Travel ideas for Peru - unique sights, worth Guinness records

Colca Canyon is one of the leaders in depth, as it is about 3400 meters deep. Given that the length of the canyon is more than 100 kilometers, it can safely claim to be one of the biggest on the planet. Location of the canyon is also highly unusual. It is situated in the Andes, at an altitude of 3260 meters above sea level. The main feature of these sites is their unique nature. Colca Canyon is a habitat of the largest bird of prey, condor. The scope of its wings can reach 3.3 meters; some great lookouts, including La Cruz del Condor, were built to watch these majestic birds and natural beauty of surroundings.
Many travelers visiting the canyon tend to get to Sangaye. Here, there is a unique plateau with tropical climate; it is the real tropical oasis with palm trees surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. It’s better to explore scenic spots of the canyon accompanied by a guide, as the gorge is still in danger of collapse. While walking through the most picturesque places of the canyon, tourists should definitely look into one of the picturesque Andean villages. Small mountain villages can be found on both sides of the gorge. ... Complete sights collection

Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest in Peru, its depth is 3,535 meters. It is flanked by two majestic mountain ranges, Soliman and Coropuna. Gorgeous waterfalls are other local natural attractions; the most beautiful of them is Sipia. The name of the canyon can be translated from Quechuan as 'home for all;' many tiny mountain villages and settlements were settled on the slopes of the gorge during colonial times. Spanish colonizers have built bullrings there, some of which have survived to these days.
One of the most picturesque villages, Calyata, is known for its most important architectural sights, including ancient cemeteries of Barrancas de Tenajaja. No less attractive is village of Lucio that has healing hot springs on its territory. The picturesque Cotahuasi Canyon is a unique storehouse of natural and historical attractions and it is sure to impress fans of hiking and sightseeing. The gentle slopes of the gorge are uninhabitable, so its cliffs are ideal for honing climbing skills. There are training areas suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes. ... Complete sights collection

The Toquepala copper mine, located in Peru, is also among the prominent man-made quarries on the planet. Its development started in 1960. Its depth has long exceeded 500 meters, the diameter of the crater is about 2500 meters. Originally, the mine was developed for copper production. Later, a number of mineral resources were found in the ore. The pit mine produces not only copper, but molybdenum, silver and rhenium.
Some large plants were built to make ore processing more productive. More than 40 000 tons of raw materials are being processed daily. A distinguishing feature of the quarry is its unusual shape. From the bird’s-eye view one can see one more extended quarry. When developing rock formations, miners discover more and more copper and mineral deposits. ... Complete sights collection

A really tragic situation prevails in the Peruvian city of La Oroya. In 1922, Doe Run Corporation from the United States opened the Great Ironworks, which destroyed the flora and fauna of the region in less than one hundred years and brought thousands of people into danger of death. La Oroya is one of the few places in the world where the acid energies have been active for several years.
The sour rains are the main reason of the full lack of vegetation. Today the townspeople have to pay the degrading relationship to the environment with their health. Almost all locals suffer from severe respiratory system diseases. At present, about 35 thousand people live in the city, only 5% of whom have no serious health problems.
Daily emissions of lead, zinc, copper, and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere are accumulated in the organisms of the city dwellers, leading to slow and terrible mutation. No trace of the vegetation makes the atmosphere in the city even more frightening. The locals understand the depth of the tragedy very well and therefore try to fight their rights in all sorts of ways. The inactivity of local authorities was declared a crime against humanity. The numerous trials are, however, fruitless. ... Complete sights collection

One of the main attractions of the Peruvian city of Limas is the pyramid Huaca Ualyamarka. The scientists have found that it was relatively recent, built in the 4th century. The locals held the truncated pyramid, hidden under the earth layer, for an ordinary stone plateau until the end of the 20th century. The researchers who arrived in Lima in the 80s of the last century have excavated the pyramid, which was recognized as a distinctive historical monument.
For the pyramid construction one has used the unfired bricks. Presumably the building was used for the execution of the sacred rituals. The well-preserved floor of the pyramid became an unexpected discovery for archaeologists. Probably only a few people from the elite could visit the sacred place. In the pyramid, a few graves were discovered. The 'burial treasures' found were very unexpected.
Instead of gold and jewelery, archaeologists have found the everyday objects, the children's toys and the management instruments in the pyramid. Perhaps the noble women were buried in the pyramid. Not far from Huaca Ualyamarka was the museum, where all the artefacts discovered in the ancient building are presented today. In researching the territory, the traces of other ancient buildings have been found. Today, the archaeological zone of Huaca Ualyamarka is open for visitors and is very popular among tourists. ... Complete sights collection

One of the most difficult to reach places on earth can be found in South America. Among the picturesque mountain landscapes here is the small mining town of La Rinconada. The town, situated in the Peruvian Andes at the height of 5 180 meters, is the highest settlement in the world. The only road on which you can reach the city is through very complicated mountainous areas and is covered with ice in most months.
The situation is made difficult by substantial air dilution. For the unprepared people, the climate of the mountainous region can be dangerous to life. Nevertheless, some 50,000 people have been living in the city ter- ritory for several years. Most city dwellers work as miners, who gain gold from the local mines. Although La Rinconada is quite remote from the rest of civilization, the city is characterized by a very bad environmental situation.
The reason for this is industrial and household waste. There is virtually no sewage system in the city. The industrial waste can literally fill the urban streets. Every year there will be more and more waste. La Rinconada has the reputation of the city for the desperate people who arrive here with the only, last hope - to enrich themselves. Many work in the pits for free and can take the entire gold gained during the day once a month. ... Complete sights collection

Machu Picchu takes a special place among the most incredible and unique monuments in the world. This ancient city of the Inca was best preserved after several thousand years. Today visitors to the unique archaeological complex have an excellent opportunity to stroll along the old streets and participate in the history. The unique archaeological complex was discovered by Hiram Bingham. His expedition began the excavations in 1911.
The history of the city of Machu Picchu is mysterious and enigmatic. It served as the residence of the ruler for centuries. Even during the heyday, there were no more than 200 buildings on the city terrarium. In 1532 the history of the city broke out mysteriously. According to a testimony, all city dwellers simply disappeared at once. The modern visitors of the archaeological complex can see the reconstructed fragments of the ancient temples, the residences, the warehouses and the other supporting buildings.
The mysterious disappearance of the city dwellers is only one of Machu Picchu's numerous puzzles. The old town is a unique building complex from an architectural point of view. Here is literally everything - from carefully machined building blocks to incredibly regular buildings admirable. Travelers who wish to travel through the archaeological area should take into account that the maximum number of visitors is 2 500 tourists per day. Therefore you have to book the excursion in advance. ... Complete sights collection

In Peru there are the remarkable buildings, which are also worth seeing for the most experienced tourists. Above all, ruins of the old town of Chavín de Huántar must be mentioned. They are located on the territory of the region of the same name, which the locals have always held for their own unique and magical powers. The old town of Chavín de Huántar was founded 327 year BC. On most of the city were the temples and the sacred buildings.
For many years, the ancient city served as a place for carrying out the complicated sacral rituals and sacrifications, as the numerous artefacts discovered during the excavation. Here the forces drew the shamans. Locals now believe that the hike through the ruins lends magical powers. In the center of the archaeological complex are now two temples, in the inner courtyard of which the sacred monuments and obelisks are hidden.
Like other prehistoric buildings, Chavín de Huántar is remarkable for its architecture. The city temples admire with the size and the used building materials. The interior of the temple is also very complicated. Through the long labyrinths of corridors, visitors can only walk in the company of the guide. The history of discovering this ancient city is unusual. Chavín de Huántar was found by one of the local farmers. In the field of agriculture, he noticed the peculiar stones with chiselled rock drawings. The area discovered by the farmer has attracted researchers and archaeologists from all over the world for more than a century. ... Complete sights collection

In Peru, on the edge of the ancient capital of the Incas Cuzso lies a mysterious Saksayuman castle, which is enveloped in many interesting legends and legends. In the center of the building is the impressive, round stone structure, the Sonnkalender. Even after the several centuries after the foundation, the castle got very well. On their territory, you can see the numerous economic buildings used for the storage of water and food.
The Incas' high architecture is known all over the world. Saksayuman Castle is still a strong confirmation of this. The castle consists of the huge stone blocks of the regular form. The processing of the blocks admires even the experienced modern construction workers. As a legend told the Incas with the help of juice of the rare plants the stones could literally dissolve. Many believe that the gods have helped the construction workers.
Today, Saksayuman is the largest castle on the continent, which has retained the charm and the former grandeur to this day. The gigantic stone blocks of stone are so thick that they can not be pushed back from the spot. Often the sheet of paper does not fit between the blocks. Some scientists believe that the castle was not only an important strategic role, but also served as the site of the great temple complex. According to the historical data, the castle construction began in the second half of the 15th century and lasted for about 50 years. The castle was not finished because of the beginning bourgeois wars. ... Complete sights collection

Situated in a complex mountainous area of Peru, the ancient city of Machu Picchu will be another attractive place for those who like to walk on steep stairs. There are an incredible number of them on the territory of the city, and to explore all the main attractions, you need to spend a lot of energy.
One of the longest and steepest stairs leads to the Temple of the Moon, it has nearly 600 steps. Climbing the stairs is not a test for the faint-hearted, because the stairs are quite high, and there is no railings and any fences along the stairs. On average, the ascent to the Temple of the Moon takes about two hours. The reward for bravery and patience will be a beautiful view, opening at the foot of the temple, as well as an opportunity to touch one of the most amazing ancient buildings. In total, on the territory of the ancient city there are about 200 structures built of stone, all the staircases on the city's territory are also made of stone.
Many of them have decayed and partially collapsed, while others frighten by their fragile appearance and the complete absence of any fences. Since 2011, the entrance to the unique archaeological area is limited. Only 2500 people a day can visit the complex. Machu Picchu is unique from an architectural point of view, the city was built hundreds of years ago in an incredibly difficult and hard-to-reach area. The fact that it is possible to stroll through its territory nowadays, in itself, seems fantastic. ... Complete sights collection