Peru Editor Picks

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Editor Picks

Ancient civilizations, colonialism, and mighty nature have all left their mark on Peru, which offers travelers outdoor adventures and a glimpse into a history that spans thousands of years. Vibrant cities also hold their own – buzzing with activity both night and day. As you plan your Peru itinerary, … more let this selection of attractions, hand-picked by Sherman’s expert editors, guide you to the absolute best that Peru has to offer.

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Machu Picchu – Peru’s top attraction – is only accessible by train or trek from Cusco. While you could make the 3-hour journey by rail, it’s far more stimulating to hoof it along the Inca trail. Sign up for a guided 2-5 day excursion (hikers must be accompanied a licensed escort) to follow the popular footpath as it winds its way through cloud-covered forest, dense

800-930-4319; www.incatrailreservations.com

The citadel – best appreciated with a guide – holds Machu Picchu’s most inspiring sites, including the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, Intihuatana (a sundial rock believed to be an astronomical and agricultural calendar), and the Sacred Rock, which is believed to emit an energy force. Guides can be hired for $20 at the gate or, for a bit more, at the nearby Sanctuary Lodge.

Sanctuary Lodge; Base of Machu Picchu ruins; 011-51-84-246-419; machupicchu.orient-express.com

Set in Plaza San Francisco, Baroque-style Merced dons a 17th-century monstrance, with over 600 pearls, 1,500-plus diamonds and more than 22 kilograms of solid gold. The latter church’s appeal stems from ceiling frescoes, skull and bone decorations and Spanish artworks.

Calle Mantas s/n; Cusco

Standing 13,200 feet high on an Andes mountain ridge overlooking the vast green jungle of the Amazon, this site is known for phenomenal sunsets and sunrises. Hiking and camping here will invoke a deep connection with Pacha Mama (Mother Nature).

96 miles northeast of Cusco; Tres Cruces; www.peru.info

Catch a bullfight in the world’s third oldest ring. On Sundays in July and from October to December, matadors challenge los toros in the 18th-century Plaza de Acho.

Jr. Hualgayoc 332; Lima; 011-51-1-315-5000

This beautiful nature reserve bustles with marine wildlife (everything from tiny fish and mollusks to scores of sun-basking sea lions), condors, giant sea turtles, and red-and-white flamingos.

152 miles south of Lima (9 miles from Pisco); Paracas

Perhaps best known for its Sunday artisan market, this quaint Andean village is dominated by some of the most massive ruins in the entire valley, showcasing remnants of religious temples, military structures, and impressively steep agricultural terraces.

20 miles northeast of Cusco in the Sacred Valley; Pisac; www.peru.info

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