Whilst you are in Peri, you must definitely explore the surroundings of Ica. Who would have believed that the country is home to an oasis and a desert, penguins, Pisco and everything, all in such a small place? A journey to the heart of the region can offer you incredible diversity and an unforgettable experience with nature.

Surf, try new things, explore and more in Ica

Huaraz is the perfect departure point for excursions into both the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. It's in the heights of the Sierra that you will truly discover all the fantastic features that the Ancash region has to offer.

Huarez: a jewel nestled between snow-covered peaks

Arriving in Iquitos by air gives a foretaste of what awaits you in the dense jungle. From above, all you see is a thick forest that covers the land as far as the eye can see, where only the river and its tributaries stand out from an immense green carpet.

In the heart of the Amazon rainforest: Iquitos and its floating shantytown

Located between the Selva and the Cordillera of the Andes, the Huancavélica and Cerro Pasco region will put you under its spell, with its incredible landscapes, the welcoming nature of the local inhabitants and the old traditions that are still very much alive

Pasco and Huancavélica: a voyage combining nature and tradition

Machu Picchu

Puerto Maldonado

Llanganuco

Choquequirao

Perched at 3,700 metres, the town of Chinchero has superb views over the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 

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I lived in Cusco for a time and have therefore explored the Sacred Valley quite a bit. And when it comes to the little villages to visit, Chinchero tops my list, despite the fact that it's quite popular with tourists. You'll no doubt be advised to visit on a Sunday, which is market day. And that's sound advice: it's exceptionally colourful. But even during the week it's still a place worth visiting. This is partly because the route between Cusco and the village in question is superb, and partly because the centre of the village is very pretty and you'll have the chance to learn about the skilful weaving produced by its inhabitants. However, what I've also been impressed by each time I've visited (perhaps more than anything else) are the views from the Inca terraces located just a few minutes walk from the central square. So, to summarise: a wonderful setting, local arts and crafts, and a mix of colonial and Inca cultures – the perfect blend of everything you could possibly dream of discovering when <a href="/peru/">visiting this part of Peru!</a>

A charming little village in the Sacred Valley built on Inca ruins and lying just thirty kilometres from Cusco.

Situated at 30km from Cuzco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the town of Chinchero is often included in <a href="/peru/">tours of Peru</a>. It's in the Urumbamba District. It's shortly due to be the location for Peru's 2nd international airport. The town is bound to drastically change once the works officially begin. At the same time, it's great news for travellers who want to visit Machu Picchu without spending time in Lima. I really enjoyed my tour of the church. It dates back to the 1600s. Its paintings and frescoes are well preserved, whilst its history is fascinating. Go with a guide - his/her knowledge will make it worth the expense. Finally, as it's at a high altitude, the view from Chinchero of Mount Salkantay with its snowy summits is amazing. It's a great photo opportunity.

Perched at 3,700 metres, the town of Chinchero has superb views over the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Chinchero Vacations

Chinchero: How to get there?

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