Traveling To Peru: abril 2008

The South: a tourist magnet

Most tourist to Peru go south. The scenery in the principal departments captures the hearts of all who go there. Its monuments and natural beauty are unique in aun unbeatable destination.

Cusco is the capital city of tourism. Its buildings and the city itself host tourists from all over the world throughout the year. It doesn't matter when you go there, the experience is always unforgettable.

Machu Picchu, chosen as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, contains more than one marvel. The positive energy transmitted by the Apus . Andean mountain deities - at this point on the earth's surface is indescribable.

But Cusco is far more than just Machu Picchu. The fortress and temple of Sacsayhuamán, the Inca city of Ollantaytambo, with its buildings almost intact and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, are

among its many captivating attractions.

The City of Puno is an unassuming place and contrasts with is striking scenery and expressions of local culture. The impressive Lake Titicaca and its floating islands, the tower of Tinajani and the "chullpas" at Sillustani, as well as the vitality and variety of its folklore are a singulary fine series of attractions.

Our history in silhouette

South of the city of Ica, the plain of San Jose contains a series of mysterious zoomorphic figures dating from the 6th Century. Known as the "Nazca lines" they consist of furrows no more than 30 cms. deep that trace out almost 500 mtslong.

Studied by Max Uhle in 1901, Toribio Mejía Xespe in 1926 and in 1939 by Paul Kosok, who made them known to the rest of the world

, they were preserved by Maria Reiche from 1940 to 1998. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, these lines in the Nasca desert cannot be seen at ground level and can only be appreciated in all their splendour from the air, they show that the ancient inhabitants had a sophisticated knowledge of geometry.

Paracas National Reserve is 22 Km. south of the city of Pisco; it is a rich coastal ecosystem covering 335,00 hectares. The reserve is the home of parihuanas, pelicans, penguins, dolphins, seals and an infinity of fish and crustaceans.

The North

The north is synonymous with friendship, excellent hospitaly and sunshine. It's people are as warm as the sun that shines throughout the year. Not for nothing is Trujillo, Perú's third largest city, called the "Capital of Eternal Spring".

This city, 561 Km. from Lima, is full of old town houses, majestic convents and churches and the surrounding area contains important relics of important pre-Inca cultures such as the Mochica and Chimu.

The beaches of Trujillo are very popular. Delicias, Salaverry and Chicama are beatiful and sunny, but the best is undoubtedly Huanchaco, a picture-postcard resort where the local fishermen still use reed boats just as their ancestors did. Ther are known as "caballitos de totota" and area ridden astride, just like horses.

770 Km. north of Lima Chiclayo, the "City of Friendship" welcomes visitors. This city has a wealth of archaeological treasures as the surrounding area was the birthplace of the Lambayeque, Sican, Mochica and Chimu cultures which prospered in pre Columbian times.

33 km. from Chiclayo is the Valley of the Pyramids of Tucumé, covering 220 hectare

s and containing 26 adobe pyramids (or burial mounds), almost 40 m. high. The first were built around 700 A.D., at the start of the Lambayeque culture. The valley also contains the highest pyramid in South America. Huaca Larga, which is 700m. long, 280m. wide and 30 m. high. Ther is a good on-site museum, while the Bosque de Pómac Sanctuary and the Batán Grande Ruins, where the tomb of the Lord of Sican are also interesting destinations.

But the Huaca Rajada archaeological complex preservers the greatest treasures of Chiclayo: The tomb of the Lord of Sipan. The importance of the discovery of this Mochica governor is that he was found with all his attire. After the discovery the Royal Tombs Museum was built and is now considered among the most important museums in America.

The food of Chiclayo is among the finest in Peru. Try the traditional rice and duck, stewed kid goat, chinguirito or fish tortilla combined with a glass of chicha de jora and you will see why.

The beach at Pimentel is famous as a surfing spot and for good food, especially the delicious seafood lunch.

Further north, in the departament of Piura, the beaches at Mancora and Colan are two favorite places at which to pass a few days close to nature. Acrobatic surfers defy the waves while sunbathers lie relaxing on the sand. An ideal place for relaxation and contemplation.

Fine handicrafts from Catacaos, ceramics from Chulucanas famous for their artistic merit and filigree work will tempt you to take home a piece of northern culture.

Cajamarca (2,720 m.a.s.l.) is considered the capital of the Peruvian carnival. It is also the largest city in Peru's northern highlands and the place where Inca Atahualpa was captured and executed in 1532. Of course one of the essential places to visit is the Ransom Room to find out more details of how the last Inca monarch lost his life. A more enjoyable experience than that of the Inca can be had at the thermal springs known as "Baños del Inca", which also have curative properties.

Peru is as diverse as it is vast.

Peru is as diverse as it is vast. Every part can offer experiences that are difficult to replicate anywhere else. Its enormous geographical, bilogical and cultural diversity make it an especially attractive country for tourists.

This wealth is not exclusive to any of its three regions, but can be found everywhere.

The land of a thousand marvels

SECURITY

We recommend that you take the same precautions you would normally take when visiting any other tourist destination.

Carry a copy of your identity documents. Keep the originals and your valuables in the hotel safe. Do not change money in the street.

Use taxi companies (telephone reservation) or those authorised by the local council (in Lima) they are usually painted yellow and have an iluminated sign on the roof.

TELEPHONE

When making international calls dial: 00+ country code + city code + telephone number.

For inter-city calls: 0 + city code + telephone number. Public telephones accept coins and cards which can be bought in kiosks and supermarkets. Ensure that the card you buy is for the telephone company you want to use. For information on telephone numbers: dial 103.

HEALTH

Drink only bottled or boiled water. Avoid eating at street food stalls.

Altitude sickness (soroche) can be avoided by resting on the first day you arrive in the highlands and by eating sparingly. Coca leaf tea is recommended.

If you are traveling to the highlands or jungle make sure you take insect repellant and waterproof clothing.

CHANGING MONEY

You are recommended to change money in your hotel and authorised money changers (open: 9:30 to 18:00 approximately). On Saturdays most banks are open only until midday.

FLYING

There are flights and connections from Lima to the principal cities of Peru except Huancayo, Huaraz and Ica, which can be reached by bus.

AIRPORT TAX (T.U.U.A)

Domestic Flights : Lima US$ 6,05

Internationl Flights : US$ 30,25

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Information in domestic and international flights: (01) 511-6055

www.lap.com.pe

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