PERU NEWS - PERUVIAN TOURIST NEWS
Peru is the home to various pre-Columbian civilizations, most notably the Incan Empire, Chavin, Moche, and Nasca. The ruins of Machu Picchu are the most internationally recognized of all the ruins of Peru and therefore receive the most tourists. This is not to say that they are the only ones present as there are hundreds of other ruins not popularized to the magnitude as those of Machu Picchu. The most popular ruins, not including Machu Picchu, are that of Chan Chan, Sipan, Kuelap, Nazca lines, Ollantaytambo, Caral, Sacsayhuamán, and Sillustani. There are hundreds of others besides these. The other form of cultural tourism is directed towards the colonial architecture present in many cities in Peru. Some of the most astounding examples of Peruvian colonial architecture are located in the cities of Lima, Arequipa, Trujillo and Cusco.
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PERU GENERAL INFORMATION

Surface Area
With an area of 1,285,215 square km, Peru is the third-largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina, ranking it amongst the world's 20 largest nations.

Peru also holds sway over the sea up to 200 miles from the Peruvian coast and has territorial rights to an area of 60 million hectares in the Antarctic. Peru is divided into 24 departments. Lima is the capital of Peru.

Population
27.000.000 inhabitants.
- Urban: 72,3 %
- Rural: 27,7 %

Peru is a nation of mixed ethnic origins. Throughout its history, Peru has been the meeting ground for different nations and cultures. The indigenous population was joined 500 years ago by the Spaniards.

As a result of this encounter, and later enriched by the migration of African blacks, Asians and Europeans, Peruvian man emerged as the representative of a nation whose rich ethnic mix is one of its leading characteristics.

Language
- Spanish: 80,3%
- Quechua: 16,2%
- Other languages: 3,0%
- Foreign languages: 0,2%

Currency
The official currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), which is divided into 100 centimos. The currency includes coins for 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimos and 1, 2 and 5 sol coins. There are bills in the denomination of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.

Government
Peru is a democratic republic. The president and members of Congress are elected every five years by universal suffrage. The current constitutional president of Peru is Alan Garcia Pérez (2006-2011).

Religión
Roman Catholic: 89,03%
Evangelical: 6,73%
Other religions: 2,56%
Any Religion: 1.65%

Geography
Peru is divided into three regions: the coast, the highlands and the jungle.
Although this simple division is a fair portrait of Peru's geography, the reality is much richer and far more complex: in Peru, nature appears to have taken on particular characteristics which have turned its mountains, plains, jungles and valleys into unique habitats.
An extraordinary variety of eco-systems shelters a wide diversity of animals and plants.


FACTS ABOUT PERU

Peru: a privileged destination
Heir to ancient cultures and a rich colonial tradition, Perú is a magical spot which involves one of the richest biodiversities of Earth, and is a melting pot of different cultures who together are forging the promise of a better future.

Important hotel infrastructure
Important hotel infrastructure.
- 7.646 lodgings offering 131.624 rooms and 229.886 beds
- 26 five-star hotels, 26 four-star hotels, 487 three-star hotels
- 927 two star-hotels, 411 one star-hotels and 42 logdes.

Accessibility by air and land
- 14 airports equipped to receive commercial flights and 10 ready for international flights: Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Pisco, Pucallpa, Iquitos, Cusco, Trujillo, Tacna and Juliaca.
- 17 airlines operating international flights
- 7 airline companies offering domestic flights
- More than 78,000 kilometers of highways, 8,084.26 of which are asphalted

Archaeological heritage
Ten thousand years of history are lived through 180 museums and historical places. While Peru inevitably evokes images of Machu Picchu and the Inca empire, the country is also riddled with archaeological sites which are a legacy of even more ancient times, when great civilizations bequeathed a legacy of their art, customs and rituals, their wisdom and skills.

Nature and Landscapes
- As home to 84 of the 104 life zones that exist on our plant makes Peru a privileged destination for nature lovers.
- Close to 20% of the worlds birds and 10% of the world's reptiles live here.
- Peru has converted 13% of its territory into Protected Natural Areas.

Festivities and Traditions
Peru is a country that sings and dances in joy and sadness with color and a great deal of paraphernalia. Peruvians celebrate some 3,000 festivals all over the country

Incomparable cuisine
Over 40,000 restaurants across the country reflect the diversity of a nation that has mixed its native traditions with the cuisines of Europe, Arabia, China, Africa and Japan. The result: unique flavours that make Peruvian cuisine one of the best and most varied in the world.

 

 
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PERU TOURS - PERU TRAVEL - PERUVIAN TOURS
Peru is a magical spot which involves one of the richest biodiversities of Earth, and is a melting pot of different cultures. Peru, the most fascinating destination in South America. Visit Peruvian highlights cities: travel to Cusco, explore the incredible sites of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, Chan Chan or Sipán, overfly the Nazca Lines, go into Manu rainforest, navigate the Titicaca Lake or walk the Inca Trail. Practice your favourite adventure sport in the coast, rivers or mountains, or be in touch with the widest variety of flora and fauna of the Peru Amazon jungle. Visitors will be amazed by Peru's vast geography, its flora and fauna, its rich culture and its diverse people. Peruvian Tours is the best and most informative site on Peru for travel and tourism. You can pick the touryou like or you can book a complete program with us. We have a team of professional sales executives to assist you.
Discover why Peru is for many the heart of South America's greatest civilizations
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PERU TOURISM NEWS

 

US remains top tourist source for Peru despite economic woes

 
Lima, Oct. 23 (ANDINA). Deputy Minister of Tourism Claudia Cornejo said the United States remains the top source of foreign tourists to Peru despite the North American country's economic woes, hence the importance of today's launching of the Peru Brand campaign in Washington D.C.
Brand Peru international campaign in the U.S.
Brand Peru international campaign in the U.S.

Cornejo said this year's efforts to promote Peru abroad end with the presentation of the country brand, “Marca Perú,” in the U.S. capital, which she described as an important market for Peru's cultural attractions.

"Washington gathers a group of people who work for various governments, as well as opinion leaders and representatives of multilateral agencies interested in culture, that is what we promote, therefore it is an important and interesting place for Peru," Cornejo told Andina.

The official added that most US visitors come from New York, Chicago (Illinois), Los Angeles and San Francisco (California).

According to Cornejo, today's presentation will be held at the headquarters of the Inter-American Development Bank, in the presence of Bank President Luis Alberto Moreno, Peruvian Ambassador Harold Forsyth and internationally known chefs Ferrán Adrià of Spain and Gastón Acurio of Peru.

"This is the last presentation of of the year, we have launched the country brand in France, Germany and Spain. It is also an opportunity to talk about the good situation of the country," said the deputy minister.

 

Artifact of Chimu culture found in Machu Picchu

 
Cusco, Oct. 22 (ANDINA). An offering featuiring pieces of pottery, stones and a ceremonial pot was found in Machu Picchu Inca citadel during archaeological excavations.
Machu Picchu. Photo: ANDINA.
Machu Picchu. Photo: ANDINA.
The pieces, which were discovered by experts of Cusco's Regional Directorate of Culture, were found 70 centimeters underground.

According to archeologist Carlos Werner Delgado, the artifacts were left as an offering to the gods of Machu Picchu and Salkantay snowcapped mountain due to the position they were placed underground.   

He noted that the pieces would date back to time of Pachacutec, between 1438 and 1470, but the ceremonial pot of Chimu culture would be the oldest one dating back 1000 and 1200.

 

Peru sees 'tremendous growth' in luxury & boutique hotels
 
Lima, Oct. 21 (ANDINA). From all-inclusive resorts focused on family and business travel to exclusive boutique hotels offering unique and personalized luxury experiences, Peru is evolving into an exciting destination for a broad range of travelers.
Photo: ANDINA/Carlos Lezama
Photo: ANDINA/Carlos Lezama

On a recent visit to New York City, Tourism Director for PromPeru, Maria del Carmen de Reparaz, described the vast growth of Peru’s hotel and travel industry, specifically in the ecotourism and luxury market.

“In the past year we have seen tremendous growth in luxury and boutique hotels,” said del Carmen de Reparaz. “We are now able to provide a full range of options, from budget travel to high-end luxury travel.”

In regions all throughout the country, luxury hotels that highlight the stunning natural life of Peru are popping up at a rapid rate—promising to attract a brand new demographic of vacationers and increase the number of international travelers.

“We are excited to see Peru transition from a destination well-known for its historic and cultural offerings, to a destination that is able to offer luxury as well,” del Carmen de Reparaz was quoted as saying in an article published by Canada Free Press.

 

Junin dance Morenada declared National Cultural Heritage

 
Lima, Oct. 20 (ANDINA). The folkloric dance La Morenada was declared Saturday a Cultural Heritage of the Nation as for being the expression of cultural identity of the district of Santiago León de Chongos Bajo, province of Chupaca, in Peru's central Junin region.
La Morenada dancers.
La Morenada dancers.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Culture, the dance reflects the fusion of African and Andean cultures in the country.

The Morenada is most popular during celebrations of Patron Saint Santiago and Virgen del Carmen and features masks depicting the physical features of African people.

The costume includes a black mask, black hat, scarves and feathers of different colors, a white shirt, a multi-colored tie, a jacket, a dark shawl, brown boots and a whip.

 

Mincetur to launch Peru Brand campaign in Washington

 
Lima, Oct. 19 (ANDINA). The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, or Mincetur, will launch the "Marca Perú" (Peru Brand) campaign in Washington, D.C. next week to attract more investment and visitors to the country.
Photo: ANDINA/Carlos Lezama
Photo: ANDINA/Carlos Lezama

Peru's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Claudia Cornejo, will travel to the U.S. on behalf of Mincetur to attend the launch of the campaign on October 23.

In a ministerial statement, the Peru Brand is described as a promotional tool that aims to showcase the country on an international level, while improving its image and international relations.

The three sectors which "Marca Perú" hopes to boost is tourism, exports, and investment.

The international campaign will be launched during a press conference at the Embassy of Peru, followed by the screening of a promotional documentary at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

 

New mammal species found in Peru
 

Lima, Oct. 19 (ANDINA). Tabaconas-Namballe National Sanctuary, in northern Peru, is a treasure-trove of biodiversity, with scientists having recently discovered up to eight new mammal species and sub-species.
Photo: Sernanp.
Photo: Sernanp.
On top of this, they've also uncovered new amphibian and insect species. The findings are so recent scientists have yet to extensively study and officially describe their findings. 

However, researchers believe this remote cloud forest and alpine grassland ecosystem could have even more surprises for visitors.

The mammals, yet to be scientifically described, include a new type of night monkey, a marsupial, a porcupine, a shrew, various rodents, a new species of olingo and possibly a grey fox.

The area is already home to a range of identified animals including 85 mammal, 326 bird and 23 reptile and amphibian species, website wanderlust.co.uk reported.

Among these are the endangered mountain tapir and the spectacled bear, which is listed as vulnerable.

The Tabaconas-Namballe National Sanctuary is part of the Department of Cajamarca. There are daily flights to Cajamarca from Lima and buses run from the surrounding areas of Chiclayo, Trujillo and Lima. 

Aside from the spectacular sights of the sanctuary, its waterfalls and lagoons, the historical area of Cajamarca boasts Inca baths and Yanacocha, one of Latin America's largest gold mines.

 

Cusco voted second best city in Latin America
 
Lima, Oct. 19 (ANDINA). The imperial city of Cusco was voted the second best city in Latin America in the Condé Nast's Readers' Choice Awards 2012.
Cusco
Cusco's main square. Photo: ANDINA/archivo
Coming in first place was Buenos Aires, Argentina, while Medellin, Colombia was ranked third, followed by San Pedro de Atacama and Santiago, both in Chile.

Peru's export and tourism promotion board Promperu said that the rankings are based on scores in categories like ambience, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, culture and sites, and shopping.             

Meanwhile, Condé Nast Traveler readers also rate the top hotels in South America, with Monasterio ranking fourth, Libertador Palacio del Inka sixth, Marriot Lima tenth, Country Club Hotel thirteenth and el Swissôtel Lima eighteenth.

The categories include rooms, services, food, location, design and activities.

In addition, Peru's Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel was ranked seventh in the top 15 resorts in Central and South America.

 

Peru is top destination among Chilean tourists
 
Lima, Oct. 18 (ANDINA). Peru has overtaken Argentina as the most popular Chilean tourist destination, according to newly released figures from Chile's National Tourism Service.

The Santiago daily El Mercurio said this is the first time that Argentina had been displaced as the top destination for Chileans.

Between January and August this year, Argentina received 964,809 Chilean visitors; while Peru welcomed 987,739 tourists and accounted for 37.8 percent of outbound trips from Chile.

Cusco and Arequipa in southern Peru as well as the capital Lima are the most popular cities with Chilean visitors, who also enjoy the northern beaches of the country.

Andres Sainte-Marie, manager of travel agency Viajes Falabella, said the sale of holiday packages in Peru grew by 70 percent over the last eight months.

 

Mario Vargas Llosa wins international literary prize
 
Lima, Oct. 17 (ANDINA). Acclaimed writer and Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa has been named as the winner of the inaugural Carlos Fuentes International Prize.
ANDINA/Archive
ANDINA/Archive

The $250,000 cash award went to the Peruvian-born Llosa "for the contribution he has made in the Spanish language to enrich the heritage of mankind",
according to the jury's decision read by Jose Manuel Blecua, director of the Spanish Royal Academy.

During a conference call, the 2010 Nobel literature laureate said he was "very grateful, very moved by the award", and hailed the presence alongside the jury of Silvia Lemus, wife of the late Mexican literary icon Fuentes.

About his relationship with Fuentes, who died May 15 at the age of 83, Vargas Llosa said that he learned of the author when he was very young and that "reading works like 'La Region Mas Transparente' (Where the Air is Clear) truly impressed him".

That book was the "beginning of a narrative that in the following years would achieve widespread readership", Vargas Llosa said of Fuentes' classic work.

The prize, which includes a sculpture by artist Vicente Rojo, will be presented in Mexico City Nov 11, Fuentes' birthday, in a ceremony scheduled to be presided over by Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

Mexico's National Culture and Arts Council created the prize in July, IANS reported.

 

Peru sees tourism as second largest source of revenue by 2014
 
Lima, Oct. 17 (ANDINA). Tourism will vault over fisheries as the second largest source of income for Peru in 2014, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur).
Peruvian Minister of Trade and Tourism Jose Luis Silva Martinot. Photo: ANDINA/Prensa Presidencia
Peruvian Minister of Trade and Tourism Jose Luis
Silva Martinot. Photo: ANDINA/Prensa Presidencia

Minister Jose Luis Silva said Wednesday that Peru's tourism is inclusive and diversified, with visitors enjoying a host of memorable tourist attractions and wonders both natural and man-made.

Silva noted the rapid growth of foreign tourist arrivals to Peru, jumping from a million visitors in 2002 to an expected 2.8 million by the end of this year.

The government's goal, he said, is to attract 3.6 million tourists and earn US$4.6 billion in foreign exchange by 2016, US$3.25 billion higher than revenues from fisheries exports in 2011, according to official data.

Silva went on to announce that the country's main convention center will be built on 100 hectares of land reclaimed from the sea, in the port city of Callao, northwest of Lima.

Mining is the main source of income in Peru.

 

2013 Dakar Rally to attract 10,000 tourists to southern Peru
 
Arequipa, Oct. 16 (ANDINA). Arequipa, in Peru's southern region, expects to attract some 10,000 tourists during the most famous off-road race, 2013 Dakar Rally, which will pass by this region on January 8.
Photo: Firbas.
Photo: Firbas.

Alfredo Venero, head of Arequipa's Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism, said that the advertising campaign will be launched in Brazil and Bolivia to promote Arequipa as one of the points for this thrilling adventure and its tourist attractions.  

"We will visit the neighbordering cities of Bolivia and Brazil to encourage people to visit Arequipa to participate in the Dakar and we will also show the city's tourist attractions so they can come anytime," he told Andina news agency.  

He stressedthat the ad campaign is not just aimed at promoting this region for the race,but as a tourist destination.  

Next year’s Dakar Rally will begin in Lima to cover 4.970 miles of distance, in fourteen stages, between January 5 and 20, through Peruvian, Chilean and Argentinean territories, to finally reach the flag-down finishing point in Santiago, Chile. 

 

 

Cusco still in New7Wonder Cities race
 
Lima, Oct. 15 (ANDINA). Cusco is currently the top-ranked city in South America in the New7Wonders Cities campaign, which is aimed at naming the new seven wonders of cities around the world.
Photo:ANDINA/Percy Hurtado
Photo:ANDINA/Percy Hurtado
The ancient capital of the Incas is ranked first, followed by Mendoza, Salta and Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Punta del Este, in Uruguay is placed fifth; Asuncion, in Paraguay sixth; Cayenne, in Guayana seventh; Lima, the other Peruvian city on the list, comes eight.

The campaign is currently in the second phase which will run to November 23. The 77 participating cities that obtain the most votes will be evaluated by a panel of experts who will announce the 28 finalists.

The New7Wonders Cities is the third campaign in the New7Wonders movement. Previous campaigns elected the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World and the New7Wonders of Nature.

 

 

Lima organizes field trips to mark 18 years of research in Caral
 
Lima, Oct. 15 (ANDINA). Lima's Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) has organized field trips on October 26 and 27 to archaeological sites to celebrate the 18 years of research in the Sacred City of Caral.
Photo:ANDINA / Juan Carlos Guzmán Negrini.
Photo:ANDINA / Juan Carlos Guzmán Negrini.
"Students will learn about the cultural heritage left by our ancestors," head of Dircetur in Lima, Humberto Barba Mitrani said.

Field trips have been organized on the occasion of 18 years of archaeological research in Caral, added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2009.

The 5000-year-old 626-hectare archaeological site of The Sacred City of Caral-Supe is situated on a dry desert terrace overlooking the green valley of the Supe river.

It dates back to the Late Archaic Period of the Central Andes and is the oldest centre of civilization in the Americas. 

 

 

No need to overfly Peru's Nazca Lines, says tourism official
 
Lima, Oct. 14 (ANDINA). The mysterious Nazca Lines can be seen from a handful of man-made towers and natural viewpoints adjacent to the Pan American Highway on the southern coast of Peru, said Elizabeth Scarpati, head of the Nazca Chamber of Tourism.
Nazca Lines in Peru. Photo: ANDINA/Archive
Nazca Lines in Peru. Photo: ANDINA/Archive

Scarpati said this is a great alternative for those who are afraid of getting on a plane and flying over the zoomorphic, anthropomorphic and geometric figures, located between the towns of Nazca and Palpa.

"From the viewpoints visitors can see more than 15 designs," she told Andina. "This service has always been available but it has not gotten enough promotion."

The Mirador of the Nazca Lines is located on one side of the Pan American Highway, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from the modern city of Nazca. The metallic tower is 13 meters high and allows visitors to see clearly two of the famous Nazca Lines, the Hands and the Tree figures.

There is also a natural viewpoint known as La Colina (The Hill), an interesting place where many straight lines converge.

Meanwhile, Scarpati said her office is working to reverse the decline in the number of visitors due mainly to a number of accidents involving aircraft flying over the Nazca Lines.

 

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