Peru is well known for its culture, and historical destinations like Machu Picchu. Peru is also home to colorful cities, cloud cloaked mountains, and magnificent landscapes. In essence Peru is the crown jewel of South America and commands a visit when traveling to the continent. Peru is divided into three categories: The Coast offers desserts and stunning beaches; The Highlands is dominated by the Andes Mountains; and the Jungle which is a huge area of vegetation. These regions are not only stunningly beautiful, but are an immense ecosystem that protects plant and animal life.
The Amazon Forest in Peru is bordered by the peaks of the Andes in the east, and the Pacific Ocean in the west. This important and diverse ecosystem is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Boat tours are available which bring you up the Tambopata River and right into the heart of the jungle. There is nothing quite like sleeping in an open hut amid the sounds of monkeys and jaguars all beckoning for your attention.
Peru’s Colca Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and is indeed a must see when visiting the country. Colca Canyon offers stunning scenery and is near Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa. Overnight camping tours are available for those bold enough, but be warned, it is a physically demanding excursion. However, those that do embark on this journey are blessed by a multitude of vegetation, wildlife, and the famed Andean Condor. The rough hike takes you through the rainforest, to a small town where you can rest your ailing feet with its natural springs.
The Urubamba Valley, also called the Sacred Valley, hosts the buoyant city of Cuzco and is filled with Peruvian culture and history. The Urubamba Valley sits within the Andes Mountains and is home to Peru’s greatest treasure chest of ancient Inca ruins and diverse archeological sites. Moreover, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep vacationers busy, such as mountain climbing, hiking, and rafting.
Vacationers craving sea creatures will not be disappointed when visiting the Ballestas Islands. You will find pelicans, terns, and cormorants on these unblemished islands. Daytrips start from the city of Paracas, and from there you will enjoy sightings of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and even turtles. A visit to the Ballestas Islands rivals a trip to the rain forest. To put it differently, the Ballestas Islands is a must see when visiting Peru.
For tourists who want a spectacular view of the Andes Mountains, you must visit the Cordillera Blanca. You will witness first-hand mighty glaciers, and Huascaran, the tallest mountain in Peru. Huascaran offers the experienced mountain climber a once in a lifetime experience. Access is granted via the town of Huaraz, which is north of Lima. It does take some time to reach the almighty snow-capped peak, but the journey is indeed well worth it.
Tourists who travel to South America must stop at the continent’s crown jewel, Peru. History, culture, rain forests, the Andes Mountains, jungles, and magnificent wildlife all await you at Peru’s natural wonders. A vacation here will take you back in time, and once you have experienced Peru, you will be itching to return.
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