Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [5]
Wind through the Andes to Cuzco (Click here), South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Browse colorful markets and explore archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley (Click here), then trek to Machu Picchu (Click here) via an adventurous alternative route (Click here).
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ONLY THE BEST OF PERU Four Weeks / Lima to Máncora
If you want to get a taste of everything, this whirlwind tour hits Peru’s top must-see attractions. Give yourself a full month if you want to brag that you’ve really seen it all.
Get over your jet lag with some fine cuisine in Lima (Click here), then head south through the coastal desert for a flyover of the Nazca Lines (Click here) before arriving in stylish, cosmopolitan Arequipa (Click here), with its mysterious monasteries, deep canyons and smoking volcanoes. Fly high into the Andes to reach the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco (Click here) for a few days of acclimatization before boarding the train to Machu Picchu (Click here), the most visited archaeological site in South America.
From Cuzco, fly to Puerto Maldonado (Click here) to stay at a wildlife lodge along one of the mighty rivers in the Amazon Basin. Alternatively, take an overland tour from Cuzco to the Manu area (Click here), where a Unesco-listed haven protects the priceless rainforest. Another option for exploring the Amazonian selva (jungle) is to first fly back to Lima, then onward to Iquitos (Click here).
Back in Lima, take a bus or fly north to the adventurers’ base camp of Huaraz (Click here), where a short trek will take you to the precipitous peaks of the Cordillera Blanca (Click here). A day trip to Chavín de Huántar (Click here) will lead you to one of Peru’s oldest ancient sites. Rumble back down to the coast at Chimbote (Click here), then dash north to historic Trujillo (Click here), which is surrounded by a cornucopia of archaeological sites. These include the ruins of the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, Chan Chan (Click here), and the fascinating Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Click here). Finish up the journey with a seaside break at the bustling surf town of Máncora (Click here).
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ROADS LESS TRAVELED
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NORTH COASTIN’ Three Weeks / Lima to Tumbes
Straight as an arrow, the Panamericana Norte passes archaeological sites, renowned surf spots, colonial cities and museums with fascinating artifacts. Hemingway liked it – you will too. Unless you’re in a hurry to reach Ecuador, you’ll want to spend a minimum of two weeks on your journey.
The first stop north of Lima (Click here) could be Caral (Click here), where the oldest known civilization in South America arose about 5000 years ago. Further north is the gruesome ancient site of Sechín (Click here), although many travelers prefer to continue to Trujillo (Click here). Nearby attractions include the well-preserved Moche pyramids of Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Click here) and the ruins of the once-mighty Chan Chan (Click here).
Off the sleepy beaches at Huanchaco (Click here), modern surfers paddle out to the breakers alongside local fishers in traditional reed canoes. En route to Chiclayo is the surf spot of Puerto Chicama (Click here), which boasts one of the world’s longest left-hand breaks. Then it’s Chiclayo (Click here), with several nearby towns that contain world-class museums showcasing riches from the important archaeological site of Sipán (Click here).
Piura (Click here) is a hub for visiting the craft markets and picanterías (local restaurants) of dusty Catacaos (Click here), or the witch doctors of Huancabamba (Click here), hidden away in the Andes. Peru’s best beaches lie along the Pacific shoreline heading further north, and resorts such as Máncora (Click here) offer lots of places to munch on great seafood and dance the balmy nights away.
The journey ends at Tumbes (Click here), a gateway to Ecuador.