Peru does not stop to admire people from all over the world. In the 288th issue of the prestigious National Geographic Magazine, Peru received the “Best International Destination in 2024 National Geographic Travel Awards”. This is the second year in a row that Peru has received this award, surpassing 14 countries on the list, such as Colombia, Egypt, and Morocco.
The renowned magazine also points out that “Traveling to Peru is like stepping into a fantastic world”. About the areas of Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the magazine also mentions that “it deserves a journey of its own”.
Other attractions the international publication highlighted are the famous cradle of the Inca Empire, Cusco, the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon, the “Qhapaq Ñan” or Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the enigmatic Nazca Lines.
A mention apart deserves our delicious cuisine, which every year earns adepts for its vast variety. In case you want more information about our cuisine, you can check this post. So, getting back to our topic, what about if we briefly see some information about the places National Geographic discussed? Let’s start our journey!
Cusco
Cusco City, also known as “the Imperial City of Cusco,” is a big star for many travelers who come to South America. This is where the main Inca settlements and the most iconic natural settings, part of the Peruvian Andes, are located. And don’t worry; kids will be awed and amazed every step of the way by the natural beauty of this place, without leaving behind the chance of a long-awaited encounter with llamas and alpacas.
Cusco Downtown.
It is not possible to miss any of the city’s historically and religiously significant landmarks, including the Main Cathedral, which features twelve chapels with Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural elements. There are more old religious structures to see, such as the Qoricancha, which is made of inlaid stones, or Sacsayhuamán, which is surrounded by polished stone walls. In the following lines, we’ll show you some places you can visit while you are here.
Choquequirao: “The lesser-known brother” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, is shrouded in mystery, tucked away in the cloud forest, and is historically important as the final Inca stronghold. Just 30% of its 1,000 hectares have been examined.
This tour offers stunning mountain views and the chance to see the Andean Condor. It may be reached by a four-day hike through the cloud forest. You may consider this trek to be moderate to difficult.
Rainbow Mountain: Also called Vinicunca, is a natural wonder distinguished by vivid color stripes. Adventurers can view remarkable earth-related formations at this natural wonder, which is reached after a strenuous hike.
A destination for the daring, the Rainbow Mountain is a must-see due to its bizarre beauty and strenuous physical climb.
Humantay Lake: Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Humantay Lake is an undiscovered treasure due to its turquoise waters surrounded by difficult terrain. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of this natural beauty after a strenuous but rewarding climb.
This Lake offers hikers a peaceful retreat into the Andes, Humantay Lake rewards them with one of the region’s most captivating landscapes.
Cusco City: UNESCO has designated Cusco, a city rich in history and culture that was once the capital of the Inca Empire, as a World Heritage site. The quaint lanes are home to well-preserved colonial and Inca buildings.
Take in the colorful San Pedro Market, historical landmarks such as Sacsayhuamán, and the Andean culture of the area. Cusco has a distinct aura that draws tourists in due to its blend of old Inca heritage and Spanish colonial influence.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
This is an archaeological circuit that will take you to the most important Inca ruins in the region, known for their cultural, religious, and military purposes. Knowing these places, children and adults will give free rein to their imagination, thinking about what life was like during Inca times, while also enjoying the most beautiful landscapes!
Another reason to visit this remarkable Andean region is the stunning scenery that changes with each town. You’ll understand why we say it’s so magical. In the same way, it’s the perfect getaway from Cusco, especially for those who wish to unwind to the sound of the roaring Urubamba River and the continuing life of these ancient areas. Take note of some of the towns you’ll find in the Sacred Valley.
Chinchero: This town has the best of both worlds: Is a fine blend of Andean and European cultures displayed in its architecture and cultural expressions. Cusco is roughly thirty kilometers distant from Chinchero, which is 3,754 meters above sea level.
Its history and cultural expression unquestionably are, as it includes an archeological complex known as the royal precinct of Tupac Yupanqui, the most significant Inca king.
Pisac: This town, which is 2,972 meters above sea level, is about an hour’s drive from Cusco. Here, you may learn more about the extraordinary textile creativity and the knitting and dyeing techniques employed in the region.
Similarly, Pisac has one of the valley’s most remarkable historic sites, strategically positioned with expansive views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Ollantaytambo: You should visit Ollantaytambo, a small village preserved in time with an amazing ceremonial fortress and an urban setting reminiscent of Inca colonialism, all surrounded by towering mountains! Since Ollantaytambo is home to one of the three train stations in the area, it serves as the beginning point for a large number of visitors to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel awaits discovery, where its remote location at the top of Hot Springs City, structure, and natural setting will impress even the youngest of visitors. Learning about the Inca culture couldn’t be easier than on this occasion, visiting and experiencing up close where they lived. Also, this is one of the 7 wonders of the world!!!
Now we’ll show you some specific spots you can consider visiting when in the citadel.
The Sacred Plaza is the name given to this area of polished stone. It consists of the priest’s home and the revered Temple of the Three Windows. In Andean cosmovision, the temple represents the three worlds of “Hanan Pacha”, “Kay Pacha”, and “Uku Pacha”. (Representing earth, heaven, and hell.)
Admire the breathtaking landscape and take a ton of pictures from the point of the classic picture: When you get to Machu Picchu, the first thing you should do is take in the breathtaking scenery. Take as many photos as you can.
The Temple of the Sun was built by the Incas as a site of worship. The oblong structure contains an entrance door, windows, and niches. Many believe that the famous Inca ruler Pacahactuec is buried there.
Intihuatana: This mysterious carved rock is located at the summit of Machu Picchu. On the winter solstice, the Incas are reported to have gathered here to make offerings and sacrifices to the Sun God Inti and to implore him not to leave them.
This holy monument’s rising section is oriented to face the sun in every season of the year, demonstrating the exceptional geographic and astrological knowledge of the Inca people.
The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail starts in Cusco, which is also the starting point for the majority of the excursions that follow this itinerary. During the entire journey, you will see breathtaking scenery that will immerse you in the beauty of nature and the cloud forest, as well as gain an understanding of Peruvian history by visiting various archaeological sites.
Remember that you will be walking an average of 12 kilometers each day, so making the ideal packing list is essential to a stress-free and enjoyable trip. All of the cooking and camping supplies, including your duffel bag, will be handled by the porters and muleteers, leaving you with just a daypack. In this guide, we have practical and further information for your trip on the Inca Trail
Amazon Rainforest
The geography of this area is varied, encompassing Andean ecosystems, tropical dry forest zones, and both high and low jungles. However, most of its space is covered with tropical forest because it is situated in the center of the Amazon River and rainforest. Because of the warm, humid climate, rain falls often there all year round.
Among its most remarkable features is that Amazonas is one of the least populated departments in Peru, coming in fourth place behind Madre de Dios, Loreto, and Ucayali. This area got its name after a protracted procedure that took place before the department’s establishment in the 20th century. Check the list of some of the best attractions in the Peruvian rainforest.
Karajia: The Chachapoyas built the Chipuric Archaeological Complex as a burial complex between 900 and 1450 AD. The Luya Mausoleum is one example of Chipuric architecture. One well-known aspect of constructions made for this purpose is the funerary figures.
The “Karajia Sarcophagi,” which are structures found in hard-to-reach areas like ravines and inside of which researchers have recovered masks, is arguably the most well-known example of this.
Kuelap Fortress: The Chachapoyas Culture lived in a vast empire and left behind a mark of their former dominance, its ruins can be seen in the Utcubamba Valey. We’re talking about the Kuelap Fortress.
Built by the Chachapoyas culture over 500 years ago, this walled city served as both an administrative and military complex, making it an archaeological wonder of the Amazon region.
The Gocta Waterfalls are among the most exciting tourist destinations in Peru. Situated in the northern Peruvian Amazon region. The Peruvian Amazon’s top natural attraction is located in the heart of a cloud forest.
Gocta is ranked as the 17th highest waterfall in the world by the World Waterfall Database. Thousands of domestic and international visitors come here every year since. The majority of the income for the locals comes from tourism.
The Mausoleums of Revash, are approximately 2800 meters above sea level, atop stony walls on a limestone cliff.
These “chullpas,” which are mausoleums or sarcophagi in Quechua, resemble tiny homes painted red and cream, constructed of rock and mud mortar. Archaeologists can examine the few bones and funeral offerings found inside.
Nazca
Right in the heart of the dry Peruvian desert is an incredible mystery that has been kept hidden for many years in these vast territories. One of the wonders of the ancient world, the Nazca Lines, is one of Peru’s greatest riddles that has yet to be solved. These massive geoglyphs, found in the Nazca plains, are perhaps well known to you.
It is unknown, nevertheless, what their actual purpose was, as all that is known about them is that they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As far as we are aware, both national and international research teams have been studying the Nazca Lines for more than 80 years. Almost a thousand lines make an effort to depict a variety of objects, such as people, animals, plants, and other geometric shapes.
Honorable Mention: Peruvian Food
Among many other experiences in a place other than your own, eating is one of the things you have to do when traveling, particularly if you are in Peru. We take great pleasure in talking about our culinary expression, which is a genuine work of art composed of flavor explosions, unusual ingredient pairings, and a wide range of cultural influences that have produced some of the world’s most renowned cuisines.
Peru is worth spending time and money on since it boasts internationally renowned restaurants in addition to the significant attractions we showed you. In these posts, you can learn more about our long tradition in food and what you can try when coming to our country.
We’ve just covered a few of the reasons why Peru is regarded as the world’s greatest travel destination, but there are still more. want to find them? Viagens Machu Picchu can assist you in knowing these and more places in our destinations. Don’t wait much longer; embark on the adventure to know the best destination of the year!
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