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What cities to visit in Peru

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Home » Blog » What cities to visit in Peru

Peru is a wonderful country with 24 departments and a constitutional province, Callao. Throughout its vast territory, it has diverse ecological levels and microclimates that make this country a destination suitable for everyone.

However, it is important to remember that each region of our country has a different climate and geographic space, so this should be taken into account when planning your visit to Peru,

Not all provinces share the same climate, so there are times of the year when the beaches have hot and sunny weather, but the Andes have heavy rains.

Whether you are looking for a beach vacation, exploring snow-capped mountains and mountains, or venturing into the Amazonian wilderness;

Peru can offer that and more, just remember to make a good planning prior to your trip so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest, here are some options to visit Peru

Cusco

The city of Cusco, also known as the archaeological capital of Peru, declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is located at 3360 meters above sea level, between the Andean territory and part of the jungle, which highlights that in this department there are 2 very marked seasons;

  • the dry season that goes from the end of April to October with clear and sunny days ideal for trekking and hiking activities, the nights on the other hand are usually colder, reaching temperatures of -0.7ºC at night and up to 22.7ºC during the day.
  •  the rainy season from the month of November to March with temperatures from 8.1ºC to 20.2ºC taking into account that the months with more rainfall are January and February, it should be noted that certain tours and activities can not be performed during this time of rain as the trekking to the mountain of 7 colors or the Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu that due to heavy rains this road is closed throughout the month of February. On the other hand, it is not all bad because, in this rainy season, the city of Cusco to receive fewer visitors, gives you more chance to find available tickets to Machu Picchu, greater choice of reservations in hotels, restaurants and train services. Likewise, Machu Picchu presents the flowering of its orchids, a unique spectacle since the outcrop of this species of flowers happens only once a year, filling the sanctuary of birds and butterflies pollinators that adorn and fill with life the archaeological citadel of Machu Picchu.

These climatic and geographic variations give the city of Cusco, a rich natural landscape, making possible a varied presence of flora and fauna, which makes it possible for Cusco to develop a wide range of tourist attractions of natural and scenic nature, also offers activities and attractions of religious, traditional folkloric and artistic character.

Why visit Cusco ?

One of the main reasons to visit the city of Cusco is for its cultural and historical value, it is one of the few cities where you can see how the Inca and colonial architecture merge in every street of the city, creating a prodigious contrast worthy of being admired.

This syncretism can be seen not only in the architecture, but also in the religious and artistic manifestations, as in the festivity of the Lord of Qoyllur Ritiy, where the faith of worship to an Apu or sacred mountain merges with the worship of a Crucified Christ.

Any time of the year is good to visit the city, the main archaeological attraction of the city is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, which is open to the public throughout the year being the months of November to March the time of less tourist influx, so you can enjoy this wonder without so many crowds of people.

Lima

The city of Lima, capital of Peru, also known as the city of the Kings, founded in 1535, is a dazzling city that you must visit. It houses a perfect harmony of colonial renaissance architecture with modern buildings and is the only South American capital with access to the sea.

It is located on the central coast of Peru, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean between the coast and highlands, with a much more varied climate, subtropical desert, mostly temperate humid, with fog in winter and small soft rains.

During the summer, from November to the beginning of March, the temperature is approximately 25.5ºC and during the winter, from April to October, the temperature is 14ºC with small drizzles or showers.

Why visit Lima ?

The city of Lima offers ample options for your enjoyment, it is known as the gastronomic capital of South America, so this will be an optimal place where you can taste the traditional dishes from all over Peru being the Ceviche the most representative dish accompanied by a traditional Pisco Sour.

In addition to its wide gastronomic variety, you can also visit the beaches and boardwalks, January and February are the most recommended months since the weather is perfect. Lima also presents a calendar of festivities that take place throughout the year, then, the most important are:

  • Anniversary of the foundation of the city of Lima, January 18. It is celebrated with parades and parades of dances, concerts and folkloric spectacles.
  • Peruvian Paso Horse Festival, April. In this festival there is a presentation of the best examples of the Peruvian Paso horse that perform a demonstration of the Marinera dance accompanied by music and gastronomic fairs of Creole food.
  • Fiestas Patrias July 28 - 29, during these dates also takes place the great Military Parade, where the armed forces of Peru are presented in a great civic parade, in addition to multiple artistic exhibitions, musical performances, presentation of plays. It should also be considered that during this date increases the flow of domestic tourism in the country.

Arequipa

The well-known White City, Arequipa, founded on August 15, 1540, is located at 2335 meters above sea level between the coast and the highlands of Peru, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, volcanoes and beaches. It has a cloudy temperate climate on the coast, which gets colder and colder at higher altitudes, presenting heavy rains, hail and frost in the highlands.

The White City has many attractions of cultural-historical value, as well as wonderful natural destinations such as volcanoes, trekking practices to the Colca canyons and the snow-capped mountains.

Why visit Arequipa ?

Arequipa is a destination not to be missed during your visit to Peru, here are the options you can visit in this wonderful city:

  • The Colca Canyon, where in addition to the amazing natural scenery you can see the flight of the mystical condor, considered a sacred bird that spreads its wings giving an admirable view of the canyon.
  • The Monastery of Santa Catalina, an architectural beauty built in ashlar, where you can contemplate the religious art, as well as sculptures and paintings of the Cusco school.
  • Quarries of Sillar de Añashuayco, a tourist alternative where you can observe different sculptures in ashlar, without going far from the city.

Puno

Puno, folkloric capital of South America, this city is located at 3,827 meters above sea level, with a cold dry climate, with temperatures ranging from -4ºC to 17ºC throughout the year, this city for its location in the highlands has an ancient culture, with great influence of Pre Inca and Inca cultures, which then during the time of the Spanish colonization and subsequent Viceroyalty developed a unique syncretism that is manifested in its many cultural manifestations, coupled with countless attractions of natural character, make Puno a unique destination in South America.

Why visit Puno ?

Puno is one of the best options for outdoor activities and experiential tourism, in addition to the festivals and customs that characterize it also offers options for enjoyment and contact with nature. These are some of the options you can find in Puno.

  • Lake Titicaca and its Floating Islands, enjoy experiential tourism and learn about the daily life of the lake's inhabitants.
  • The archaeological complex of Sillustani, 33km from the city, is famous for the chullpas that can be seen imposingly on the shores of the Umayo lagoon.
  • Cathedral of Puno, with the rank of minor Basilica, a true work of Baroque and Renaissance art.
  • The feast of the Virgin Candelaria, which begins on February 2nd and continues for 18 days, in the city there is the presentation of about 300 groups of dancers and dancers, undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Puno.

Ica

Ica, also known as the region of the eternal sun, is located on the southern coast with a dry subtropical climate, mostly hot desert, the annual average temperature is 22ºC.

It has countless tourist options that make it one of the most outstanding adventure destinations in our country.

Why visit Ica ?

Ica has a warm climate all year round, so the climatic variations in this case will not be a problem. Ica has different tourist alternatives that you can enjoy.

  • The Geoglyphs and Nazca Lines, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, are located in a vast desert field where you can find engravings of animals, plants and others. In order to visualize the enormous figures you can fly over the area in small planes.
  • Huacachina Lagoon, this oasis in the middle of the desert is located just 5km from the city of ica, one of the most sought after destinations in Peru, you can perform sandboarding activities, sand vehicle rides, and boat rides in the lagoon.
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