peru.travel You decide how to experience it.
Apr 01, 2016
peru.travel
You decide how to experience it.
There is a �Peru for everyone…
Just when you thought you knew it well
enough, you find there is much more to
discover. This is the effect that Peru has on
its visitors.
For adventurers, Peru offers experiences
full of adrenaline and emotion. For culture
lovers, a legacy that reveals itself in
hundreds of historical monuments and
thousands of festivities, dances and culinary
delicacies. And for those who are looking to
calm their spirits, an abundance of natural
beauty and places where the whole concept
of relaxation takes on a new meaning.
Peru is one of the countries with the best
economic growth in the world. The resulting
modernity leads to an original combination
of the traditional and the avant garde,
especially in its cuisine, music, fashion
design and popular art. No other country
can offer this unique mix.
Creativity is an innate attribute of the
Peruvian people, and that is why it is
essential to come to Peru with all five senses
fully charged. But, above all, it is necessary
to come totally prepared to marvel and to
confirm that it is exactly what you needed.
One thing is sure: if you run out of time on
your first visit, don't worry. We can assure
you that you will leave the country having
already decided to return.
There is a �Peru for everyone…
Are you looking forward to the incomparable experience of finding your Peru?
The tourist attractions in this country appeal
to visitors from all around the world and
with a wide range of different interests.
Peru boasts a multitude of natural areas:
mountains and snowy peaks, deserts,
beaches, forests, jungles and infinite
diversity. The state, aware of how important
it is to preserve this natural wealth, has set
up National Parks that cover almost 20% of
the country.
Peru is one of the twelve mega diverse
countries in the world because it has an
enormous variety of eco-systems, where
the flora and fauna can find the conditions
they need to carry on living and growing
in freedom. It has six terrestrial types
of biomass, two marine types and three
freshwater types. Its geography also
contains 28 of the 32 types of climate in
the world.
Ten thousand years of history are present in
Peru: it is one of the main original centres of
ancient culture. The Pre-Incan civilisations
and the Incan Empire have left marks that
are still visible today in over 5,000
archaeological sites. And this number
continues to rise as new discoveries are
made. Peru promises its guests a thoroughly
revealing stay: a past that is still alive and
pulsating, an immense and varied culture that
smiles towards the future, a sense of pride writ
large, and a happy, friendly character that
shows itself in thousands of dances and songs.
This is why everyone who comes to Peru
ends up taking some part of it away in
their heart.
�Peru is divided into three distinct regions: coast, mountains and Amazonia
6
Coast�The Peruvian coast, which borders the Pacific
Ocean, is over 3,000 kilometres in length. Its
beaches, bays and inlets are noted for their
beauty, the quality of their climate and the
abundance of fish, which translates into
dishes of indescribable flavour.
But it also has so much more to offer.
This region is perfect for indulging in
numerous activities such as surfing,
windsurfing, sports fishing and kite
surfing. Alternatively, you can simply
enjoy moments of relaxation, as the
coastal scenery exudes a sense of peace
and tranquillity. Pre-Incan cultures of
enormous importance settled on the
Peruvian coast and it is still possible to see
in their remains how the Peruvian people
of old lived in these lands.
Surfing on the Peruvian coast.
Gonzalo Barandiarán / PromPerú
7
�MountainsThe Andes form the backbone of Peru. Their
majestic mountains and their valleys full
of peaceful life fortify the spirit and fill the
senses. But it would be wrong to think of this
as a region of monotonous landscapes. On
the contrary; each area has its own particular
attractions accentuated by distinct cultural
expressions. The cuisine, music, regional
dress and even the archaeological sites in
each place offer their own unique charm.
The Peruvian mountains are perfect
for adventure sports such as trekking,
canoeing, climbing, mountain biking,
downhill skiing and mountaineering. As
with the coast and the jungle, the scenery
will take your breath away, especially the
lakes: there are more than 3,000 of these
and each one has its own distinct colour.8
Climbing Mount Huamashraju,
Cordillera Blanca - Áncash.
Koky Castañeda
9
10
Amazonia�Amazonia, a natural wonder of the
world, is the largest natural region
in Peru, noted for its low density
population and its high diversity of
animal and plant species. It has been
estimated that the majority of the flora
and fauna of the region has still not
been discovered, which makes it the
ideal place for exploring minds.
Anyone who visits the Peruvian jungle
will find a new world, full of colour
and vibrant sounds. The rivers and
watercourses that criss-cross the region
give it a refreshing touch that only
serves to intensify the beauty of the
surroundings. Remember that a journey
in this region will only be complete if
your itinerary includes visits to the
native communities and tastings of the
rich and varied cuisine.
Amazon River.
César Vega
11
In �Peru, everyone finds what they are looking for. And more...
�How about you?
Why aren't you here?
�HistoryThe cultural wealth of the ancient Peruvian
civilisations is never better expressed than
through archaeology. Climbing among
the terraces of Machu Picchu or along the
Inca Trail is a way of connecting with the
powerful Empire and the extraordinary
way it adapted its architecture to its natural
surroundings. And strolling through the
streets of Cusco is to discover an unrivalled
combination of native and Hispanic influences,
especially in the churches, many housed in
former Incan temples.
The Pre-Incan legacy is equally astonishing.
The treasures buried with the Lord of Sipán
speak of the sumptuous life led by the Moche
aristocracy while Chavín de Huántar or
Pachacámac, both centres of pilgrimage
and oracles, show that the spirituality and
mysticism that characterise the Peruvian
people have been forged over centuries.
Moche RouteLambayeque - La Libertad
Machu PicchuCusco
KuélapAmazonas
ChincheroCusco
Nasca lines Ica
Visit:
14
External wall of the fortress of Kuélap – Amazonas.
Beatrice Velarde / PromPerú
15
Fiesta Virgen de la Candelaria - Puno.
Renzo Giraldo / PromPerú
16
Live cultureThe legacy of the past survives in the
Peruvian people of the present. Around
three million speak Quechua, the language
of the Incas, and hundreds of thousands
more communicate in some of the 46 other
native tongues. Visiting rural communities
and taking part in local activities will help
you to understand the fact that respect and
community work are essential elements of
living together in harmony. And the offering
ceremonies to Pachamama, Mother Earth,
will make you realise how important it is to
give thanks.
After obeying the gods, everything is ready
for the grand celebrations. There are over
3,000 festivities during the year, most of
them paying homage to the patron saints.
Get lively and get involved, because even
if you lack the skill, you will be one more
person sharing in the sheer joy with which
the Peruvian people move their feet, their
waists, their hips and their shoulders.
Porcón
Cajamarca
Feast of Saint John the BaptistFestival de San Juan Bautista
Madre de Dios
Uros IslandPuno
Feast of the Virgen de la CandelariaPuno
Marinera FestivalLa Libertad
Visit:
17
Of course: you can take away a small piece of
Peru that will stay with you always. It could
be a piece of ceramic ware from Chulucanas, an
altarpiece from Ayacucho, some filigree silver
earrings from Catacaos, a blanket from Taquile
or a multi-coloured woolly hat… or all of the
above. The Peruvian artists have an infinite
capacity for creativity, and the force that drives
this talent is a mixture of inherited tradition and
good taste.
The handicrafts are an essential element,
providing you with a wealth of detail about the
places you have been, and the experiences that
have moved you. In the city shopping centres
and town and village markets you will find
everything you need to adorn your house and
yourself or to take home as a gift for your friends
and family (making them love you even more).
18
Popular art
Handicrafts.
Renzo Tasso / PromPerú
19
Emperor Tamarin. Parque Nacional del Manu - Madre de Dios.
Enrique Castro-Mendívil / PromPerú
20
�Natural beautyPeru is home to 84 of the 117 zones of life found
on this earth. Captivating flora and fauna come
together in natural habitats divided among
all the different types of physical geography
of Peru, from the dry forests and mangrove
swamps of the coast to the peaks and canyons
of the Andes and the immense plains of the
jungle regions. In Peru, the natural beauty
captivates the senses and deepens awareness.
But what does it actually offer? More than
3,000 species of orchid and over 1,800 species
of bird, which as we know is a match made in
heaven. That's why birdwatching has become
an unmissable activity in Peru
The species of mammals and reptiles can
be counted in their hundreds and those of
insects in the thousands. Amazonia has the
largest number and variety, which is why we
recommend that you increase the memory of
your camera and enjoy every moment.
Pacaya Samiria National ReserveLoreto
Manu National ParkMadre de Dios - Cusco
Paracas National ReserveIca
Colca ValleyArequipa
Pómac ForestLambayeque
Visit:
21
AdventureRestless souls find Peru to be a land of
challenging and energetic adventures, full
of adrenaline, where the combination of
extreme sports and magnificent natural
scenery ensures that every visitor feels, with
good reason, that they are having the journey
of their dreams.
Surfing, paragliding, hang gliding, canoeing
and trekking are just some of the activities
that you can do if you are looking for true
sensation - and all against a backdrop of
utterly beautiful landscapes. Don't even
stop to think about it because the Peruvian
countryside was made for adventure and
once there, with the help of expert guides,
you will know how to find your way…
Paragliding in MirafloresLima
SurfingAll along the coast
Mountaineering in the Cordillera Blanca Áncash
Trekking in the Colca canyon Arequipa
Trekking on the Inca Trail Cusco
You can try:
22
Paragliding in Lima.
Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú
23
Cebiche.
José Cáceres / PromPerú
24
CuisinePeru has more native dishes than any other
country in the world. It can offer hundreds
of different flavours, aromas, textures
and colours, all of which are waiting to
demonstrate that what the most renowned
gourmets of the world are saying is no
exaggeration. Go crazy with our famous
ceviche and be amazed by the infinite varieties
of potato (there are more than 3,000), peppers,
fruit and maize.
Remember these names, because you will
end up loving them: Anticucho, chupe de
camarones, pachamanca, causa, inchicapi…
And to finish, desserts that will convince you
that Peru has its sweetness too, causing you to
exclaim with delight.
Remember that a Peruvian meal is only
truly complete with a bottle of authentic
Pisco – invented here over 400 years ago – and
a glass of pisco sour or some other cocktail
made with the national drink of Peru.
Pisco WineriesIca
The beaches of the north Tumbes - Piura
ChiclayoLambayeque
Lima: Gastronomic capital of Latin America
You can visit:
25
Urban lifeBeyond all its natural beauty, Peru also has
some modern, cutting edge cities. Shopping
centres, art galleries, museums, cinemas,
theatres and bookshops are growing in number,
which means there is also an even wider range
of cultural and entertainment options.
Furthermore the typical charm is maintained
in the traditional "barrios", the pubs and bars
and, above all, in the "peñas", the music clubs
that are home to the folkloric shows.
The night life in cities like Cusco, Arequipa and
Iquitos is particularly original. Lima, too, has
its own charms and is growing increasingly
cosmopolitan. As you see, there are many
possible paths to follow. Choose which one
you wish to travel.
The historic centre of Lima Lima
Miraflores and BarrancoLima
Arequipa city centre Arequipa
You can visit:
26
Concert.
Josip Curich / PromPerú
27
Cruises on the Amazon river – Loreto.
Alex Bryce / PromPerú
28
The warmth of the Peruvian people is
legendary. When a guest announces his
departure the first response is: “When will
you be coming back?” Embracing foreigners
and making them feel at home is in the
blood of this people.
Hospitality, attention to detail and a
dedicated effort to making sure your stay
is a pleasant one: these traits are universal.
Whether you stay in a super luxury hotel, an
exclusive boutique establishment, a lodging
house, a family hostel or a community
house, all your hosts will show you with
enthusiasm how they live and how they
look after their own.
Peru is ready to receive you and win your
love. With astonishing places, singular
activities and fascinating people. For as you
already know, there is a Peru for everyone.
Cruises in AmazoniaLoreto
The city of Cusco Cusco
ParacasIca
You can visit:
29
Comfort
peru.travel
Twilight in Amazonia.
Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú.
A publication by the Peru Export and Tourism
Promotion Board – PromPerú
Av. República de Panamá Nº 3647, San Isidro,
Lima - Perú
Phone: (51-1) 616-7300 Fax: (51-1) 421-3938
www.promperu.gob.peFirst Edition
Hecho el Depósito Legal en la
Biblioteca Nacional del Perú N° 2014-00233
Printing:
Lima, january 2014
Free distribution, not for sale