DESTINATIONS IN PERU

Here you can find a description of the different regions in Peru:

HIGHLANDS

The complex physical character of the Andes mountains is paralleled by the complex pattern of human settlement in these mountains.
One of the more outstanding features along the highland plateau or Andean highland plain, are the lakes and lagoons throughout the region; among these, Lake Titicaca, located in the Southwest sector in a basin encompassing both Peruvian and Bolivian territories.
From the highland plateaus or "punas" rise the higher Andes with peaks towering more than 5,000-6,000 m (19,000-20,000 ft) above sea level. Some of them appear as isolated peaks, others rise forming ranges, or "cordilleras", as for example the "Cordillera Blanca" (White Cordillera). The ice of these Andean peaks form the headwaters of all the river basins sourcing the rivers that flow across Peruvian territory. The largest of these comprise the river sources that form the Amazon river.
Two distinct seasons can be found in the highland. One is a rainless summer that runs from April to October when days are sunny and nights cold with frequent frosts, thus making it the perfect time for a visit. Heavy rains (generally more than 1,000 mm or about 40 inches), fall in the rainy season- erroneously known as "winter"- that lasts from November to March.
The Andean climate features radical temperature changes over the same 24 hour period from 24ºC in the day to as low as 3°C at night. The mountain climate is dry and favours a wide variety of crops typical for the region.
Here you can find the following cities and places:

Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Puno - Cusco - Machu Picchu - Huaraz - Cajamarca - Chachapoyas

The capital of the department Ancash, Huaraz is situated 3,900 m above sea level and lies in the Callejón de Huaylas. Huaraz is the climbing and trekking center in Peru and a good place to start trips in the Cordillera Blanca.
The Rio Santa divides the Callejón de Huaylas in two mountain ranges: The Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra.
Most of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range is protected by the National park Huascarán: 663 glaciers, 269 lakes and 41 rivers, as well as dozens of mountains, 26 of which top 6,000 meters in altitude, and interesting archaeological sights make it one of the most impressing National parks in America. Climbers, mountaineers and hikers from all over the world come to enjoy the snow capped peaks, high puna and green valleys.
100 km South of Huaraz the Cordillera Huayhuash is located, another paradise for people who love the nature.
There is a definite wet and dry season for Cordillera Blanca. The dry season runs from May · October and is the best time for visiting. The wet season runs from November · April and makes outdoor activities difficult. During the year the temperature is 18°C, but it gets chilly in the evening and the temperature can fall down to 2°C or less. Due to the high altitude of the city itself and most of surrounding attractions, you will have to acclimate for a day or two before starting your activites in order to avoid altitude sickness.

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The lovely town Cajamarca is the capital of the department and the most important city in the Northern highlands of Peru. This city has a marked Spanish influence as it was founded in 1532 by Francisco Pizarro. In November 1532, Cajamarca was the site of one of the most transcendent episodes in universal history: the Inca Atahuallpa was taken prisoner and after filling the cuarto del rescate (Rescue room) to pay for his freedom once with gold and twice with silver up to the level of his extended arm, he was betrayed and executed by the Spaniards. This is the place where the final destruction of the Inca Empire began.
The region is famous for its cheeses and dairy products. Is is primarily agricultural and on its vast meadows graze great quantities of cattle.
Cajamarca sums up in its architecture the encounter between two cultures: Inca and Spain. You can see the Spanish architecture in the cathedral, the church of San Francisco and Belen la Recoleta.
In the East of the city the Baños del Inca are located. These are bathing resorts with hot thermal water. The modern facilities and the curative properties of the waters, rank them among the most important bathing resorts of this kind in the continent.
Here you can see the Ventanillas de Otuzco. This great Inca necropolis is characterized by the carved crypts in rocky cliffs resembling a huge funeral mosaic.
Cajamarca offers a great opportunity to trek as well. You can walk on the old Inca trails and enjoy the untouched landscape and beautiful nature here.
Last but not least Cajamarca is famous for the biggest carnival fiesta in Peru - for one month they are celebrating.
Whenever you come to visit Cajamarca you will just fall in love with this amazing town!

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The region Chachapoyas in the North of Peru still is an insider tip for travelers, which want to feel the spirit of Peru. Beside a fascinating landscape, Chachapoyas possesses above all many archaeological treasures.

The Peruvian Amazon area, about 300 km North of Cajamarca region, was controlled approximately 800 years ago by a pre Inca culture, which is called today the Chachapoya. The city of Chachapoyas is situated at an altitude of 2,335 m above sea level. The name Chachapoyas comes from the Quechua-word "Chachapoyacuno", which means "rainforest". The city was founded in 1538 by Alonso de Alvarado and during the colonial times developed to be the most important city in the East of Peru. In the city area of Chachapoyas, visitors will find beautiful large colonial houses with clay tile roofings, pretty yards, surrounded by gardens and the typical balconies, which reflect the Spanish influence.

The Chachapoya endued a developed military system. The numerous remains of the Chachapoya, finally from the Inca Tupac Yupanqui in 15th century subjected and extinguished, lure today archaeologists from all over the world into this unaffected region. The powerful fortress of Kuelap located on a mountain, is a witness of grandiose architecture of this people. These powerful building is the most important object of interest in Chachapoyas. Besides this impress all the mummies of the Chachapoya, whose were found in the summer 1998 and which give us detailed information about this interesting culture: The mummies can be visited today in the museum of Leinebamba. Chachapoya, "Cloud people", how the Incas called these puzzling, light membranous people in the north of the Peruvian cloud forest, who are until today a mystery for scientists and lures visitors into this region.

The journey to Chachapoyas goes via Cajamarca and Celendín or via Chiclayo by bus or car. Beside of the region, which is a hiking paradise, visitors can do many expedition to visit the archeological remains.

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