The Land Of Incas

By Author: Doris Gonzales
Total Articles: 17
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The land of the Incas, Peru, is located in the western region of South America. Home to some of the most ancient cultures in the World, and blessed with some truly exotic topography, Peru vacations offer a wide range of exciting experiences to the traveler.

Various tours and travel packages are organized by travel operators to provide for an enriching and immensely satisfying holiday in Peru. Peru's rich heritage includes the fabled Inca Empire. In the 16th century, the Spanish built an empire in Peru. Both left indelible marks on the culture and heritage of the country which can still be seen and experienced today. Apart from the beautiful topography, Peru has a rich and unique art, literature, music and food culture that can be experienced by the tourists. A traveler's guide to the perfect Peru vacations would be incomplete without some of its most famous sights.

The capital city of Peru, Lima, was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro. One can visit the famous Incan archaeological sites in the city. Also, one must visit the famous cathedrals and palaces around the city built during the Spanish colonial times. ...
... The beachfront locations are immensely enjoyable, and the city has a fine collection of restaurants and hotels where one can put up. Places of interest include the Monastery of San Francisco, the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, and the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas amongst many others.

In the south eastern region of Peru, we have the city of Cusco. Cusco was the historical capital of the Incan Empire and in 1983, UNESCO declared it to be a World Heritage Site. The stone streets of Cusco, its vibrant festivals and the unique textiles that it produces are a source of major tourist interest from around the globe. The Cathedral of Santo Domingo is a famous sight, built during the Spanish colonial times.

The Inca heritage includes remains of the Palace of the Incas and the Temple of the Sun. The Qurikancha was a temple, built by the Incas; to worship the Sun God is a famous sight in Cusco. Its walls were once covered in gold. Tourists can avail the various walking tours of the city with guides that take you through the various attractions of Cusco while explaining its historical and cultural significance.

Arequipa is the legal capital of Peru, housing the constitutional courts. The city is well connected and industrially developed, exporting mainly wool textiles. Its historic center was declared as "World Cultural Heritage" by the UNESCO. Its colonial buildings made of pearly white stone, gives the city the title of "The White City". Apart from the beautiful architecture and culture, the snow-capped peaks of the Andes that surround the city and the volcanoes are sights to see for anyone visiting Arequipa. The 250,000 square feet big, Santa Catalina Monastery, is a must visit attraction. Restaurants that offer local cuisine and hotels are available and can be booked through various tour operators.

For Peru vacations check this out. For memorable Machu Picchu hiking tours visit the home page . Peru vacations are very popular with tourists, the world over because of its rich ancient heritage, the art and architecture, the scenic beauty of the country with mountains and valleys, and forests and seas, or the people and their culture and the ways of living, providing the traveler with an immensely enriching and satisfying experience, and stories that would last a lifetime.

The author of this article is associated with Sun Gate Tours, one of the most experienced Peruvian travel companies with a highly positive industry reputation. This fully registered and licensed Peru travel and tour operator has been serving the Peru tourism industry since 2004 with a special focus on ecotourism.