Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Peru

 Peru Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Peru is a South American country, home to fair stretch of Amazon rainforest as well as Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city that stands high in the Andes Mountain. Peru is a nation crammed with history, enchanting beauty, culture, and many adventurous opportunities for tourists. Besides Machu Picchu as a high point of a trip here, there's a lot more that Peru promises you to discover.

You could board a boat on the world's highest navigable lake, admire an extremely deep canyon, go sandboarding in the dunes, fish for piranha in the Amazon, or hike for hours in the Andes. Also, you can explore the Nazca Lines' mysteries, walk through Sacred Valley's ancient ruins, or experience Peru's modern life as you wander Lima's streets.

The sheer diversity of the people, landscape, including the experiences here easily make Peru a very unique destination on the South American continent. 

Now you can use my Peru travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Peru.

1) Machu Picchu.  Sitting high on a ridge, some 300 meters over the Urubamba River, the glorious Inca city is an unmatched dramatic setting of a ruined city. Nearly as extraordinary as the ruins themselves is the stunning backdrop of lush, steep, and cloud-covered mountains.

Situated close to the caretaker's hut, overlooking Mach Picchu, the jungle-shrouded mountains, plus the river that runs far below, you could just start imagining why the wise Incas picked this particular site to construct their beloved city.

In 1911 Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu and firmly believed to his last dying breath that it was the Incas' Lost City. But historians today differ in thinking that the genuine lost city of the Incas was Espiritu Pampa, which Hiram actually knew of but just dismissed it as unimportant.

Also, the trip becomes part of your experience of touring Machu Picchu, whether it is seeing the path by rail, or by just hiking the Inca Trail. Whatever is the case, the scenery will unquestionably inspire you. Trains leave from Urubamba, Cusco, or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

From Aguas Calientes, which is a town standing below Machu Picchu, you can hop on a bus that takes you up to the high-standing Inca city, only a twenty-minute ride through a harrowing switchback road. Though it's quite possible to walk up this road to Machu Picchu, it is a long and uphill climb and we seriously do not recommend it as a practical option for safety reasons.

2) The Inca Trail.  The famed Inca trail is a lengthy 4-day hike that ends at Machu Picchu, and almost all fans regard it as the highlight of their journey to Peru. 

The scenic trail is both quite demanding physically than most tourists expect and what makes it yet more rewarding. A number of varying beginning spots exist for the Inca Trail; however, the old 4-day hike starts at km 82 of the Cusco--rail line of Aguas Calientes. From here, the trail will pass over thirty Inca ruins and travel through impressive scenery. The most challenging part of the trail merges during the second day when you have to climb 1200 meters in both elevation gain and 2 high passes. This hike has to be arranged with an agency, and you must book reservations well in advance, especially during the high season from the months of June to August.

Certain agencies provide the option of getting a shortened version of the hike, entailing the last 2 days or only the hike's last day to lighten the physical burden for some. Campgrounds are scattered along the trail, including one at the base of Machu Picchu. A Hiker could carry his/her own backpack, or have it brought to him/her, depending on the kind of tour.

3) Cusco's Architectural Wealth.  Taking a walk through Cusco's streets is comparable to roaming through a museum, with many layers of history everywhere in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The foundations of several beautiful old colonial structures sit on Inca ruins; these buildings line the narrow roads and display Cusco's long history.

The chief square, Plaza de Armas, standing in the city center is where you'll find La Compania and the Cathedral, two lovely buildings. In addition, the square is a very good place to begin a tour on foot, get a meal, or just watch people going about their business during your day.

Though there are many fine structures and museums worthy of being visited, the church of Santo Domingo sitting on Coricancha's ruins of the Inca, is Cusco's must-see attraction.

4) Lake Titicaca.  Lake Titicaca's sparkling blue water is surrounded by traditional little villages and rolling hills. The lake area happens to be a combination of culture and lovely scenery which makes it quite unique from other regions. Located 3,820 meters beyond sea level, Lake Titicaca is recognized as the world's highest navigable lake.

A boat ride to the islands, including surrounding villages, is the ideal way to truly appreciate the lake. Uros Floating Islands is a major tourist attraction which sustains little communities of Uros Indians. In fact, they are man-made islands built of reeds which have sustained a traditional manner of life from the Incas' time.

The chief gateway to Lake Titicaca is presently the city of Puno, and here you will find travel agencies, hotels, and restaurants. There are buses and trains to Puno as well as flights coming and leaving the close by city of Juliaca.

5) Colca Canyon.  Though it once was thought to be the world's deepest canyon, Colca Canyon, being twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is still the second deepest after Cotainuasi Canyon. In fact, resulting from a seismic fault between 2 volcanoes, Colca Canyon reaches an amazing depth of 3,400 meters. The base and far below sits a winding river.

Inhabited for 1000's of years, Colca Canyon was home to the Collagua, then Cabana, and inevitably the Inca peoples. Stone that terraces along the ancient canyon walls actually dates to AD 800.

Colca Canyon is approximately a 4-hour drive from Arequipa, where day trips to the canyon are always available; two days at least are recommended in order to access the canyon. Plus, there are hot springs, villages, churches, and you can explore Inca ruins. You may even sight condors soaring over the cliff walls.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Jamaica

Jamaica Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

  

                    

As an island-nation situated in the Caribbean, Jamaica is famously characterized by a glittering blue sea, emerald mountains, powder-soft beaches, lush rainforests, and unmatched coral reefs. Recognized as reggae's birthplace, the entire island is bursting with African charm, and personality. 

Any tourist will fall in love with Jamaica. There are numerous exciting highlights ready to be discovered on this character-filled and diverse island, but we can just name a few. Use my Jamaica travel guide to find top tourist attractions in Jamaica that you surely don't want to miss.

1) Falmouth.  As a well-preserved Georgian town in the Caribbean, Falmouth has become a popular cruise stopping port that runs along the island's northern shore. Settled in 1769 as a town farming for sugarcane, Falmouth got its name following Trelawny's birthplace, Jamaica's governor at the time. Falmouth today is loaded with waterfalls, 19th-century architecture, lush forests, sugar and coconut plantations. On account of Falmouth's central location, it was a major slave trade center throughout the late 18th and 19th centuries, and you can discover such history by taking a Heritage Walk.

Stop by the Albert George Market, the refurbished courthouse, and the Baptist Manse. You'll want to explore the Great Hall estates, especially Greenwood Great House as well as the Good Hope Great House; here you can choose to either tube or zip-line along the Martha Brae River. Other worthy attractions include the Luminous Lagoon that's home to amazing phosphorescent marine life, and the open-air markets overflowing with homemade crafts and arts.

2) Port Antonio.  Because of a scenic fishing village boasting 2 ports, once upon a time Port Antonio was a vibrant chief banana hub. But today it's a much calmer holiday haven, which adds to its charm.

The village is made up of a fascinating variety of both Victorian and Georgian architecture, colorful markets, and chilled cafes ideal mainly for people-watching. However, it's the stunning nature that is the major appeal here. Just imagine for a moment, exploring through sensational jungles, discovering turquoise lagoons, crystal-clear waterfalls, huge hiking trails, and lovely beaches.

You'll find many opportunities for relaxing, except Port Antonio motivates a bit of activity. For example, try surfing at Boston Beach, go bamboo rafting below the Rio Grande, turn into the aquamarine lagoons at Frenchman's Cove, before deciding to hang out at the Blue Lagoon which is a freshwater spring where precisely the movie with the same name got filmed.

3) Nine Mile.  It's a small village as well as a rather tight-knit community that sits in the Saint Ann Parish, only a few miles south of Brown's Town. There's barely any distinction about the town but for one main claim to fame, which is that Bob Marley, famous reggae artist, happened to be born and even buried here.

Nine Mile's rural character played a huge role in Marley's music career, no doubt influencing several of his songs. The actual house where Bob Marley grew up in is a big attraction here, and the home features only original furnishings. Both the Bob Marley Mausoleum and his mother's, Cedella Bokker, are located on the estate.

Bob Marley's fans will want to visit Nine Mile as a sort of pilgrimage to pay their humble respects. In fact, Rastafarian guides provide a tour to the artist's final resting place. You'll see noteworthy memorabilia that includes photographs, guitars, and awards. Watch out for the Rasta-colored "rock pillow" which Marley utilized when looking to be inspired for his music.

4) Treasure Beach.  Treasure Beach encompasses 6 glamorous golden miles that crosses 4 idyllic fishing villages through the south coast where you'll find relaxation, reggae music, and cool drinks.

After Jakes Hotel had opened their doors and became far better known over 25 years ago, Treasure Beach now is offering exactly what the name hints at: it's the perfect getaway spot. But in spite of its recent popularity, the beach has retained its unassuming charm, none of all those notorious tourist traps and overcrowded beaches of the north coast here.

Rather, it's quite popular for sporting enthusiasts, and you can engage in water sports, tennis, football, or cricket. But if you prefer soaking up a slower life, you'll find many coral-colored beaches for relaxing on. You may spend your time swimming, snorkeling, dolphin spotting, body surfing, zip-lining, cycling, and hiking. Consider taking a Black River safari cruise.

5) Kingston.  Situated along the coastline in the South-East, Kingston is the island's biggest capital-city where more than half of its people live. Kingston was created in 1692 because an earthquake ended up destroying Port Royal at the harbor-mouth.

Now, you can discover Kingston's rich history with the help of a guided tour of Fort Charles. Be sure to tour colonial-era Devon House, Bob Marley Museum, and the National Gallery of Jamaica, which is the Caribbean's oldest public art gallery. 

Enjoy the outdoors by having a nice picnic in Holywell National Park, visiting Hope Botanical Garden, or just strolling along the harbor front. Or you can even brush up in your bargaining skills at Coronation Market. 

Also, if you wish by now to sunbath under the Caribbean town's sunshine, go padding out to Lime Cay island where you can learn to surf, or just delight in the therapeutic Rockfort Mineral Baths. 

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