Ilinca Nastasia,

Correspondent (Travel)

 

Like much of South America, Peru offers visitors a decidedly intriguing blend of cultures, which includes elements preserved from the indigenous population as well as multiple layers added by the Spanish invaders of the 16th century and, although not as prominent by the subsequent waves of immigrants from various parts of the world. It is not hard to see why its value as a tourist destination is one of the country’s biggest assets, with the industry having experienced a steady growth over the past years.

 

Its major selling point is, of course, the ruins of Machu Picchu, famous remnants of the Inca Empire. They have been declared an UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the mysterious Nazca Lines, the object of much speculation surrounding their actual purpose and drawing methods (perhaps not surprisingly part of these theories seem to involve aliens in some way or another).

However, while Machu Picchu is impressive and a worthwhile destination, it would be a shame to miss out on the other sights the Andes have to offer. So, if time and physical ability allow, walking along the Inca Trail is probably the best way to take in both the stunning scenery and the cultural background of Peru.

Located fairly close to the Picchu ruins and the Sacred Valley, the city of Cuzco is a wonderful opportunity for witnessing the cultural variety of Peru first-hand. Considered the ‘archaeological capital of South America’, it was once one of the biggest cities of the Inca Empire and thus an important location for the Spanish colonial efforts. The wonderful thing about Cuzco is that you can experience history and culture without ever setting foot in a museum, should you wish to do so. Purely in terms of aesthetic appeal, Cuzco is remarkable because it still retains much of the original Inca architecture, with the Spanish having, in most cases, simply added their own buildings around and on top of those structures.

Of course, as a result of its plethora of geographical variations, Peru is also a viable choice for anyone interested in adventure tourism. Trekking and mountain climbing are an obvious choice, given the proximity of the Andes. The country also boasts an impressive hydrographic basin, such as the Colca River and its 300 rapids that makes rafting here a thrilling event. For those who are looking for a more relaxed way of experiencing the natural diversity, there are numerous protected natural areas scattered across the region. Of particular interest is Peru’s section of the Amazonian basin, which has benefited greatly from conservation projects.