Peru is one of the three largest countries in South America. One of the main features of this state is that its territory covers at once three natural and climatic zones, thanks to which Peru is famous for its diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna. In addition, Peru has a rich cultural heritage, many carefully preserved traditions, as well as a huge number of ancient historical monuments.
Ancient cities of Peru
One of the most ancient and colorful cities in Peru is Lima, which today is not only the capital of the country, but also its business card. This traditional city of kings, founded in 1535, has managed to preserve its architecture of the colonial period to this day. The main attractions of the city are the central square of the Plaza de Armas, where there is a stone fountain of the XVII century, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, where the remains of the founder of Lima Francisco Pissarro, as well as many other attractions.
| | |
The former capital of the Inca Empire, the city of Cuzco, is of special interest to local tourists. This ancient city, created around 1200 AD, is called the archaeological capital of America. Sacred valley of the Incas, the stone throne of the Inca, the architectural complex Saksayauman - all this carefully preserves for the descendants an ancient city.
| | |
The real treasure of Peru is also the ancient city of Machu Picchu, one of the most interesting places in the world , which is in the mountains of Urubamba. As a result of years of excavation, the famous Sun Gate, an observatory cut right in the rock, palaces, temples and many other buildings were opened here.
| | |
Another equally interesting place in Peru is the city of Morai. This city is famous for a large complex of ancient ruins, as well as groups of terraces in the form of concentric circles that resemble a huge ancient amphitheater. In the soil of these terraces, seeds of various plants were found, so it was assumed that it was a kind of agricultural terraces in the Inca empire.
Temples of Peru
Being in Peru is worth visiting the temple of the Sun god, called Coricancha. The temple built in Cusco in 1438 was a magnificent structure. Coricancha was built of huge stones that were not fixed together with any solution, but inside is decorated with gold and precious stones. At one time the temple was destroyed, and in its place was built the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. Currently, restoration works are constantly being carried out here. It is worth noting that although it is not enough that it survived from the original view of the church, it does not cease to amaze with its perfection.
| | |
In Cuzco, you can also visit the Jesuit temple of the Company, whose construction ended in 1688. On the facade of the beautiful temple building, above the front door, the image of the Immaculate Conception is imprinted. The interior interior is rather gloomy, but it seems to be illuminated by the sunlight, covered with gold leaf, the altar. The ceilings and windows of the temple are adorned with elaborate sculpture, and the walls are a number of valuable works of art, among which are paintings of famous artists of Peru.
| | |
Museums in Peru
Well, who would not be interested in visiting the Museum of Gold, which is in Peru and where an impressive collection of precious metals is presented. Or, for example, the Museum of Arts, which presents the creations created over the long 3000 years. An excellent collection of ancient ornaments, ceramics, as well as ritual supplies of the ancient peoples of Peru can be viewed at the Larko Museum.
| | |
National Parks of Peru
Despite being satisfied with the weak financial capacity of Peru, the government of the state is pursuing an active environmental policy. The most significant national parks of the country are the biosphere reserve Manu and the Tambopata-Kandamo reserve, which represent a unique array of "southern jungle" with the most diverse flora and fauna. In addition, it is worth visiting the national park Paracas, Huascaran, Kutervo, Maididi, as well as the youngest park in Peru - Bahuaha Sonon.
| | |
This is only a small part of those attractions that are worth seeing in Peru. But believe me, after visiting here only once, you will want to come back here again and again.