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Unknown Peruvian Destinations,
Hidden Secrets of Peru |
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Caral |
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Just a few hours outside of Lima you can visit one of the oldest archaeological complexes in Peru! (1 day)
Caral is located in the Supe Valley of Peru and has an area of 65 hectares. It is by far the largest Andean Archeological site, dating back to before 2000 B.C., and in its area can be found 6 large “pyramids” and several smaller “pyramids” as well as two sunken circular plazas. This place also seems to be the model for the urban design later used by several Andean civilizations.
But the really amazing thing about Caral is that it is proof that urban life and complex agriculture were in practice nearly a millennium earlier than previously believed. Its construction is associated with irrigation agriculture and, from the fish bones and mollusk shells found here, it is thought that the civilization depended on both agriculture and fishing, and that there existed an active trade in foodstuffs between coastal and interior inhabitants. |
Caral, the oldest city in the Americas |
Caral and the Supe Valley of Peru |
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South Valley of Cusco |
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The Valley located to the South of Cusco is filled with hidden treasures and Andean culture. Here are just a few examples of the wondrous places one can visit when staying in Cusco. (1 Day)
Oropesa:
Is the “National Bread Capital", and has some of, if not the best, bread in Peru. The great tasting fresh bread has a delicious aroma that can be smelled throughout much of the town and you can recognize the bakeries from the huge basket that they all have outside of the door. Optionally, you can learn to bake your own bread at a workshop at one of the local ovens. This lovely little town also has a beautiful little church with recently restored murals. In the doorway, you will see some wonderful images of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Huacarpay Lake:
A large and tranquil lake, Huacarpay is a beautiful place you can’t miss when traveling around these parts. Its extensive reed and flood areas are surrounded by green hills with Inka terraces and a variety of shrubbery and cactus. Its blue-green waters are home to many diverse species of birds; and one may set out in a boat to observe the numerous avian species and plant life around the lake.
Huasao:
is also known as “la tierra de los curanderos” or the “land of the healers.” This old Andean pueblo is where many of the wisest Andean sages can be found and there is a noticeable feeling of mystique in the air. It is said that the shamans and sages of this area can communicate with some of the most powerful Apus (Andean Mountain Spirits).
Church of Andahuaylillas:
This beautiful traditional town is most famous for its church, which was founded by the Jesuits at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Its elegant neo-baroque architecture and extraordinary interior make it one of the most beautiful temples in the region |
Oropesa, The "National Bread Capital",Cusco
Viewpoint at Huacarpay Lake 
Huasao, the Land of the Healers
Interior of Andahuaylillas Church |
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Communities of the Sacred Valley |
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Each one of these communities is unique; and a visit to then is a great way to get to know the area surrounding Cusco much more intimately. You can learn about weaving, farming or volunteer in one of their small schools! You can also spend the night with a local family.(2 days/ 1 night)
Willoc:
at 19 km from Ollantaytambo, is a small community whose inhabitants retain their traditional customs, in spite of the passage of time. They stand out for their colorful red clothing and are not only excellent weavers, but friendly and hospitable as well. For these reasons, Willoc is an ideal place for tourists to visit in order to observe and get to know something of the rural village life of native Peruvians
Patacancha:
is known for its beautiful textiles and friendly inhabitants. Also found in this area is the archaeological complex of Choquecancha, with its agricultural terraces, thatched roof dwellings and stone corrals for animals. If you are looking for the ideal city to do a home stay, this is the one. Here you can help the family you would be staying with, with their daily chores as you learn about weaving and the Andean culture and lifestyle.
Huayllabamba:
is located between several majestic mountains and is right next to the Vilcanota River. It has a beautiful natural landscape, ancient Inka Palaces and an exceptional microclimate, which is great for growing corn (with huge kernels)
Help with the farming and fishing or take a ride on horseback.
Piscacucho:
is located very near beautiful Mt. Veronica, and is accessed just before starting the Inka trail. It is a wonderful, charming little town and is a great place to rest and let your body acclimate before starting the hike.
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Community of Willoc in the Sacred Valley 
Community of Patacancha in the Sacred Valley
Community of Piscacucho in the Sacred Valley |
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Beaches of Peru |
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Peru has more than 3 000 km of coastline and its beaches link up in an endless chain of natural paradises. To be able to appreciate these beaches properly, enjoying the sand and sun and relaxing along the way, we suggest that you take at least 3 days. (3 days)
Punta Sal: is a lovely little beach resort on the Peruvian north coast fringed by sand dunes and groves of carob trees. It faces a semi-circular beach lapped by warm water and gentle waves and is ideal for all kinds of water sports, including: diving, fishing and surfing. Punta Sal is thought to be one of the best beaches in Peru because of its white sand and rich marine life.
Máncora: This paradisiacal beach resort is known throughout the world for its warm water, radiant weather, waves (which are perfect for surfers), and its simply incredible sunsets. Mancora has a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the beaches are clean, making it an ideal place to visit at any time of the year, although the best surfing months are between November and February.
Cabo Blanco Beach: This small beach resort is famous for its sport-fishing. The huge amount of plankton found under the water’s surface feeds a variety of fish, including sword fish and marlins. It is a great place to go fishing, scuba diving, and surfing (Cabo Blanco is known to have the best left-breaking waves in Peru). The best time for surfing is between November and December, when waves can reach heights of 4 meters, although normally they range from 2-3 meters in height.
Puerto Pizarro Beach: this is a beautiful little port with white sandy beaches and delicious seafood. Here, the oceanfront changes from the coastal desert to the mangrove swamps, which dominate much of the Ecuadorian and Colombian coastlines. With this change of environment, comes a unique variety of bird and animal life. This port is well known for its islands that are crawling with animal and plant life, and for its American Crocodile Farms – an endangered species unique to Peru.
Bahía de Nonura: these are perhaps Peru’s last virgin beaches, and are absolutely gorgeous. With their sweeping, open shores, white sand, rocky granite outcroppings, and deep blue ocean waters, this area is extremely bio-diverse. You can view such animals as: dolphins, turtles and various species of marine birds.
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Sunset at Punta Sal Beach
Mancora Beach
Cabo Blanco Beach
Puerto Pizarro
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