous for having the longest left hand wave in the world –  and Huanchaco. In the center of the country, great surf beaches are Señoritas, Caballeros, Punta Hermosa, Punta Rocas, site of one World Qualifying Series surfing tournament, Pico Alto, whose waves are compared to those in Hawaii.

White Water Rafting and Kayaking
The Peruvian Andes and their plunging canyons turn this country into a magnificent stage for rafting and kayaking. The most renowned rivers are the Apurímac in Apurímac (class II and V), the Cotahuasi in Arequipa (class V), and the Tambopata in the jungle. For kayaking, the best place is Lake Titicaca (Puno), the highest navigable lake in the world.

Fishing
Peru holds the world’s record for fish diversity. Here, the sheer quantity of fish being spawned along the coast and in rivers and lakes of the Andes and the Amazon is mind boggling. There are three Amazonian species considered trophies in the world of fishing: the chambira or payara, the tucunare (peacock bass), and the dorado. In the north, the beaches of Cabo Blanco and Máncora are famous sites for marlin fishing, where a world record breaking specimen weighing 1,542 pounds was caught. There, beneath the waters, await even larger marlins for the intrepid to come along and be conquered. Then, in the south, there is the Paracas National Reserve and farther south the coast of Mollendo, which are also waiting for your visit.

Nightlife 
Most cities in Peru offer a variety of nightlife. In Lima, there are peñas (locales offering traditional live music), disco techs, pubs, and night clubs in several districts, yet the most popular are found in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. The location of nightlife locales in other cities is normally in the downtown (main square and its surroundings).

Cruises in the Amazon
The cruise on the Amazon river is the most luxurious journey in the Amazon region. A dream-like trip deep in the wild jungle, waking up to the call of birds, falling asleep amidst the peace of the natural world. A real paradise. The cruise ships have suites boasting 180 degree views, air conditioning and first-class decoration. The dining rooms and lounges have large dividing screens, hammocks on the upper deck to enjoy the temperate weather in the open air, viewing platforms, boutiques and different on-board services to add to you pleasant stay. 

First Class Train To Machu Picchu
The journey, from the city of Cuzco to Machu Picchu can be enjoyed by riding on the famous Hiram Bingham train, with its luxurious wagons decorated in the old European style, features an exquisite catering service as well as artistic dance performances and regional music. Travelers are astounded by the journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, through the mountains and alongside the river Urumbamba.

Archeology
Hundreds of wonders 10,000 years of history can be seen in one of the largest networks of archeology found in the world – and the largest in South America. Progress reached by the ancient Peruvians in the areas of arts and science never ceases to amaze. Take, for example, the city of Caral, the oldest in the Americas. Then, there is Machu Picchu, Incan citadel and newly elected Wonder of the World. Yet, there is so much more: the Nasca Lines, the pyramids of the North hiding their mysteries, like those of the Lord of Sipán and the Governess of Cao, the fortress of Kuélap, Chan Chan, the Qapac Ñan (Inca Trail), and the list goes on since Peru is a catalogue of treasures that bear witness to its glorious past.

Living Culture - Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is one of the most important natural heritage sites in the world, as well as a great source of resources for the communities that live around its blue waters, maintaining ancestral traditions and customs. The island of Taquile has pre-Inca terraces and ceremonial sites. Its inhabitants are experts in the art of traditional textiles, which has been recognized by UNESCO since 2005 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On the island of Amantani, members of the community demonstrate to visitors their agricultural work, textiles, stone carvings and furs. Covering 43 hectares (106 acres), Suasi island is a unique example of a lake-side habitat. It is just 1 km (0.6 mile) from the shore. In this place ecosystem protection is encouraged, with man and nature coexisting in harmony. The Anapia archipelago, made up of 5 islands, gives visitors the chance to stay at family homes and share normal day-to-day moments with them by carrying out different activities.

Peru’s distinguishing seal is its living culture, an experience you definitely cannot miss out on. Whether it is about participating in ancient rituals, like an offering to the earth, or working in the fields next to farmers, forming part of the parades during one of the many festivals, riding a Peruvian paso horse, or learning to dance to Afro-Peruvian or Andean music, go ahead and do it because it is going to make you feel more like home. The best way of enjoying the hospitality and kindness of a place where friendship lives is through experiential tourism.

Market research indicates that Peru is perceived all over the world as a country possessing a great historic legacy and as the birthplace of one the world’s most ancient and important civilizations. This attribute makes Peru a destination that owns a great potential for establishing emotional connections with the traveler.

The latest study conducted by the consulting firm FutureBrand (2008), based on a survey with 2,700 travelers from nine different countries, places Peru as the most valued tourist destination of the American continent regarding culture, history and authenticity.

Peruvians of today have inherited customs and traditions from civilizations that developed centuries before the arrival of Europeans, and that meeting of two worlds produced a melting pot that was further enriched by contributions from African and Asian people who also settled roots in this land. Peru is also an encounter between the ancient and the modern, a place where past and present live side by side. The result is a culture that lives and breathes, reinventing itself every day.

Cultural Explorers
Experience Peru’s vast wealth of cultural treasures, from Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to the pre-Incan Moche Route. A land wrapped in 10,000 years of history, Peru was the heart of the Incan Empire yet, long before that time, ancient civilizations took root in this territory, leaving incredible traces of a fascinating past. Visitors step back in time when exploring its vast archaeological heritage, one of the richest in the world. 

Peru celebrates almost 3,000 festivals a year. Most of them are held in homage to a patron saint or are part of the Christian calendar blended with the magical beliefs of ancient forms of worship. Here is just a sampling of the most popular festivals by month.  

JANUARY 

Marinera Festival — City of Trujillo (January & February)
The Mansiche Arena in Trujillo is the stage for the National Marinera Contest, the most elegant by couples dance in Peru. Both dancers swirl while waving a white kerchief and executing a number of characteristic steps. The male dancer wears a poncho and a hat, and if riding horseback, rides a Peruvian Paso horse. His lady wears a beautiful typical regional dress. 

FEBRUARY 

Virgin de la Candelaria — City of Puno (Early February)
On the central day, the Virgin parades the city in a colorful procession, followed by more than 200 bands of musicians and a similar number of groups who dance around the city and compete for prizes in the local stadium. The festival is related to the pre-Hispanic farming cycles of planting and harvesting (worshipping Pachamama or Mother Earth), as well as with the region's mining activity. 

MARCH 

Easter — City of Ayacucho — (March-April)
With its 33 churches, Ayacucho presents on this date the most fervent Andean staging of the Way of the Cross, with several daily processions on the city's streets. At dawn Christ Resurrected leaves the cathedral, a moment that the faithful wait for after a night-long wake around bonfires they light in the Main Square to fight the cold. They all carry the Lord in joy on a wax portable altar. 

APRIL 

Peruvian Paso Horse Festival — City of Lima (April- May)
This contest takes place in Mamacona, at the foot of the pre-Inca Pachacamac oracle. The Peruvian Paso horse is a breed of Spanish and Berber races. Its gait is a series of synchronized movements of the front and rear legs in parallel fashion, a trait that has made it one of the most beautiful and elegant horses in the world. 

MAY 

Corpus Christi — City of Cusco (May-June)
Fifteen saints and virgins from different Cusco districts arrive at the cathedral in procession to salute Christ's body in the form of a consecrated wafer kept in the fabulous 26-kg massif gold custody. During the night wake, typical dishes, such as chiriuchu (guinea pig and hot peppers), chicha and corn bread, are served. As soon as the sun rises, the parade starts around the main square, and then the images enter the cathedral to salute each other. Finally, the delegations go back to their churches in the midst of songs and prayers. 

JUNE 

Inti Raymi — 1 mile from the City of Cusco (June 24)
Inti Raymi is the Sun's festival. It coincides with the winter solstice and the harvest season. The Sacsayhuaman fortress is the stage for the ceremony, following a detailed script, including the sacrifice of two llamas to tell the future. The Inca, who urges the authorities in Cusco's main square to govern well, presides over the ceremony. At dusk, the Inca announces the end of the day's ceremonies and merry-making starts. 

JULY 

The Virgin of El Carmen — City of Paucartambo, Cusco Region (July 15-16)
The Virgin of El Carmen or Mamacha Carmen, patroness of mixed-blood people, is worshipped in a colorful procession of her image along the village streets with music and singing in Quechua, and groups representing passages of the history of Peru. On the central day, the Virgin blesses the attendants and casts off demons that perform risky acrobatics on roof tops. The grand finale is a war against demons in which the faithful triumph.

SEPTEMBER 

Mistura (September 5-14)
Peru´s largest food festival.  The Mistura food fair brings together the various actors in the cuisine of Peru: farmers, producers of pisco, cooks, bakers, food sellers, confectioners, huariques, restaurants, cooking schools and commercial companies.  The food festival attracts internationally acclaimed chefs, including famous Peruvian chefs, and many have food booths at the festival where you can get a taste of their renowned creations. 

OCTOBER 

The Lord of the Miracles — City of Lima (late October)
This image gathers the largest numbers of devotees in South America. It dates back to colonial times, when a black slave painted it on the walls of a run-down property. In spite of earthquakes and attempts at erasing it, the miraculous image has remained intact. Thousands of believers dressed in purple habits sing and pray to accompany the image in procession. It is a date to enjoy "turrón de Doña Pepa" (a nougat) and delicious "picarones" (ring-shaped fritters). Bull fighting at Plaza de Acho attracts the most prestigious bullfighters of Spain and the Americas.

Family Travelers
With a diverse range of exciting landscapes and a limitless number of adventures and activities, Peru is an ideal family vacation destination, providing an excellent learning experience if its rich history ecology and cultures different from their own. Children will revel in the mysteries and archaeological grandeur of Machu Picchu, the phenomenal flora and fauna of the Amazon and the cultural adventure and sports opportunities throughout Peru.

Peruvian cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of traditional dishes from the coast, highlands, and jungle. You can find all kinds of restaurants to discover this mixture of flavors; from the highly sophisticated to simple and inexpensive establishments. When it comes to ordering food, some dishes are usually served intensely seasoned. Asking restaurant staff about the seasoning in a particular dish before ordering is wise.

We recommend Peru Mucho Gusto as an excellent resource for investigating Peru's rich culinary heritage. If you want to taste different Peruvian dishes in one place, you must go to Mistura Festival in September.

Museum of Cao (1 hour from Trujillo)
A new Site Museum opened its doors on the archaeological complex of Huaca Cao in La Libertad, where a few years ago the Lady of Cao, a divine member of the Moche royalty, was discovered. In this modern museum, besides showing the latest findings, the history of how the civilizations that existed in the area got together will be told.

El Brujo Archaeological Complex is an ancient ceremonial center, where the legacy of 5,000 years of human occupation can be contemplated. The building houses six rooms containing archaeological material, an exhibition room for the mummy of the Lady of Cao, auditorium, a laboratory and meeting rooms. The Museum's main goal is to present the cultural process that took place at El Brujo Complex, and to reinforce the importance of this site into the archaeological and tourism circuit that has been developing in Northern Peru.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum (30 minutes from Chiclayo)
A modern building inspired in the ancient pyramidal architecture of the Moche culture, this musuem is as well a mausoleum to 16 tombs discovered in the Sipán Archaeological Complex.

The Larco Museum (Lima)
Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum is one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions. It showcases remarkable chronological galleries through 3,000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. It features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection.

The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru (Lima)
This is the oldest state museum in the country and constitutes the administrative center of the National System of State Museums. Ceramics, textiles, metals, organic materials and lithics - related to invaluable human remains preserved with techniques that still surprise specialists - are part of the museum’s amazing collection.

The Amano Museum (Lima)
Here visitors will find the private collection of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano showcasing selected pieces of ceramics and textiles, arranged chronologically to illustrate the development of weaving throughout Peru’s pre-Columbian cultures and featuring special items from the Chancay culture.

The Enrico Poli’s Private Collection (Lima)
This museum features pre-Columbian and Colonial art. Inside his colonial style home, Poli has amassed one of the best private collections in the world, including many pieces recovered from the Lord of Sipan tomb.

Urban Explorers
Any visit to Peru would be incomplete without exploring Lima, a city of hidden treasures. Lima was founded by the Spanish in 1535 and the grand monuments and mansions in the city’s historical center have earned its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the city dates back thousands of years before as a site of important pre-Inca cultures. Lima today delights visitors with world-class museums, art galleries, excellent restaurants and world-class cuisine Urban explorers also shouldn’t miss the rich history and modern sophistication of vibrant Cusco.

NORTHERN PERU (MOCHE ROUTE)

Trujillo
No other city in Peru has mansions as lovely as Trujillo does. Its downtown is full of splendid examples of Colonial and Republican (19th century) architecture. Stunningly pastel colored, huge and luxurious mansions are decked out with magnificent balconies, elegant portals and spacious entryways, though their distinctiveness is seen in striking windows that are adorned on the outside with decorative iron bars.

Like few capitals, Trujillo places everything at your fingertips. It could even be said that several smaller cities coexist within the same geographic space: exquisite sections with Colonial architecture, other sectors with discreet touches of modernity, as well as a scattering of regal pre-Hispanic temples confer it the air of a world class city.

For instance, Trujillo has Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian mud city (15 square miles). A short distance from Trujillo, two temple mounds lay: Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and of the Moon), the former being the biggest mud pyramid in Peru and the latter exhibiting drawings of its principal gods on the walls. Also, north of the city, lies the El Brujo (The Wizard) an archeological complex that  safeguarded the mummy of a female ruler, the Governess of Cao, whose spider and snake tattoos drawn on her arms have amazed the world.

Chiclayo
On top of the desert sands and in the midst of valleys, ancient civilizations constructed sacred pyramids. But it was not until 1987, the year of the discovery of the Lord of Sipán (the most grandiose tomb in the Americas) that the world took notice of the importance of these temple mounds, fallen from grace on the outside but hiding splendor in the inside: Sicán, Túcume and Chotuna to name a few. As a result of the recovery, world class museums, the best in Peru, like the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, have been built.

Not as visible as the temple mounds but equally important is the cuisine of Lambayeque and its use of foodstuffs that have been passed down through generations, like butternut squash and chicha de jora (a sort of corn beer). And we can certainly trace the people’s warmth back for centuries to the genetic memory of the ancient Mochica.

Living history, heavy with ocean breezes, is there, too, in fishermen’s coves like Pimentel and Santa Rosa, where the tiny crafts, known as caballitos de totora (little reed horses), return to the beaches under the setting afternoon sun just as they have for 3,000 years.

Another site that combines history and nature is the Chaparrí Forest, 1.5 hours from Chiclayo. It is heaven on earth, where you can see among carob tree branches, spectacled bears, deer and pumas as well as ancient religious sanctuaries displaying sophisticated rock paintings.

Chachapoyas
Once in the city of Chachapoyas, you will be bewitched, in a blink of an eye, by its magic. It is a city wrapped still in a veil of mystery. Its narrow streets are absolutely lovely, its desserts and sweets are extremely tasty, and the patios of its houses are decked with orchids. Even if Chachapoyas looks like any highland city, it heavily carries the scent of the jungle.

On par with the grandeur of Machu Picchu is 2,000 year old Kuélap, a fortress with 65 foot walls and fascinating stone friezes, a symbol of the Chachapoyas culture. Yet this is just the scratching of the surface when it comes to tourist destinations. There are literally hundreds of archeological vestiges strewn along the Utcubamba River Valley. The best example of this is the Karajía 2 sarcophagi, standing 6.5 feet tall and embedded in a cliff wall that falls straight down; these monuments are reminders of some ancient cult of the dead.

The impressive Gocta Waterfall is located 44 km to the north of Chachapoyas. 771 metres high, divided in two falls and surrounded by exuberant flora and fauna, including "gallitos de las rocas" (cocks of the rock) and monkeys, it is the third highest waterfall in Peru.

CENTRAL PERU

Lima
Lima is an entertaining, friendly and gourmet city. It was the most prized jewel of the Spanish colonies and for 300 years the wealthiest city in the Americas. Instead of raising palaces for its kings, Lima built grand churches that guard valuable collections of masterpieces and constructed mansions for the aristocracy. Its historic center was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1991, yet it is much more than this illustrious title.

Lima is also a city of fascinating museums that exhibit treasures that were uncovered at archeological sites from pre-Hispanic cultures. Then again, there is also the district of Miraflores, lying on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, facing both the open sea and modern life, where avant-garde condominiums rise sparkling into the sky and glittering shopping malls are within walking distance of each other. You can also find such modernity in San Isidro, with its lovely residential neighborhoods, large parks and restaurants and open air cafes filled with lively conversations.

The outskirts of Lima also have their fair share of attractions. From Callao, you can take a boat ride to visit sea lions and marine birds that find shelter on the Palomino Islands, and, for the more adventuresome, sail out to the continental shelf and watch whales sporting in the waves. South of the city is Pachacamac, a pre-Hispanic complex that was site of the most important pilgrimage shrine in ancient Peru. And a short distance north sits the remains of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas, built 5,000 years ago.

Shopping in Lima
Peru’s rich cultural history has been handed down through generations of artisans. From weavers living high in the Andes, to the silversmiths of Lima, many of the crafts have changed little for centuries, while others have incorporated contemporary artistic ideas and design. Peru’s local artists produce some of the richest and most unique handicrafts found anywhere. A great variety of shopping venues – tiny boutiques, artisan market stalls, and antique shops to large shopping malls await visitors. Peru has a long tradition of textile weaving and alpaca-wool sweaters, blankets, ponchos, shawls, scarves, typical Peruvian hats, and other woven items. In Lima, handicrafts from all over the country can be found in vast covered markets, both in downtown Lima and Miraflores.

Lodging in Lima
Lima offers a wide array of lodging options, from 5-star luxury hotels to homespun inns. The Historic Centre has limited options, so most visitors stay in Miraflores and San Isidro. Lima’s hotel offering includes renowned international chains like Belmond, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, Westin, DoubleTree, Sol Meliá, and Radisson. Dozens of independent hotels, pensiones and hostals are also available.

Caral
Or Caral-Supe civilization was a complex Pre-Columbian society that included as many as 30 major population centers in north-central coastal Peru. Located about three hours north of Lima, the region is home to the oldest known civilization in the Americas and one of the six sites where civilization separately originated on the planet. It flourished between the 3,000 BC and the 1,800 BC. A complex society in Caral emerged just a millennium after Sumer in Mesopotamia, and it pre-dated the Mesoamerican Olmec by nearly two millennia. Caral is a World Heritage site of extraordinary significance to human history.

SOUTHERN PERU

Nasca Lines
An enigma of immense proportions that is a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Even though German researcher Maria Reiche spent 50 years studying them and other investigators still continue in her wake, nobody can give a clear reason why the ancient Peruvians drew figures of animals and plants (birds, a monkey, a spider, a whale and others) on the desert soil that were so big you could only see them from the air though they had no means of flight.

Paracas
One of the best wildlife refuges on the Peruvian coast. This habitat of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and flamingos as well as site of heavenly beaches. Paracas is synonymous with natural and scenic beauty, definitely worth a visit

Cusco
One of a kind architecture plus a profound feeling of history equals one of the most seductive cities on the planet: Cusco. Radiant by day, Cusco’s main square dresses itself up for a party at night, soft yellow lights illuminating lovely arcades and the head turning facades of the Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Jesus.

Upon leaving the city limits one comes face to face with what looks like a sort of an Incan theme park in Sacsayhuamán–with menhirs standing up to 29.5 feet and weighing 350 tons. A little farther along, there are other sacred sites, like Qenko, or the very popular Baños del Inca (Inca baths) or Tambomachay, a fascinating site dedicated to worship water.

Then, there is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, an overcharged natural setting. Eye pleasing agricultural terraces descend down the mountains, like giant stair steps. The air is filled with the scent of baking bread, prepared in mud ovens, and endless fields of corn dance with the wind. Under the intense blue sky sit picturesque villages like Písac, Yucay and Ollantaytambo, and on their outskirts lie noteworthy Incan palaces.

Machu Picchu, the magical citadel, brings the visitor within reach of an intact ancient world where history is found in every nook and cranny. Lest we forget, recently opened Choquequirao, is another Incan site that takes the breath away. In Cusco, the word mystical gets its true meaning.

Machu Picchu ("Old Mountain" in Quechua) 
Machu Picchu is an impressive sight as it rises out of the midst of a group of green covered mountains in southern Peru, in a steamy, semitropical region. Its beauty touches the visitors’ senses and the mysteries surrounding it keep people asking as yet unresolved questions. Why was this city built in a hidden spot of the South American jungle? What did Machu Picchu really mean to the Incas? How was it possible for them to move gargantuan stones that fit perfectly one to another to construct such immense walls? These are just some of the questions that tantalize the imagination of scientists and tourists as they seek to unravel its mysteries, so much so that there are even those who believe supernatural intervention was needed to explain the perfection of Machu Picchu’s architecture.

Nevertheless, what really matters about this city is that it holds a different meaning for every person. This is, perhaps, the reason why so many people are convinced that mystical energies flow from its stones, like a huge fountain capable of reviving the most exhausted of travelers.

UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 1983 and the world has recently voted it as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Arequipa
A World Heritage Site as designated by UNESCO, the White City knows well how to maintain its Colonial heritage to the point that you can do your banking in old and gorgeous mansions. The downtown is particularly beautiful, with a heart of finished white volcanic stone called sillar that has been fashioned into arches, façades and cupolas. Its people are kind and enjoy good conversation and relish living under the watchful gaze of their guardian volcano, Mount Misti. An added bonus is the 340 days of brilliant sun as well as the exquisite main square, conquered by noisy pigeons, and demonstrations of its people’s hospitality.

The department of Arequipa is dominated by the Andean Mountains with the chain reaching the very lip of the continent at Atico, a coastline zone with beautiful beaches. In Chala, the closest coastal point to the department of Cusco, the Incas built citadels with stone in front of the sea. As there are huge snowcapped mountains rising high into the sky, so are there deep wounds in the surface of the Earth. Canyons like Cotahuasi and Colca, that start out as fertile, terraced and pleasant valleys that later taper and plunge into dizzying canyons. These are some of the deepest places found on the planet, yet places where kind people live, the wind blows strongly and shrimp abound.

The Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary is the only stopping point for over 2,000 kilometers for more than 70 species of migratory birds. The list is long, yet there is still a rather important footnote to Arequipa, and that is its famous and diversified cuisine, full of scents and concoctions that match its magnificent landscape and towering volcanoes.

Puno
A visitor arrives in Puno with one look on his face and leaves with an entirely different one, more real and lasting. Maybe it is the humbling presence of the Titicaca, out of whose sparkling waters rise ancient legends. Or, perhaps it is the fantastic looking Sillustani chullpas (burial towers) lining the lake shore. Who knows.

The splendor of its churches are equally hard to forget, such as Saint Dominic in Chucuito, built in 1534 and being the first and oldest church on this high plateau. It is also likely that Puno’s enchantment rests in its people, their reserved nature, yet their joy, and the way they welcome visitors. Maybe it is all the aforementioned reasons everything added together.

Puno is a land that never stops surprising. It may be the aluminum rooftops that compete in shimmer with the blue steel lake waters in the sunlight, or the fact that the city relishes its provincial mood, its Aymara and Quechua soul and a legendary connection to its greatest treasure – the sacred lake of the Incas and its wonderful islands, which covers the eyes of its visitors with a special magic.

But not everything down there is simple observation. Puno is a city on the move every day of the year; it is hard not to find a festival, like the one celebrating Our Lady of Candlemas, where dancers rock the stones of the Altiplano. Wearing brightly colored outfits, showy costumes and intricate masks, dancers twist and turn to the beat of the music, punctuated with drums and reed pipes, as if they were thanking the earth and the sky for the blessings of this unique city on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

The main handmade craft stores are found in the districts of Miraflores and Barranco downtown as well as the Larcomar mall. It is also possible to purchase crafts in the city's main shopping centers.

The sales tax (IGV) is 18%. Most stores, shopping centers, and handmade craft markets are open seven days a week (including holidays) from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. You may bargain with street, market, and beach vendors on the price of some articles. This is called "regateo".