Sightseeing in Peru - Peru Travel Destinations

Peru is considered by millions of people a privileged place for believers and blessed by God, it really is so difficult to describe and would be difficult to enumerate the many attractions that this country has. A variety of attractions of all types as you choose Peru for tourism in the class you want, for those nature lovers who better to know and navigate the world's lung Rio Amazonas, or if desired, know the Huascaran National Park where you can see breathtaking glaciers, we can not fail to mention the beauty of the landscape of the Callejon de Huaylas, to enjoy nature and set aside at least a few days the stress and pollution of the city, or if you want you can relax in the calm waters of the beaches in Peru, for people who like adventure sports and walks that better fate than the well-known Inca Trail where it mixes adventure, history and nature, another option is the spectacular Canyon Colca. And people who want to know more about the history and Inca culture there are countless places where you can research and learn more.

Although it has been very difficult we have made a ranking of the 10 most visited tourist destinations in 2011, this relationship can you have in mind when scheduling your trip to Peru that is synonymous with tourism, history, nature and traditions.

The ranking is made ​​based on statistics MINCETUR (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism) which records revenue to the various tourist attractions of the country.

Tourist Places visited between 2009 and 2011 in Peru

Machu Picchu Lost City of the Incas 

A 130 kilometers from Cuzco, the Lost City of the Incas stands between precipices in the middle of an inaccessible place in the Peruvian Andes. 

The perfection of their buildings, their conservation and natural setting, sandwiched as it is on the crest of a ridge above the Urubamba river, make this site one of the most valuable archaeological treasures in the world, and certainly one of the most mystics.

Until the arrival to this region in 1911 the American explorer Hiram Bingham Machu Picchu was a secret to the world. Aupadas between peaks that touch the clouds at no less than 2350 meters above sea level and surrounded by ravines, the so-called Lost City of the Inca citadel is a fable in which the mighty natural scenery that surrounds spread of spiritual strength and radiating mystical complex.
It is believed that Machu Picchu, which in Quechua means "old mountain", was built in the mid-fifteenth century by the leader Pachacutec. The aim, say the strongest theories was act as llacta, ie settlement designed to manage the economy of the areas conquered by the Empire and possibly also to house the finest members of the aristocracy should it be necessary at some time; which occurred with the Spanish conquest of Cuzco in 1532, after which Machu Picchu was the refuge especially acllas, chosen to serve the sun god, until the city was probably abandoned when captured rebel last Inca, Tupac Amaru.

It was the most beautiful and the most secret llacta. In fact the paths leading to Machu Picchu were forbidden to the lower castes and their location was already a military secret that helped as anyone to preserve the abysses and the tangle of jungle that surrounds it, and the narrow, sneaky and only access this holy city today stands as one of the most valuable archaeological sites throughout South America and, without doubt, the biggest complaint around Peru, declared Historical Sanctuary in 1981-in which 32,592 hectares is included not only the area but archaeological landscapes, flora and fauna-and two years later added to the list of World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Apparently Machu Picchu was divided into three main areas: the residential area with the dwelling of the wise or amautas, rooms trapezoidal occupying princesses or ñustas and a sector of houses arranged on a slope intended for the nobility; popular addition to the neighborhood and the sacred district, the latter dedicated to the main deity Inti, the sun god.'s in this area where the main jewels of Intiwatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows.

Between temples, shrines, plazas and residential areas, the site adds about 140 buildings that follow the classical Inca style building, with walls polished and perfect joints in which there is not the slightest gap between the stones. Mazes of staircases and canals communicate all that are surrounded by downhill staggered terraced crops in growing corn or potato and Machu Picchu that allowed to be self-sufficient; indispensable given their isolation and secrecy.

How come? 

Once in Cuzco, in my opinion, it is cheaper to take a bus that will take us to Ollantaytambo train station for about 5 soles (per euro give us 3 soles and 20 soles). From there, take the train to finally take us to Machu Picchu American people for $ 12. In this train wagons for foreigners and Peruvians are still different, equally, other than the amount payable.

Machu Picchu town (formerly called Aguas Calientes) is extremely touristy. To stay we can find hotels and hostels in all price ranges. From $ 12 a night to $ 350 the cheapest room costs the famous Sanctuary Lodge, located at the top of the mountain.

Relaxed, we will travel up to the next morning to climb to the citadel. While there is a bus service which takes about 20 minutes and cost us five dollars, it is advisable to make the climb on foot. We will bear good shoes, plenty of water and looking forward for about an hour and a half, the wonderful scenery through some paths opened by the Incas in the jungle. The humidity during the round trip ninety percent. This region was called the Incas Antisuyo (one of four territories in which the divided Tawantinsuyu), which translated into Castilian means "eyebrow of the jungle" or the beginning of the jungle.

Once at the top and after a few minutes of rest to recuperate proceed to make the desired visit to Machu Picchu. The cost of entry for foreigners is 20 dollars, half for students. He did not take over a cup of coca tea to prevent altitude sickness or altitude sickness. At first glance, the feeling is of disbelief. How is it possible that this marvelous city was built 2,490 m above sea level in such a stunning setting ?. During the visit we will see each other monuments the following: The Temple of the Three Windows, the exhibition curator, deposits Qolqas (sort of barns), sources (ingenious systems to channel water), the astronomical observatory (Intiwatana) , the Temple of the Condor, the ceremonial rock, square, etc.

If we want to remain a little more up we dare to climb, a journey of about an hour, the Apu Huayna Picchu (famous mountain sacred to the Incas that is seen in almost all the pictures of Machu Picchu). Here is some danger rising so all too careful.

Those with vertigo or notice any symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, nausea, etc.) should abstain. Despite the difficulty, fatigue, humidity and reward outstanding views that gives us the Apu Huayna Picchu worth.

After an exciting and tiring at the same time tomorrow, return to the village to enjoy before dinner, thermal baths. They are in the top of the main street. We were charged for five soles. They are open from five in the morning at eight o'clock.

Some travelers, the bravest, decide to extend your stay a day longer to undertake the ascent to Apu Putucusi. Mountain is topped with Inca flag Tawantisuyo. It takes about two hours uphill and two downhill. In this case the slope is greater and must always be accompanied. Although the possibility of finding any of them are remote, we must consider that we are at the beginning of the jungle and there are snakes.

COMPASS

Visa:
It is not needed. On leaving the country must pay in fees $ 28 American.
vaccines:

It is advisable to be vaccinated against yellow fever and malaria. It should, however, be reported in the Extremadura Health Service for additional security.
Personal recommendation:

Peru is a country undergoing economic problems, so it is advisable to wear clothing and medicine leftover us. Shortages in some places, is great and is very useful.
Peru telephone codes: 0051
Gastronomy:

Possibly the most famous Peruvian dish is ceviche. It is a preparation of different raw fish, like sea bass and kingfish, garnished with lemon, fresh yellow pepper with celery and garlic toast. We must not leave without trying the typical "kebabs" made ​​from beef heart, accompanied by potatoes and chili.
security:

In large cities, especially Lima, a lack of certainty and is alarming. In tourist places like Machu Picchu and Cusco, security is increased. A serene body (called there serenazgos) patrolling the streets all day. Minimum precautions as afield wander alone should be taken not to flaunt large amounts of money, etc.
currency:

The local currency is the nuevo sol. However, in most of Peru's dollar is accepted. It is advisable to look at several places before proceeding to change our euros. Due to the existence of a large number of counterfeits, it is appropriate to ask who has changed us to seal each ticket in order to apply if you receive any forged your return.

Internal transport

Domestic flights are very cheap and due to the great distances, it is sensible to use. Regarding the bus network must say that besides being mostly obsolete usually unpunctual.
The moral code of the Incas was summed up in the following precepts:

Ama Lulla (do not lie).
Ama Sua (do not steal).
Ama Quella (do not be lazy).
Sipex Ama (not dull).
Ama Mappa (no injuries).
Ama Huachicanqui (do not be adulterous)

Curiosity: If used on long journeys, the bus (there called buses) the traveler will appreciate that sometimes, we recorded the face with a camcorder. The reason is twofold. On the one hand, for safety. Furthermore, to identify travelers in case of accident. Rather, when one explain, certainly disturbing.