The Republic of Peru is a small country located in the western part of South America. Despite its modest size, the geographical relief of the country is quite diverse. In general, three main names of Peru's regions can be distinguished: Costa - the Pacific Ocean coast in the east, Sierra - the mountainous area in the middle part of the Andes, and Selva - the western part of the Amazon.
The central region of Peru can be called the most popular among tourists. It is home not only to the capital city of Lima, but also the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu and the oldest city in South America, Cusco.
Besides these world-famous cities, this part of the country is known for its Parcas Peninsula. It has been a center of pre-Inca culture since ancient times, famous for its textiles, local handicrafts and skilled herbalists in the field of medicine.
In the coastal desert, not far from the capital lies the city of Nazca. The famous drawings that are preserved here characterize this fascinating country.
The northern region of Peru attracts the attention of tourists primarily due to the Amazon jungle. The flora and fauna characteristic of these places will impress even the sophisticated tourist.
The closest city to the Amazon is Iquitos. Compared to other Peruvian metropolitan areas, it is a bit of a loser. However, it can be a great starting point for those who want to see the famous pink Amazonian dolphins or the freshwater pajeiche fish.
Trujillo is the place to go if you prefer a more civilized vacation. The town has a scattering of Spanish mansions, cozy streets, and is famous for its palaces, cathedrals and central square.
A little further north is the town of Chiclayo. Today it is considered a rapidly developing modern center of the whole region. At the end of the 19th century, the tomb of the ruler of Moche, Señor de Sipan, was found on its territory. If you are interested in other names of the northern region of Peru, more interesting information can be found at tripmydream.
Arequipa is the largest city in the southern region of Peru. This place is impressive at first sight, as the colorful white stone houses in Spanish colonial style, surrounded by eucalyptus and magnolia trees are incomparable.
The southern city of Puno is popular for its close proximity to Lake Titicaca. It leads the world's largest freshwater reserve and is the second largest in all of South America.
The southernmost city in Peru is considered to be Tacna. It is only 36 kilometers from the Chilean border. The central plaza, designed by French engineer and architect Eiffel, is one of the popular tourist destinations.
Such an abundance of interesting cities and places suggests that whichever region of Peru you choose for your vacation, you can't avoid seeing the legacy of ancient civilizations and mysterious buildings.