Tourist Attractions & Monuments Peru

Along the river, a few late 19th-century villas still bear witness to past prosperity; today, they are well deteriorated and used as warehouses and shops. But major beautification work has been carried out to restore a promenade from which there is a breathtaking view of the Itaya River, which then flows into the Amazon and the floating shanty towns of Belén. As evening falls and it gets (slightly) cooler, the place fills up with passers-by, shows and street vendors. Don't stay there too late alone.

This beach and its malecón are mostly frequented by families who come from Trujillo on weekends. Be careful, because here the sea is rough and dangerous. If you want to go in the water, you must be daring and a good swimmer. We do not recommend walking on this beach. Indeed, many robberies have taken place, as well as dog attacks... If you are not afraid of the crowds, prefer Huanchaco because the beach is much safer and you will be able to take nice sunset pictures on the pier.

The tourist infrastructure is relatively basic, you can camp. Enjoy a good week's presence to truly appreciate the natural splendour of the places.

The Alpamayo culminates at 5,947 m. It is said that this white summit is the most perfect in the world because of its diamond shape. Unfortunately, it is invisible from the valley because it is hidden by higher peaks: Santa Cruz (6 260 m) and Quitaraju (6 035 m). To appreciate its perfection, it is necessary to go there on foot: take a combi, early in the morning, until Hualcayan, then walk 20 km. At this altitude and with the difference in altitude, it will take you about 12 hours to get there, and the same for the return. So count on 3 to 4 days to measure the dimension.

This-minute walk leads to the "witch où". This is a "Árbol Pati", one of the few remaining specimens of this endangered tree.

Take a polygon to Marcará and then a colectivo for the baths. You'll be able to dip in the waters the unpleasant smell of chlorine, but which flows into individual bathtubs at a temperature of about 70 ° C. Also natural saunas under caves (15 minutes). Again, it could be much improved. Tail in high season. For lovers of the genre. Massages are not recommended. Cleanliness is limited. Have good gossip!

The playa Boca del Río, located between the port and Pueblo Nuevo, is a long stretch of sand where small fishing boats dock. Eight kilometers to the south, the playa Pozo de Lizas, unfortunately close to the barracks, is a stretch of fine white sand suitable for sunbathing, while the playa Tacona is more reserved for sport fishing enthusiasts. To the north, the playa Jaboncillo is the most populated; further on, the playa Enfermeras seems to be the most quiet, sheltered by rocks. At 24 km, the playa Alastaya, with its pebbles, is the beach of the clovisses.

This superb lake is spread out at the foot of the Ranrapalca and Oxhapalca nevados, in a wild setting, at an altitude of 4 000 m.

We start the hike surrounded by a spectacular landscape, in the direction of Nevado Vallunaraju (5,686 m), Ranrapalca (6,162 m) and Ocshapalca (5,881 m). Arrival at the Laguna Llaca with its turquoise water at about 4,474 meters above sea level. From here you can enjoy a splendid view of the snow-capped mountains. Most of the agencies that offer this hike do it with transport and private guide.

This "journalists park" is a nice little place, with fountain and restaurants on the terrace all around, just behind Avenida Luzuriaga (small passage between Nos. 629 and 635).

The church is reached by climbing the hill through the narrow streets of San Blas. The Catholic temple is located on the remains of the Colcampanta palace, built during the reign of Pachacútec, of which a double wall with niches and a door can still be seen. Made of adobe, except for the 18th century stone bell tower, San Cristóbal lights up at night, watching over the Plaza de Armas. The square is a lookout point from which much of the city can be seen. The bell tower offers an even more impressive view, but only for those who have paid the boleto religioso.

This small lake, 2 km from Jauja and 3,900 meters above sea level, is sheltered by reeds where herons and cranes nest. Unfortunately, the shores have been invaded by noisy and popular restaurants on weekends, which blurs its wild beauty. You can still canoe, pedal boat or fish here. It is flanked by the Cordillera Oriental, which, seen from the other side of the lagoon, resembles the figure of a reclining man whom the locals call "the sleeping Indian". Around it, the neighborhoods of Paca, Pancan and Chunan.

At 5 km from Sicuani, the water from this source rises at 35 ° C: ideal temperature for a bath reputed to treat rheumatism.

At 18 km from Huancavelica, nature has torn strange and titanic figures from the rock to draw a forest of bewitched stones. The rock formations are attributed to volcanic emanations and cemented ashes. We are at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The area of the place is actually quite small, but the wind-blown Andean moorland landscapes all around add to the walk, which can easily be done in half a day from the small town.

The Laguna Churup is the closest walk from Huaraz (30 km in 1h30). To go there, it is necessary to take a bus until Llupa (approximately S/ 3 for 40 minutes), then to count 4h30 of rather steep walk until the splendid turquoise lagoon located at 4 485 m and surrounded by snow-covered tops. A magnificent place. We advise you to leave around 7:30 am, not later. Be aware that there is a stone wall to climb. If you want to stay in the area, we recommend staying at the Churup Mountain Lodge, a very comfortable lodge in the middle of nature, which will also allow you to explore the area, as they have their own agency. Treks, mountain biking, but also yoga or massage (which we appreciate even more after the trek).

Note that a three day trek can be undertaken, including the Laguna Churup. After having reached it, we continue towards Pitec, located at 3 750 m of altitude, where we can camp. The next day, we continue in 4 hours up the Quebrada Quilcayhuanca valley to the Olivos camp (4250 m). A not very difficult day : 15 km of walking. We can take advantage of it to visit the Quebrada de Cayesh in the afternoon if we are still in shape. The third day is the most difficult. We visit the Laguna Tullpacocha (4 350 m), then we descend 44 km to Pitec, about 8 hours of walking. We then return to Llupa. Note that this three-day trek is not very difficult in itself and will be suitable even for beginners.

It is the farthest lake from Huaraz, but the most beautiful (medium difficulty). Take a bus to Yungay (1h30) then another one to Cebollapampa (another 1h30) and finally walk 3h30 in zigzag until the lagoon by crossing sometimes the torrents according to the season. Superb panoramic view on the snowy peaks of the surroundings (in particular Pisco), and especially splendid turquoise color of the water of the lake. We advise you to leave at 6:30 am to have a clear view. The hike itself will take you between 6 and 8 hours round trip depending on your pace.

The convent preserves the original portal from 1548, the rest dating from the 18th century. The juxtaposed styles, including an incredible Gothic-Mudéjar, give it a curious appearance. According to some historians, the convent was used for the Inquisition's auto-da-fes and the arches of the bell tower as gallows. The neighbouring church is surprisingly large and harmonious. If we continue along Jirón 9 de Diciembre, we reach a small square with trees that is adorned by the statue of María Parado de Bellido.

Located at the beginning of the pedestrian street, this church of only one nave, dating from the XVIIth century, is deeply original with its façade of pink and grey stone and flanked by two beautiful towers with bell towers. The interior has everything that makes the richness of Peruvian colonial churches: Churrigueresque altarpieces with floral and zoological motifs from the selva, finely carved wooden confessionals, Renaissance patios and arcades. It is said to be inspired by the churches of Arequipa.

Stay at least four days in the surrounding area to take full advantage of it.

Built between 1631 and 1671, thanks to the tax levied on the Indians, this monumental church, which stands alone along the Plaza de Armas, is astonishing first of all for its pink baroque Renaissance façade, highlighted by two grey stone bell towers. The Churrigueresque altarpieces, the Mudéjar choir, the gilded altar with a silver tabernacle, the carved wooden pulpit and the paintings from the indigenous school of Ayacucho perfectly illustrate the mixed baroque style. This unique jewel is worth a visit during mass time.

Point of sale of boleto turistico also.

Located 4 km from the city on the road to Yurimaguas (direction Las de Ahuashiyacu), it can be the occasion of a pleasant stroll just a few hours away. Restaurant on site. This is the end of weekends for families.

One of the most beautiful seaside sites in the north of Lima, set back from the Panamericana (500 m on foot). The water here is clear, the roadstead protected from the winds and, although it is the favorite beach of the inhabitants of Chimbote, even of Huaraz, it is not too "polluted" by tourism. It is really a beach with a postcard decor! El Farol has a^2nd hotel there. There is also the Ponciana Beach and the more humble hostal Gabriela. Some restaurants like the Cabo Blanco for excellent seafood dishes.

There are three pools here with a slide and diving board: enjoy the benefits of the hot springs against the backdrop of the mountains. Be careful, the water is between 18°C and 22°C. On your way out, don't miss the pretty square where the mamas wash their clothes. To go back down, take the staircase decorated with statues representing the characters celebrated in the city throughout the year. Other baths can be found in the Parque Ecológico Seccsachaca or Villa Cariño: caves, caverns and two open-air pools.

This beautiful lake with green waters is wedged between three impressive nevados: Huandoy, Huascarán and Yanapaqcha. To get there from Huaraz, take a combi to Yungay, 1h trip, S/ 5. Another combi (all parked behind the Municipio) can do the 24 km drive. At the lake, the drivers wait 1h, which is enough time to go around. Llanganuco is a photogenic beauty but also very popular as it is accessible by road. Boats and food stalls on site. You can also do this trek on foot from Huamacchuco

50 km southwest of the Cordillera Blanca, the Huayhuash mountain range stretches 30 km from north to south. Its 7 peaks above 5,500 m and 7 others above 6,000 m are all as angular as each other. Its highest peak, Yerupajá, reaches 6,634 m, second only to Huascarán among Peruvian peaks. The landscape on which this mountain range stands out is very different from that of the White Mountain Range, characterized by its deep and narrow canyons. Here, we are in wide open spaces with, to the east, small rocky ridges 600 m high and overlooking the valley visited by herds of vicuñas. At the foot of the Cordillera peaks, there are beautiful turquoise lakes where you can stock up on trout. Huayhuash represents an excellent example of the ecosystem of the high Andes. The fauna and flora are similar to those of the Cordillera Blanca, although less disturbed, and therefore wilder, and concentrated in smaller areas. The lakes are home to many birds, both sedentary and migratory, and the forests in the western part are home to rare and endangered species. With a guide and donkeys, you can trek for a minimum of 9 days and, if your time is not too limited, cover the 160 to 190 km of the magnificent circuit around the Cordillera, all of which naturally requires a very good physical condition. This trek is considered by some, after the Himalayas, as the^second most beautiful in the world.

One of the few green lungs of the capital! This zoo is divided into four regions: the coast, the forest, the jungle and the international area. You will see sea lions (show on Sunday at 3pm) that you can observe from a tunnel, llamas, condors, bears, jaguars, tigers and many varieties of birds! The feline area has been nicely improved. The monkey island is nice, the butterfly greenhouse is well thought out. Children love it... Be careful at the end of the week and on public holidays, it's really crowded.

On this plaza de Armas, also called plaza Sucre, the statue of the Libertador, nicely decorated with flowers, occupies the center. With many benches and green gardens, it is imposing. Bordered by the Cathedral, its casonas and its charming arcades, the Plaza Sucre competes with those of Cusco and Lima by its beauty. The Municipality (Jr. Cusco 108), the Prefecture and the University San Cristobal de Huamanga are located here, among elegant buildings carefully arranged under the arcades. Inside the Municipality is the very useful I Peru Tourist Office.

From the Marina Club (on the port, next to the Fortaleza Real Felipe) a boat takes you to the Palomino Islands where the most important colony of sea lions in Peru is concentrated. The Palomino Islands are not as famous as the Ballestas Islands, further south, yet they have the same natural riches. It is possible to photograph the sea lions and even to swim with them (wetsuits are provided). On board between 25 and 35 people, the tour lasts about 3 hours. Sometimes, the swell requires to close the port. Make a reservation!

The inhabitants of Puerto Maldonado will bathe in this small lake, 11 km from the city. Full to break on weekends.

A beautiful lake, somewhat far from the city, 60 km from Puerto Maldonado, on the border with Bolivia. To reach it, count about 4 hours by motorboat. It is an ideal place for birdwatching and for families who fish around the lake or harvest the famous castañas (Brazil nuts). As it is quite far from the rest, it is only included in the longer stays (5 days minimum) in the lodges located along the Madre de Dios river. On the way, you will notice the gold diggers at work.

One hour from Puerto Maldonado by boat, this private reserve of 10,000 hectares is home to a multitude of wild animals, an intact flora, numerous aquatic species and the Reserva Amazónica lodge. By reservation, it is possible to organize a 2h30 tour on their Canopy Walkway or suspension bridges. However you will not have priority. To be arranged directly with the Puerto Maldonado office at least 24 hours before. Departure 1.45pm and return 5pm.

Small island on the Madre de Dios river, just north of the Sandoval lake in the Tambopata reserve. The only inhabitant of the island takes care of the monkeys that have taken up residence there and that it is possible to see up close. It is very interesting to make this stop before going to a lodge, because once in the selva itself, it is sometimes difficult to see them and even more to recognize them. Many agencies offer it and, as you go by boat, you have to take a tour anyway. A short excursion, but not without interest!

These pampas are large green areas along the Heath River and are almost the last Amazonian savannahs to be so well preserved. Indeed, the other spaces of this kind were altered by agriculture or breeding. However, this biotope is home to rare species such as the maned wolf or the spectacled bear! It is in the Pampas del Heath that the most intensive research has been carried out in order to list the vascular plants of the savannahs (plants with vessels through which water is drawn by the roots).

Located about twenty kilometers northwest of Chivay, Mount Mismi (5,597 m) is none other than the source of the largest river in the world, the Amazon! The Apacheta torrent that flows from Nevado Mismi will become great! It is considered to be the furthest source of the Amazon network from the mouth of the river, which flows into the Atlantic almost 6,800 km downstream, in Brazil. The small torrent soon joins the Apurímac river, which in turn joins the Ucayali and then the Marañón further north, to form the Amazon river.

The ascent of the Misti volcano (5,825 m) is the most practiced in the region. We reach the skirts of this volcano in 1h30 by car from Arequipa. The ascent (6h of ascent the^1st day and 4h the^2nd day) is rewarded by the fabulous panorama that the volcano reserves you..

The good agencies include transportation, food, tent, mattress and sleeping bag, jackets and pants, guide. Good boots, 6 liters of water per person, 1 large and 1 small bag are required.

The Misti by public transport, it is possible! You don't necessarily need to use a tour operator, but how do you go about it? You have to take a combi to Chiguata, to be dropped off at the foot of the volcano, at the crossroads. There, there is a large private property that closes the access to the volcano. Either we ask to open the door, or we prefer to go around by the downstream. We go up first the track frequented by 4X4 (count 2h to 2h30) then we follow the unique path. We walk 4 to 5 hours more to go to put the camp to 4600 m.

The following day, we put approximately 4h to reach the main summit. Count 1h more for the detour by the crater and its fumaroles. If there are still some snow on the track, the sticks or an ice axe can be very useful. Stay on the ridges on the way up, and for the descent, prefer the combes full of sand.

This itinerary is the ascent by the south ridge; interesting because from the camp, you can see a superb sunset. In the morning, it is simply magic to see the shadow of the volcano on the city!

You can try to climb Nevado Chachani (6,075 m). Considered as the easiest mountain to climb in Peru, this volcano of more than 6 000 m is still active. At 2 hours by 4X4 from Arequipa, we arrive at the base camp from where we start a walk of about 6 hours to the summit. Its ascent requires 2 days and 1 night in bivouac. Think of crampons which are necessary in case of snow.

Many agencies also offer downhill mountain biking from 4,800 meters to 2,500 meters, in 4 hours.

From this balcony, perched at an altitude of 4,000 m, one enjoys an exceptional view of the equatorial forest and it is said that the sunrise, which suddenly emerges from its vegetal bed, is the most beautiful on the continent. It is necessary to find a taxi which agrees to make the journey at 3 am - it is relatively easy. The mirador is more than an hour away. During the months of May to July, the sky is painted with fuchsia, purple and bluish colors before the sun rises. On the winter solstice, if the sky is clear, the phenomenon is even more spectacular

Family atmosphere and totally local! We bathe in a beautiful place, under the trees, and next to a small river with raging rapids. To get there: the paradero is located Jr. Amazonas 833 (in Chachapoyas); jump in a car and head for Mendoza, 2.5 hours away (S/ 20). Then hail a taxi (S/ 7 per person) to Tocuya. From the tiny village square, retrace your steps a bit to take the wide dirt road on the right: 15 minutes walk.

For those who have the time, this is without doubt the most extraordinary trek and landscape in the region.

Take a Zeta Bus, a kind of 4x4 combi that leaves around 2-3 am. They pass in front of the Huaylla Belen and can leave you there.

First walk of 5 hours. We start from the sublime valley of Belén, where the river flows like a silver snake. From Belén, we join La Pirquilla to the top of La Escalera. Then we go back down towards Congon. Here you can buy food, find local guides and horses.

We advise you to reach Kuélap in 2 days-1 night. From Congon, we follow the Vilaya river for 2 hours, then there are 2 more hours of climbing to Lanche. Finally, from Lanche, 3 hours and a half in the middle of the orchid forest to Punta Yumal (3,800 meters) before descending to Choctomal and the access to Kuélap. All along, we oscillate between 2 000 and 3 000 meters of altitude.

Note that most of the sites are covered with vegetation and you might miss them and therefore not see much if you go without a guide. The trek is not well marked and it is dangerous to attempt it alone. Peru Nativo is a good agency to accompany you. Count 5 days and 4 nights to do it quietly with the visit of the archaeological site. All along the way, you will cross mystical ruins and zigzag among the misty forest with twisted trees covered with moss.

The Putucusi is the summit that faces Machu Picchu on the other side of the Urubamba river and the railway. It was possible to climb it by a well marked path, but very sportive. The climbing was done by means of 7 bamboo ladders: you walk, you climb a ladder, you walk, you climb and so on. These ladders degrade quickly. Ask around, check or bring your own climbing gear. Allow about 2 to 3 hours of climbing for a beautiful panoramic view of the site. Be careful. Not recommended during rainy periods.

One hour from the village of Aguas Calientes in the direction of Hydroelectrica (or about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Hydroelectrica for those who come on foot) you will find Erwin's ecotourism project. This little piece of jungle with a waterfall at the end of the road is a nice place for those who don't have time to explore the selva peruana further. He has also set up a restaurant, a site to pitch a tent (with bathroom), a private bungalow and two rooms. Count on 1 to 2 hours of walking on the site. Many birds and hummingbirds.

It is better to contact the guides' association or an agency to reserve, the places are isolated and the cost in transport, if you are alone, can be high. The visit itself lasts about 3 hours on foot, but it starts at 40 minutes drive from Santa Catalina de Chongoyape. 214 species of birds, 21 species of mammals and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded. To get to Santa Catalina de Chongoyape, combine at the Epsel terminal or take a direct taxi.

The collpas are clay cliffs where the parrots and multicolored macaws come to feed themselves with the mineral salts necessary for their nutrition. This ritual takes place every morning from 6:30 am until 10 am. Posada Amazonas has its own small parrot collpa. The most famous are those of Chuncho and even further away, of Colorado (near the Tambopata Research Center). The further away it is, the more grandiose the show is. A festival of colors and sounds that delights.

Besides the numerous natural thermal waters, this modern complex offers private whirlpools and swimming pools but the concrete side takes away a lot of charm from the whole and everything is not impeccable. We advise you to take advantage of the open-air springs in the different villages or hotels that have them.

Its 186 hectares are distributed around a lake in the center of which there is an island of monkeys and wide alleys that lead to the different spaces of the animals. In this zoo, many captured animals are now boarders. There is an otorongo, deer, wild boars, crocodiles, otters, turtles and many birds.

The Museo Antropológico y de Historia Natural is in the same place. There are ethnographic pieces, ceramics and animal fossils.

Embark from the port of Boca del río Huascayacu (about 40 minutes by cab from Moyobamba) for the adventure: 1 hour of navigation then you turn right and enter a much narrower arm, the río Avisado. A few minutes more and you will see appear in the distance, a spectacular tree house: it is the entrance to the universe of Tingana. Here, Juan Isuiza and his troops watch over their reserve with care. They have built two rustic family bungalows (each with 5 beds on 2 floors) and also offer a family kitchen. It's worth spending some time there to enjoy the place more and share a real experience at the hands of the community. As this is a flooded jungle, everything depends on the water, but most of the time the excursions are done by dugout between the roots. We see more fauna during the rainy months (from January to May). Some walks are also possible in dry season. As it is a preserved case, here took refuge many animals and to be able to observe them in silence is a true privilege. The experience is great, we leave with a lot of memories and we support this 100% ecotourism project. An alternative for those who are in a hurry, the neighboring community of Santa Elena is more accessible. It is from now on privileged by the agencies, but we do not hide you that the charm of places is not completely the same. This option remains however nice, for those who miss time.

It is a birdwatcher's paradise in the early morning. Here lives the perlita of Iquitos(Polioptila clementsi), a bird of the passerine family discovered recently, but also herons. 4 circuits have been designed, dedicated to medicinal plants, fruits, areas along the river and aguajales (small lagoons), count between 30 min and 3 hours on foot. Every morning at 8am, guided tours in Spanish. This reserve is the richest of the sites near Iquitos. Unfortunately, you have to look for information yourself, the management is public, consult the Sernanp.

A beautiful modern space on the border between Miraflores and Barranco, this Museo de Arte Contemporeano is surrounded by a nice garden where, on nice days, it's nice to hang out. The design shop at the entrance is interesting although expensive. The permanent exhibition is well thought out, it is a large space where local contemporaries such as Fernando de Szyszlo, Kukuli Velarde, or Elliot Tupac are presented. The most interesting thing is the temporary exhibitions on the agenda: new visual artists, talented national photographers and international stars.

These two localities, located on the road leading to the airport (respectively 12 km and 16 km from the center) are two centers of production of traditional crafts. They are worth a visit during the dry season (between May and November), when beautiful white sand beaches are formed all along the Rio Nanay. Uni Suni or Santa Rita, from Santa Clara, are the most quiet. A road connects the two villages. You can get there by taxi.

This center was originally created to receive baby manatees orphaned by hunting. Total success! Some have returned to the wild and visits are now numerous to see the youngest playing in their pool or receiving a bottle. The project has developed and now welcomes other species such as turtles, monkeys, sloths and other victims of animal trafficking in the region. A beautiful project to support.