Huaraz is the perfect departure point for excursions into both the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. It's in the heights of the Sierra that you will truly discover all the fantastic features that the Ancash region has to offer.

Huarez: a jewel nestled between snow-covered peaks

It's at Lima that the great numbers of Peruvians found themselves in the 50s, when the rural exodus was at its peak. The capital has seen a tenfold increase in its population and it's this mixture of people and cultures from all over the country that gives it all its variety today.

Visiting Lima's various neighbourhoods

A visit to the heart of the various pre-Incan civilisations in the land of the Lambayeque. The region is brimming with important archaeological remains, so let's follow the tracks of this impressive historical heritage...

Lambayeque: follow in the footsteps of ancient civilisations

Located between the Selva and the Cordillera of the Andes, the Huancavélica and Cerro Pasco region will put you under its spell, with its incredible landscapes, the welcoming nature of the local inhabitants and the old traditions that are still very much alive

Pasco and Huancavélica: a voyage combining nature and tradition

The huge capital of Peru sprung up out the desert. Lima is a noisy town, an easy going place where clouds cover the sky for 8 months of the year.

South America

On these pages you will find ideas for a trip to Peru to help you prepare for your trip. All these ideas are there just to get your imagination going; you can alter, mix and match them as you please. Your local agent will help you create a unique and unforgettable trip, just for you! Peru has three distinct parts, each with its own character: the Pacific coast, which is the most densely populated; the Andes range, with the highest mountain being the towering Huascarán at 6,768 metres; and the Amazon, which covers the largest part of the country. If you’re going, start with the must-see: Machu Picchu – fortunately not found by the Conquistadors – rediscovered in 1911. You should visit it at dawn to see the ruins shrouded in mist. This extraordinary site still clasps a few secrets to its bosom. Not far away, the Andes range draw ramblers and trekkers to magnificent landscapes. The ultimate rambling experience is the Inca Trail through exceptional archaeological sites. During your stay in Peru, you must stop in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The Spanish erected their buildings, especially religious ones, over Inca constructions which they systematically destroyed, only sparing their characteristic foundations, which are still visible today with their large, perfectly cut and fitted stones. A voyage out of time awaits you in Cusco.

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Lima

 Pisac: a wonderful site that remains still very well preserved today and where you can see and appreciate the ingenious system of terraces developed during the pre-Inca era in all its splendour.

Pisac

 The town of Ollantaytambo and it's archaeological site are situated between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Take the time to visit this charming, little Inca town.

Ollantaytambo

Andahuaylillas, a small village in the Andes mountains is still protected from the many tourist buses roaming all around Cusco.

Andahuayillas

As you pass through the Colca Canyon area don't miss out on Chivay. A town located in the highest part of the canyon, a very pleasant area. 

Chivay

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Chivay is the first tourist town that you come to on the road between Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. There is a splendid view as you arrive. There are terraces cut into the valley as far as the eye can see. Chivay is a little town where it's good to stop for a day or two. It's a modest-sized town with a population of about 4500. It's not overflowing with things to do but I have very good memories of it. The market in the main square is full of culinary delights typical of the region. The caldo de cabeza, is a local speciality that I don't necessarily recommend. Beware the faint-hearted, it's a broth made from head, and sometimes the head is easily recognisable on the plate! On the other hand, the alpaca kebabs are excellent.

As you pass through the Colca Canyon area don't miss out on Chivay. A town located in the highest part of the canyon, a very pleasant area.

Perched at an altitude of 3,650m and completely hidden by the surrounding mountains, the small village of Chivay is nevertheless a classic part of <a href="/peru/">Peru's tourism</a>. Its geographical position on the Canyon de Colca route attracts a large number of tourists. As a consequence, Chivay has lost its authenticity. It is not unusual to be offered a photo with an eagle or an owl in the market. Despite everything, if you move away from the crowd a bit, it is possible to find the true soul of Chivay. I advise you to have a look round Martín Muñoz church in the little square. It is very typical of the area, decorated according to the Indian beliefs of the region. Once you have had the tour of here, you should take the road to the canyon or Arequipa.

150km from Arequipa, Chivay is a little village situated at the entrance to the Canyon de Colca.

Chivay Vacations

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Chivay: For how long?

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Peru: our articles for your vacations