In 2012, Peruvian park agencies will focus on developing Manu National Park as a destination for ecotourism.

What is ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that places emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel to natural areas. Among its key objectives, the ecotourism ethos seeks to minimize human impact, maximize conservation, and when applicable to increase the direct and indirect socio-economic benefits to the human populations that inhabit the affected environments. This philosophy is particularly important in Manu National Park, especially as it continues to grow and develop as a tourist destination.

Manu National Park

Located where the Andes and the Amazon River meet in southwestern Peru, Manu National Park comprises 1.5 million hectares and is the country’s largest protected area. In 1977, Manu was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and in 1987, a World Heritage Site. One unique trait of Manu is the range of elevations or altitudes within the reserve. From the river lowlands located at 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level, the mountainous rainforest areas and puna (grasslands) rise up to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters) in some places. This characteristic creates distinct ecological zones and microclimates, resulting in the astounding natural bounty of flora and fauna in Manu.

This tiny critter is one of 140 species of amphibians that populate Manu National Reserve.

Efforts to catalogue Manu’s diversity of species have turned up mind-blowing numbers: over 15,000 species of plants have been identified, including 250 varieties of trees. The number of bird species is around 1,000, more than the total number in the U.S. and Canada combined.  Among the 200 species of mammals are 14 types of monkeys and rare species like the giant otter and the giant armadillo. Manu is thus the perfect location from which to appreciate Peru’s animal diversity.

Crikey, a caiman! With so many species of plant and animal life in Manu, you never know what you’re likely to see if you keep your eyes open.

These exceptional attributes have made Manu an alluring site for researchers and nature travelers alike. As international attention continues to increase in the coming years, organized efforts to protect and responsibly develop Manu are of obvious importance, and the recent meeting of officials and tour operators was an important first step.

Currently, primary access to Manu is through Cusco, whether by air or ground, making it a fantastically exotic destination to add to your Machu Picchu travel packages. Tours of Manu feature a visit to the famous Cloud Forest, and can be customized to include trips to the clay lick where parrots and macaws congregate as well as jungle hikes. See our Amazon tour page, read our blog on Amazon destinations, or speak with one of our expert travel advisors for more details.

With such incredible natural diversity, travelers in Peru have the option to see everything from the breathtaking Andes, the adventurous amazon, a wealth of historical sites, or my personal favorite – the gorgeous coast. In recent years, more and more visitors are discovering the beauty and relaxation that the Peruvian coast has to offer. The following are a few favorite spots and my own personal Peru vacation memories from traveling along the stunning coast.

From North to South:

Zorritos

Visitors can get to the peaceful coastal town of Zorritos by way of Tumbes which is just 35km north on the Pan-American Highway. Although somewhat narrow beside the highway, the beach is quite beautiful with white sand and quaint boutique hotels along the waterfront. The town itself is extremely small and if you blink, you might just miss it as you drive by. We frequented some fantastic seafood restaurants here and spent several days enjoying the peace and quiet of the sleepy fishing village. A highlight in our stay was exploring the nearby Natural Sanctuary of Mangroves in Tumbes. About an hour drive from Zorritos, an inexpensively hired boat took us around the sanctuary where we snapped photos of thousands of birds, crocodiles in their protected habitat on the Isla de Aves, and had lunch on a isolated little island.

Punta Sal

Traveling further south on the Pan-American you’ll run into the winding bay of Punta Sal. Yet another friendly tranquil fishing village, Punta Sal boasts rocky outcrops and crystal clear warm waters. The beach is expansive and since the surf is not ideal in this area, swimmers have open waters all to themselves. Numerous hotels and a couple larger resorts dot the shore. The actual town itself is not directly on the Pan-American so things are quieter here and pedestrian friendly. After several days of lounging on the beach intermingled with the occasional whale spotting, we forced ourselves to move on and continue south.

Mancora

Although similarly located directly off of the Pan-American Highway, Mancora is quite different from its northern neighbors. This quaint little tourist town draws a lively crowd and offers great surfing. At night Mancora comes alive with several beach bars and dancing hot spots. We savored the beach during the quiet afternoon hours sipping a cold drink and waiting for sunset. A little ways from Mancora, but certainly worth a visit, are the two towns of Cabo Blanco and Lobitos. Cabo Blanco is somewhat difficult to get to but unique for its peaceful beauty and history. The town is world renowned for fishing as well being the location where Ernest Hemingway wrote one of his most famous novels, “The Old Man and the Sea.” The isolated Lobitos is accessible by way of Talara and most simply described – a surfer’s paradise.

Trujillo/Huanchaco

Continuing south you will eventually come to Trujillo and the neighboring surf and fishing village of Haunchaco. Trujillo is quite large and has a great colorful Plaza de Armas and several nearby fascinating historical archaeological sites. In Huanchaco we enjoyed watching experienced surfers take advantage of big waves and fishermen along the shore making traditional reed boats by hand.

Lima

It’s impossible to mention the Peruvian coast without saying something about Lima. Although we’re currently in the middle of winter here in Lima with constant cloud cover, the coast in the city with its giant cliffs is still breathtaking. Several spots from Miraflores to Barranco offer great access to surfing, dining, and ideal views of the many paragliders floating off of the cliffs.

Paracas

Continuing down past Lima several hours and you’ll find yourself in Paracas. A lively little town on the coast, Paracas is quickly gaining notoriety for its resorts, and easy access to all kinds of adventurous activities. Visitors can spend time tasting traditional pisco (a Peruvian brandy made throughout the region), racing around the desert in sand dune buggies, or hopping on daily boats heading out to the Islas Ballestas. A personal favorite of mine is the trip out to the Islas along with a quick stop at the National Reserve of Paracas both having abundant wildlife.

If you’re interested in learning more about travel options to the Peruvian Coast, contact one of our expert travel advisors!

The Chavin de Huantar Site

Peru’s first known cultures date back to over 20,000 years ago, and have left strong marks on the country. One of the most important known groups is the Chavin civilization, one of the earliest in Peru, and also the first building culture. Believed to have developed in the northern Andes between 1,500 B.C. and 200 B.C., the Chavins were probably one of the most influential civilizations of their time. Very little remains from this great culture, but there are several archeological sites that have stood the test of time. The most impressive of these is Chavin de Huantar, which is hidden amidst the Cordillera Blanca in northern Peru.

After the decline of the Chavin culture, several regional cultures emerged. The most famous are the Paracas and Nazca civilizations, whose legacy includes the mysterious Nazca Lines, among the highlights of Peru. Both of these civilizations are remembered for their great artistic and technological skills.

Farther north, the Moche people flourished over a relatively long period between 100 B.C and 850 A.D. Although they only gained control of a small portion of Peru, the Moche people’s mastery of architectural and artistic techniques has made them one of the most influential cultures in the history of Peru. It is still possible to observe their tremendous cultural contribution outside the modern day city of Trujillo. The adobe brick temple Huaca del Sol maintains remarkably detailed carvings and brilliant colors.

Moche Art

Coeval with the Moche civilization, the Wari, also spelled Huari, were a militaristic and particularly religious society established in the 7^th century. The expansionist will of the Wari allowed them to conquer most of Peru, which they then subjected to a strong and oppressive rule. The Wari Empire flourished until the 9^th century, when it eventually started fragmenting into several sub-groups and ended up being conquered by the Incas.

Several Wari archeological sites can be visited in Peru. Among these, the most important are Cerro Baul, north of Moquega in the far South of the country; Toro Muerto, which comprises petroglyphs and is located about three hours from Arequipa; the Pachacamac site near Lima; Pikillacta in Cusco; and Wilcahuain close to Huaraz. The most impressive remnant of the civilization, however, is the capital city, called Wari, located in the highlands near Ayacucho.

The influence of the Wari culture on the history and development of Peru is particularly strong, as they were the first to build roads connecting their outposts. This system was later copied, used, and extended by the Incas. Their massive buildings were made to resists earthquakes by the use of polygonal rock blocks, an architectural element the Incas also later adopted.

Although all the heritage of these cultures may appear  to pale in comparison to the all-mighty Incas, who ruled the country with a forceful hand and left many spectacular ruin sites, they are all part of Peru’s complex history, and their influence can still be observed in current Peruvian traditions.

To learn more about Peru’s fascinating early civilizations and to explore Peru travel options, contact one of our expert travel advisors.

Moray's Inca terraces sculpted in the earth

Testament to the overpowering Inca Empire, which conquered the country and imposed its rule even beyond the boundaries of Peru, stand spectacular archeological sites such as world wonder Machu Picchu. While borrowing techniques from earlier conquered civilizations, the Incas also brought their own ingenuity to Peruvian architecture, creating stunning stonework to replace the precarious and simple adobe construction of earlier periods.

If not for the greed of the Spanish conquerors who insisted on dismantling the work of the Incas to replace it with their own, many buildings would still be standing. The most spectacular work of the Incas can still be seen in Cusco, where massive carved walls fill the streets, and in the Sacred Valley, which holds true treasures in most of its villages. Moray’s sculptured terraces and Ollantaytambo’s canchas (city blocks) are truly sights to behold.

Although the Spanish conquest destroyed some priceless and timeless work from earlier civilizations, its own architectural achievements are worth praising, with absolutely stunning colonial buildings scattered throughout the country. The old center of Lima is particularly impressive, with well-preserved churches from the early colonial times, such as San Pedro, La Merced, and San Augustin, accompanied by striking casas coloniales (opulent colonial mansions) still standing in the historic quarter.

European Renaissance and Baroque movements also reached Peru, with beautiful testaments to these influences still adorning many cities. The Cathedral and Santa Clara church of Cusco are striking remnants of the Renaissance period, while Arequipa holds some of the most beautiful treasures from the Baroque period, such as the churches of Santa Rosa and San Augustin. Arequipa is also widely recognized as Peru’s most attractive colonial city, with its historic center almost entirely built with the stunning local sillar, a white volcanic stone that has given the city its nickname as the “White City.”

The famous Casa de Fierro by Gustave Eiffel in Iquitos

Surprisingly, one of the most influential architects in Peru was actually a famous Frenchman, Gustave Eiffel, known worldwide for his majestic iron tower dominating Paris. His works can be admired throughout Peru, from Tacna and Moquega’s fountains on the main square, to the Casa de Fierro (Iron House), a two-story iron mansion in Iquitos. This last work, originally built for the 1889 Exposition in Paris, was purchased by one of Iquitos’ rubber barons who had it dismantled, shipped and reconstructed in the jungle settlement. Eiffel also designed a number of other bridges and buildings, which can be found in the Peruvian Amazon and Chile’s Atacama region. His most impressive marks on the Peruvian architectural landscape are without a doubt the Bolivar Bridge and San Camilo Market in Arequipa.

A few post-modern artists have also emerged in Peru in the recent years, albeit limited to the Lima region. One of the most significant architects is Bernardo Fort-Brescia, co-founder of the world famous and avant-garde Arquitectonica Company based in Miami, responsible for some of Lima’s most intriguing structures. The most noteworthy is arguably the gigantic Marriott Hotel, a green-glass arch in Miraflores overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

For more information about Peru’s fascinating history and culture, or to explore more Peru travel opportunities, contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize your vacation.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site - Machu Picchu

In preparation for the centennial, the Peruvian government and other officials are planning a number of celebratory events in Cusco and Lima, popular destinations for a Peru vacation. While the exact details remain a mystery, there are rumors of international superstars performing a concert in the ruins, and speculation that Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa and the grandchildren of Hiram Bingham will attend the events. Whatever takes place, it is sure to be a grand occasion.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the centennial is the arrival and display of thousands of artifacts that have been in Yale University’s possession since Bingham excavated them from Machu Picchu in 1912. After years of battling with Yale, Peru will finally see the return of the artifacts which include ceramics and bones from both humans and animals. Once the ancient artifacts arrive, they will be displayed for approximately one week in the government palace in Lima before traveling to Cusco where they will displayed at Casa Concha.

Inca Vase

The Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco also plans to open a research center for Yale and Peruvian researchers to continue to study the artifacts; it will be called the Yale International Center for the Study of Machu Picchu and Inca Culture (UNSAAC).

Also released for the centennial of Machu Picchu, is a new luxury service from Inca Rail, one of the train companies that carries travelers to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Named the Inca Princess, this new eight person train car will feature privacy, elegance, and comfort.

The elite service will provide lucky passengers a finely decorated room with a private bar on board. Passengers will sip on cocktails and enjoy food from a spectacular buffet of both hot and cold dishes. Expected to begin operations in April, the service will join Inca Rail’s current travel offerings: The Executive Service and First Class Service. Perhaps Machu Picchu’s expected famous visitors will take the first ride to the stunning archeological wonder.

For more information about how to incorporate the centennial celebrations into your Machu Picchu vacation, please contact one of our expert Travel Advisors who can help you customize your Peru travel plans.

Peruvian Hairless Dog

They are not completely hairless and may have short hair on the top of their head, feet, or tail tip. The Peruvian dog is elegant, slender, and quick. Their skin color is chocolate-brown, elephant grey, copper, or mottled, and they can range from 10 to 26 inches tall, and 9 to 55 lbs. One perk of the breed is being easy to clean with a sponge and also being less prone to fleas and other parasites. However, they are prone to sunburn and the genes that cause hairlessness in the breed also result in the dogs often having fewer teeth than other breeds, mostly lacking molars and premolars.

The Peruvian hairless has been man’s best friend since ancient times. The exact origin of this animal remains unclear, and people speculate it may have come from Africa or Asia, but what is known is that this is an ancient breed of dog, often known as Incan dogs because they were kept during the Inca Empire.

However, they were also kept as pets during pre-Inca cultures in the Peruvian coastal zone. Depictions of Peruvian hairless dogs appear as early as 750 A.D. on Moche ceramic vessels and continue in later ceramic traditions such as the Vicus, Nazca, Chancay, Sicán, and Chimú cultures. Sadly, the Spanish conquest of Peru nearly caused the extinction of the breed. Thankfully, some Peruvians in rural areas believed the dog held a mystical value which helped protect the dogs.

The National Institute of Culture in Peru issued a National Executive Resolution on January 4, 2000 which states “to provide for the conservation of a canine specimen of the Peruvian Dog breed in the Site Museums belonging to the National Systems of Museums and in those Archaeological Areas of the Peruvian Coast that have the necessary conditions allowing for their breeding and natural development.” Moving Peruvian Hairless Dogs into museums and archaeological sites was a smart move as it has helped preserve and increase the popularity of the Peruvian Hairless Dog. The directors of the site museums and archaeological areas assume responsibility for the care, nourishment, breeding, and development of the dog.

When America’s president was searching for a dog for his two daughters, Peru even offered one of its cute hairless puppies to Malia and Sasha Obama because the First Daughters have allergies. The director of the Friends of the Peruvian Hairless Dog Associate (FPHDA), Claudia Galvez, wrote a letter to the U.S. embassy in Lima offering a 4-month-old pedigree puppy named Ears. They once won the heart of Incan kings, but alas not the heart of the American president.

June 12^th is now the official day of the Peruvian Hairless Dog and many people and institutions are committed to the conversation of the only dog breed native to Peru. It is unclear how many of these dogs remain, but advocates are committed to reversing the thought that it is ugly or evil. During an archeological trip to ruins such as Pachacamac or Huaca Pucllana, don’t forget to admire the precious hairless dogs as well as the ancient ruins.

The beautiful Cerro Baul outside of Moquegua

Located in the driest part of Peru, merging with Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Moquegua region houses extensive mineral reserves, and is home to one of Peru’s largest copper mines, Cuajone. The nearby Rio Moquegua surprisingly delivers enough water for farming in the surrounding rural area, with vast productions and exports of olives, pisco, avocados and apricots.

With its narrow cobbled streets, attractive plaza, and adobe houses with roofs made of thatch and clay, the colonial city of Moquegua is a real pleasure to explore. There is not much to do but stroll down the streets and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this quaint settlement.

Admire the picturesque Plaza de Armas, or main square, beautifully shaded by tall ficus trees, and adorned with a surprising metal fountain designed in 1877 by world famous architect Gustave Eiffel. Take a peek into the beautiful Catedral de Santo Domingo restored in 1868 after a devastating earthquake and featuring on one of its towers the first clock to arrive the village, from London, in 1798. Passing through the doorway of the church, you can enter the Museo Contisuyo, where the permanent exhibition of hundreds of artifacts lays out over 12,000 years of history in the region.

Previously isolated from the rest of Peru, Moquegua is now well connected with several bus companies serving the area. Buses from Lima (16/20 hours), Arequipa (4 hours), or Puno (8 hours) all come to this small yet lovely region, where travelers will get a sense of the true Peruvian life style. Just off of the Panamerican highway, Moquegua is easily accessible, yet far enough away to remain off the tourist radar, making for a unique trip experience.

Moquegua is also a fantastic departure point for amazing hikes in the region. Adventurous visitors take the 15 minute ride to Cerro Baul up the Tunilaca Valleyma. The climb up Cerro Baul is a bit strenuous, but the view from the top on a clear day is breathtaking and worth the effort. Cerro Baul is also covered by interesting Wari ruins. If you do not fear strenuous walks, the Mollesacha waterfall Catarata de Mollesacha and the gorges in reddish purple stone behind Cerro Los Angeles in the Torata valley are definitely worth a visit if you have a day to spare.

The delicious Cuy Chactado

Moquegua is known for cuy chactado, breaded guinea pig fried under a heavy flat rock, one of Peru’s most famous dishes. Don’t be put off by the Moquegua style cuy, which comes whole with claws and teeth, as you are likely to be surprised by its excellent taste, similar to chicken. There are several cuy restaurants in town which generally feature pleasant outdoor areas overlooking the green farmland. People from Moquegua insist that the finest pisco comes from Moquegua. Make sure to try another of Moquegua’s specialties, damascos, apricots marinated in pisco.

For more information about what to do in Moquegua and its surroundings and to learn about more Peru travel opportunities, contact one of our Peru travel advisors at Peru For Less.

Paracas, just south of Pisco, and Nazca, south and inland from Paracas, are two unique and fascinating Peru travel destinations. Both are easily within driving distance, so you can spend a day and night in Paracas and then head to Nazca the next day before continuing on to your next Peru travel destination.

Spend a day on the Paracas Bay in a beautiful Paracas Peru Hotel

The peninsula of Paracas, which shelters Paracas Bay, is home to the Paracas National Reserve, a marine preserve that stretches 335,000 hectares (827,803 acres) and includes the Ballestas Islands. An incredible amount of seabirds, including guano birds, pelicans, penguins, condors, and flamingos, inhabit this preserve.

The town of Paracas itself is small, with only about a 1000 inhabitants. Here are two Paracas Peru hotels where you can rest your weary head after a day of sightseeing in Paracas Bay.

The five-star Paracas Peru hotel option is The Doubletree Paracas Resort, operated by Hilton Peru. This luxury Paracas resort, nestled in a quiet part of town and surrounded by gardens, opened just over a year ago.

Facing the shore, the hotel features suites with balcony views. Two-room suites include comfortable beds with down duvets, a living room with sofa and easy chairs, two flatscreen TVs, MP3 clock radio, and a mini-bar. The 8,000 square foot pool has views of the Paracas Bay.

The restaurant El Candelabro offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with buffet or a la carte menus. The Terrace restaurant is a more romantic choice, with fine candlelight dining overlooking the pool and ocean. The La Cava Bar is the place to unwind with a Pisco sour and enjoy a live music show.

The Fitness Center offers aerobics classes, dance lessons, volleyball, tennis, and water sports like kayaking and jet skiing. The Inca Spa has a sauna, Jacuzzi, and beauty parlor. The Kids Club includes a kiddie pool and daycare activities.

Another excellent Paracas Peru hotel is the four-star La Hacienda Bahia Paracas. Located right on the seashore, this terrific hotel has spacious guestrooms, suites, and bungalows, each with a private terrace.

Sun. Sand. Silence. It doesn't get much better than a vacation in Paracas Bay.

Some suites have living rooms, fireplaces, and ocean views, and the most exclusive suites have direct access to the huge, gorgeous outdoor pool that sidles up to the ocean. Each bungalow includes a kitchen, dining room, living room, four bedrooms, and a bathrooms with a luxury bathtub.

The El Coral restaurant serves Peruvian cuisine; the El Candelabro lounge has a fireplace and couches, the Marineros bar whips up mean Pisco sours. El Huarango cafeteria treats guests to pastries and snacks.

Besides the gorgeous pool, there is also an Oceano Spa.

Those travelers interested in a Peru travel package that includes Paracas and Nazca tours should check out our Peru travel special Peru Packages: Capture Historical Peru.