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.

Peru

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

 Paracas is a charming, little seaside town and departure point for the Ballestas Islands or the Paracas National Reserve. 

Paracas

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I have wonderful memories of this small, Peruvian town. I particularly enjoyed my walk along Paracas Beach at sunset! A colony of pelicans live there; watching them fly and dive to catch fish is spectacular. The less timid ones will even approach you! Whilst waiting for the boat to take you to the Ballestas Islands, I suggest you visit the Paracas Museum. You'll learn loads about the wildlife that you're bound to encounter during your boat trip. What's more the museum has a lot of regional information including the extensive birdlife found in the natural reserve.

Paracas is a charming, little seaside town and departure point for the Ballestas Islands or the Paracas National Reserve.

Now, Paracas isn't an absolutely essential place to visit. There is little to see and the town itself is not particularly welcoming. Nevertheless, making a two-day detour to Paracas was a good idea because it allowed me to visit the nature reserve near to the town. One day is enough to visit the Paracas National Reserve. Long stretches of sand await you here. Amongst the dunes and the wind-whipped sands, take some time to stroll along the natural salt paths. In this same reserve you will find the famous beaches of red sand, where you can swim! Further on, near to the cliffs, you are sure to have the opportunity on your travels to see some of the animal life here: seals and penguins lolling below in the sun. In the reserve itself you will come across a little spot with a rather nice restaurant. The pelicans have learned that food isn't far away and they don't hesitate to nip into the kitchens to swipe a few tasty morsels. This is the only "civilised" place in the entire reserve, so if you are afraid of large spaces with no sign of human occupation, enjoy it to the maximum.

The town of Paracas isn't much in itself but the Paracas desert makes it worth a little detour. 

Paracas Vacations

Paracas: How to get there?

Paracas: See when to go ?

Paracas: For how long?

Paracas: What to see nearby?

Peru: our articles for your vacations