Peru: A treasure hidden in
South America

Imagine enjoying the beauty of the spring, the warmth of the summer, the fresh air of the fall, and the white snow of the winter in the same week? This is possible in my country, Peru, the hidden treasure of South America. With its rich history and folklore, uniquely beautiful landscape, and friendly mixed races people, it is the perfect combination for an unforgettable vacation.

I am very proud of the history of my country because Peru is the place where one of the greatest civilizations, the Inca Empire, was formed. Throughout the country you can find many examples of the Incas’ architecture which still stand as a symbol of power. Cuzco, in the south, and Cajamarca, in the north, contain many archeological sites, ruins and entire cities of stones which are intact, preserved after thousands of years. Cuzco was the Incas’s military base and residence. Its narrow stone-paved streets and stone cities reveal at a glance the glorious golden era of the Inca Empire.

The state of Cuzco contains the most important archeological site of Peru, Machu Picchu. When you visit this site, you must travel two hours by train down to the Cuzco valley. You will enjoy your trip looking from the train’s windows at the blue crystalline Urubamba River that runs along the railroad. Because Cuzco is located in the Andes highlands and Machu Picchu in the valley, you will notice little by little how the arid and lonely mountains change into one of the most beautiful greenish flowered valleys that you have ever seen.

Hiding between mountains, Machu Picchu emerges on the top of giant green mountains. Buses will pick up visitors from the bottom of the mountains and bring them to the top where they will see this amazing and extraordinarily precious sanctuary dedicated to the Incas’ god: the sun. Machu Picchu was built exclusively for religious purposes and the Incas considered it a holy city. It was the place where they worshiped their sun god. This is the reason why Peruvian money is named sol, which means sun.

You will have the opportunity to look and walk through the entire stone city, take some unforgettable pictures, and buy souvenirs for your friends. Also in the center of the city, there is an enormous stone sun clock which adorns the sanctuary as a bell tower adorns a Christian church. Nobody knows exactly how the Incas could move thousands and thousands of enormous stones to the top of these mountains.

On the north side of the country in the Andes highlands, Cajamarca hides the second important archeological site, “Los Banos del Inca,” hot springs. This city is called the city of the sky because it is located approximately 3,000 feet above sea level. This city was the retirement home for the Inca chief and his family. The walls of the house were covered by gold and other precious minerals. The most exciting activity that you can do here is take a hot spring bath while sitting on the Incas’ throne, which is a stone granite seat. You can visit the museum and admire some of the precious gold pieces, jewelry, dress, colored feather coats and pottery.

Peru has enormous contrast in landscape and climate. Peruvian territory divides into three regions: the coast, the Andes (or highlands), and the tropics. Every region is different in climate and geography. Consequently, you can enjoy any of the four seasons in any of the three regions in the same week. For example, winter is in the coast, summer is in the tropics, and spring is in the Andes, but the best time to visit my country is from the months of December to March. During these months, the most exciting activity in the coast is enjoying a hot sunbath on the white sand of the Peruvian paradise beaches. Along the beaches there are many places that you can visit and have fun with Peruvian friends. Most of these places are open all night and all day. Along the beaches are restaurants with many fresh, juicy sea foods and modern malls where you can enjoy a cup of hot coffee or chocolate sitting in a balcony and viewing the crystalline blue Pacific Ocean as scenery. The nightclubs are other exciting entertainments to enjoy with your friends. In addition, there are many parks that Peruvians usually call “el parke del amor” (love’s park). The reason for the name is that many couples use these parks to spend time to be together and manifest their love for each other.

Equally interesting are the Peruvian people. They are composed of mixed races and cultures. If you go to the south Coast, you will find the Afro-Peruvian people. They are very important because of the wine and fish industry that they produce. In the north side of the country, you will find the Asian-Peruvian people whose major industry is agriculture. In the highlands, you will find the Amerindian people who make the most exquisite types of cheeses and butters in the entire country. Also, Peruvian people are very friendly, especially with foreigners. Their intrepid spirit makes this people capable of performing any kind of job to survive their poverty. They also try to maintain a happy spirit and the unity of their families.Peru is the hidden treasure of South America. Its rich folklore and history and the beauty of its landscapes make it unique.