Machu Picchu
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It is undoubtedly the most touristic site of the whole country! Every year, millions of visitors come to visit it. Built in the mid-15th century (at the height of the Inca Empire), this citadel is the archaeological site par excellence of Peru and offers a panorama of breathtaking beauty.
Lima
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The capital is home to 10 million people, nearly a third of the total population of Peru. It's a lively city, swarming. Explore the Miraflores neighborhood and stroll around Parque del Amor. For a bit of culture, drive to the Pueblo Libre district and visit the Larco Museum. The city is so rich, let yourself be surprised!
Kuelap
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The stone citadel of Kuelap does not have much to envy to Machu Picchu, and you will find neither the high tariffs nor the crowds of visitors. It culminates at 3100 m near Chachapoyas and testifies to the passage of the mysterious people of the Clouds. Nearly 400 circular dwellings are surrounded by a huge rampart.
Cuzco
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Cuzco means the "navel of the world" in Quechua. The city is the cradle of the Inca Empire: you will find many vestiges. It is also through her that one reaches Machu Picchu. Its view of the Andes is exceptional. Joyful and colorful, she is very touristy.
Eat a ceviche
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To taste the emblematic dish of Peru, go to the Cevicherias, restaurants specializing in this typical delicious dish. It consists of fish marinated in lime juice, garlic, coriander and chili peppers. It is accompanied by sweet potatoes and salads.
Lake Titicaca
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In the Lake Titicaca region you will find beautiful landscapes. The Isla Uros are part of it: these floating islands in light reeds (totora) are built by man. Plants are also used for building houses and boats.
Trujillo
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On the Pacific coast, however, Trujillo seems to emerge from the desert. It is full of architectural wonders of the colonial era, and is near Chimú ruins such as Chan Chan. The city also hosts the National Contest of the Peruvian Dressage Horse, which is renowned throughout the world for the peculiarity of its paces.
Chan Chan
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If you are in the Trujillo area, you can not miss Chan Chan: the ruins are only 7 km from the city center. Stronghold of the Chimú civilization, it was built in 1300 and covered more than 20km2. It was in its time the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, and the city adobe (rudimentary brick made of earth and straw) the largest in the world.
The White Cordillera
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The most athletic hikers will not miss to explore the Cordillera Blanca. More than a dozen of its peaks rub shoulders with the heavens, at 6000 m altitude. Pic Huascaran for example, in the photograph, rises to 6768 m.
PACAYA-SAMIRIA National Reserve
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It is the largest national reserve in Peru. You can get there by boat, in canoes, from the nearest towns. You will be able to admire an extraordinary fauna, composed of animals that one can observe only rarely elsewhere, like the manatees of Amazonia or the giant tortoises of fresh water.
Nazca Lines
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The mysterious lines of Nazca have unleashed the passions, but scientists can not agree on their meaning. Astronomical calendar, trace of a potential extra-terrestrial passage? You can see these strange geoglyphs in southern Peru, some 600 km west of Cuzco.
The Sacred Valley
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The Sacred Valley lies between Cuzco and Machu Picchu and consists of cultures, villages and ruins of ancient Inca military posts. You can discover villages of weavers and farmers, starting hiking on horseback or on foot.
The Ballestas Islands
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Located in the Pacific Ocean west of Pisco (3 hours drive from Lima), the Ballestas Islands are classified as "National Reserve". Here you can see a rich ecosystem teeming with birds, marine mammals and fish.
Colca Canyon
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Here is a must-have playground for hiking fans! The Colca canyon extends for more than 100 km, and its depth reaches 3400 m. You will come across colonial villages and churches and admire its breathtaking terraced crops. Notice to the amateurs!
Kitesurfing, bodyboarding and surfing on the northern coast
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After the hike, place for water sports! The northern coast is a paradise for kitesurfing, boogie boarding and surfing. You will find there a single "true" seaside resort, that of Máncora.
Arequipa
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Arequipa is the second most populous city in Peru. This ancient colonial city is overlooked by the El Misti volcano, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and home to a huge cathedral.
Eat guinea pig
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The Guinea Pig (guinea pig) is undoubtedly the most famous dish of Peru and tourists. This is the traditional dish of parties and weddings. According to beliefs, he would also drive out evil spirits in healing rituals.
Go to the markets
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In big cities or small towns, colorful markets are a reflection of local populations. The opportunity to discover crafts and local dishes. Do not hesitate to haggle, even when prices are displayed.
Manù National Park
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The Manù National Park is probably the best preserved natural area in Peru, in the Amazon. You may see jaguars or anacondas. Tribes still live there.
Attend traditional dances
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Traditional Peruvian dances have rural origins. They are themed love, fertility, the relationship to the earth and natural elements. In addition to an important facet of Peruvian culture, it is a real pleasure for the eyes to attend the show.
