peru.travel

You decide how to experience it.

There is a �Peru for everyone…

Just when you thought you knew it well

enough, you find there is much more to

discover. This is the effect that Peru has on

its visitors.

For adventurers, Peru offers experiences

full of adrenaline and emotion. For culture

lovers, a legacy that reveals itself in

hundreds of historical monuments and

thousands of festivities, dances and culinary

delicacies. And for those who are looking to

calm their spirits, an abundance of natural

beauty and places where the whole concept

of relaxation takes on a new meaning.

Peru is one of the countries with the best

economic growth in the world. The resulting

modernity leads to an original combination

of the traditional and the avant garde,

especially in its cuisine, music, fashion

design and popular art. No other country

can offer this unique mix.

Creativity is an innate attribute of the

Peruvian people, and that is why it is

essential to come to Peru with all five senses

fully charged. But, above all, it is necessary

to come totally prepared to marvel and to

confirm that it is exactly what you needed.

One thing is sure: if you run out of time on

your first visit, don't worry. We can assure

you that you will leave the country having

already decided to return.

There is a �Peru for everyone…

Are you looking forward to the incomparable experience of finding your Peru?

The tourist attractions in this country appeal

to visitors from all around the world and

with a wide range of different interests.

Peru boasts a multitude of natural areas:

mountains and snowy peaks, deserts,

beaches, forests, jungles and infinite

diversity. The state, aware of how important

it is to preserve this natural wealth, has set

up National Parks that cover almost 20% of

the country.

Peru is one of the twelve mega diverse

countries in the world because it has an

enormous variety of eco-systems, where

the flora and fauna can find the conditions

they need to carry on living and growing

in freedom. It has six terrestrial types

of biomass, two marine types and three

freshwater types. Its geography also

contains 28 of the 32 types of climate in

the world.

Ten thousand years of history are present in

Peru: it is one of the main original centres of

ancient culture. The Pre-Incan civilisations

and the Incan Empire have left marks that

are still visible today in over 5,000

archaeological sites. And this number

continues to rise as new discoveries are

made. Peru promises its guests a thoroughly

revealing stay: a past that is still alive and

pulsating, an immense and varied culture that

smiles towards the future, a sense of pride writ

large, and a happy, friendly character that

shows itself in thousands of dances and songs.

This is why everyone who comes to Peru

ends up taking some part of it away in

their heart.

�Peru is divided into three distinct regions: coast, mountains and Amazonia

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Coast�The Peruvian coast, which borders the Pacific

Ocean, is over 3,000 kilometres in length. Its

beaches, bays and inlets are noted for their

beauty, the quality of their climate and the

abundance of fish, which translates into

dishes of indescribable flavour.

But it also has so much more to offer.

This region is perfect for indulging in

numerous activities such as surfing,

windsurfing, sports fishing and kite

surfing. Alternatively, you can simply

enjoy moments of relaxation, as the

coastal scenery exudes a sense of peace

and tranquillity. Pre-Incan cultures of

enormous importance settled on the

Peruvian coast and it is still possible to see

in their remains how the Peruvian people

of old lived in these lands.

Surfing on the Peruvian coast.

Gonzalo Barandiarán / PromPerú

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�MountainsThe Andes form the backbone of Peru. Their

majestic mountains and their valleys full

of peaceful life fortify the spirit and fill the

senses. But it would be wrong to think of this

as a region of monotonous landscapes. On

the contrary; each area has its own particular

attractions accentuated by distinct cultural

expressions. The cuisine, music, regional

dress and even the archaeological sites in

each place offer their own unique charm.

The Peruvian mountains are perfect

for adventure sports such as trekking,

canoeing, climbing, mountain biking,

downhill skiing and mountaineering. As

with the coast and the jungle, the scenery

will take your breath away, especially the

lakes: there are more than 3,000 of these

and each one has its own distinct colour.8

Climbing Mount Huamashraju,

Cordillera Blanca - Áncash.

Koky Castañeda

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Amazonia�Amazonia, a natural wonder of the

world, is the largest natural region

in Peru, noted for its low density

population and its high diversity of

animal and plant species. It has been

estimated that the majority of the flora

and fauna of the region has still not

been discovered, which makes it the

ideal place for exploring minds.

Anyone who visits the Peruvian jungle

will find a new world, full of colour

and vibrant sounds. The rivers and

watercourses that criss-cross the region

give it a refreshing touch that only

serves to intensify the beauty of the

surroundings. Remember that a journey

in this region will only be complete if

your itinerary includes visits to the

native communities and tastings of the

rich and varied cuisine.

Amazon River.

César Vega

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In �Peru, everyone finds what they are looking for. And more...

�How about you?

Why aren't you here?

�HistoryThe cultural wealth of the ancient Peruvian

civilisations is never better expressed than

through archaeology. Climbing among

the terraces of Machu Picchu or along the

Inca Trail is a way of connecting with the

powerful Empire and the extraordinary

way it adapted its architecture to its natural

surroundings. And strolling through the

streets of Cusco is to discover an unrivalled

combination of native and Hispanic influences,

especially in the churches, many housed in

former Incan temples.

The Pre-Incan legacy is equally astonishing.

The treasures buried with the Lord of Sipán

speak of the sumptuous life led by the Moche

aristocracy while Chavín de Huántar or

Pachacámac, both centres of pilgrimage

and oracles, show that the spirituality and

mysticism that characterise the Peruvian

people have been forged over centuries.

Moche RouteLambayeque - La Libertad

Machu PicchuCusco

KuélapAmazonas

ChincheroCusco

Nasca lines Ica

Visit:

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External wall of the fortress of Kuélap – Amazonas.

Beatrice Velarde / PromPerú

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Fiesta Virgen de la Candelaria - Puno.

Renzo Giraldo / PromPerú

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Live cultureThe legacy of the past survives in the

Peruvian people of the present. Around

three million speak Quechua, the language

of the Incas, and hundreds of thousands

more communicate in some of the 46 other

native tongues. Visiting rural communities

and taking part in local activities will help

you to understand the fact that respect and

community work are essential elements of

living together in harmony. And the offering

ceremonies to Pachamama, Mother Earth,

will make you realise how important it is to

give thanks.

After obeying the gods, everything is ready

for the grand celebrations. There are over

3,000 festivities during the year, most of

them paying homage to the patron saints.

Get lively and get involved, because even

if you lack the skill, you will be one more

person sharing in the sheer joy with which

the Peruvian people move their feet, their

waists, their hips and their shoulders.

Porcón

Cajamarca

Feast of Saint John the BaptistFestival de San Juan Bautista

Madre de Dios

Uros IslandPuno

Feast of the Virgen de la CandelariaPuno

Marinera FestivalLa Libertad

Visit:

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Of course: you can take away a small piece of

Peru that will stay with you always. It could

be a piece of ceramic ware from Chulucanas, an

altarpiece from Ayacucho, some filigree silver

earrings from Catacaos, a blanket from Taquile

or a multi-coloured woolly hat… or all of the

above. The Peruvian artists have an infinite

capacity for creativity, and the force that drives

this talent is a mixture of inherited tradition and

good taste.

The handicrafts are an essential element,

providing you with a wealth of detail about the

places you have been, and the experiences that

have moved you. In the city shopping centres

and town and village markets you will find

everything you need to adorn your house and

yourself or to take home as a gift for your friends

and family (making them love you even more).

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Popular art

Handicrafts.

Renzo Tasso / PromPerú

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Emperor Tamarin. Parque Nacional del Manu - Madre de Dios.

Enrique Castro-Mendívil / PromPerú

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�Natural beautyPeru is home to 84 of the 117 zones of life found

on this earth. Captivating flora and fauna come

together in natural habitats divided among

all the different types of physical geography

of Peru, from the dry forests and mangrove

swamps of the coast to the peaks and canyons

of the Andes and the immense plains of the

jungle regions. In Peru, the natural beauty

captivates the senses and deepens awareness.

But what does it actually offer? More than

3,000 species of orchid and over 1,800 species

of bird, which as we know is a match made in

heaven. That's why birdwatching has become

an unmissable activity in Peru

The species of mammals and reptiles can

be counted in their hundreds and those of

insects in the thousands. Amazonia has the

largest number and variety, which is why we

recommend that you increase the memory of

your camera and enjoy every moment.

Pacaya Samiria National ReserveLoreto

Manu National ParkMadre de Dios - Cusco

Paracas National ReserveIca

Colca ValleyArequipa

Pómac ForestLambayeque

Visit:

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AdventureRestless souls find Peru to be a land of

challenging and energetic adventures, full

of adrenaline, where the combination of

extreme sports and magnificent natural

scenery ensures that every visitor feels, with

good reason, that they are having the journey

of their dreams.

Surfing, paragliding, hang gliding, canoeing

and trekking are just some of the activities

that you can do if you are looking for true

sensation - and all against a backdrop of

utterly beautiful landscapes. Don't even

stop to think about it because the Peruvian

countryside was made for adventure and

once there, with the help of expert guides,

you will know how to find your way…

Paragliding in MirafloresLima

SurfingAll along the coast

Mountaineering in the Cordillera Blanca Áncash

Trekking in the Colca canyon Arequipa

Trekking on the Inca Trail Cusco

You can try:

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Paragliding in Lima.

Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú

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Cebiche.

José Cáceres / PromPerú

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CuisinePeru has more native dishes than any other

country in the world. It can offer hundreds

of different flavours, aromas, textures

and colours, all of which are waiting to

demonstrate that what the most renowned

gourmets of the world are saying is no

exaggeration. Go crazy with our famous

ceviche and be amazed by the infinite varieties

of potato (there are more than 3,000), peppers,

fruit and maize.

Remember these names, because you will

end up loving them: Anticucho, chupe de

camarones, pachamanca, causa, inchicapi…

And to finish, desserts that will convince you

that Peru has its sweetness too, causing you to

exclaim with delight.

Remember that a Peruvian meal is only

truly complete with a bottle of authentic

Pisco – invented here over 400 years ago – and

a glass of pisco sour or some other cocktail

made with the national drink of Peru.

Pisco WineriesIca

The beaches of the north Tumbes - Piura

ChiclayoLambayeque

Lima: Gastronomic capital of Latin America

You can visit:

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Urban lifeBeyond all its natural beauty, Peru also has

some modern, cutting edge cities. Shopping

centres, art galleries, museums, cinemas,

theatres and bookshops are growing in number,

which means there is also an even wider range

of cultural and entertainment options.

Furthermore the typical charm is maintained

in the traditional "barrios", the pubs and bars

and, above all, in the "peñas", the music clubs

that are home to the folkloric shows.

The night life in cities like Cusco, Arequipa and

Iquitos is particularly original. Lima, too, has

its own charms and is growing increasingly

cosmopolitan. As you see, there are many

possible paths to follow. Choose which one

you wish to travel.

The historic centre of Lima Lima

Miraflores and BarrancoLima

Arequipa city centre Arequipa

You can visit:

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Concert.

Josip Curich / PromPerú

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Cruises on the Amazon river – Loreto.

Alex Bryce / PromPerú

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The warmth of the Peruvian people is

legendary. When a guest announces his

departure the first response is: “When will

you be coming back?” Embracing foreigners

and making them feel at home is in the

blood of this people.

Hospitality, attention to detail and a

dedicated effort to making sure your stay

is a pleasant one: these traits are universal.

Whether you stay in a super luxury hotel, an

exclusive boutique establishment, a lodging

house, a family hostel or a community

house, all your hosts will show you with

enthusiasm how they live and how they

look after their own.

Peru is ready to receive you and win your

love. With astonishing places, singular

activities and fascinating people. For as you

already know, there is a Peru for everyone.

Cruises in AmazoniaLoreto

The city of Cusco Cusco

ParacasIca

You can visit:

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Comfort

peru.travel

Twilight in Amazonia.

Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú.

A publication by the Peru Export and Tourism

Promotion Board – PromPerú

Av. República de Panamá Nº 3647, San Isidro,

Lima - Perú

Phone: (51-1) 616-7300 Fax: (51-1) 421-3938

postmaster@promperu.gob.pe

www.promperu.gob.peFirst Edition

Hecho el Depósito Legal en la

Biblioteca Nacional del Perú N° 2014-00233

Printing:

Lima, january 2014

Free distribution, not for sale