Peru is one of those magical countries that boasts an almost never ending list of must-see attractions, with Machu Picchu, the Cuzco region and lake Titicaca at the very top. Here are some of the lesser known, if no less spectacular places to consider for your itinerary on a repeat visit, or if you have plenty of time for your journeys.
Huacachina
Imagine a picturesque oasis by a deep green lake, nestled among tall sand dunes underneath a big blue sky, like a hidden treasure. Nope, this is not North Africa, although it could probably successfully pass for it. This wondrous spot, called Huacachina, can be found near Ica, and has traditionally functioned as a getaway resort for the country’s rich and famous. These days, its unique charms attract tourists in droves. Sand boarding, dune buggy rides and star gazing are just some of the attractions on offer here. It’s the perfect spot to regroup after some of the more arduous sections of your travels.
Chan Chan
Baffingly not nearly as famous as Mexico’s Teotihuacan, Chan Chan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and claims the title of being the largest city in pre-Columbian South America, numbering around 30,000 inhabitants. Located on the Pacific Ocean coast near Trujillo, Chan Chan was the imperial capital of Chimor, built around 850 AD and thriving until the Inca Empire take-over in 1470 AD. Constructed mostly out of adobe, the city gives the visitor a tangible idea of the local way of life before it’s destruction by the Spaniards. A labyrinthine, triangular structure full of citadels, reservoirs, chambers, temples and city walls covered in intricate nature-themed carvings, Chan Chan is an unforgettable sight and it’s worth catching a cultural show here if you can.
Puerto Belen
Puerto Belen is the traditional Amazonian river port and village, located near the jungle town of Iquitos. It consists of houses built on stilts to accommodate the capricious nature of the glorious Amazon river which rises and falls by several meters depending on the season. The huts look like one blow from the big bad wolf would topple them over, yet much like the local dugout canoes (you’ll be forgiven for being sceptical about those: the locals are used to laughing at tourists’ dismayed reactions to them), they are surprisingly functional and sturdy. Do take a dugout canoe ride on the river, a cruise to visit the native tribes, and a camping trip into the magical Amazonian jungle with a local guide. Don’t forget to visit the local market, where Amazonian rainforest treasures are on offer, from monkeys to fruits which look like they came from a fantasy movie.
Nazca Lines
You do not have to be a Erich von Däniken fan to appreciate the complete mind-boggling precision and downright impossibility of the mysterious and huge Nazca Lines. Whatever the scientists tell you, the truth is that we don’t know much about them. Best appreciated from the air, the lines form various animal and “alien” shapes on the flat plains near the town of Nazca. For those afraid of flying , there is also a viewing platform from where you can see three of the figures. Do not miss the nearby Maria Reiche Museum – it houses many interesting artefacts, including some interesting “deformed” skulls, which might give you an alternative perspective on the history of our planet.
Although getting to Peru is quite easy these days, I would recommend getting your local flights within the country once you arrive, as they are relatively inexpensive and save you much time.
Citations: cc flickr photo by David Stanley
I guess Nazca lines are the most attractive part of Peru these days, with all the alien theories and debates of the origin of these and other unexplainable wonders found in Latin America and all over the world. This is for sure the first place I want to visit if I ever make it to Peru.
Yes Claire, seems like I mainly hear about Peru when the discussion relates to alien intervention as well as the phenomenal Machu Picchu. I would love to learn more about the people of Peru and their culture.