| In Perú , like in few other
countries , nature has brought together an enormous variety of landscapes , climates and
ecosystems , that range from coastal deserts to Amazonian exuberance
, and include the diversity of micro-climates of the different floors and valleys of the
Andes mountains. In this mix of landscapes , there is a combination of races and cultural
contributions which is manifested in a diversity of expressions such as a culinary art of
exceptional variety . This natural diversity and the country's important cultural and
historic heritage make Perú an extremely interesting destination for tourists. Generally
, Perú has been known for the rich legacy left by the pre-Hispanic cultures throughout
its territory. Thus ,
the two great points of the country have important archaeological discoveries at their
centres. The tourist axis of the south has as its centre the city of Cusco
(see page 3) , the ancient capital of the Incas , considered the archaeological capital of
South America. In effect , the ruins of Machupicchu (see page 4)
are the country's main tourist attraction. In the city of Cusco ,
as in no other other place , the complexity of the hybrid culture borne from the fusion
between Spanish and Inca can be appreciated. Also famous are the Nasca lines , immense
geometric drawings left in the southern coastal desert by ancient cultures. Their purpose
remains a mystery for archaeologists. In southern Perú there are also natural attractions
such as Lake Titicaca , the highest navigable Lake in the world ,
located in the department of Puno , or the Colca Cañon , in the department of
Arequipa , the world's deepest canyon - the Colca river runs 3400 meters below - , famous
for its rapids, and its terrace system , constructed by the Collaguas ,
ancient inhabitants of the region and specially for the presence of condors. The
tourist axis of the north has received renewed attention lately with the recent discovery
of Tomb of the Lord of Sipan - comparable in richness and artistic quality to that of the
Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamon. This discovery has generated enormous international interest
not only because of the treasures extracted , but also because the pieces enclosed in this
pyramids shed light on the Mochica culture , which developed in the northern coastal
valley of Perú between the first and the fourth centuries AD. The north of Perú also has
the citadel of Chan-Chan , one of the largest "adobe mud-clay citadels in the world ;
and beautiful beaches , like summer resort of Punta Sal , Máncora and Capo Blanco -
famous among lovers of Merlin fishing and one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite spots -
where sunshine and tranquillity are guaranteed year- round. Perú has important attractions for the adventure tourist
and the ecotourist as well . The number one destination for this type of destination is
the Amazon jungle region , with Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos as the main point of
attraction. The exuberance of the Amazonian jungle offers the possibility to becoming
familiar with an unexplored paradise where the flora an fauna are protected by a system of
national parks , among the most important of which is Manú National Park. This park is
designed to maintain the ecological balance of the region. They offer the tourist the
opportunity to became familiar with this area , thereby creating awareness of the
importance of preserving nature for the good of humanity. |
Titikaka Lake
jungle river
Toucan
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