Lima, Arequipa & Cusco

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Lima is the capital of Peru and its largest city. Most people just use Lima as a gate to Cuzco, Arequipa or Amazonas, but Lima, dubbed the City of the Kings, has lots to offer visitor. It is a city with many interesting historical sites, monumental colonial architecture and old world charm.Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas is in the heart of the Historic Centre of Lima. It is surrounded by some of the mayor tourist attractions in Lima, the Cathedral, the Archbishop Palace and the Government Palace. In the middle of the square there is a fountain with a bronze statue. Jirón de la Unión is the pedestrian street that connects the Plaza de Armas and the Plaza San Martín. It used to be a very important street where Aristocrats live, nowadays it's mainly a shopping street, but you can find many lovely colonial buildings with wooden balconies and grilled ornate windows while you walk along. Lima is a city tied to the ocean. The Costera promenade runs along its coast and is home to numerous restaurants and cafes. Lima is also the best place to try the wonderful Peruvian cuisine, which has a huge variety of ingredients from coast, mountain and Amazon regions.Lima is big and chaotic, but with its beautiful sights, great food and cool people it is well worth a visit.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Arequipa is a city in the Southern Coastal region of Peru. Located on a valley alongside the River Chili and surrounded by snow covered peaks such as the Misti Volcano, and the Chachani and Pichu Pichu Mountains, it is Peru's second largest city. Dubbed “the white city” due to the preponderance of buildings made of a lightly coloured volcanic rock named sillar, Arequipa not only glistens in its sunny arid climate but also sit majestically amongst the spectacular volcanoes that act as its backdrop. With an array of stunning colonial buildings, a charming tropical main square, and great local food specialties, even the most casual visitor can keep busy for a few days. Add to this, a sprawling colourful convent complex, the archaeological wonder of Juanita, and a bustling local produce market and it is one of Peru’s most unforgettable cities. Finally, with its close proximity to natural wonders like the Colca Canyon and the Valley of Volcanoes, it quickly enters the realm of can’t miss cities in all of South America. Arequipa is and should be a destination itself.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Cuzco, located in the Southern Sierras, is one of Peru's most visited cities. It was once the capital of the Inca dynasty and now it is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and the Andean capital of Peru. Cuzco exudes charm and splendour and it is full of character.Cuzco's heart is the Plaza de Armas where you can find the Cathedral and the Compañía de Jesús church, among other remarkable buildings. The architecture of the city is a curious mix of Spanish Colonial built upon Inca ruins and everything else is a unique melange of Spanish and indigenous influences. Exploring Cuzco’s picturesque, narrow, cobblestone avenues is a source of endless fascination. Cuzco is a constant link to the past, it streets are full of colourful costumes, handicrafts shops, remarkable Incan ruins and local flair is everywhere. Hatunrumiyoc is located close to Plaza de Nazarenas, not far from Plaza de Armas. It is a narrow pedestrian street, famous for its Inca walls where huge stones are precisely carved to fit together without mud or concrete. You’ll find the masterpiece, a 12-angled stone, about halfway down the street.Cuzco is the most convenient city from which tourists can begin visits to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and other Inca sites in the region.The city’s fantastic Architecture and the breathtaking natural surrounding makes Cusco a city hard to leave.