Peru Guide
The North
Though very remote and little visited, the northern reaches of Peru possess unique treasures in culture, archaeology and natural environment; this fascinating region definitely rewards anyone who has the time to explore it. It has a real wealth of archaeological heritage and better coastal weather than Lima or the South, particularly during the high season (May to September). It's an immensely varied corner of the country, ranging from welcoming city oases along the desert coast to secluded villages in the Andes where you may well be the first foreigner to pass through for years. On top of this, the entire area is brimming with imposing and important pre-Inca sites, some of them only discovered in the last decade or two.
Highlights
1 Chan Chan Located by the ocean near the city of Trujillo, this massive adobe city was built by the Chimu culture in the thirteenth century.
2 Kuelap Way off the beaten track, this majestic mountaintop citadel rivals Machu Picchu for its setting and archaeological interest.
3 Batán Grande On the eastern edge of the Americas' largest dry forest, and right next to the beautiful Río de la Leche, twenty-eighth- to eleventh-century pyramids stand as an impressive monument to the ceremonial heart of Sicán culture.
4 Museo de las Tumbas An excellent museum whose exhibits include precious objects of gold and silver, as well as a replica of the royal tomb of the Lord of Sipán.
5 Valley of the Pyramids Standing in the hot dry desert of northern Peru is this magnificent collection of adobe pyramids from the Sicán culture, dating around 1100 AD.
6 Máncora beach Peru's most trendy beach and surf resort, Mˆncora has warm water, strong sunshine and hot nightlife.
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