We will undoubtedly be telling the truth if we name Peru as the country full of contrasts: while cities are springing up with modern skyscrapers, just a few hundred kilometers away in the desert or jungles we can find the mysterious and ancient Inca civilization towns and ruins. As to describe all worth visiting places in Peru we will need to write a pretty huge book, but today we are going to share a few stories about the five most impressive images of this country.
In Lima – to see resting townspeople bones
The best way to start your journey in Peru is to start from the capital city of Lima which is a home to more than 7.6 million people. Most curious visitors from abroad definitely first stop by at St. Francis Monastery built in the late eighteenth century. Although from the outside the building will remind us of charming Baroque due to its characteristic decorative elements, it is worth to go inside of it as well – in the catacombs located under this temple, Lima residents were buried here for decades. Even now there are numerous bones and urns discovered here while people who are looking for some secrets and mysticisms will surely love some ancient stories about tunnels located all over the town as well.
The mysterious city in the top of the Andes
Rare has not heard the name of Machu Picchu, so it is not surprising that it has become the most visited ruins in Peru and that we are talking about it today as well. This Andean mountain fortress of the Incas was founded in the fifteenth century, but after the mysterious disappearance of all the residents of the city Machu Picchu was once again discovered only in 1911.
In addition to spectacular panoramas, there is a very surprising fact that no one was able to withstand centuries-old Machu Picchu walls, which were built without using any claiming materials. By the way, get ready to move because you will have to climb the narrow stairs to reach this amazing city.
Contraband in 3400 height meters
The former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco was and still is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. 3400 meters above sea level located city is rugged with narrow streets which are pretty easy to explore on foot. While the Spanish colonists broke down a number of gold glittering old Inca era buildings, here you will still be pleased with mountainous surroundings and scattered miniature houses.
For a little more extreme sensation, check out the smugglers bazaar called Baratillo. As the name suggests, most of the goods sold here are illegal or have been stolen, but this place is perfectly safe to visit and check out.
Illuminated campfires on the lake surface
Titicaca is one of the highest above sea level lakes in the world. To be fair, visitors are attracted here not because of the record high, but because of the floating Uros Islands. Huge, shore land pieces 3-4 times a year are fastened by special reed so it can stick on the surface of the water longer. In total, about 40 artificial islands float in Titicaca, which is also a permanent home for locals as well: here women bake dinner, men fish while others grow potatoes.
Aymara people started to discover the benefits of tourists, so now they allow travelers to stay with them and feel like a full-fledged member of the tribe.
Mystical message for the aliens
Nazca Valley hides more secrets than Machu Picchu. At first glance, just a simple looking desert was nothing exciting until some years ago people observed unusual shapes – from simple geometric shapes to animal images, with a diameter of up to 200 meters. So far there is no consensus of these paintings purpose: some say that it is a message for the aliens, others argue that it could be part of religious rituals. Although the truth lies somewhere on the other side, fly over the Nazca – you will indeed have a breathtaking experience.
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