Lets look at five things that you could do here.

The Spanish took away a lot of Cusco’s wealth for example, the golden cladding which is on the temples and the palaces. They even managed to tear down the great Inca architecture and used it to make buildings of their own.

Although, the architecture is now designed in the colonial fashion, after years of erosion and weathering you can see through the outsides and make out the ancient Inca style and construction.

This place has cobbled streets and huge walls. The terraces are quite prominent and all this is proof of the genius of the Inca architecture and techniques. You will be able to see perfectly cut stones which are of different shapes and sizes. When they are all put together; the somehow fix in such a way that even a piece of paper cannot slip through it.

The local people here speak the Quechua language. They still sell brightly colored handicrafts that are displayed on the streets and the many squares. These people at the end of the day , were descendants of the great Inca architects , so it is quite obvious that the architecture that you would find here would be amazing.

The same style till today is what is on display at the local museums and the ancient ruins.

One the first day

It would be advisable to walk around as doing anything drastic would not work with you maladaptive body. If you feel like you are getting sick because of altitude then try chewing on some coco leaves. This usually helps.

The Plaza de Armas is the first stop for most of the visitors who come to Cusco. This place has some of Cusco’s most fascination buildings made under heavy Spanish influence. There are about four churches. The first one La compania de jesus is famous for having its unique golden alter pieces. These are built on the Inca site of Coricancha.. This was a main site of Inca temple and observatory. Right below the church; there is a museum. This museum has a detailed history of Coricancha. There are unique artifacts and mummies of three people from the ruling families.

This church is right in the center of town. It used to be the center of the empire before. It also used to serve as a local shopping center.

San Blas is just up the hill. . This ia the place where the best bars in town are located. The best thing to visit here is the cedar pulpit which is all carved out of a single piece of wood.

Day two

Head toward Hatunrumiyoc street which is a part of the old town and  runs parallel to the great big Inca wall which has the famous twelve angled stone in it.

This wall is a perfect example of the style of Inca architecture. All the stones of all shapes and sized are made to enter into slots with one another in perfect precision.

There are art museums here at the archbishop’s palace. Inside these museums you will find historical paints that show how the Spanish come into the land and integrated themselves as part of this place.

The main area that you come across at this place is the sacsayhuaman, this place is the closed Inca ruin, to the city and lies within the city limits of Cusco.

The most unique attribute about this place are the four hundred metered long and about six meters tall walls. These walls, according to archeologists used to serve as a fortification and are supposed to be looked at from above. Here you can almost trace an outline of a pumas head. The construction of the Plaza de Armas is most impressive. There are some of the largest blocks here which weigh more than one hundred tonnes each.

One of the many tales of this place is that the Incas built tunnels under the entire empire, identically as they built roads on top. These tunnels apparently went all the way out of Quenko.

The Park is also pronounced as the Natural Heritage of Humanity. This park is spread over a huge area of 3,000 sq. kms and the place is full of 663 glaciers, besides 296 wonderful lakes and 41 tributaries. The Park is also the home to three major rivers, which are the Marañón, Pativilca and Santa Rivers.

Besides, the Park is also home to the largest mountain of the entire nation of Peru. The famous Huascarán Mountain stands at a height of 6768 meters and it is a lovely sight as it rises way above the other notable peaks of the region such as the Pisco and Alpamayo.

The Huascarán is home to many wonderful creatures as well, be it plants or animal species. Some of the natives of the land include the Cougar, Guanaco, Peruvian Tapir, the Marsh Deer, besides there are a number of species of the hummingbird and ducks and the most prominent of these species found here include the Southern Pochard.

The entire area in and around the Huascarán National Park is protected and the protection of the region was initiated by the then Peruvian government of 1975. The main reason for the protection at that time was to conserve the rich flora and fauna of the land. Besides, it was also felt, there was a need to preserve the rich geological formations, Cordillera Blanca’s panoramic scenery and archaeological remains of the region.

Some of the main archaeological remains of the Park are the existence of the ancient Chavin culture relics in the area.

The authorities have always encouraged scientific research of the Park’s cultural and natural resources. The last few decades have seen an impressive increase in the tourism activities and such activities have gone a long way in nourishing the economy of the region.

The year 1985 saw the Park being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site on account of the importance of the Park and the fact that it houses some of the many endangered species. Hence, at least these species can live happy lives.

Let’s have a look at the flora and fauna of the Park area.

The area in and around the Huascarán National Park is home to some 779 different species of Andean plants. Besides, there are also 112 different bird species and the famous ones amongst this lot are the Torrent Duck, which is locally referred to as the Merganetta armata, Andean Condor or Vultur gryphus, Puna Tinamou or Tinamotis pentlandii.

The Park also sees a large number of mammals in the vicinity as well and prominent amongst this lot are some endangered species as well. The prominent endangered species found here are Colocolo or the Oncifelis colocolo, the Oreailurus jacobita or the Andean Cat, Tremarctos ornatu or the Spectacled Bear, Hippocamelus antisensis or the Peruvian Guemal and Vicugna vicugna or the Vicuña

The Catac region of the Ancash region sees the famous plant, Puyas Raimondi. These impressive plants are mostly found in the spacious forests in the region. The top three areas of Ancash, which see these beauties are Cajamarquilla region besides the Queshque and Ingenio regions, which are both located in Catac.

These plants are named after an Italian scholar, who played a major role in introducing these wonderful plants to the world. The plants can be quite gigantic as well and most of them reach a height of around 10 meters. The plant has a life of around 40 years and each plant can produce more than a whopping 3,000 flowers, besides six million seeds.

As regards to the attractions and activities undertaken by the visitors of the Park, the best activity here is just to relax and admire the wonderful natural surroundings of the region.

If you are looking for a bit of adventure in the Park, you may attempt to walk and admire the superb natural surroundings of the region. You may also attempt to climb the mountains of the region, which are in the range of 6,000 meters in height. Let me assure you, scaling the heights of these mountains is not a tedious task at all and you need not be an expert climber either. It is a very easy task to climb most of the mountains as the surface is not slippery and the surroundings are quite safe also.

That does not mean there is nothing on offer for the expert climbers. The Park region also boasts of mountains, which are meant exclusively for the professional and expert climbers and let me caution the naïve climbers, please stay away from these mountains as trying to scale the heights can be a dangerous activity. These mountains, which are classified, fit for only the professionals are characterized with an uneven terrain and hence, the beginners should stay away from such places.

Some of the other activities, which are undertaken on a large scale, are activities such as horse back riding and skiing. In order to make your trip all the more knowledgeable, I request you to be part of the various archaeological excursions, which are held in the Park region and are quite popular. Such excursions will answer all your doubts, if you have any.

As regards to the climate of the land, the Park region sees two main climatic stages during the year. The rainy months are generally from the months of December through March, which is followed by a dry period, which is almost devoid of any rainfall. This dry season runs from the months of May through October and there is abundant sunshine available during these months and the temperatures reach up to 25 degrees Celsius during the days. The nights see freezing temperatures and it is a common trend during this time of the year for the temperatures to breach the Zero degree Celsius mark and as you travel to the higher altitudes of the regions, the temperatures only keep getting even colder.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach the Huascarán National Park?

The nearest airport near the Huascarán National Park is the one at Huaraz City. However, international flights do not operate from the Huaraz City airport. Hence, the best option at your disposal is to enter the nation of Peru via its capital city of Lima.

Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport is the nation’s premier airport and hosts a series of daily flights from the US and other major cities around the world.

Once you have aligned at this airport, you have a couple of options at your disposal. You can travel by a domestic flight to the Huaraz City airport. The cheaper option is to travel by bus to the Park and let me assure you the journey is full of greenery and wonderful sights. The entire bus journey can be completed in around 8 hours.

Where do I stay during my Huascaran National Park  holiday?

There are a number of accommodation options near the Huascaran National Park in a number of budget options. The Park is very near to Huaraz city and some of the popular landmarks of the region are Hotel Colomba, Morales Guest House, Hotel Brit’s, Hotel La Joya, Steel Guest House, San Sebastian Hotel, Alpes Andes Youth Hostel, Edward’s Inn, Hostal Schatzi, La Casa de Zarela, Olaza’s Guest House, The Way Inn Lodge, Hostal Churup, B&B My House, Familia Meza Lodging and Hotel Tumi.

When is the best time of the year to visit the Huascarán National Park for a holiday?

The best time of the year to visit the Huascarán National Park is during the dry months of May through October. These months are the best when it comes to the climate of the region as the period is almost devoid of any rainfall.

You should avoid the rainy season, which runs from December through March as trying to scale the mountains can be a dangerous activity on account of the slippery surface. Besides, the unpredictable rains only play spoilsport as your schedules will go for a toss.

Hence, the best time for a visit is between May and October.

In conclusion, the area in and around the Huascarán National Park is a wonderful holiday destination. There is so much to experience in this wonderful place that you will only want to return to this place again and again. So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important trip to the lovely Huascarán National Park.

The exact location of the city is in the central-northern region of the nation. The city is located some 420 kms north of the capital city of Lima. The city is nicely nested within the significant Callejón de Huaylas valley and as such the main occupation of the region is agriculture. However, in the past few years, the tourism industry of the city and region has played a major role in earning the all important foreign exchange reserves, which in turn have played a major role in nourishing the economy of the entire region.

The city has a long history full of events both good and bad. The city was the site of a deadly earthquake in the last century. On May 31, 1970, the city witnessed the much talked about Ancash earthquake, which destroyed almost the entire city.

This devastation claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people and only 91 people managed to survive this earthquake. The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and lasted for 45 seconds and that was the end of the old city as most of its narrow streets along with their big adobes were history.

However, the city has done well to get out of that disaster and has lived to die another day. The modern day Huaraz is quite planned and offers its residents the best of amenities. Besides, on account of having some of the best natural beauties all around, the city plays host to a number of international visitors, who visit the place just to admire the beauty of this wonderful city.

The city has many attractions and tourist spots. Let’s go through some of the highlights of the city in brief.

Huascaran National Park:
The Huascaran National Park is a national park and is part and parcel of the city. The Park is famous the world over for its trekking opportunities. However, that’s not all about the trekking and hiking activities, it has much more to offer.

Please do not be surprised if you encounter a Marsh Deer or the hummingbird in the premises of the Park as they are found here in large numbers.

The year 1985 saw the Park being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Llanganuco Lakes:
These marvelous glacier-fed lakes are also commonly referred to as Lagunas Llanganuco. These lakes are situated at a distance of some 55 kms away from the city of Huaraz in the northern direction.

The lakes provide you with spectacular view of some of the most beautiful and tallest peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Some of these marvelous huge peaks in the region include the Chopicalqui, which stands at a height of an incredible 6,354meters, the Huandoy, which is 6,395meters in height, besides the twin peaks of Huascaran, which stand at 6,768 meters and 6,655 meters respectively.

It is recommended you visit the Llanganuco during the day and you also need to visit the lower lake of Laguna Chinacocha.

Chavin de Huantar:
These are the ruins of an ancient fortress-temple, which was constructed between 1200 and 300 BC. These ruins are situated towards the eastern direction of the Cordillera Blanca and the place is around 110 kms away from the main city of Huaraz.

This structure was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The site also holds another unique distinction of being largest remaining structure of the Chavin culture.

The site consists of a huge central square; however, a majority of the entire complex is made of a string of underground chambers.

Besides, there is a small museum at the entrance of the ruins, which displays exhibits of carvings, besides the Chavin ceramics.

The Pastoruri Glacier:
The Pastoruri Glacier is a paradise for the guys, who like to trek up mountains and other heights. The city of Huaraz gives you an opportunity to visit a glacier, besides you can also walk and do many things on it, sounds wonderful doesn’t it?

The surface of the Pastoruri is quite flat and let me assure you will not require any special equipment to climb its heights, nor is there any reason to be worried about. However, the glacier stands at an altitude of 5240 meters, which is definitely not the highest point in the world. Yet you need to be acclimatized before starting your trekking adventure. Hence, it is suggested you spend around 3 days in the region to get used to the conditions and patterns.

The entire trek up to the Pastoruri can be completed in around 45 minutes and you need to be in a good physical condition to climb the heights. However, if you are feeling weary, there are other options available at your disposal. You can reach the top via the mules and horses available on hire.

It is a common trend seen here where the natives visit the glacier with their snowboarding equipment and skis. However, the place is definitely not the best for skiing, even though it’s possible here and good enough for the beginners.

Please do remember to carry a spare pair of shoes as your shoes will definitely get wet as the surface of the glacier is full of water, though the water levels are not dangerous.

Pachacoto:
Pachacoto is another wonderful valley of the region and is around 57kms away from the city of Huaraz in the southern direction. A specialty of this place is the wonderful Puya de Raimondii plants. Once you view these plants, you will agree with me that the plants are definitely strange and more or less resemble the mutated cacti. These plant species are actually the largest of the bromeliad family of plants and are related to the pineapple. Besides, these rare plant species are also considered to be amongst the oldest in the world. However, these plants are found in the Andes on a large scale, though in a few isolated parts.

The region is also a hot favorite amongst the mountain bikers of the world. Besides, some of the best knowledgeable experts like Pony Expeditions (Caraz) and Julio Olaza of Mountain Bike Adventures (Huaraz) are based in the region. Hence, all the adventure freaks are in for a lovely treat here.

The city also boasts of a vibrant nightlife with many spots to hang out at night. Some of the popular landmarks are Cafe Andino, Bistro de Los Andes, California Café, Fuente de Salud, Siam de Los Andes and Crêperie Patrick.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach the city of Huaraz?

In order to enter Huaraz, you first need to enter the nation of Peru. Sadly, the city of Huaraz doesn’t boast of an airport and hence, you need to depend on the roads of the country, however, let me assure you will enjoy the entire road trip as the scenes in transit are spectacular.

You first need to align at the capital city Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, which is the premier airport of the nation. Once you have set foot on Peruvian soil, your entire bus journey will take around 7 hours.

This 420 kms journey has some prominent bus companies in operation. The companies in action here include Cruz del Sur, Movil Tours and Expreso Ancash.

Where do I stay during my Huaraz holiday vacation?

The city provides some of the best accommodation options and the best part is these options are available in different budget options to suit your tastes and preferences. Some of the popular landmarks of the place are Alpes Andes Youth Hostel, La Casa de Zarela, Familia Meza Lodging, Hotel Brit’s, Edward’s Inn, Olaza’s Guest House, Morales Guest House, Hostal Schatzi, B&B My House, The Way Inn Lodge, Hostal Churup, San Sebastian Hotel, Hotel Tumi, Steel Guest House, Hotel La Joya and Hotel Colomba.

When is the best time of the year to visit Huaraz?

The best time of the year to visit Huaraz is during the dry season. The dry season of the region runs during the months of May through October. The place is also ideal for a visit during the Holy week and Easter celebrations week.

A major characteristic of this region is the sun shines only till the afternoon. It loses its strength post the afternoon session. The annual average temperature of the city is about 10 degree Celsius.

You may also visit the place during the month of June for maintaining purposes.

In conclusion, the city of Huaraz is a wonderful holiday destination. Many people around the world refer to the city as an adventure holiday destination. However, that is not the case as there is something for everyone. I agree, it requires some stamina to climb the heights of the Pastoruri glacier, but with facilities like the horse in place, there is no need for you to sweat it out to reach the top. Once you are there at the top, you can just enjoy yourselves.

Besides, the city also boasts of a vibrant nightlife and all party lovers will only enjoy themselves here as the party continues well into the wee hours of the following day.

Lastly, the city has over the last few years earned a nice reputation of being a safe holiday destination. There have been no reports of any untoward incidents reported from the city and the region in the last few years. This is only a fitting tribute to the services rendered by the authorities as well as the natives of the land, who are a friendly bunch of people.

As a result of the region receiving a tag of being a safe destination, the popularity of the place has only increased and this has led to the overall development of the region. Hence, you are assured of the safety of your loved ones or kids and last but not the least, you can enjoy a safe holiday.

So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important holiday to the city of Huaraz in the wonderful Peru.

Another reason for the rise of Huanchaco as a tourist hot spot is on account of its proximity to the nearby famous Chan Chan ruins, which are ranked as the largest in the entire world and are quite old as they were founded during the Mochican era, which was way before the Inca empire.

Nevertheless, the Huanchaco area is defined by its beautiful sandy beaches. The entire area can be described as extra ordinary and I can only guarantee you, once you are there, the enthralling views on display will only blow your senses away. Huanchaco has been described by many as the lost paradise of the world, which has subsisted throughout time.

The place is best described as a small bay, which can be viewed from the culmination point of the mountain. Another highlight of the area is the huge colonial church along with its wonderful centennial wharf.

The other attraction of the place is the ever so colorful fishing cove and the fishermen communities of the region preserve probably the oldest customs that date back to the beginning of mankind. In this part of the world, they use the “little reed horse” or locally known as the caballito de totora, which is the oldest marine ships of the Americas.

Besides, the region is also known for its attractions on the beaches other than the surfing facilities. There are a string of restaurants on the beach, which specialize in seafood and a particular specialty of the part of the world is the “ceviche.”

Huanchaco is known the world over for its fabulous restaurants as well, which specialize in delicious sea foods. It will only be a mistake on your part to be part of Huanchaco and avoid its restaurants.

Some of the popular landmarks of the place are Casa Tere, Ah…Gusto, My Friend, El Mochica and Lucho del Mar.

The other specialties of the land include ‘caballitos de totora’ which are actually canoe-like boats meant for the adventurous hearts.

In short, Huancaco is the ideal place for adventure sports as well. The beach area is also home to some annual festivals as well; let’s go through briefly about the most important festival of the land.

National Marinera Contest: If you thought, this was an annual festival to make the best pasta sauce amongst a group of contestants, you are definitely wrong.

The National Marinera Contest is held once a year and is all about couples performing a traditional Peruvian dance.

Huancaco is not just about the sea and the crystal blue waters, there’s much more on offer for the visitors here. There’s the Chimu Fort and I can only guarantee all adventure seekers will only wish to scale the heights of this masterpiece. Once you do get to the top, I request all you guys to please get back to me with your story of the views from the top of the fort.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach Huanchaco?

You first need to enter the South American nation of Peru. The nearest airport to Huanchaco is the Capt. Carlos Martinez De Pinill Airport or more popularly known as the Trujillo Airport.

This airport is ranked as amongst the best and the busiest in the entire nation. The airport hosts a series of daily flights from the major US cities as well as the premier cities from in and around the whole world.

Once, you have set foot on Peruvian territory, it is recommended you hire the services of a private cab to drop you to Huanchaco, which is not far away from the airport.

Where do I stay during my Huanchaco holiday?

Huanchaco offers a variety of accommodation options to its visitors. The best part here is these options are available in a variety of budget options to suit your tastes and preferences. Some of the popular landmarks of the place are Naylamp, Hostal Bracamonte, Casa Hospedaje Los Ficus de Huanchaco, Hotel Boquemar, Huanchaco International Hotel, La Casa Suiza, Hostal Los 3 Delfines, My Friend Hospedaje, Huanchaco Hostal, La Esquina, Huanchaco Inn, Hostal Camping Naylamp and Hostal Solange.

When is the best time of the year to visit Huanchaco?

Frankly speaking you may visit Huanchaco at anytime of the year. However, it is recommended you visit the place during the dry season, which runs from May through September.

As the dry season is devoid of any rainfall, it is that ideal time of the year to go out on treks and engage in the other seashore activities.

The rainy months of the place run through the months of the middle of November through March. The rains can play spoilsport with your plans as you cannot enjoy the beaches and other surfing activities when it’s pouring heavily, nor can you scale the heights of the various forts of Huanchaco.

Hence, it is recommended you visit Huanchaco during the dry months of May through September.

In conclusion, Huanchaco as a holiday destination is the ultimate place for any adventure lover. The place offers spectacular views and I can only guarantee you will want to return back to this marvelous location time after time.

However, you need to plan with caution as visiting the place in the rains may hamper your plans to a certain extent, however, even during the rains, your plans will not be abandoned as it rains in short spells in this part of the world.

Secondly, Huanchaco as  a place for enjoyment is quite safe and there have been no reports of any untoward incidents reported here. Over the past few years and decade there has never been a case wherein a robbery or a murder or for that matter any type of crime reported from the beach area or its surroundings.

Hence, you can be assured of the safety of your loved ones, be it your kids or spouse. You can only concentrate on total enjoyment.

So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important holiday to Huanchaco

This city has some very unique distinctions to its credit. It was founded way back in the 1500s’ and during those days the city was called “Santa María de los Valles de Chiclayo.” The title of “city” came only on April 15, 1835, courtesy the then Peruvian President Felipe Santiago Salaverry. The President also bestowed upon Chiclayo, the honorary name of the “Heroic City.” This is a proud honor and the city has lived up to this reputation and this honor is intact even today, which is only a fitting reward to the courage of the citizens of the city.

Chiclayo is a very major city in the nation of Peru. In the current day, the city is classified as the fourth largest in the whole of Peru. The city is ranked after the bigwigs and the top three include the capital city of Lima, besides the major cities of Arequipa and Trujillo.

The city is quite populous as well with over 400, 000 residents. The city is quite developed and full of commercial activities and the facilities on offer here are unltra-modern. The city is also known to be one of the friendliest cities of the nation of Peru and owing to this fact; the city is known the world over as “The Capital of Friendship” and “the Pearl of the North.”

Let’s go through some of the many attractions of the city in brief.

Bruening Archaeological Museum:
This museum is situated in the Lambayeque area, which is around 11 kms in the northwards direction from the city center of Chiclayo. The museum is full of exhibits of some of the rare pieces as found in the Piramid of Sipan. The best feature of this museum is it may appear quite ugly from the outside, however, you will be of an entirely different opinion once you enter the museum’s interiors.

Mercado Modelo:
This is a flourishing flea market area. The area boasts of a maze of stalls and it is possible for you to buy just about everything here.

Lord of Sipan Tomb (El Senor de Sipan):
This is a huge archaeological site and the entire area is full of Moche history. An astonishing fact here is the place was discovered only in the late 1980s and hence it is a must visit on your next visit as you may end up discovering some unknown facts about this archaeological site.

Paseo de las Musas:
The Paseo de las Musas is in close vicinity to two major landmarks, the Avenida Bolognesi and the Avenida Balta Sur. The Paseo is set-up in an open park and the entire place is all about classical-style statues and all about the Greek mythology. As you continue your way into the Paseo, you will discover stone pavilions and gardens. This place is open throughout the day and the entry is free. As such, the gardens and the surrounding areas are amongst the favorite picnic spots for visitors.

Cine Primavera:
The Cine Primavera is a movie complex and not just any ordinary cine complex. This modern complex boasts of five screens and if you are eager to view the latest Hollywood blockbusters, then the Cine Primavera is the place to be in. The latest blockbusters are also dubbed in the local Spanish language or sometimes have Spanish sub-titles.

The Cineplex is situated at a very convenient location and has all major hotels in its vicinity.

Plaza de Armas:
The Plaza de Armas is undoubtedly the most prominent and amongst the mostly frequented landmarks of the city of Chiclayo. This landmark is situated in the centre of the city and is an ideal spot for walks in the afternoon.

Some of the talking points of this major landmark include the various cafes and shops besides the marvelous Mercado Central along with its cathedral.

The Chiclayo cathedral is also another prominent place to visit. This 120 year old cathedral is nicely sandwiched between two prominent locations of the city, the Elias Aguirre and San Jose streets.

Santa Rosa:
Santa Rosa is a sleepy fishing village and owns a prized possession – A wonderful beach.

This beach is used as a shipyard by the locals. As fishing is the major bread earning activity in this part of the world, it is a common sight to see many boats just lying in and around the beach.

The Sican National Museum:
The Sican National Museum is nicely sandwiched between the towns of Chiclayo and the neighboring town of Ferrenafe. A normal journey from the city center of Chiclayo will take you to the Sican museum in around 20 minutes. The museum is all about exhibits of countless and exquisite relics, which were found during the Sican civilization.

Pomac Forest:
This historic forest area is also locally referred to as the Bosque Historico del Pomac and houses a bird sanctuary, where you can go bird watching and view the various species of birds found in this part of the world.

The forest area is also the home of the Parrot Pyramid, which is believed to be the pyramid, where the Lord Sipan was first discovered.

Pimentel Beach Town:
If you are looking for surfing activities, then the Pimentel Beach is the best place for you to be in. The highlights of the area include sea-side restaurants, besides a pier, which allows one to walk around the place and also enjoy the spectacular views of the blue ocean waters.

The city is also home to some of the premier universities. Some of the universities are Federal Republic of Germany Institute, Alas Peruanas University Campus, Private University of Chiclayo, Señor de Sipan University and Catholic University of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo.

The city has also provided the world with wonderful personalities, who over the years have carved a niche for themselves and have also made the place of their roots, Chiclayo proud. Some of the prominent sons of the soil are José Quinones Gonzales, who is considered a national hero in the field of aviation, Miguel Baca Rossi, a very famous sculptor, Eduardo Orrego Villacorta, a prominent architect and Carlos Eduardo Samame Quinones, a commander in chief for the Peruvian Air Force.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach the city of Chiclayo?

The city is well-connected with Peru and the rest of the world courtesy the city’s very own Capt. FAP José A. Quinones Gonzales International Airport. This airport hosts a series of daily flights from the US and other major cities of the world.

Once you have set foot at the Chiclayo airport, it is recommended you proceed to your destination via a hired private cab.

Alternatively, the city on account of its location boasts of a very efficient bus transport system. There are a number of prominent companies in operation here and the cities connected include some faraway cities such as the capital of Lima, Tumbes, Chachapoyas, Jaén, Cutervo and Cajamarca.

Where do I stay during my Chiclayo holiday?

The area in and around Chiclayo boasts of some of the finest if not the best accommodation options available in a number of budget categories to suit your pocket. Some of the more prominent landmarks of the city are Gran Chiclayo, BInca, Hotel Casa de la Luna Fernández Carranza José Marti, las Garzas‎, Hotel Santa Rosa Hotel Santa Rosa SAC‎, Hotel Santa Rosa Hotel Santa Rosa SAC‎, Hotel Gran Sipan, Hotel Costa del Sol Chiclayo Costa del Sol S.A., Hotel Alameda Alameda SRL, Hotel Paraiso Chiclayo, Gran Hotel Chiclayo and Las Musas Hotel & Casino.

When is the best time of the year to visit Chiclayo?

It is recommended you visit the city during the Easter weekend in the months of either late March or early April depending upon the actual Easter date of that year. The native people of the city and Peru as a whole are known to be very pious and street processions, wherein pilgrims carry the statue of Jesus Christ, are a very common sight.

However, it is recommended you book your tickets well in as you may be in for a shock if you try for tickets at the last moment as the fares hit the roof during the Easter weekend. Other favorable times for a visit include the months from June through August, which sees lovely temperatures.

In conclusion, the city of Chiclayo is an ideal holiday destination. The city is without a shadow of a doubt certainly in the top ten when it comes to the best holiday destinations of the world. The city has been tagged as the “Friendliest” and the “Heroic City” and this is only a fitting reflection to the spirit of the people of the city.

Secondly, the city as a tourism destination is quite safe vis-à-vis the other prominent hot spots of the world. This has been proved by the fact that the city has not seen any cases of untoward incidents reported in recent years. Hence, you can be assured the place is safe for you, your kids and loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important trip to Chiclayo.

The site is spread over an area of 20 sq. kilometers. The year 1986 saw the site being recognized as a World Heritage site of UNESCO. The city of Chan Chan is the headquarters of the Kingdom of Chimor. The Kingdom is also more popularly referred to as Chimu Empire. The city represents the largest mud-brick settlement found in the Americas’

However, in the current day, the site is under constant threat not from some man made forces, but the natural forces of destruction. Yes, you’ve guessed it right, the Chan Chan faces dangers from the El Niño, wherein there is constant flooding and heavy rainfall on the nation’s coastline. The site lies on a well-watered and fertile section of the coastal plains.

It’s not just the El Nino effect that threatens the very existence of these masterpieces. Secondary dangers such as earthquakes and the odd greedy looters are also very much present in this part of the world. Moreover, the changes in weather patters in the current day have had an adverse affect on the health of this abode city.

It is estimated the entire complex was constructed in 1300 AD. The entire area is made of a huge 10,000 dwellings and this complex was of significant importance during the Chimu and Inca eras. Those were the days when the Chan Chan flourished.

In the present day, the complex is reduced to a series of crumbling walls and everyone who visits the place just keeps wondering what the place might have been before the Spaniards started looting the treasures of the land.

As regards to the architecture of the complex, the city is made of ten walled citadels. These citadels are home to burial chambers, reservoirs, residences, temples and ceremonial rooms, which are present even today. A unique feature of the city is its triangular shape and the site is surrounded by some huge walls, which may go up to 50-60 feet in height.

There are no enclosures, which open towards the north direction. The tallest walls of the complex provide the much needed protection against the strong south-westerly winds, which blow towards the complex from the nearby Peruvian coast.

The walls of the north see the maximum exposure to the sun and these walls serve dual purposes, they protect the city from the strong rays of sunlight and also provide shelter against the strong winds.

The walls of the city were constructed of abode brick and later covered with a smooth surface, after which difficult designs were carved. The designs on the walls can be classified into two categories. The first category includes the Realistic designs, which sees carvings of creatures such as small mammals, fish and birds. The other category sees a graphic and stylized representation of the same objects. These carvings see the depiction of turtles, crabs and the nets used for catching the various monsters of the sea.

Unlike the many other coastal ruins present in Peru, the city of Chan Chan is in very close proximity to the huge Pacific Ocean and as such the place is in urgent need for conservation efforts. The year 1998 saw efforts being initiated in this regard. The year marked the drawing of the master plan, which was initiated to conserve and manage the huge Archeological complex in a better manner.  This plan, which was drawn by the Freedom National Culture Institute of Peru, also saw contribution from other major organizations of the country and the world. The list of organizations included World Heritage Foundation, GCI, ICCROM and WHR. As per the current day, there is good news as this plan has been has approved by the Peruvian government.

Hence, with the approval of this plan to conserve the ancient city, we can expect better days for the Chan Chan as the site has seen only crumbling walls in the recent past.

Let’s go through some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach Chan Chan?

The ancient mud-brick city of Chan Chan is in close proximity to the major Peruvian city of Trujillo. In fact the archeological site is just around 5 kms away from Trujillo. Hence you need to enter the nation via Trujillo’s Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport, also popularly referred in Spanish as Aeropuerto Internacional Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos.

This airport is probably the largest in the northern region of the country and serves the major city of Trujillo. The airport hosts flights from the US as well as well as the major cities from around the world.

Once you have set foot on Trujillo’s territory, you can hire the services of a private cab to drop you to your destination. Alternatively, you can also be part of a guided tour to the city, where the price of the tour is all inclusive.

Where do I stay during my Chan Chan trip?

It is recommended you stay in the city of Trujillo, which offers some of the finest accommodation facilities in a number of budget categories. Some of the popular landmarks of the city are Libertador Plaza Hotel, Gran Hotel El Golf, Los Conquistadores Trujillo Peru hotel, Hostal Colonial, La Casa Suiza, Alexander Hotel, Caballito de Tora Hotel, El Brujo, El Golf Gran Hotel, Gran Hotel Bolivar, Huanchaco, Korianka Hotel and Los Conquistadores.

When is the best time of the year to visit Chan Chan?

You may visit the city and the nation of Peru as a whole at any time of the year. However, in a normal trend seen here, the months from June through August are very crowded with domestic as well as foreign tourists. These months coincide with the peak tourism season of the city and the hotel rates and other general rates also tend to peak. Hence, you should avoid the place during this period as you will only end up spending some huge bucks.

It is recommended you visit the place during the months of May through November as the temperatures are cool and ideal for a holiday. A feature during these months is the temperatures really drop during the nights and it is advised you carry at least a sweater as you will badly require one.

In conclusion, the ancient city of Chan Chan is a wonderful site to visit. The place is full of history conveyed to us via the spectacular carvings on the bricks of the area. I can only guarantee you, a history lover will have his or her work cut out as there is so much to explore in this ancient work of excellence.

Secondly, with the Peruvian government approving the plan to restore and maintain this old city, things are only expected to get better for all visitors, be it the local tourists or the foreigners. It is anticipated that the place will soon make world headlines and as such this event will only increase the popularity of the place. So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important trip to the lovely site of Chan Chan in the wonderful Peru.

As the city is far away from the sea, it remains quite isolated from other parts of the country and the means of traveling to the place are quite limited. There is a daily bus service to the city from cities such as Cajamarca and Chiclayo.

Chachapoyas is the headquarters of the Amazonas Region and the origin of the city dates back to September 5, 1538, and the person behind the formation of this wonderful city was Alonso de Alvarado.

Nevertheless, the city is full of agricultural activities and coffee growing, orchids and sugarcane cultivation are the major activities in this part of the world.

The tourism industry has played a major role in nourishing the economy of the region. The city may not be a top-notch attraction in the world market. Nevertheless, it has many attractions and places of interest.

Let’s go through some of the attractions of the place in brief.

Independence Square:

This historic masterpiece is situated towards the east of the city. The Independence Square is full of history and houses some very important monuments, which only reflect the history of the city. There is a monument dedicated to the heroes of the city, who fought during the Higos Urco battle of 1821.

It is believed the Saint Anna’s Square was the maiden square of the city and the area also housed the first church of Chachapoyas. In those days, the public celebrated the San Juan de los Indios’ festival with great enthusiasm and the square area was famous for the 8-day festival of bullfights.

Legón Hill:
The Legon Hill is situated 2 kilometers from the city center in a little town named Higos Urco. The hill has a historic importance and it is recommended all history lovers visit the place as there is so much to explore. The Hill was the site where the battle against the Spanish royalists took place.

The Lagoon:
In the present day, this particular site belongs to the world famous Kuélap stadium. However, there was a time when this very site was home to a beautiful lagoon. The beauty did not end here as it was surrounded with waterside plants and huge palm trees.

These plants and palm trees were then used by the natives to extract wood. The woods were then used to construct the beautiful temples in and around the city.

Cuyana Fountain:
It is believed the Luya Urco hill had two jets; one was for the good whereas the other one was evil. As per the legend, if a person drank water from the good jet, it was believed love was born. As regards to drinking water from the second jet, it was believed negligence or hatred was produced.

Secondly, if a foreigner drank from the water from the so called “fountain of love” he would forever be enthralled by the beautiful women of the city.

Cerro Luya Urco:
The hill of Luya Urco is situated on the western side of the city. Here you will find the Well of Yanayacu, a well which was traditionally known as the Fuente Cuyana, which when translated into a simpler form meant the Cuyana fountain.

It is believed, the well was constructed at the same site where the Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo brought water from the rocks and this activity had actually ended the drought, which had plagued the region for so long.

As per the legend, anybody who drinks the waters of the well will forever be attracted towards the women of the city.

The city is also full of ancient ruins and more particularly the pre-Inca ruins. Let’s go through some of these sites in brief.

Kuelap:
If you wish to admire the ancient Chachapoyas culture, then Kuelap is the place for you to be in. This fortress is situated on a mountain top and is one superb location which one and all should visit without fail.

The fortress is commonly referred to as the Machu Pichu of the north. It is believed the place was home to approximately 3500 inhabitants some thousand years ago. The fort is at a huge height and it is estimated to be on an average some 1000 meters above the Utcubamba Valley and the Tingo. As such, traveling to the place means 3 to 6 hours of walks or a spectacular two hour bus journey full of thrills and frills.

Gocta Falls:
The Gocta Falls stands at some 770 meters in height. The waterfalls are a wonderful sight to be in and I can only assure you will fall in love with the place. There are many ways to get to the waterfall and safest and the easiest is to be part of an organized tour, which are available aplenty in the city of Chachapoyas.

There are many advantages of being part of a tour with a tour guide at the helm of affairs. The main advantage is you need not fear about getting lost as the guide is there to guide you during all the tough decision making periods.

The tour involves a jungle trail to the waterfalls and the guides also provide you with rubber boots so that you do not spoil you stuff from home. A standard tour lasts for around 2 hours and the walk back takes less time as the surface is slightly downhill.

Once you are back in the village you can enjoy the specialty of the land, the fried rabbit meal.

It is recommended you visit the waterfalls during the dry season as the walking surface is not slimy. However, the waterfalls are not that impressive during the dry season.

If you wish to enjoy the view of the waterfalls at their best, then the rainy season is the best time to be there and you will also find dozens of tiny waterfalls all over the place.

With so many sites at high altitudes, the city is a wonderful place for hiking activities. It is common to find trekkers and hikers from all around the world, who have set up temporary base in the city.

Let’s go through some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach the city of Chachapoyas?

The city of Chachapoyas is quite isolated and its connectivity with the rest of Peru is quite poor. In order to reach the city, you need to first enter the nation of Peru. You can enter the country via the capital city, Lima’s International airport.

The Lima airport is the largest and the best in the entire nation. It hosts a series of daily flights from the US and other major cities of the world. Once you have set food on Peru’s soil, you need to use the transport system of the nation.

Let me assure you the public transportation of Peru is quite reliable. However, you need to keep in mind that there is a huge distance between Peru and Chachapoyas, and hence a bus journey from Lima, which passes through the coastal city of Chiclayo takes around 24 hours.

The bus companies of the region include Movil Tour and CIVA.

Therefore, as there is a long transit time, you need to plan a long holiday of at least 3-5 days to enjoy the place in total.

Alternatively, you can save some time if you travel via flight from Lima to the city of Chiclayo. You then need to use private transport to reach Chachapoyas. This is a much quicker option and I can only assure, you will love the sights all around you on your road trip to the city.

Where do I stay during my Chachapoyas holiday vacation?

The city boasts of wonderful accommodation facilities to its visitors. There are a variety of options to choose as well. Some of the more popular landmarks of the city are Hotel Gocta, Hotel Kuelap Hotel Kuelap Negociaciones Turisticas SR Ltd, La Bella Durmiente‎, Valles De Diaz Lucila, Hostal Continental, Casa Hospedaje San Pedro‎, Hostal Chachapoyas, Casa Vieja Chachapoyas, La Casona De Leymebamba Chachapoyas, Hotel Gran Vilaya and Revash Hotel.

When is the best time of the year to visit Chachapoyas?

You may visit the city and the nation of Peru as a whole at any time of the year. However, in a normal trend seen here, the months from June through August are very crowded with domestic as well as foreign tourists. These months coincide with the peak tourism season of the city and the hotel rates and other general rates also tend to peak. Hence, you should avoid the place during this period as you will only end up spending some huge bucks.

It is recommended you visit the place during the months of May through November as the temperatures are cool and ideal for a holiday. A feature during these months is the temperatures really drop during the nights and it is advised you carry at least a sweater as you will badly require one.

On the other hand, the rainy months of the region are from November through March. As the city of Chachapoyas is full of trekking and hiking activities, the rains may cause hindrances in your schedule, besides the surface may also be slippery during the rains and not ideal for hiking conditions. Hence, on safety grounds, it is best recommended you avoid the place during the rains.

In conclusion, the city of Chachapoyas is the ideal destination for that perfect holiday. With so many attractions on display, I can only assure you will never experience a dull moment in the city. Secondly, the place is quite a safe holiday destination as well. This fact is proved by the city’s impressive record of having not reported any untoward incidents in the recent past. Hence, you can be assured of a safe holiday. So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important holiday to the marvelous city of Chachapoyas in the lovely country of Peru.

The city forms the headquarters of the Cajamarca region of the nation and is situated around 2,700 meters above the sea level. The city is home to some 135,000 people and the specialties of the city besides its numerous ancient landmarks are its dairy products and cheeses.

The city is also famous the world over for its lovely churches and Inca Baths, which when translated into a simpler form imply, hot springs. However, the most important characteristic of the city is its history, which tells us that the city was the site where the Inca Empire terminated. This is the city where the Battle of Cajamarca took place and resulted in the capture, the abuse and finally the murder of Atahualpa.

Let’s go through the attractions of the city in brief.

Plaza de Armas:
This site is full of history and has also witnessed probably one of the most important historic events of the city. This is the site where Atahualpa was executed.

However, in the present day, the place still has the 350-year-old fountain, besides the gardens and topiary.

The year 2006 saw the remodeling of the area. The Armas is surrounded by some spectacular structures all around. There is a huge cathedral, which came into existence in 1776.

San Francisco Church:
This church is bang opposite the Plaza de Armas. This 17th century masterpiece is famous the world over for its elaborate altars and interior stone carvings. Besides, there is a museum attached to the church as well which displays exhibits of icons and colonial paintings.

Los Baños del Inca:
These sulphurous thermal springs are a must visit on your next trip to Cajamarca. The specialties of these baths are they are more like a municipal complex, with tons and tons of facilities on offer.

The baths have medicinal benefits as well. Some benefits are gastric, dermatological and anti-stress.

It is believed Atahualpa had tried these waters on one of his wounds, which he had contracted via a war injury. It is recommended you visit the place in the morning as the place is less crowded.

Cumbe Mayo:
Cumbe Mayo is all about adventure. The site in on a mountainous range and is situated at a height of 3600 meters above sea level. Located some 20 kms in the southwestern direction of the city, Cumbe Mayo is famous the world over for its spectacular and well-built pre-Inca channels. These magical channels run across the mountain tops.

Complejo Belén:
These groups of buildings comprise an ornate church, the Institute of Culture and the tourism office of the city. The Ornate church is considered by many to the finest in the entire city.

The Cuarto de Rescate:
The The Cuarto de Rescate is the room where Atahualpa spent his days as a prisoner.

Llacanora:
Llacanora is a famous for the beautiful sceneries it has on offer to its visitors. This typical Andean village is situated some 13 kms away in the southeastern direction from Cajamarca.

La Collpa:
This place used to be a large estate once upon a time. However, in the present day, the place is cooperative farm of the nation’s Ministry of Agriculture. La Collpa is very near to the Llacanora and breeds bulls, besides the cows are also hand milked here. Other features of the area include a wonderful lake, where one can just sit and relax and enjoy the wonderful sights.

A specialty of La Collpa is the cows are called by name, and the best part is they also respond according to their names.

Ventanillas de Otusco:
Ventanillas de Otusco is part of the pre-Inca cemetery. The complex has a huge gallery of secondary burial niches.

Carnaval:
The carnival celebrations are celebrated with enthusiasm in the city of Cajamarca. The dates for the carnival celebrations differ from year to year and are usually held anywhere between the middle of February and the first week of March.

Some of the attractions during this festival, which marks the beginning of the Lent season for Catholics around the world are the election of the Queen of the Carnival, besides, there are Concurso de Coplas, which is actually a popular singing contest. Then there’s the Jueves de Compadres, which is a friendship contest. Some of the other attractions of the festival include Jueves de Compadres, Concurso de Patrullas y Comparsas, Corso de Carnaval, Unsha, Velorio del Ño Carnavalón and Entierro del Ño Carnavalón.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach Cajamarca?

The city of Cajamarca is served by the Gral. FAP. Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport. You need to align here and then book the services of a private cab to take you to your respective destination.

The city is also served by the major bus lines of the country. Some of the majors are Cruz del Sur and Transportes Linea.

Where do I stay during my Cajamarca holiday vacation?

The city boasts of good accommodation facilities to its visitors. Besides, there are a variety of budget options to choose from as well. Some of the more popular landmarks of the city are Costa Del Sol, El Portal Del Marques, Laguna Seca, Posada Del Puruay, Hostal Los Pinos, Hotel El Ingenio, Hotel Casa Blanca, Hacienda San Vicente and Gran Hotel San Ignacio.

When is the best time of the year to visit Cajamarca?

You may visit the city at any time of the year. However, it is normal trend seen here that the months from June to August are very crowded. These months coincide with the peak tourism season of the city and the hotel rates and other general rates also tend to peak.

It is recommended you visit the place during the months of May through November as the temperatures are cool and ideal for a holiday.

In conclusion, the city of Cajamarca is a wonderful holiday destination. With so many historical masterpieces on its soil, I’m sure you will never encounter a dull moment. Add to that the unique carnival celebrations during the first half of the year.

Secondly, the city has made a mark on the world tourism map and provides good facilities to its visitors. Hence you can expect a good holiday.

So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important holiday in Cajamarca.

The region is also commonly referred to as Ayavaca and it is part of the nation’s northern border with the neighboring country of Ecuador. Besides, the province is bordered by the Huancabamba Province on the northeast and the Morropón Province on the southern side. The western borders of the province are shared with the Sullana and Piura provinces. The headquarters of the province is the city of Ayabaca, which also holds the distinction of being the highest city in the entire region at some 2,709 meters above sea level.

The height of the city as well as it’s proximity to the equator makes the city and the province an ideal holiday destination. The city is situated at under 500 kilometers from the equator and as a result, the climate of the city is characterized with long chilly nights and a combination of the tropical sun and moderate climate during the days. Also, the city offers excellent sun burn opportunities to its visitors.

Secondly, the age of the town is over 200 years and another striking feature here is a large chunk of the houses built in the present day. A major characteristic of the houses are they are still build in the styles of the then ancient houses, which date back to the 1800s’. Nevertheless, the city and the entire region in and around the city are full of tourist attractions. Let’s go through some of the highlights of the region in brief.

Senor Cautivo de Ayabaca:

This is all about the patron saint of Ayabaca. It is believed the carvings were created by angels. These masterpieces are housed in a wonderful church on the central square of the city.

Cerro Yantuma:

The Cerro Yantuma is a wonderful rolling hill situated on the outskirts of the city. This hilly area is visited by people from all walks of life in large numbers. The place is full of greenery and the tall trees make the place a must visit for all you nature lovers. Besides, the views of the entire area from the hill are spectacular and I’m only sure you will not wish to move away from the hill area.

Bosque de Cuyas:

This virgin forest area is easily assessable from the city limits. All nature lovers should visit the Bosque de Cuyas without fail as there are some really huge trees in the area, besides there is also a spectacular waterfall, under which you can always get wet.

Aypate Archaeological Complex:

This important archaeological site is situated at a distance of around 49 kilometers from the city center. The approximate travel time to the place is just under 2 hours. This site is set at an altitude of some 2,916 meters above the sea level and the ruins found in the complex date back to the 15th century.

The ruins are famous as they resemble the Inca features, which are found in the kallanca, ushnu, the central plaza, and the acllahuasi.

Other notable findings of the complex include the remains of an ancient old road and terraces. Besides, the area is full of abundant greenery and some of the natives of the land include the bromelias, orchids, white-tailed deer, birds and various other beautiful species. Therefore, this place tends to get crowded with visitors as there is so much to see.

The Olleros Valley:

This is another place of archaeological significance in the region. The Olleros is situated some 20 kilometers from the city and is visited in large numbers as it houses the remains of the local king’s residence. The other notable findings of the place include the funeral urns and sealed tombs, besides the very ancient Cupisnique crafts, which date back to the year 350 BC.

Chocan Thermal Baths:

The Chocan Thermal Baths is located some 12 kilometers from the city and is probably one of the most frequently visited places of the entire region. The reason why the place sees such huge crowds in owing to the fact, the Chocan houses the only thermal baths of the entire province. The baths are made of stone, which are set up on the natural rocks. A striking feature here is the crystal-clear thermal springs of the area, which provide hot water during the early hours of the day and the water becomes cooler after sunrise.

You should also try the Sango, which is the traditional dish of the entire province. Sango is made of pork and ground wheat. Some of the other food specialties of the province include chochoca, which is a soup derived from the hooves of cattle, beef ceviche and salt fish.

The town and province sees some huge festivities as well. One of the biggest and more prominent festivals of the region is the Santisima Cruz, which is celebrated all over on May 3. Other popular occasions include Santa Ana on July 26, Virgen del Pilar on October 12 and Señor Cautivo de Ayabaca on October 13.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach the city of Ayabaca?

The nearest airport to Ayabaca is Cap. FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport in Piura. This airport is ranked as one of the premier airports in the whole of Peru. The airport is situated some 43 kilometers from the city center of Ayabaca and the distance can be covered in around 2 and a half hours.

The Piura international airport hosts a series of flights from the US and other major cities of the entire world. Once you have set foot on this airport, it is recommended you travel to Ayabaca via a hired private cab as it will be the best option at your disposal.

Where do I stay during my Ayabaca holiday?

The area in and around Ayabaca City and province boasts some wonderful accommodation options for you. The options are also available in different budget categories for you to choose from. Some of prominent landmarks of the region include Calle Romero Ada, Hospedaje San Martin De Porres, Hospedaje Medina‎ , Hostal Trujillo‎ , Vilchez Ruidias Amelia Jannina‎ , Establecimiento De Hosped.Grau, Ibanez Zena Homero Abad‎ , Casa Hospedaje Teresa De Jesus‎ , Huaman Cunia Jose Eladio, Colonial Macara‎ , Hosteria Izhcayluma‎ , Madre Tierra‎ , Emperador, El Conquistador,  Santigyn‎ ,  Karina, Hosteria Madre Tierra, Hospedaje California Peralta Obregón Pedro Martín and Hospedaje Chulucanas Inmobiliaria Soler Cherrez SRLTDA‎ .

When is the best time of the year to visit Ayabaca?

Frankly speaking, you may visit the city and province of Ayabaca at any time of the year. However, it is normal trend seen in this part of the world; the months from June to August are very crowded. These months coincide with the peak tourism season of the region and the hotel rates and other general rates also tend to peak.

It is recommended you visit the place during the months of May through November as the temperatures are cool and ideal for a holiday. Besides, the hotel and other general rates will also be stable during these months.

In conclusion, Ayabaca is a wonderful holiday destination for people from all walks of life. The place has something for everyone, be it a family visiting the place or a couple on a holiday here, you are bound to fall in love with the city. There is so much to explore, be it the ancient ruins or the abundant greenery all around.

Secondly, the place has a reputation of being quite a safe place as there have been no untoward incidents reported from Ayabaca. This is unlike some of the top travel destinations of the world, which have seen a rise in crime and other anti-social activities. Hence, you can be rest assured of a safe an enjoyable holiday in Ayabaca.

So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important holiday trip to Ayabaca in the wonderful Peru.

The city is situated at a height of 2,761 meters above the sea level and history tells us Ayacucho was founded in the year 1540. However, during those olden days the city was referred to as “San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga.” It was only in 1825, when Simon Bolivar re-baptized the city to its present day name. The logic behind the current name of the city is the tribute to the battle waged by the natives of the land to end the domination over the land by the Spaniards.

Recent researches have revealed the existence of human settlements, which date to more than 15,000 years ago, at a place known as Pikimachay, which is around 25 kms in the northern direction from Ayacucho. These studies will only add to the historical sites of the city, which is already rich in ancient resources and is one of the favorite sites for researchers and history lovers.

The city is famous the world over for its 33 churches, which are commonly referred to one for every year of Jesus Christ’s life. The city hosts numerous religious activities during the annual Holy Week celebrations. The activities in this part of the world are quite unique vis-à-vis as seen in other parts of the world. Ayacucho sees horse races, which feature a Peruvian Caballos de Paso. Besides, there are other activities such as the running of Bulls, which is a traditional activity of the land and more popularly referred to as jalatoro or pascuator.

Overall, the city and the nation are largely influenced by the Spanish culture owing to the fact of long spells of domination of the Spaniards over the land. The local jalatoro resembles the encierro of the Spaniards in many ways; the only striking difference seen in the Peruvian version is the bulls are spearheaded by the horses of the Morochucos.

Coming to the economy of the city, the economics is primarily agrarian and the other major aspects of the economy are the light manufacturing activities, which includes the leather goods, pottery, textiles, besides the filigree wares.

However, in recent times, the tourism industry is playing a major role in nourishing the economy of the entire region. In fact the foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector are on the rise year after year and this aspect is only leading to the all-round development of the city and region. The city can thus hope for a bright future with regards to the tourism opportunities.

Let’s go through some of the attractions of the city in brief.

Valle of Huanta:

The Valle of Huanta of situated at a distance of some 50 kms from the city of Ayacucho. This valley is also referred to as Esmeralda de los Andes and the reason behind this name is due to the strategic location of the valley, which is rich in flora and fauna. Once in the valley, it is easy for you to view the so many ecological steps of the region ranging from snowy peaks to jungle.

Besides, the natural surroundings, the valley is also famous the world over for its bee honey and fruit liquors.

The National Sanctuary of Titankayuq or Titancayoc: This sanctuary is all about a huge 440 hectares of land with an average of 300 plants per hectare. The place holds a very unique distinction of being the largest “puya” forest in the whole world.

Quinua:

The small town of Quinua is located some 36 kms from the city of Ayacucho. This tiny town is famous for its pottery artisans and is in close vicinity to a very important landmark of the region, the famous pampa, which is the same historical place where Peru first won independence.

National Reservation Pampa Galeras Barbara D´achille:

This is undoubtedly the most significant Andean reservation in the entire region. The place is full of plains along with ravines and valleys. The reservation is believed to protect some 18,000 vicuñas.

Archeological Site of Vilcas Huaman (Vilcashuaman):

This ancient site is part of the Cangallo County. The reservation preserves the marvelous buildings, which are made of stone and include the Sun and Moon temple besides the Graded Pyramid of Ushnu.

Intiwatana:

This is another famous archeological site and is located at a distance of some 98 kms from the city of Ayacucho. Intiwatana has a reputation of being a resting place for some of the noted researchers owing to the fortified tower, the Palace and the baths of the area.

The Cathedral:

The Cathedral dates back to the 17th century. The Cathedral is a must visit on your next visit to the city. It is considered one of the most beautiful structures in the entire nation of Peru. The Cathedral boasts of exquisite internal decorations of the Churriguerra style. In fact, the Cathedral laid the foundation for the evolution of these styles as the later structures like San Francisco de Paula of 1713 is a classic example of the evolution of building styles based on the Cathedral.

Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo:

This church and convent is located on 9 de Diciembre Street on block 2. The structure was built between the 16th and 17th centuries with the use of the baroque style. Without a shadow of a doubt the church can be termed as the prettiest in the entire city of Ayacucho. The structure is characterized with a spectacular front side, which has a marvelous stone carved cross. The convent came into existence in 1548.

Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asís:

This is another church and convent of the city. The structure is situated at 28 de Julio Street on block 3. The structure goes back to 1568 and a striking feature of the entire masterpiece is its huge dimension, which is considered the best in the nation.

Once you get inside, you will not be able to take your eyes off the spectacularly carved altars. Besides, there are collections of paintings and other stone carvings to experience as well.

The convent came into existence in the year 1642 and is a place full of peaceful and a calm atmosphere. The place is full of orchards, gardens and cloisters, besides a library full of old books as well.

Templo de la Buena Muerte: This temple is situated in the Jr. Arequipa. The structure goes back to the year 1726 and was founded later in 1741. A striking feature of the structure is the closet in the sacristy, which is a masterpiece in its own right as it is a wonderful work of wooden art.

Huari:

Huari is a huge archaeological site in the Ayacucho region. The site used to be the center of the empire and covered the most strategic areas of the region. Most of the highlands and the coastal regions of the modern day Ayacucho and Peru in general were under the Huari.

The Huari empire occupies a significant place in the history of the land as it laid the foundations for the following Inca Empire.

The city of Ayacucho has also produced some fine personalities, who over the years have carved a niche for themselves in their respective fields and professions and in the process have also gone to make the city proud. Some of the prominent sons of the soil are Raúl García Zárate, a prominent guitarist; Luis Guillermo Lumbreras, an archaeologist, Juan de Mata Peralta Ramirez, a noted writer, Alberto Arca Parró, a marvelous lawyer and economist, Harry Guillermo Mendoza, a famous urban scientist and Efraín Morote, a university provost and anthropologist.

The city also hosts some important annual occasions. Some of the main occasions marked in this part of the world include the Holy Week, which comes up every year during the months of either March or April varying from year to year. The occasion sees huge processions symbolizing the dead and the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ sees huge crowds.

Some of the other noted attractions of the city include the Regional-national agro fair, which is all about folklore and handicrafts of the region

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach the city of Ayacucho?

The city of Ayacucho boasts of an airport, however, international flights do not operate in this airport. Hence, in order to enter Peru, you need to fly into the capital city Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport. This airport is without a shadow of a doubt the best in Peru.

The airport hosts a series of daily international flights from the major US cities as well as other important cities from around the world.

Once, you have set foot in Peruvian territory, you have a number of options at your disposal to proceed to your destination. You can travel to Ayacucho via a domestic flight and the entire journey will not exceed 45 minutes.

Besides, you can also take the roadway to reach your destination. The road distance between Lima and Ayacucho is around 338 km and the journey should take around 8-9 hours by the services of a hired cab. Let me assure you, during your road trip you will experience the best in greenery of the region.

Where do I stay during my Ayacucho trip?

The city of Ayacucho boasts of some wonderful accommodation facilities to its visitors. The options come in various budget categories as well. Some of the prominent landmarks of the city are Plaza Hotel, Hotel Misky Samay, Hotel Santa Rosa, Ayacucho Hotel, La Crillonesa, Marquez de Valdelirios and  Hostal La Florida.

When is the best time of the year to visit Ayacucho?

You may visit the city at any time of the year as the place is full of life throughout the entire calendar year. However, it is normal trend seen in this part of the world; the months from June to August are very crowded. These months coincide with the peak tourism season of the city and the hotel rates and other general rates also tend to peak.

It is recommended you visit the place during the months of May through November as the temperatures are cool and ideal for a holiday.

In conclusion, the city of Ayacucho is a wonderful holiday destination and I can only guarantee you will never experience a dull moment in this part of the world. The place is full of history and the history lovers will have their hands full here. The best part about the city is there are so many sites to be visited and there are chances that you may explore something unique yourself for the world to witness.

Secondly, the place has earned a reputation of being a safe holiday hot spot. This reputation has not just been given by any authority, the city has earned this wonderful reputation and the whole credit for this goes to the authorities of the city and its natives. The city is crime free for the last few years as there have been no reports of any untoward incidents reported from this part of the world.

Usually, it is a common trend seen in other popular destinations worldwide as there are incidents of robberies and murders with the main motive being to steal the valuables of the visitors. However, this is not the case in Ayacucho as there have been no such reports of such crime acts.

Hence, you can always expect to enjoy a wonderful, clean and safe holiday as there is no fear of traveling during the night. Parents can also relax as they are assured about the safety of their kids and loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important trip to Ayacucho.