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Romantic Places in Peru

Peruvian Andes

Birthplace of the great Incan civilization and setting of archeological wonders.

Cuzco

Capital of imperial Inca, founded in the 12 century. A world heritage city, Cuzco is the oldest inhabited city in the Americas. Che Guevara in his motorcycle diaries wrote “The entire city is one immense showcase.”

Sacred Valley of the Inca

An hour and half train ride from Macchu Picchu you’ll find the tall mountains and dramatic gorges—deeper than any in the world and some where no man has yet explored the depths of—of this Incan sacred valley. Many villagers still speak the old Indian dialect. The Sacred Valley is the former heart of the Inca Empire, starting just 10 miles outside of Cusco. The area is jewelled by incomparable Inca ruins, stunning Andean mountain vistas and charming towns.  On one end of the 60 mile long valley are the ruins of Pisac, complete with ancient sun temple carved from pink granite; on the other the famed 15th century citadel Machu Picchu.

Arequipa & the Colca Canyon

Known as the White City, Arequipa’s historical center was named a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s well preserved colonial architecture, dating from 1540, glows with white sillar from the surrounding volcanoes. Peru’s second-largest city sits in the shadow of three volcanoes Chachani, El Misti and Picchu Picchu.

To get there, it is a winding drive north through the lush Colca Valley. Twice the depth of America’s Grand Canyon and bordered by snowcapped peaks, it is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The Colca Canyon is made even more remarkable as it sits high in the Andes, 3260 metres above sea level.

Lima

One of Peru’s capital city’s most vibrant neighborhoods is the neo-Bohemian Barranco district.  During the glory days of  Peru’s Republican area, wealthy Peruvians built Belle Epoque mansions here for seaside weekend retreats.  Later the wealthy abandoned these mansions and squatters took up residence.  In recent years well-known artists, designers and writers have migrated here, revitalizing the district.

Peruvian Amazon

Macaws, tapirs, giant sea otters, capuchins and red howler monkeys flourish in the most bio-dense rainforest in the world. Take a small plane from Cuzco to enter the Peruvian Amazon. Manu National Park is a world heritage listed site; Tambopata-Candamo Reserve is located to the south of it.

Northern Peru

Deserts and pristine beaches.  The northern Peruvian coast includes the village of Mancora, first discovered by surfers and artists in the 1970’s and now attracting well-off jet-setters looking for the perfect sun and waves combo.