Tourist Attractions In Peru.

 Peru is a country located in South America, with Lima as its capital city, and it's home to a section of the Amazon rainforest. Peru is one of the world's tourist attraction centres, and the country's population is upto 34.5 million people. The country's size is estimated to be 1.285 million square kilometers of land, making it the third-largest country in South America and twentieth in the world. There are historical sites and ancient places for tourists. And those looking for adventure. The following are the tourist destinations found in Peru;  

              Huaraz.

Defined by Cordillera Blanca, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world, Huaraz is Peru’s capital of mountaineering. The town itself is rather low-key, but it is a home base for many outdoor excursions, making it a must-visit destination. Verdant valleys give way to the snowy summits of the Cordillera, accessorized with jade lakes and pristine springs. Experienced trekkers set their sights high to reach the 6768m (22,205ft) summit of Huascarán, a three-week journey. Meanwhile, day trips to sites like Laguna Churup are satisfying for beginners or time-constrained adventurers.

            Arequipa.

Known as Peru’s White City for its unique colonial-era architecture crafted from volcanic rock, it is one of the most visually stunning cities in the country. Just beyond the chalky structures of the main plaza are deep-hued testaments to the city’s past, such as the blue and red Monasterio de Santa Catalina, built in 1579 and vibrant picanterías (traditional lunchtime restaurants). On the outskirts of the volcano-framed city is the Ruta del Sillar (Volcanic Rock Route), showcasing the material’s extraction, production, and the lives of the workers.

             Barranco - Lima.

Bohemian, hip, and creative Barranco is hands down the coolest district in the capital city of Lima. The coastal neighborhood is walkable, and numerous boutique shops, bars, and cafes decorate nearly every block. World-renowned restaurants such as Central, Kjolle, Isolina, and Merito all call this district home. Many local artists reside in or have studios in Barranco, which means a gallery or exhibit is never far away. Duck into Jade Rivera World for street-art-inspired pieces or the sizable Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, as well as artisan shops such as Puna, Dédalo, and Las Pallas.

             Cajamarca.

The northern Andean town of Cajamarca was the site of the fateful capture of the last Inca, Atahualpa, by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Remnants of the area’s Inca history abound, including the Cuarto del Rescate, which Atahualpa had filled with treasures to plead for his liberation, as well as his favored thermal baths, now known as Los Baños del Inca. Slow down and explore the idyllic countryside nearby: get your hands dirty on an immersive visit to the dairy farm of Granja Porcón, or visit the archaeological complex of Cumbemayo.

                Ica.

 It's a vast desert that lies the surreal desert oasis, Huacachina. Rest your eyes upon the sparkling body of water (inhabited by mermaids, according to local legends) before plunging down the dunes upon a sandboard or in a dune buggy for an absolute adrenaline rush. Escape from the harsh desert sun at midday by looking around the impressive Regional Museum of Ica or on a tasting tour of Peru’s national spirit, pisco. With year-round sunshine and just four hours from Lima by car or bus, Ica can provide entertainment for days.

           Caral.

It is mind-boggling how few tourists visit the ancient city of Caral, built around 5000 years ago and still impressively preserved. Located in the high desert of the Supe Valley, a 3.5-hour drive from the capital city of Lima, the UNESCO World Heritage Site predates ceramic pottery and the Incas. It is the key to understanding the beginning of Andean culture, a visible shift from separate tribes to a shared urban community. With a guide, visitors can stroll through what was once a complex city of the Norte Chico culture, consisting of mud-brick amphitheaters, rooms, circular plazas, and the remains of six pyramids: remnants of urban planning and agricultural practices that would greatly influence subsequent cultures in Peru.

           Machu Picchu.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru’s greatest claim to tourism fame, Machu Picchu lives up to its hype as a mystical and awe-inspiring 15th-century archaeological site. Built with incredible precision, attention to detail, and at a great height of 2430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu includes temples, private quarters, and ceremonial platforms that continue to radiate sacred energy. Machu Picchu, meaning “old peak” in the Indigenous Quechua language of the Andes, can be reached by a two-hour train ride from the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo. Alternatively, the truly intrepid can walk in the footsteps of the Incas along the classic Inca Trail, a four- to five-day trek that traverses 42km.

          Puerto Maldonado.      

Capital of the southern Amazon rainforest, Puerto Maldonado offers easy access to prime, wildlife-rich jungles in Peru. From here, visitors can venture into the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the last few pristine areas in the rainforest. Spread over 2745 sq kilometers and marked by lakes, rivers, and forests, the protected area is one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet, boasting thousands of butterfly species as well as hundreds of varieties of birds, mammals, and plants. Located in the Madre de Dios region, Puerto Maldonado is a 1.5-hour flight from Lima.

                  

                   Oxapampa.

A jungle town founded by Austrian and German colonists in the 19th century, Oxapampa is a unique visit with unexpected architecture and local food. Just beyond the main plaza and the Tyrolean architecture are lush mountainsides ideally explored by foot or bike. A bit farther away is Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park. A new wave of residents, largely from Lima, arrived in the past decade, resulting in new sustainable tourism ventures and a greater impulse to continue Selvámonos, an annual music and culture festival.    

                 Kuelap.

In the Amazonas region of northern Peru, a walled settlement known as Kuélap has stood among the clouds since the 7th century. Built by the Chachapoyas culture (referred to as “Cloud Warriors”), the fortress is often called the Machu Picchu of the North, despite its higher elevation of 3000 meters above sea level and the fact that it predates the Inca citadel by at least 500 years. Hundreds of circular structures are spread across the site, making it one of the largest sites of stone ruins in the Americas.

              Choquequirao.

You can imagine having Machu Picchu to yourself, Full of history, challenging hikes, and privileged views. Choquequirao is often described as a mini Machu Picchu, but not for its size. At least twice as large as the famed Inca citadel and similar in structure, Choquequirao can only be considered diminutive in terms of visitor numbers. A minimum four-day round-trip of steep climbs filters out many potential visitors, leaving only the most intrepid of hikers.

                Lake Titicaca.

It separates Bolivia and Peru. Lake Titicaca was a sacred body of water to the Incas. In fact, Andean mythology often points to the high-altitude lake as the place of origin of the first Inca, Manco Capac, and his wife, Mama Ocllo. A geological wonder, Lake Titicaca lies at 3,812 meters above sea level, making it the highest navigable body of water in the world. Glide out to the floating reed islands that dot the lake to meet the Uros people, who live a fascinating life committed to the preservation of Indigenous handicrafts and fishing. Tourism is essential for this community, and some families offer homes.

                  The sacred valley

The heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) is indeed the gateway to Machu Picchu, but what rushed travelers often overlook are the villages cradled within the valley that are home to lesser-known archaeological sites, first-rate artisan workshops, and living cultures of the Peruvian highlands. An hour's drive from Cuzco, the bohemian town of Pisac boasts its own hilltop Inca citadel and one of the best handicraft markets in the region. To the northwest is Urubamba, a hub for adventure tourism, rock climbing, trekking, and downhill biking. The neighboring village of Ollantaytambo is home to the eponymous Inca fortress.