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| (Photo: PROMPERÚ) |
Machu Picchu: this magical citadel of Machu Picchu that can be reached only by train or by foot along the Inca Trails. Trains to Machu Picchu depart from Cusco city or Ollantaytambo and take passengers to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) from there they take a bus for around 20 mins to reach the archaeological complex on top of the mountain. Both modes of transport offer spectacular scenery as they snake their way among the snow-covered mountains, rivers, and picturesque countryside.
The Nazca lines: declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, the origin of these mysterious designs are said to have been created by the Nazca people somewhere between 500 BC and 500 AD. Their exact purpose has never been discovered. The designs range from simple shapes to detailed depictions of a monkey, a fish, a whale, birds and other animals, as well as trees and flowers. The only true way to appreciate the size and scope of the Nazca Lines is to see them from the air.
Ica:
The vast Ica desert offers a wealth of experiences. Let's begin with the most well-known: boat rides to the Ballestas Islands, a flight over the Nasca Lines, a lakeside afternoon at the Huacachina oasis, sandboarding, or a luxurious picnic in the desert. What do these experiences have in common? Nothing! Every experience in Ica is remarkable and unique. In Quechua, Huacachina means "weeping woman". According to legend, this lake was formed by the tears of a beautiful green-eyed woman who wept for the death of her beloved.
But this lake is filled with life, from its palm and carob trees, to the birds that find refuge on its water, its fish, and the elusive creatures that inhabit the surrounding sand dunes. This rich biodiversity is now protected by the Regional Conservation Area established to include Huacachina and the surrounding subtropical desert.
Lake Titicaca: the highest navigable lake in the world. According to Andean mythology, the children of the Sun god and founders of the Inca Empire, emerged from its waters. Lake Titicaca contains numerous islands whose inhabitants still continue with the customs and traditions of their ancestors, like the Uros community who live on “floating islands” made of totora reeds.
Northern Peruvian Amazon (Loreto): There are many ways to explore the Peruvian Amazon, but one of the most popular and unique ways is to cruise the Amazon River aboard a small ship or do tree canopy to admire the rainforest above the exuberant vegetation. Boat rides with binoculars in hand are typical of this region. The Victoria Amazonica, a giant water lily, is distinctive of Loreto. There is much to see during the region’s two seasons, and both offer rich diversity in terms of plants and animal life. This region is also home to the three-toed sloth and the rare and beautiful pink dolphins.
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