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

This little 'norteño' paradise will be sure to please you. This seaside resort is the perfect base for a visit to the ruins of Chanchán near to Trujillo.

Huanchaco

Uruguay

The Galapagos Islands

Patagonia

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

The coast of the country is huge, there are an infinite number of sunbathing and surfing spots. Then again, don't expect to find beaches from paradise, Peru isn't special in this regard. However, the spectacular sunsets alone are worth the detour. And then it's always lovely to allow yourself a few lazy days by the sea, especially after a wild hike in the Andes! Huanchaco is a sweet, unpretentious little town. It is known for its Caballitos de Torora or reed boats (yes, the same as at those at Lake Titicaca), on which you can take a ride if you wish. As for novice surfers, they'll be very content: here it's obviously a paradise to learn to ride a board. Having been there many times, I've noticed that tourist attractions have doubled in a few years. By chance the atmosphere is again intended to be cool and it's therefore a destination that I like very much, and above all much more than it's direct competitor, Mancora. Not a bad choice of restaurants, a few bars sprinkled about here and there, the fiesta on Thursdays and there you are, you can throw a dice as regards evening outings. From a cultural point of view you won't be disappointed. The region offers quite a few archaeological sites: Huaca del so y de la Luna, El Brujo and of course the magnificent Chan Chan. Huanchaco is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the country. So if it's absolute calm that you're aiming for on the pacific leg of <a href="/peru/">your trip to Peru</a>, continue on your way. If not, why not go and have a look around?

Seaside resort a few miles from Trujillo, north of Lima

The 'caballitos de totora' massive straw boats in the Mochica tradition, are most definitely the icon of this destination. They are planted in the sand of the magnificent beaches in the seaside resort of Huanchaco, and add real character to this northern destination. This little seaside paradise on the outskirts of the city of Trujillo is situated only 15 minutes away from the city centre by car. It is not only swarming with tourists, but also with the local people. For lovers of water sports, Huanchaco is also the perfect place to go surfing, with many surf schools nearby. I promised myself that I would try it on my next visit! For those who want to get away from the beach, a visit to the colonial church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is well worth your time. It is an ancient, well-preserved building with plenty of charm.

This little 'norteño' paradise will be sure to please you. This seaside resort is the perfect base for a visit to the ruins of Chanchán near to Trujillo.

Huanchaco Vacations

Huanchaco: How to get there?

Huanchaco: See when to go ?

Huanchaco: For how long?

Huanchaco: What to see nearby?

Peru: our articles for your vacations