The mesmerizing natural beauty with a ting of rich culture, tradition and history is what makes Peru an ideal ecotourism destination. Although, the country is horded by people to visit the Machu Picchu, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World but, Peru has much more to offer beyond the Lost city of the Incas. This paradise is also known for its culture, food, wildlife, temples, valleys, deserts, beaches, ports and tropical rainforests that have been important ecosystems in our world.
One of the most magical sights is that of Machu Picchu, a city that was built by the Incan Emperor Pachacutec in the 15th century and rediscovered by the Yale archaeologist, Hiram Bingham in 1911. Nested in the slopes of the Andes, the cloud-shrouded ruins include palaces, temples, storage rooms, baths and some 150 houses, all preserved amazingly.
Peru also has a number of museums and national parks to explore including the Manu National Park & Biosphere Reserve near Cusco and the Titicaca National Reserve. The Manu National Park is overflowing with more species of animals and plants than in anywhere else in the world. Over 1,000 species of birds, 13 species of monkeys and rarely seen animals like the elusive Jaguar and endangered Giant Otter roam wild in the park.
For all the water sports lovers, a visit to Lake Titicaca would be unforgettable. The lake is world’s highest navigable lake and home to the floating Uros Islands, which are made manually by weaving together mud and totora reeds that grow in the lake shallows. Travelling up to the North Coast would lead you to some of South America’s best beaches and inland to the Cordillera Blanaca for some of the world’s highest mountains. Peru has plenty of adventurous activities to offer, which include mountain hiking and rafting. To satisfy your shopping bug, Indian markets in Pisac (Cusco) and San Pedro in northwestern Peru could be just perfect.
The Amazon is a dream destination for many, with unspoilt natural beauty that offers a rich and diverse eco-system. It is a home to more than 25,000 plant species, approximately 1,800 bird species, 361 mammal species, 251 amphibian species, 297 reptile species, and more than 2,500 fish species.
Another place that is a must visit is Vicos, an authentic rural community. This area located in the Peru’s Ancash region, the mountainous area north of Lima is some 11,000 feet above sea level. Vicos is a farming village at the foot of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca also known as ‘White Mountain Range’. The White Mountain Range, the largest tropical glacier chain in the world is a breath-taking view. For vacationers who like to lie back in a quieter, cleaner and peaceful environment, the Barranco area of Lima could satisfy their need.