Huaraz City/Region: Huaraz Region Huaraz is the most important hiking and climbing center in Peru and is situated in the valley of Callejón de Huaylas at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Set at an altitude of over 10,000ft (3,000m), it is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and icy blue lakes, which has earned it the moniker the 'Switzerland of Peru'; it however does not fit the typical image of a lofty alpine village. Its rather shabby appearance can be blamed on the destruction caused by several massive earthquakes, but it has a lively atmosphere
and a spectacular setting, and is the ideal base from which to organize day walks in the valley or longer hiking expeditions into the mountains beyond. The town is well set up for outdoor tourism and there is a multitude of hiking shops, guide services and information offices, as well as a wide choice of hotels. One of the most beautiful and popular day excursions in the Cordillera Blanca is the trip to Lagunas Llanhanuco, and for longer hikes, the scenic four or five day Llanhanuco to Santa Cruz loop is the most well traveled.
Puno City/Region: Lake Titicaca Puno is the gateway to Lake Titicaca, set on the shores of the largest lake in South America, and is one of the country's major tourist destinations. The main reason to visit Puno is the lake and the dozens of islands dotted about, each with their own interesting characteristics. Boat trips to the floating islands of Uros or to the island communities of Taquile and Amantani are the main attractions. The town was founded by the Spaniards in 1668 and has a wealth of Spanish and native architecture, as well as mestizo art and crafts. The town is also reputed to be the center of Peruvian folklore, its inhabitants descending from two ancient Andean tribes, the Quechua and the Aymara, and it is host to some of the most vibrant traditional festivals in the country. Music, dance and color fill the streets each month, a delight for photographers. The most popular festival is the feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria in February that features the famous Devil Dancers. The region is rich in ancient history and along the lake are the pre-Columbian ruins of Chullpas de Sillustani, a curious ancient complex of tombs in the form of round towers.
Iquitos City/Region: Amazon Basin Peru's largest jungle city, Iquitos is a major base for excursions to the Amazon Basin. The city has a friendly tourist-orientated lifestyle and a range of accommodation. Once a booming rubber town, its main industries are now oil and tourism. Differing images contribute to the varied character of today's jungle town - the population is a mixture of European immigrants and indigenous tribes people; grand buildings lining the streets are visible albeit faded remains of its past importance, and the rustic Belén quarter, where scores of stilted huts or rickety homes resting on rafts were designed to accommodate the fluctuations of the river, are home to impoverished families. Situated on the banks of the mighty Amazon River, the city is accessible by air and river only, and is constrained by the surrounding rainforest. The river system around Iquitos offers some of the Amazon's best access to remote parts of the jungle and to Indian villages, and boat excursions can easily be arranged. Native tribes live along the river banks and organized trips to the villages include a show of traditional song and dance along with plenty of encouragement to buy their handicrafts, now a major source of income for the people.
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