Machu Picchu: the famous Inca city, lost in the Andes for centuries. Views of the ruins and the surrounding mountains, and distant views from the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America, and because of its size and high altitude (3,812 m/12,507 ft) is the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake is considered to be the birthplace of the Inca. In the video: cruising the Peruvian side of the lake and visiting the Uros Floating Islands, the Amantani Island, and the Taquile Island.
Inca and pre-Inca ruins in Sacred Valley and South Valley, Peru. The Sacred Valley (Río Urubamba Valley, El Valle Sagrado) and the South Valley are located around Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and were very important to the Incas. In the video: Ollantaytambo (0:01), Chinchero (2:32), Salineras/Maras (3:26), Moray (4:43), Pisac (5:36), Tipon, South Valley (7:41), pre-Inca ruins at Pikillaqta, South Valley (9:20).
Amazing views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers and turquoise lakes in the Huascaran National Park in Peru, part of Cordillera Blanca and the central Andes. The park is the highest tropical mountain range in the world, reaching height of 6,768 meters (22,205 feet). UNESCO World Heritage Site. Filmed over 4 days at the following locations: Puya Raimondii viewpoint (0:01), Pastoruri Glacier (0:33), Laguna Chinancocha (2:28), Lake 69 trek (2:48), Querococha (6:04), Lake Parón (6:20).
Two of the most important Pre-Inca sites in Peru, nearby Trujillo. Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Sun and Moon Temples/Pyramids) are adobe structures built by the Moche civilization between the 1st and 8th centuries, near the volcanic peak of Cerro Blanco. Chan Chan is the largest pre-Colombian city in South America, capital of the Chimu civilization, from 9 to 15-th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The sand dunes surrounding the desert oasis of Huacachina are the highest in South America. The area is popular for Dune Buggy riding and sandboarding. Huacachina is five hours away by bus from Lima, and only 4 km/2.5 mi from the city of Ica.
Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and one of the top scenic destinations in Peru. In the video: Watching condors at the Cruz del Condor and hiking the popular 2 days/1 night trek (or 3 days/2 nights) from the rim down to the bottom of the canyon, crossing bridge San Juan, passing by Sangalle's waterfall, night at Sangalle's oasis and early morning steep walk back up to the rim.
The Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca, Montaña de Siete Colores, Mountain of Seven Colors) is a day trip/hike from Cusco, about three hours drive one way. It has been recently discovered for the mass tourism, but is already extremely popular and visited by hundreds of people daily, even though the 10km/6.2mi round trip hike to the viewpoint is quite strenuous because of the high altitude.
Paracas National Reserve is an area protecting Peru's coastal marine ecosystem and Paracas desert. The nearby Ballestas Islands are rich in rock formations and marine life. On the way to the islands is the mysterious prehistoric geoglyph El Candelabro, created probably 2000 years ago.
The Salkantay Inca Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the Alternate Inca trails, famous for its natural beauty. The trail is usually done in 3 days (plus optional one day for Machu Picchu). On the first day the beautiful Humantay Lake (1:25) is visited on a side trip. On the third day the trek finishes by walking along the train tracks under the Machu Picchu mountain.
The Nazca Lines are one of the biggest ancient mysteries - the most outstanding and enigmatic group of large geoglyphs in the world. The Nazca Lines are located in the Nazca Desert in Peru, they were created by pre-Inca people between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D. The Nazca Lines are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The city of Arequipa was founded by the Spanish in 1540. Right in the historic center of Arequipa is the Plaza de Armas, beautifully framed by 3 volcanoes, the 17th-century neoclassical Basilica Cathedral, and the Iglesia de la Compañia. The nearby Convent (Monasterio) de Santa Catalina was built in 1579. Its spectacular architecture integrates local and colonial styles from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Cusco is situated in the Peruvian Andes, and is famous for being the capital of the Inca empire from 13th to 16th century. The city and its surroundings are rich in pre-Inca and Inca ruins, and Spanish colonial churches and buildings. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Main locations in the video: Plaza de Armas (0:01), Cusco Cathedral (0:07), Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (0:19), Qorikancha (Sun Temple)/ Convent of Santo Domingo (1:31), Sacsayhuaman (2:45), Q'enqo (3:54), Puka Pukara (4:18), Tambomachay (4:40).