Peru, a Treasure Chest to Open
You don’t have to fly too far; just head south and then set out to see the country.
▄ If we had to describe Peruvian charm in a few lines, all we would need to say is that it is proud to have 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
multi-award-winning cuisine, 84 protected zones and 5,000 archeological sites. It is one of the world’s top ten for natural resources, shares borders with five countries and boasts 47 native languages, besides Spanish.
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That said, Peru is a great destination to visit in 2024, so we mention some
must-dos here.
▄ If you love nature and outdoor activities, this Andean country has a lot to offer: trekking, mountain biking, surfing, paragliding, hang gliding, camping, canoeing and kayaking are just some of the options.
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A good place to start is Lima, the capital city. There is a great deal to do here, but most
routes include Plaza San Martín, Plaza de Armas, which is the main square, and the
catacomb museum located inside San Francisco Church.
And after the capital…
▄ You have to go to Cusco, of course, and all the better if it’s the dry season, between April and November. You won’t want to miss its main square, or Plaza de Armas, and the colonial buildings that seem to keep watch over it.
The Compañía de Jesús Church and San Blas barrio of craftspeople are more must-dos, as is the Sulca Museum. Cusco’s cobblestone streets are romantic and photogenic, so keep your camera handy.
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The road will lead you to Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley), where there is plenty to do and
see, and then on to the Inca archeological site of Machu Picchu, whose fame and status as one of the seven wonders of the modern world are very well earned.
The energy here is indescribable. Keep in mind that the entrance is restricted to a specific number of people a day, and stay alert, because there are all kinds of birds and an extensive variety of orchids to notice.
▄ Arequipa is another focal point of your visit to Peru. A one-hour flight from the capital and nicknamed the White City, it snuggles up at the foot of Misti Volcano.
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Yanahuara, Sachaca and Carmen Alto scenic overlooks provide spectacular views of the zone, and don’t miss Colca Valley, if you want to admire condors in all their grandeur.
▄ What’s more, Peru also has lovely beaches. Vichayito and Punta Sal are but two of them. A peaceful spot in northern Peru, the former enjoys an approximate year-round temperature of 75 F degrees.
It is famous for its food, so be sure and try both classic and black shellfish
ceviche, as well as sudado de pescado (steamed fish) and delicious jalea, which is pieces of
fried fish served with fried yucca.
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Punta Sal is known as the most beautiful beach in Peru. The water here is calm and the sunsets memorable. Stand up paddle, kite surfing and kayak enthusiasts come back time and again, and whale and dolphin sightings are common.
La Mina Beach is so close to Lima that most people go for the day.
Nonetheless, it has a lot to offer–including the Ballestas Islands, especially famous for their wealth of sea life. La Mina is surrounded by cliffs and crystal clear water.
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Clearly, Peru is a destination waiting for you to calmly discover and fully enjoy. Its numerous historical and natural treasures truly make it a great place for a family trip.
