Peru is one of the great centers of ancient civilization. The Norte Chico civilization already flourished along the Pacific coast as early as 3,000 BC. Many other civilizations such as the Moche, Chavin, Chimú and Nazca would follow, leaving behind fascinating ruins and artifacts. The most famous ancient ruins in Peru were built by the sun-worshiping Incas who emerged in the 15th century and would form the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.
You do not need to be a history buff to enjoy Peru however. Other popular tourist attractions in Peru are some great natural wonders. The Andes run the full length of the country, rising to almost 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), and separate the arid coastal strip from the lush Amazon rainforest providing a diverse range of travel experiences.
Things to do & see in Peru
Explore Inca Ruins
Most people who come to Peru are here first and foremost to visit the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, and not only is this sacred site the king of all Peru tourist attractions, but it is also the most visited site in all of South America. In the peak months of June-August, some 3,000 visitors visit Machu Picchu every day. The ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, is the base for most trips to Machu Picchu, and the ruins of the Inca fortresses in the towns of Ollantaytambo and Pisac are worth a visit as well. In Cusco, you can see Inca walls, which now serve as the bases of the more modern structures built atop them. The Sacred Valley and the Cusco region aren’t the only place to see great Inca ruins. The northern highlands cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo have nearby the Tucume pyramids, some of which pertain to the Inca.
Shop at the Pisac Market
The Andean town of Pisac is not more than a short car ride from Cusco, and its Sunday market is perhaps the best handcraft market in the country. Native peoples from all over come in their traditional, colorful clothing. They bring their wares, hoping as well to find something interesting to acquire as well. All around the main square, the hundreds of booths sell everything from musical instruments to Alpaca wool sweaters. Tuesdays and Thursdays also see the Pisac market up and running, but neither of these days quite matches the Sunday affair in terms of atmosphere. Don’t forget to add a visit to the Inca ruins in Pisac before you head back to Cusco
Trek the Inca Trail
Trekking, or hiking, the Inca Trail is among the top things to do in Peru, and for good reason. Along the way, though it can sometimes get a tad technical, you are rewarded with stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains and encounters with Inca ruins. Of course, the end reward for your effort being Machu Picchu, it is no wonder this top Peru tour remains a constant favorite. Generally, you can choose Inca Trail tours that cover 2, 4, 5, or 7 days. If you are looking for Inca Trail trekking tours, Cusco is the best place to start.
Climb the El Misti Volcano
Mountain climbing in Peru can be a challenging, but amazingly rewarding addition to your list of things to do in Peru. For experienced mountain climbers, there are some technical climbs here for sure, but if you are just looking for an easier climb, then El Misti might just be perfect. You can pretty much climb El Misti without any equipment year round, but at times it can have snow and ice on it, requiring the possible need for an ice ax and crampons. El Misti tops out at around 19,100 feet, so you will want to let your body adjust before you climb. Depending on each visitor’s level of fitness, making it to the volcano’s crater is usually a very good possibility. El Misti dominates the skyline of Arequipa, so basing yourself here before the climb is the norm.
Try Surfing in Peru
If you follow northward from Lima on up the Peru coast, you will find the best beaches in the country. Not only ideal for swimming and catching some rays, these beaches are also known for churning up some world-class waves. At Chicama, you will find the longest wave in the world. Near Lima, the 2008 international surf contest at Puntas Rocas goes to show the kinds of waves you can expect to find in Peru, but they aren’t all big and bad. Beginners can find spots where the waves are more gentle, and the surfing easier to attempt. Surf tours with lessons are a good way to experience Peru surfing for beginners, and the more experienced will probably know what to do. In the northern departments of Tumbes and Piura, surfing can be enjoyed year round, thus making it a nice addition to your list of desired Peru tourist attractions. Peru’s beaches are best enjoyed from December to April.
Fly over the Nazca Lines
The Nazca civilization flourished in the Nazca region roughly from 300 BC until 800 AD. The town of Nazca is about 275 miles south of Lima, and it is found in one of the driest deserts on the planet. Due to the dry and relatively non-windy environment in the Nazca region, the amazing, and confounding lines that were created by the Nazca civilization are amazingly preserved. From the town of Nazca, and from the cities of Pisco and Ica, you can arrange to take one of the tours that flies you over the Nazca Lines, and since you can only see these impressive creations from above, this airborne Peru tour is pretty much the only way to go.
Drop into the deep Colca Canyon
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon, which is located just 100 miles outside of Arequipa, is where flocks of tourists come to see the great Andean condors. The largest flying land birds on the planet, they are truly magnificent to see up close. You can also take guided hiking tours into the canyon, and the towns lining the north and south sides of it are a joy to bounce between, offering hostels and hotels and restaurants.
See the Abundance of Plant and Animal Life in the Amazon Jungle
If you want an experience that contrasts so distinctly from the rest of Peru, then you will make time to enjoy an expedition into Peru’s Amazon Rainforest. This is one of the top Peru tourist attractions for those with a sense of adventure. From Cusco, you can descend down the eastern slopes of the Andes and make way for the Manu National Park, and from Lima, you might fly to Iquitos, where you can arrange for a boat ride down the mighty Amazon River. A nice Peru tour to add to your itinerary might see you meeting local tribes’ people, or staying in a jungle lodge.
Nightlife in Peru
Peruvians and 'gringos' can enjoy anything from salsa to Argentinian rock in Lima. Things don't really get going until late, and Lima's nightlife is most vibrant at the weekends. The heart of the city's nightlife is focused in Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco.
Bars in Lima
For a taste of an old-fashioned Miraflores bar head to Café Haiti, which has been serving the area’s well-heeled residents since the 1960s. With its large terrace and smoked glass, this Lima bar invokes memories of the Parisian boulevards. It is a comfortable and welcoming spot in which to enjoy a pisco sour and a hefty plate of salchipapas (chips and thinly sliced sausage) before heading to the nearby cinema.
Avenida Diagonal 160, Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Telephone: (01) 446 3816.
Trendy La Noche, just off the main square in Barranco, is one of the most popular nightspots in Lima, with two bars and a stage for live music - for which there is a small entry fee. The Monday night jazz session is particularly popular. Barranco is also home to several cheap, 'hole-in-the-wall' bars, favoured by students and die-hard drinkers, who swig beers and spirits until they can hardly stand.
Avenida Bolognesi 307, Barranco, Lima, Peru
Telephone: (01) 247 2186.
The Old Pub
Homesick Brits can savor a little taste of home in this very English of pubs in Miraflores. Sip local and English beer, watch the football on the plasma, partake in a game of darts and finish up with something from the extensive cocktail list. Food-wise, the menu is a hearty collection of British classics, such as fish and chips, and pork chops with apple sauce, plus some familiar international favorites.
Calle San Ramon 295, Pizza Street, Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Clubs in Lima
Come nightfall, this two level nightspot in Barranco swiftly fills with trendy young things looking for a good time. Downstairs tends to be a little bit more reserved, and can be a good place to catch local acts, while upstairs an international mix cranks up the tempo. A slick club this is not, but tons of fun it most certainly is. Pop out onto the balcony for a cool down.
Avenida Grau 294, Barranco, Lima, Peru
Telephone: (01) 247 3742.
An easy-going crowd revel to a mix of home-grown and international talent at this much-loved Barranco hangout. The weekly programme caters for all manner of musical persuasions, from funk and reggae to rock and electronica, and local music gets a good look in. Weekend DJ nights see the party in its fullest swing – although the running order can be a little eclectic – and Thursdays give a good glimpse of local bands.
Avenida Nicolas de Pierola 168, Barranco, Lima, Peru
Telephone: (01) 715 5043.
You have not fully experienced Lima’s nightlife until you’ve been to one of its peñas (live traditional music clubs), where all ages watch and dance to the likes of creole and traditional folk music. It’s a predominantly local crowd that fills La Candelaria in Barranco, where dancing and festivities start around 2230 and go on until gone 0300. Food is available, as are some exceedingly pungent pisco sours.
Avenida Bolognesi 292, Barranco, Lima, Peru
Telephone: (01) 247 1314.
Live Music in Lima
Brisas del Titicaca
Brisas del Titicaca is a touristy spot with vibrant shows encompassing local music and dancing, from Wednesday to Saturday. All manner of dance troupes and musicians depicting Peruvian culture from across the country can be seen on the stage of this big hall. After the show the music keeps on playing and the audience is encouraged onto their feet. This is a well-attended show and booking in advance is recommended.
Jirón Wakulski 168, Lima, Peru
Telephone: (01) 332 1901.
Cocodrilo Verde continues to be an absolute hit, despite opening over 10 years ago, with its live music line up that spans jazz, rock, blues and traditional Peruvian sounds. It’s certainly worth having some food while you listen, with a full selection of nibbles, stuffed sandwiches and full meals. The drinks list is equally impressive, and the range of pisco cocktails dangerously drinkable – the Cocodrilo Sour is a particular favorite.
Francisco de Paula Camino 226, Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Telephone: (01) 242 7583.
While all Lima’s best live music venues are rocking at the weekend, Jazz Zone has a full programme right through the week. From Monday through to Saturday this Miraflores haunt puts on the likes of Latin jazz, bossa nova, blues and experimental jazz. There are also workshops and classes during the day for those keen to develop their own musical skills. Choose from the likes of piano, saxophone, drums and guitar.
Avenida La Paz 656, Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Telephone: (01) 241 8439.
Nestled by the sea in the shadow of the majestic Andes is Lima, Peru - one of South America's friendliest and most unforgettable cities! Friendly because of the relaxed, laid back live-and-let-live atmosphere of the locals, and unforgettable because of the thousands of incredibly beautiful Latin ladies who live there!
Mysterious, Unique, And Beautiful Peruvian Women Of Today
Peru is a beautiful country famed for ancient Incan culture, pottery, alpaca's, and of course Pisco. There are coastal cities, mountains, and even a rain forest. Also, it is home to over 1000 varieties of potatoes and some of the most beautiful women in the world.
The country Peru is a quite poor country, nearly 35% of them live below the standard of a normal household. They mostly live from their own land where they grow fruits, seeds and cattle animals. Only the biggest cities have fresh water and internet connections, although this is nothing to compare with the region we you or me are living. Knowing these facts, peru is a very attractive place to score hot girls! We are going to show you how to attract them!
• Beautiful Peruvian females have a dark or tanned skin, brown or black har and ofcourse nice looking brown eyes. The peruvian women from the cities are more modern in any way of life.
• The girls form peru all enjoyed some education, but the most did not finish school, because their financial situations forced them to work and earn some money for their family. Most females from Peru live on the land as farmers, in factories and also some in the politics. Discrimination of gender is prohibited by law.
• Hot women from peru often have regular jobs in the agriculture and factories, next to this they raise the children. This means they have a very bussy life.
• Peruvian women work nearly 12 hours a day! when they are done. they do not often go to sleep, but enjoy having a pary and enter the nightlife of this very nice country.