Peru is an all-encompassing place, filled with anything you could possibly wish for from a trip. Whether you’re looking to relax on a scenic beach or have the chance to taste and learn about all about the country you’re visiting, Peru has it all. Home to mystery, culture, adventure and breathtaking nature. Each new place you visit will allow you to connect with a different part of Peru. Take a step out of your comfort zone, and towards something greater. The Essential Peru Journey – as the name implies – allows you to visit all the must-see locations in Cuzco but using the South Route you are given the chance to broaden your exploration even further. Everything from wildlife and drinks in Paracas and Ica respectively, to a centuries old beauty in Nazca, to the white city of Arequipa, and last but certainly not least, the many wonders that Lake Titicaca has to offer. You will discover all the magic that Peru’s Southern route has to offer.
First off, we have Paracas and Ica. Only a short trip from Lima takes you to Paracas. There you will find absolutely beautiful beaches, in addition the Ballestas Islands. This land is home to sea lions, the Peruvian booby, and penguins. Enjoy not only the enchanting terrain but also all the native wildlife it has to offer. In Ica, take a dive into Peru’s national drink: pisco. Ica features a number of vineyards and wineries where grape juice is fermented to become pisco. On this stop discover just how this drink is made, along with exploring the Huacachina oasis. Here you have a chance to enjoy buggies and sandboarding around a village surrounded by sand dunes.
Experience one of the greatest archeological enigmas in the world, known as the Nazca Lines, located in the soil of the Nazca Desert in the southern Peru. The Nazca Lines are a group of lines that geoglyphs have made. These lines are mostly assumed to have been created more than 2,000 years ago by the Nazca people, while the others seem to predate the Nazca culture altogether and are presumed to have been made by the Paracas community. These lines create many different shapes; many are humanlike while others are considered to bear more resemblance to plants and animals. The most popular of these formations are the bird, the spider and the monkey. You also have the opportunity to fly over the Nazca lines, in order to view their beauty from above, these flights depart from Paracas or Ica.
Arequipa – also known as the “white city” – was built entirely with white lava stones and is surrounded by volcanos. The main building material, sillar, is a type of volcanic rock formed from ash and lava fragments emitted during eruption. The choice of using sillar goes beyond architectural design but also reflected the city’s ability to adapt to its environment, namely being built near a volcano. It is also the second most populated city in Peru, only after the capital Lima. The stunning architecture provides the perfect background for any and all of your photos. Close by is the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, and a wonderful trek for anyone who wishes to take on the challenge. The Colca Canyon is home to the Andean Condor, a species of South American New World vulture, and if you’re lucky, you may just spot one of these majestic birds soaring above you through the canyon.
The final possible destination is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and that is Puno. There lies many notable churches and cathedrals, specifically the Puno Cathedral. You can visit the Uros Islands, a collection of floating islands, made entirely by hand of reed wood. Taking a visit to the Islands of Taquile and Amantani located, once again on Lake Titicaca, is a great way to experience their ancient and unique ways of life. Taquile is predominantly known for its traditional textiles which serve as a central to the island’s culture. Take a trip to Taquile in order to experience their one of a kind and rich traditions. On the other island of Amantani, people come for their views. The island offers a mesmerizing outlook of Lake Titicaca and all the surrounding mountains. Amantani Island itself is covered in agriculture and rolling hills.
No matter which destination you choose, you will find beauty and adventure. A trip you will never forget. So where are you going to go?
