Bien Peruano

       When visiting Peru, a well-planned route will take you through all of the major cities in Peru so that you can see everything the country has to offer. Most international travelers fly in to Lima, the capital city and a vibrant melting pot of modern-day cultures, traditional arts, and colonial architecture. Lima, although certainly among the major cities in Peru, was once considered only an entry point for tourists traveling elsewhere in the country.

       Today, thousands of tourists flock to Lima to explore this great city, recognized for its beautiful white beaches and a unique mixture of new and old. Lima has some of the best museums as well as the best restaurants on the continent, not to mention an active nightlife lasting until dawn.

       One of the major cities in Peru is Arequipa, known as "The White City" for its buildings constructed of white volcanic rock. A beautiful valley destination, Arequipa is one of the major cities in Peru that is home to interesting churches, such as the Santa Calina Monastery. Many travelers visit Arequipa to explore Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on the continent.

       Iquitos is a tropical city and one of the only major cities in Peru located in the jungle region. This city has become a top travel destination, especially for those entering the Peruvian Amazon jungle. For a completely different atmosphere, visit Nazca, an oasis nestled into a green valley completely surrounded by tall mountains. The main attraction in Nazca is a flyover of odd lines etched into the plains centuries ago for mysterious reasons. Many travelers also visit Nazca over other major cities in Peru for its world-famous paragliding and sandboarding on Cerro Blanco, the most expansive sand dune on the globe.

       Cusco is one of the most popular tourist destinations among the major cities in Peru. Once the capital of the Incan Empire, it is the closest major city to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. The city of Cusco, which towers 11,150 feet above sea level, showcases a mix of Spanish colonial architecture and Incan ruins. Many tourists enjoy a city tour during the day and the many clubs and live music venues at night.

       Another of the major cities in Peru for those seeking adventure is Urubamba. The largest city in the famed Sacred Valley from the times of the Incan empire, Urubamba is known for snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Aside from the historic Incan ruins, Urubamba boasts some of the best whitewater rafting in the world with breathtaking scenery. Those looking for a more relaxed waterfront setting often head to Huanchaco, the surf and fishing hotspot in Peru. The city, which is full of beach houses, offers prime surfing and birdwatching locations. For those looking to explore native cultures within the major cities of Peru, daily boat trips to the island city of Armantani will transport you to a peaceful and beautiful setting of stone carved temples. Armantani holds several fiestas each year and is known for traditional textiles and basketwork.

       When planning a holiday in Peru, many people stress that they are keen to "get out of Lima as quickly as possible" but, while historically Lima has had a bad press, and while it may not be the most beautiful or the most easy city in Peru, you certainly aren't short of things to see and do and the place has a real buzz about it. Indeed, for many people, Lima ends up being a real highlight of their Peru holiday.

       Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro himself and became known as the "City of Kings". From the early colonial period until the colonies won their independence, Lima was the capital of Spanish South America. The city was famous for its wealth and beauty and it rivalled most European cities for its cultural life. Unfortunately, the city was destroyed in a horrendous earthquake in 1746, with only 20 of the original 3,000 houses left standing. Although the city was entirely rebuilt, the new buildings were often more functional than before and what was undoubtedly one of the world's great cities has almost entirely disappeared.

       Today, Lima is a big, bustling city of about 8 million people and is a city of contrasts. It has everything from 17th century colonial architecture to glass-faced skyscrapers, tremendous wealth and obvious poverty. A common refrain is: "Peru is Lima, Lima is Peru" and it's certainly true that you can find everything here: it's the perfect place to start your Peru holiday.

       In the centre of Lima (or 'Old Lima' as it is often known) you can find some of the best colonial and neo-colonial architecture Peru has to offer. Hundreds of stunning colonial buildings line streets bustling with every type of person and business. As well some superb churches, museums and other public buildings, the busy streets lead to some tranquil squares where you can sit down and enjoy an Inka-Cola while you reflect on your holiday in Peru so far!

       Although the centre has the best of the architecture, the cosmopolitan suburb of Miraflores is a great place to stroll around. There's usually plenty going on in Parque Kennedy but if you fancy a slightly longer stroll then why not take a walk down to the ocean? It's about a twenty minute walk from the centre of Miraflores, down Avenida Larco to the Larcomar shopping centre, which is built into the sheer cliffs that separate Lima from the sea. If you walk north (turn right at Larcomar) along the coast for quarter of an hour, you will arrive at the Parque del Amor, where young Limeños traditionally come to court.

       Barranco has been Lima's seaside resort since the 1600s and at night it's like a slice of Brighton transported to the Pacific! By day, however, it's a trendy, bohemian kind of place where many of Lima's artists live and where you can check out the coastal scenery from El Puente de los Suspiros (the Bridge of Sighs). Barranco is also Lima's premier nighttime destination so if you fancy unwinding with a few Cuzqueñas then this is the perfect place to start or end your holiday in Peru!

       About 31km from Lima, Pachacamac is a huge temple/palace area originally devoted to the god of the same name. The site includes a partially-restored Temple of the Sun originally dating to 1350. The complex is huge and is a really valuable addition to your Peru holiday itinerary. It's handiness for Lima means that you can squeeze it into any free time you have in the capital waiting around for flights.

       All in all, Lima is too easily dismissed when considering where to spend time during your Peru holidays. It has something for everyone and there are some great sights in the surrounding areas as well. Above all, don't forget that Lima never stands still, and those Peru holiday guidebooks from 5 years ago just might be behind the times...