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

Perched at 3,700 metres, the town of Chinchero has superb views over the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 

Chinchero

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I lived in Cusco for a time and have therefore explored the Sacred Valley quite a bit. And when it comes to the little villages to visit, Chinchero tops my list, despite the fact that it's quite popular with tourists. You'll no doubt be advised to visit on a Sunday, which is market day. And that's sound advice: it's exceptionally colourful. But even during the week it's still a place worth visiting. This is partly because the route between Cusco and the village in question is superb, and partly because the centre of the village is very pretty and you'll have the chance to learn about the skilful weaving produced by its inhabitants. However, what I've also been impressed by each time I've visited (perhaps more than anything else) are the views from the Inca terraces located just a few minutes walk from the central square. So, to summarise: a wonderful setting, local arts and crafts, and a mix of colonial and Inca cultures – the perfect blend of everything you could possibly dream of discovering when <a href="/peru/">visiting this part of Peru!</a>

A charming little village in the Sacred Valley built on Inca ruins and lying just thirty kilometres from Cusco.

Situated at 30km from Cuzco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the town of Chinchero is often included in <a href="/peru/">tours of Peru</a>. It's in the Urumbamba District. It's shortly due to be the location for Peru's 2nd international airport. The town is bound to drastically change once the works officially begin. At the same time, it's great news for travellers who want to visit Machu Picchu without spending time in Lima. I really enjoyed my tour of the church. It dates back to the 1600s. Its paintings and frescoes are well preserved, whilst its history is fascinating. Go with a guide - his/her knowledge will make it worth the expense. Finally, as it's at a high altitude, the view from Chinchero of Mount Salkantay with its snowy summits is amazing. It's a great photo opportunity.

Perched at 3,700 metres, the town of Chinchero has superb views over the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Chinchero Vacations

Chinchero: How to get there?

Chinchero: See when to go ?

Chinchero: For how long?

Chinchero: What to see nearby?

Peru: our articles for your vacations