Lima Guide
Lima is the capital and largest city in Peru, as well as the capital of Lima Province. It is the cultural, industrial, financial, and transport hub of the country. The city is an area encompassing Located in the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac and Lurin rivers. It lies on the coast desertic Adjacent to the bay in the Pacific Ocean port WHERE WAS ITS built and named Callao.
Also Lima is the best place to try the wonderful Peruvian cuisine, have a huge variety Which of ingredients from coast, mountain and Amazon regions. The cold front is current in Peru’s large coast of the sea very rich Makes in fish and seafood, Which Have a great taste due to the special plankton They eat. Fish and seafood restaurants are THEREFORE the best, and not expensive.
Also have a great Lima subtropical climate, it is never too warm or too cold. People do not know in Lima raincoat or umbrella to what is, since rains are rare. In Fact, Lima is built upon a valley Surrounded by an arid desert Extremely.
HISTORY OF LIMA
In 1532 the Spanish Francisco Pizarro landed in Peru With A force of around 180 men. Conditions favorable to conquest Were, for the empire WAS debilitated by a just-war civil Concluded Between the Heirs to the Inca throne, Atahualpa and Huascar, Each of Whom WAS seeking to control the empire. Read the rest of this entry »
Peru General Information
Location
Western South America.
Time Zone
GMT – 5.
Surface
1,285,216 km ².
Population
27.15 million (estimate 2004).
Population Density
21.1 inhabitants per km ².
Capital
Lima. Population: 8,270,000 inhabitants (2004).
Geography
Peru is a large country located on the mountainous Pacific coast of South America. It has borders with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east and Chile to the south. The boundary to the west is the Pacific Ocean. There are three natural zones: the coast, the Sierra and the Amazon rainforest. The Coast region, where is located the capital Lima, is a narrow coastal plain crossed by mostly desert and fertile valleys. Here are the agricultural plantations of cotton, sugar and rice, as well as most of the country’s oil fields. La Sierra, part of the Andes, has some peaks above 6,000 meters. In this area are the country’s mineral resources of silver, zinc, lead, copper and gold as well as most of its livestock. La Selva is a highland area very fertile, subtropical. The Amazon forest is located in the eastern part of Peru has vast natural resources. However the lack of communication and transportation infrastructure that this region did not exploited until the seventies. In 1973 the extraction of oil began a large scale. Peru’s population is a mix of Indians, mestizos and descendants of Spanish colonists, in addition, there are communities of Chinese and African origin. Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: Lima, Peru, Quechua, Spanish, Western South America | 
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Airports in Peru
Peru is not a country easily explored overland, that’s why airports in Peru comes to the rescue, to help you organize your Peru holidays.
Moving away from the coast – where the majority of the population lives – the geography of Peru is predominantly marked by the rugged terrain of the Andes and the vastness of its impenetrable jungle.
Distances also play a very important role, as many tourist attractions in Peru are simply too far apart, or plainly impossible to be reached overland (i.e. Iquitos).
The bus journey Lima-Cuzco for instance -1,200km / 730 miles – will take you twenty hours to complete, but only one hour if you travel by air.
In this context, the following list of airports in Peru will help you plan your Peru vacations in a time-efficient manner.
Download as well the map of Peru to quickly identify major cities and airfields nearby.
The total number of airports in Peru is 201 (2009), while 57 of them have paved runways – concrete or asphalt. Read the rest of this entry »
Mountain Climbing in Peru
Mountaineering in the Peruvian Andes is unmatched anywhere else. As a result, Peru is a true magnet for mountain climbing lovers in the Americas. The reason for this is that there is a unique concentration of mountains without crowds of climbers, a mild climate for the majority of the year, it is relatively easy to access but is also totally isolated from urbanity. This unique combinaton makes Peru one of the most attractive destinations for mountaineers from all over the world.
Arequipa is synonymous with volcanoes and mountains, blue skies and endless pampas. Known as the White City (due to the volcanic ashlar used to construct the buildings), it is located in the western foothills of the mountain range and is the starting point of many ascents of varying degrees of difficulty, all characterised by beautiful scenery, easy access and enormous cultural value. The summits of these volcanoes were chosen by the ancient Peruvians to make human sacrifices to honour their gods, or Apus. An example of one of these sacrifices is “Juanita”, a mummified young Inca girl who was found in an unbelievable state of preservation at the summit of Ampato.
El Misti volcano (5,825 metres) is an emblem of Arequipa. Its ascent, rather than an escalation, consists of a 2 day walk on loose terrain with high slopes. The most popular route of ascent starts in the city and continues to Tambo Inca and the base camp Nido de Aguilas, in order to climb to the summit on the second day. Read the rest of this entry »
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Hiking in Peru
Peru is a true paradise for avid hikers. Virtually all of the highlands, including valleys, plateaus and ridges are homes to trekking tours of various levels of difficulty. However, some of them have become more commercial tours, but there are many unexplored routes awaiting anyone who wishes to explore the magical ways of the Peruvian Andes, with its extraordinary network of pre-Columbian trails and more than 12,000 lagoons, the deepest canyons on Earth, glaciers and snow-capped peaks, forests and waterfalls, beautiful villages and, above all, the most hospitable people that you can imagine.
El Valle del Cola, or The Valley of Wonders, as Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa called it, offers many trekking tours which boast beautiful scenery. Located 150km north of Arequipa, it consists of a winding network of horseshoe roads that go through the mountains, connecting unusual colonial hamlets of rare beauty. They add a touch of interest to the route, along with pretty lakes, unique rock formations and an abundance of rare wildlife species, such as the condor and vicunas, and the queñual and rodales trees that have stood for hundreds of years. The most impressive attraction on the route would be the snow capped volcanoes, some of them active. Some of these volcanoes include Hualca Hualca (6,025m), Sabancaya (5,976m) and Ampato (6,288m), among others.
Colca was, for time immemorial, home to the Collagua and Cabana ethnic groups, two peoples who descended from the Pucurá of the Altiplano and the Quechua of Cusco, who reached an extraordinary level of development in hydraulic engineering: the spectacular system of agricultural terraces that adorn the steep slopes of the valley is true evidence of the high technical skill achieved by the farmers. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Hiking Backpacking, Outdoors | Tags: Colca, Hiking, Peru, Trekking, Valley of Wonders | No Comments »
A Day in Lima
There is no doubt that one of the highlights of spending time in Lima is the delicious and unique food that will keep you ever expectant for the next meal. Beginning your day with a full stomach and a savory meal will start you off in high gear as you head out into the city.
Head over to Haiti, located in Parque Central in Miraflores and enjoy a decadent breakfast or a hot cappuccino before you make your way out into the metropolis. Served by friendly waiters in bow-ties, this charming restaurant will bring a smile to your face during the early morning. Once you have had your morning fill, head over to the main Plaza de Armas, which is where you will find most other tourists making their first stop. Sit and gaze at the Palacio de Gobierno where Peru’s president currently resides and watch as the locals pass by selling authentic knick-knacks and gifts alike. La Catedral is not too far away and is an inspiring place to stop at mid-morning. With the remains of Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro as its selling point, many overlook the other 15 chapels that surround this overwhelming cathedral and the authentic beauty that you will find while discovering it.
Once lunchtime hits, eat like the locals and head over to one of the best cevicherias in town, Alfresco. This restaurant serves up just what the doctor ordered with a variety of seafood selections and ceviche like you have never tasted before. Located in San Isidro, Alfresco offers stunning views of the ocean and adds to the whole experience of dining out in Peru. From there, hop into an inexpensive taxi and make your way over to one of the fine museums in Lima, Museo de la Nacion. This museum is astounding with displays of artefacts and art dating back thousands of years. You can wander for hours taking in the fascinating stories of the pre-incas all the way up to the Spanish Inquistion. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in City Guides and Information, Vacation Homes | Tags: Cathedral, Lima, Parque Central, Peru | No Comments »
What to See in Lima
Lima’s sheer size often bewilders visitors, but many of the city’s museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located in the centre of town. In the old days, the centre was filthy and overcrowded. However, a recent campaign to clean up the streets has proven successful and is now a centre of delight for those sightseers who have come to explore.
Tours usually start in the Plaza de Armas, which was the city’s main meeting point and marketplace for many years. Around 400 years ago, bullfights were held in this square and for those who are interested, the current bullring is only a 10-minute walk away.
Dominating the square is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). It stands on the site of the original palace built by Lima’s founder Pizarro. The Cathedral which was rebuilt in 1758 after an earthquake destroyed the original building can also be found in the main square. Pizarro’s daughter helped pay for the original cathedral, on condition that her father was buried in the crypt. The plaza is a great starting point in the city for those who want to soak up some of the history.
Nearby, the Pasaje Nicolas de Ribera el Viejo sports elegant cafés, while the Palacio Torre Tagle, with its Moorish-influenced wooden balconies, is one of the city’s most beautiful Spanish colonial mansions. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in City Guides and Information, Holiday Tips | Tags: Churches, Colonial treasures, Lima, Peru, Plaza Bolivar | No Comments »
Lima Beaches
“Villa” and “San Pedro” are both open sand beaches with big waves and strong currents. It is advised to be very cautious when there due to the rough waters that surround the beach.
“El Silencio”, “Caballeros” and “Señoritas” are three contiguous beaches, contained among small ravines, favoured by youths. This is another great spot for those who love to surf. Waves are usually a medium size though due to the strong current so it is important that tourists are mindful and take care while in the ocean. Typical restaurants consist of marine food and outdoor bars for those who are looking for some daytime and evening entertainment. The El Silencio and Caballeros beaches are made up of sand while Señoritas is made up of stones.
“Punta Hermosa”, “Punta Negra” and “San Bartolo” are known for its residential beach resorts, restaurants and nautical clubs. These beaches usually see medium waves for surfing though there are other areas with calmer waters. These three can be located among the kilometer 36 and 51 of the south Pan-American Highway. Read the rest of this entry »
Mountain Biking in Lima
Mountain biking is the fastest-growing sport in the country. Thousands of bikers head out on their bicycles throughout the year and head down canyons and up trails all over the country.
Most all around the country (with the exception of the coastal desert and the Amazon plain), is apt for mountain biking. However this greatly depends on the degree of difficulty and logistical needs. Circuits are divided into three categories:
# Beginners: gently sloping routes, with tough, compact terrain
# Experienced cyclists: circuits involving moderate slopes and a certain degree of risk for the cyclist.
# Experts only: steep slopes, high altitudes and uneven, ski-like terrain, with a high degree of risk. Read the rest of this entry »
Agency in Lima
American Business Tours
Address : Calle Alonso de Molina 735, Surco
Telephone : 344-0166
Fertur Peru
Address : Calle Schell 485, Miraflores, Lima 18, Perú
Telephone : (+51-1) 242-1900 445-1760
Fax: 445-1974
Highland Tours Peru
Address : Av. Pardo 231, ofic 401. Miraflores. Lima, Peru
Telephone : (51-1) 2426292 / 2433273
Fax: (51-1) 2426292 / 2433273, extension 102
Lima Tours
Address : Belén 1040 – Lima 1 – Perú
Telephone : (51-1) 619-6900
Fax: (51-1) 619-6921
Marili Tours
Address : Diez Canseco 392 2do piso Miraflores Lima – Peru
Telephone : (511) 241-0142 / (511) 628-1248 Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Travel Agents | Tags: American Business Tours, Aventours, Fertur Peru, Highland Tours Peru, Lima Tours, Marili Tours | No Comments »
Nazca Lines of Peru
Peru’s Nazca lines are a series of ancient artworks strewn across a desert plateau located between the towns of Nazca and Palpa. They are as beautiful as they are mystical, but what makes them so fascinating are their unusual designs and the mystery surrounding why it is that they were created.
These lines are believe to have been created by the Nazca culture sometime between 200 BC and 700 AD. The interesting geoglyphs so symbols such as spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks and other individual figures. Some are quite simple, while others are more complex. The largest of the Nazca lines are over 200 m in length. Many debate on the significance of these lines and whether they hold some sort of religious significance to the culture reigning at that time. There are hundreds that were created as more simplistic, geometric lines. However, over 70 lines represent a more humanistic nature.
Though the actual cause of why these lines were constructed is still unknown till this present day, many believe that the Nazca people were quite religious and wanted to create these lines for the gods to see. The theory is that the Nazca people used simple tools and surveying equipment to construct the Nazca lines. With wooden stakes in the ground and ceramics used to aid in the constrution, many scholars do support this theory.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Historical Tour | Tags: Iron oxide coated pebbles, Nazca cultural, Nazca Lines, Palpa, Peru | No Comments »
Palomino Islands
Not known by general public until recently, the Palomino Islands is one of the nicest side excursions you can take while in Lima. Featured as an alternative to the Ballestas Islands for those who are unable to go to Paracas (a roundtrip of seven hours from Lima), Islas Palomino is just an hour on board a yacht from the historical port of Callao, which in its turn is just half an hour from the center. The tour takes 4 hours and you will also get to know San Lorenzo Island, El Fronton Island and the Cavinzas Islands.
These islands are full of history though another aspect to the exciting appeal is the fabulous and friendly sea life. Catch a glimpse of the sea lions of the cold Peruvian sea, the amazing Humboldt penguins (quite similar in looks and size to the Magellanic penguins) and many other sea birds species. Have a bit of an adventure by swimming and splashing alongside these young and playful sea creatures.
Many tours offer trips out to the islands where tourists can enjoy viewing the yachts, warships and freighters that are located out in the bay. Gaze upon local fisherman hauling their nets out into the waters and listen to tales dating back to pre-columbian times before encountering new sea life and beautiful waters. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Adventure Travel, Outdoors | Tags: Ballestas Islands, Lima, Palomino Islands, Paracas, Peru | No Comments »
Shopping in Cusco
Cusco is a great place to go shopping. In Cusco you can find a great variety of handicrafts, all of which are tempting. We advise that you let yourself be guided by the colours and forms, since the prices are to your advantage. Among the products of which there are plenty everywhere, you can find the famous sweaters, ponchos, gloves, caps, shawls, blankets, and vests, of Cusco known for their outstanding high quality and beautiful designs.
You can find these clothes almost everywhere, but it is best to buy them in the centre or in different craft centers like the Centro Artesaenal in Cusco, or in one of the many districts in the Sacred Valley, particularly the craft market in Pisaq.
There are many shops which sell products made from 100% alpaca wool. Clothes made with “baby alpaca” (the wool from the first shearing) are always natural colours, like coffee, grey, black and white. In the market at Pisaq, you can also find the best offers in hats, upholstery, sweaters and handmade jewellery amongst other things. You can also buy quilts and rugs made from alpaca skin. Pottery is another terrific product of Cusco and is again something you can buy everywhere.
The pottery comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Normally with Inca motifs painted on the exterior. These motifs usually take their forms from the environment, as forest designs are based on old beliefs and myths. Read the rest of this entry »
Snow Climbing – Cusco
Ausangate is the mountain most representative for the Cusqueno Andeans. It is situated at the cordillera of Vilcanota and it is one of the zones that is very hard to enter and that is very rare in Peru. Its principal climate is at 6,372 meters above sea level with large lakes with a bright blue/green color. Furthermore there are stones and bushes, which make the area like a paradise. Walking through the mountain of Ausangate is an indescribable adventure, and it is not posible to be not impressed by the enormous beauty of the eternal snow. Often you will find rocks with a point with an altitude of more than 5000 meters and also rocks with tongues of ice which go down in magnificent ways and form ice lakes. The route of Ausangate is one of the most attractive ones of Cusco.
Itinerary
1. Day 1
Departure: 13:00 P.M. Cusco – Tinki (5 hours by car) we will camp in Tinke.
2. Day 2
Cusco: El Ausangate 07:00 A.M. We will walk from Tinke to Upis in about 6 hours. During this trail we will visit the community of Upis. Upis is situated 4,400 meters above sea level and there live approximately 5 or 6 families. This day we walk very closely to the mountain Nevada Ausangate. At the end of the day we will have our campsite. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Adventure Travel, Outdoors | Tags: Ausangate, Cusco, Cusqueno Andeans, Eternal snow, Ice lakes, Peru, Snow climbing | No Comments »
Surroundings Cusco
Sacsayhuamán
An immense theatre entirely built of stones weighing 100 tons and perfectly assembled. This was the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, where the Incas performed sacred rites and held festivals. This fortress also served for refuge in cases of emergency thanks to the imposing walls which protected it.
At the present the most traditional Cusco festival, called IntiRaymi, takes place here.
Qenqo
Located 3 km from the city of Cusco, it seems to have been a ceremonial centre. Qenqo means labyrinth or zigzag. It possesses an amphitheatre with 19 niches, and there is an entrance in the form of a labyrinth which leads to underground galleries. There are statues in the upper part, where rituals are thought to have taken place.
Puca Pucara
Located 6 km from city of Cusco, the name means fortress or red watchtower. It is located at an elevation which makes it possible to see the road to Antisuyo. It is thought to have functioned as a lookout position, as well as being an administrative and military centre. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in City Guides and Information | Tags: Puca Pucara, Qenqo, Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, Tipón | No Comments »
Pack Your Bags for a Vacation
If you are looking to take a much needed break from your daily schedule, you can plan a trip somewhere. There are a lot of places that are worth travelling and you can choose the ones you like. When you are choosing the perfect place of travel, you should try to ascertain the top things that you look forward in a vacation. Alternately, you can search for the top touring destinations and can plan a trip there too. Mexico is definitely one among the options as it has a lot to offer to its tourists. Cancun is a tourist hub in Mexico; however, there have been a few crime incidents at this place.
The increasing crime rate has led to questions like is it safe to travel to Cancun because people are skeptical of what would happen in an unknown land where they are merely tourists. However, it is worth adding that Cancun is fit for travel. There are a few areas that may not enjoy an extremely good reputation as people have been pick pocketed and even assaulted. However, tourists have never been the specific target and crime is rampant in all places and countries.
So, if you are cancelling a trip to Cancun because of fears like is it safe to travel to Cancun then you are making a wrong choice because despite the increasing crime rate, it is still less than what you have at Los Angeles or even Las Vegas. So, you should make a virtual detour of the place beforehand and try to extract facts like which places are more prone to troubles and those that are relatively safe. You should stick to some basic precautions like not travelling alone late at night at those places that have a notorious reputation. If you can be watchful of such facts, you would be able to help your own case and have a good vacation that is safe and enjoyable as well.
Explore the different details about Cancun and enjoy your time to the fullest. When you are already aware of the top touring points and the places of interest, you are much more likely to enjoy your time and you would also be able to steer clear of all types of troubles.
Hence, plan a vacation and cherish the wonderful memories. It has often been observed that people perform their work much more efficiently when they take some form of refreshment from time to time.