Cusco
This city is one of the most ancient world capitals. Cuzco (the name translates as “the navel of the earth”) was, according to legend, founded by the first ancestors Manco Capac and Mama Okllo as the capital of the Inca Empire in 1200 AD. e. Today, the “archaeological capital of America” is centered around the Plaza de Armas, from which the history of the city began.
Note: according to allcitypopulation, the population of Peru is 33.36 million (2021).
Majestically propping up the low sky is the Cathedral of La Compagna, famous for the largest bell in South America, Maria Angola. In the north-west direction from the center, from the top of the mountain, the monumental complex of buildings Sacsayhuaman (“grey-stone-colored bird of prey”), which was once the military and religious center of the Inca empire, looks at the city. This is a true colossus, built from huge stone blocks, which still does not require repair. The building is a “throne of the Inca”, fettered by 21 bastions with powerful towers. In the neighborhood are the ruins of the fortresses of Kenko, Puka Pukara and the Inca aqueduct Tambomachay.
What else is worth seeing in Cusco:
- churches of El Triunfo and Santo Domingo,
- the ruins of the Inca temple of Coricancha – the most important temple of the Inca empire,
- palace of justice,
- Museum of the Institute of Archeology of the National University,
- Viceroyal Museum,
- Museum of Religious
Arequipa
The name of the city of Arequipa translates as “let’s stop here.” Its wide streets are lined with colorful houses made of white sillar stone in the Spanish colonial style of the late 18th century. and drown in groves of magnolias and eucalyptus. What to see in Arequipa:
- nunnery Convento de Santa Catalina,
- Cathedral,
- Jesuit Church of La Campagna,
- the Casa-Ricketts mansion (1738), which now houses a bank,
- former mint of Casa de la Moneda (18th century),
- mansion Casa-Moral.
Iquitos
Iquitos loses a little compared to the rich Peruvian metropolitan areas, but there are a couple of unique places that can be reached by hiring an auto rickshaw for 1.5 hours for 15 PEN. The most important thing that attracts tourists here is the Amazon jungle, which can be reached by boat from Iquitos in an hour. The chirring, humming, constantly moving jungle is a unique organism, inextricably linked with the river washing the roots of ancient trees. By the way, here you can see gray and pink Amazonian dolphins and the largest freshwater fish Paiche.
In Iquitos, you can visit the Belen area – a typical Indian village.
Huaca-Pucliana
In Huaca Pucllana is the oldest ceremonial complex of Miraflores, which was turned into a cemetery by the Wari Indians in the 8th century. Entrance costs 12 PEN. There is also an original museum with an exposition of ceramic products in a marine style. The main square of the complex is crowned with a ritual pyramid, and children will love the fun “living corner” with guinea pigs, llamas, potato patches and corn.
Trujillo
Trujillo is the charming colonial capital of the Costa region, with a scattering of Spanish mansions. Patterned lattices of windows, neatly planted alleys with trees look colorful. The pride of the city is the Plaza de Armas, the town hall, the Bishop’s Palace, the cathedral, the Central Club in the Palacio Iturrega mansion, the Archaeological Museum and the Cassinella Museum.
Cajamarca
Northeast of Trujillo is ancient Cajamarca, one of the most populated cities in Peru. It was here that the era of the Inca Empire ended and their last ruler, Atahualpa, was captured. The room in which he was kept has been preserved and is one of the most visited attractions in the city. In addition, a colorful carnival is held in Cajamarca in February.
Pisco
The city of Pisco, through which the Pan-American Highway runs, is a major fishing port. The city has preserved the house in which the first flag of Peru was created. Not far from Pisco is the Paracas National Park, as well as a mysterious geoglyph, similar to the drawings on the Nazca plateau. It is still unknown whether it is genuine or was created on the orders of General San Martin as a Masonic symbol or sign for sailors.
Uaras
Today, Huaraz is the most important center of mountaineering and hiking, despite the fact that the city itself is not particularly attractive. Mountaineering is possible from May to September. The contrast of glacial lakes and hot springs, the neighborhood of the ruins of the Inca civilization and wild untouched nature – all this is united by the Huascaran National Park, which occupies a significant part of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca.