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Peru is a country filled with contrasts because of the various layers of great ancient civilizations which make up this country. In Peru you have everything from colonial cities that have preserved the legacy of the Spanish conquerors, to tiny villages where you can really get a feel of the country and its people. Peru has numerous places for you to visit, explore and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere.

1. Places to visit at and around Lima

Lima is the capital city of Peru. It is a major city that sparkles with living history and progress. It is a mixture of pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern elements. This city is surrounded by the sea, by islands, mountains, desert and plant life. Some very interesting places to visit while at Lima are

• Pantanos De Villa is a natural wetland which is a reserved zone for more than 150 bird species.

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• The Lunahuana valley is a hotspot for adventure sports. It lies in the Canete highlands and is 180 kms from Lima.

• The Lomas de Lachay is a national reserve in the foothills which is 105 kms from Lima to the north and features a unique fog-fed eco system of wild plant and variety of animal species.

• The temples of metropolitant Lima: Lima has left untouched dozens of ancient temples and archaeological sites which stand out against the full of life metropolis. These ancient monuments have been preserved, thanks to the efforts of archaeologists and the residents.

• Lima’s Cathedral: Built in 1625 in a very stylish way with splendid altars and is definitely the first stop on the tour around Lima.

• The real felipe Port: In 1747, Viceroy Conde de Superunda, tired of continual looting by some of the most famous pirates of the era, ordered the construction of an indestructible fort in the port of Callao, near the city of Lima. The fort was to be the fortress that would defend the Vice-regency of Peru from pirates and other invaders.

2. Machu Picchu:

Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” in Quechua. (Quechua is a native language of South America; it was the primary language of the Inca Empire) The civilization at Mahu Picchu is an existing proof of the last remains of the Incan tribes. It has been elected as the Seven Wonders of the World in July 2007. The Spaniards had heard of this mountain but never found it. It was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu was used as a place of worship and also as a private retreat for the family of the Inca rulers. Machu Picchu is divided into two zones

The agriculture zone: has terraces for farming and the food store houses.

The Urban zone: contains the sacred temples and royal tombs.

It is worth mentioning that throughout this archaeological site one can find the stone staircases and canals flowing.

3. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is Peru`s most popular trekking route and one of the most spectacular walks in South America. It is a part of the 23,000 Km of roads built by the Incas across South America. Each year, some 25,000 hikers from all over the globe walk the 43 km stone-paved trail, built by the Incas to reach to the unconquerable citadel of Machu Picchu in the city of Cuzco.

4. Lake Titicaca in Puno

Puno is one of Peru’s primary tourist destinations and it is also one of the most interesting spots on the South American continent. There are very few cities in the world like Puno, that lie by the shores of such an amazing body of water as Lake Titicaca. It is the world’s highest traversable lake. Scattered on the lake are dozens of islands, each of them with their own uniqueness and peculiarity. Legend has it that from the waters of Lake Titicaca emerged Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the legendary founders of the Inca empire.

5. The Nazca Lines at Ica

Ica is an area of sea, sand, valleys and oases. It is the cradle to Peru’s Creole culture.

The Nazca Lines, which were discovered in 1927, is the most astonishing legacy left by a culture that flourished in 300 BC. These lines are a series of difficult to draw designs up to 300 meters long which can only be seen in their true dimension from an altitude of at least 1500 feet. What confuses many archaeologists till date is how the ancient people crafted these lines, what technology was used and what purpose did these lines serve to them.

Apart from the above interesting places to visit in Peru, you have ample opportunities to enjoy and relax. From Mountaineering in the Peruvian Andes, mountain biking, varieties of water sports, freshwater fishing, hot air ballooning. The list is endless. Peru is very well interconnected by roads and air. Hotels and food in restaurants are quite cheap when compared to other countries. You have every reason to pack your bags and land in Peru for your next vacation.

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Mexico is an enchanting country that contradicts how the rest of the world lives. Almost every single country has a strict work ethic but Mexicans are lovers of free time and like to mix and socialize. It can either be seen as a good thing or a bad thing but friends and family are considered more important than work in Mexico. Mexico also has a rich history that contributed greatly to its culture today. And with ancient civilization, you can expect to see some of the best museums, monuments and places of tourist interest in the world.

Following are the top 5 cities in Mexico to Visit for what they have in store for tourist.

1. Mexico City

• Zocalo: It is one of the biggest public plazas in the world. It is the heart of Mexico City and is one of the city’s most famous attractions.

• National Museum of Anthropology: The National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City is one of the most widespread of its kind in the world. There are many rooms that house the archaeological museum.

• Frida Kahlo Museum: The museum “Frida Khalo” is a beautiful place where one can see all the artwork that the great Frida Kahlo created.

• Xochimilco: Xochimilco and the Aztec Kings’ Lake are Mexico City’s waterways. Xochimilco is a must visited tourist spot by every touring Mexico.

• National Palace: The national palace is a historic building which was once occupied by Hernan Cortes, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs, and includes a famous panoramic wall painting of Mexican history by Diego Rivera.
  

To conclude, In Mexico City, a person would find architectural buildings, historic sites, government buildings, historical museums and homes, shopping malls and waterways.

2. Oaxaca

• Monte Alban: The ruins of this ancient Zapotec capital make up as one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Latin America.

• The Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art:
  This museum contains a varied collection of pre-Columbian art donated by Rufino Tamayo, one of Mexico’s most famous modern artists.
  Museum of Art Oaxaca: This museum has permanent art exhibits of five renowned Oaxacan artists and also has a rotating collection of modern exhibits.

• Zocalo: This plaza is full of stores and also contains an 18^th century old cathedral. It is the center of all social activity in Oaxaca.

• Isaac Vasquez Studio: In and around Oaxaca City weaving is an important occupation. A visit to Vasquez’s studio one can view the entire weaving process from start to finish.

In Oaxaca, major tourist attractions include ancient ruins, historic sites, religious sites, historical museum and architectural buildings.

3. Monterrey

• Grutas de Garcia: Comprises of astonishing and dramatic caves believed to be dating back to more than 50 million years ago.

• Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MARCO): This museum is housed in a beautiful building designed by the world’s renowned architect Ricardo Legorreta. Featured in this museum are works of major Mexican and Latin American artists.

• Cascada Cola de Caballo: It is a 25 meter high waterfall resembling a horse tail. It is a great picnic spot.

• Faro de Comercio: It is a beautiful monument designed by Luis BarragáÏ in honor of the commercial development of Monterrey region.
  

Famous attractions at Monterrey are Caves, Art Museums, Monuments, Historical walking areas and the Historical museum.

4. Puebla

• Amparo Museum: This museum houses various artifacts and pieces of art from pre-Columbian and colonial times.

• Zocalo: An old water fountain rests at the center of this country plaza. It is located in Puebla’s historic district.

• Rosary Chapel: This extremely complex 17th-century chapel is part of the Santo Domingo Church.

• Alley of the Frogs: This street is popular for selling antiques during the day and at night you could witness a lively musical atmosphere.
  

Famous attractions at Puebla are art museums, religious site, antique shops and street markets.

5. Guanajuato

• Mummy Museum: This is the most expensive museum in Guanajuato, but it is a must-see for every tourist because it is so extraordinary. People from all over Mexico visit it, and you are likely to find it crowded with Mexicans and not much other nationals.

• Don Quixote Iconographic Museum: This museum is dedicated to the famous Don Quixote and displays statues, murals and other depictions of this legendary figure.

• Juarez Theater: This early 20th-century building is partly Greek, partly Moorish and partly Roman and is one of the city’s more noticeable landmarks.

• Monumento a Cristo Rev: This monument of Jesus Christ is located on a nearly 3,000 foot mountain called Cerro del Cubilete. The huge statue of Jesus is one of the largest in the world.

• Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato: Although this museum is small in size, but it has some cool stuff inside it. It can be a bit difficult to find this museum which is located up a hill, in front of the Guanajuato University

Major attractions at Guanajuato are Museums, Theatres and Religious sites.