Chimbote

The government palace in Lima exists since the year the city was founded in 1535, but in different forms. It was built in a Huaca, a sanctuary of the chief Taulichusco in the Rímac Valley. This valley was one of the few places that, due to the irrigation systems of the indigenous population, is very fertile and, therefore, suitable for a larger population. Over the centuries, the government palace in the “City of Kings” was rebuilt again and again. The first building, a two-story adobe building, was built by the city’s founder, Francisco Pizarro, first for him. After Peru became a viceroyalty in 1542, the “Casa de Pizarro” became a government palace. Pizarro’s shield still adorns the main portal. The current building dates back to the 1930s and is preserved in a colonial style, but it has older and newer elements, typical of the representative buildings of Peru, which have been regularly damaged by earthquakes and renovated in their respective architectural styles. The Government Palace is located in the Plaza Mayor, the main square of Lima. Share the exclusive place with, among other things, the cathedral and the episcopal palace. It is recognizable by the great Peruvian flag that blows over the portal and the intricately forged fence that surrounds the terrain. https://en.peru-spezialisten.com/the-palacio-de-gobierno-del-peru-in-lima/

The Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas (as it was known until 1990), is the oldest public place in Lima. In 1535 the conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded on the area of an existing indigenous settlement the city of Lima. He designed the main square in the central part of the future city Lima with all important institutions built around it. On the north side of Plaza Mayor is the Palacio de Gobierno, the presidential residence and in colonial times the location of Francisco Pizarros house - later the Palace of the Viceroys. On the east side, you find flanked by the Archbishop's Palace the Cathedral of Lima. The Palacio Municipal is located on the west side of Plaza Mayor. Depending on their importance and rank wealthy and influential immigrants were allowed to build their mansions on properties near the Plaza Mayor. In colonial Lima, the main square was the economic centre of the city. The arcades in front of the main buildings, the small today called Pasaje Olaya and other adjoining streets were full of all sorts of shops. The plaza housed for a long time Limas big food market. https://www.limaeasy.com/culture-guide/plazas-city-squares/lima-main-square

The Cathedral of Lima in the city’s historic centre is Lima’s most iconic building and home to the best museum of religious art. It is also known for being home to the tomb of Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. The main church of Peru dates back to 1535 when Francisco Pizarro first laid the foundation for the church which would serve the new Spanish colonists. The temple was inaugurated in 1540 and elevated to the status of cathedral in 1541 when the Lima diocese was formed. The new design included the two neoclassical bell towers the structure is recognized by and the main altar. Other renovations came in the 19th century and after the earthquake of 1940. The Cathedral of Lima was visited by four saints of the colonial era including Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, San Juan Macias and San Francisco Solano. In 1985 Pope John Paul II visited in a historic first, and he returned in 1988. With all the phases of construction led to a mix of architectural styles, as in most of Lima, including neoclassical, baroque and gothic. http://limacitykings.com/cathedral/

History tells that the current Municipal Palace was built where the former Town Hall was located since 1817. During that time the Act of Independence was signed in the city, on October 9, 1820. However by 1908 the building was burned due to a rodent plague. http://www.guayaquilesmidestino.com/en/heritage-of-the-city/public-buildings/municipal-palace

It was built in 2002 an inaugurated on October 31, 2003 as an initiative of the Ecuadorian Foundation of the Sea (Fundemar, for its Spanish acronym) through an agreement with the Municipality of Guayaquil and the Siglo XXI Foundation in order to highlight the importance of the maritime activity of the city – port, which, since its beginnings, had the Guayas River as the main commercial way to contribute to the progress of Guayaquil. http://www.guayaquilesmidestino.com/en/museums/santa-ana-hill/el-fortin-museum

Machu Picchu is an Incan city surrounded by temples, terraces and water channels, built on a mountaintop. It was built with huge blocks of stone joined to each other without any mortar. Today it has been designated cultural heritage of humanity in recognition of its political, religious and administrative importance during the age of the Incas. Machu Picchu means Old Mountain, taking its name from the location of the Incan citadel. According to historians, the architectural complex was built in the 15th century, approximately, by the Inca Pachacutec. Machu Picchu was linked to the entire Inca Empire via the Qhapaq Ñan, the famous roads of the Incas. The citadel is divided into two areas: the agricultural area consisting of the terraces, and the urban section, which served administrative purposes. The average altitude of the citadel is 8047 feet above sea level. Its exact location is in the Machu Picchu district, province of Urubamba, 70 miles northeast of the city of Cusco. The mountains of Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu are perfect for taking panoramic photos of the entire architectural complex. https://www.peru.travel/en-us/what-to-do/ancient-peru/machu-picchu-sanctuary.aspx

Machu Picchu is beautiful in every way! It was insane the amount of good reviews about this place and they are not wrong. Machu Picchu is also one of the least understood archaeological sites in the world. Built at the pinnacle of the Inca's power, these ruins are a magnificent example of the Inca's impressive stonework and craftsmanship.It is considered one of the wonders of the world. You can feel the good energy since you are in the little town of Machu Picchu. Is here where you can try the tipical food of Cusco-Peru, buy souvenirs and also go the bridge and add a patlock with your significant other!

Have you ever though of living on a middle of the lake? The Uros people of Lake Titicaca have achieved just that at 3,810 metres above sea level! They created their own floating island from local reed to house their villages. They fish and travel by boat from one island to another. You can visit the islands with a tour and see how the people of Uros live or book a homestay with a local Uros family to fully experience their way of life. https://www.peruhop.com/floating-uros-islands/

Built in 1580 and eventually expanded to include cloisters, plazas, streets, tiled roofs, and cobblestone paving, this walled citadel served as a totally enclosed convent for nuns from the city's most distinguished families. http://www.peru.travel/Search-Attractions/santa-catalina-monastery.aspx

One of the first 17th century monuments in the City. It was built of "sillar" (a volcanic stone) in the neoclassical style. I https://www.peru.travel/where-to-go/arequipa.aspx

The Arequipa Peru Temple site is located just three miles north of the city center near the entrance to the quiet village of Carmen Alto. The land stands on a bluff rising from the Chili River and surrounded by breathtaking pastures and mountain views including the prominent volcano Misti. http://ldschurchtemples.org/arequipa/

This is a lovely city, with a very well preserved downtown, a Mediterranean climate, a ring of snow capped mountains, tons of history and it is the epicenter of Peruvian cuisine, which is fabulous and diverse. I stayed in the quiet residential section called Vallecito, which is a quiet older neighborhood, formerly very upscale and now kind of middle class, but safe and very pleasant.

he Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura is the cultural centre of Cali built using early 19th century architecture influenced by Creole classicism. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/pacific/cali/activities/enrique-buenaventura-local-theater

La Merced Chapel is one of the most important places to visit in Cali, as the city’s inaugural Mass was delivered here on July 25, 1536. A 15th century wood carved statue of the Virgin of Las Mercedes is kept inside. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/pacific/cali/activities/la-merced-chapel

The neoclassical San Pedro Cathedral has endured the damage from several earthquakes; it underwent some restoration and is now a Cultural Asset of National Interest. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/pacific/cali/activities/san-pedro-cathedral

An outdoor space in which the citizens of Ibagué converge to spend the afternoon is the Parque de la Música, located next to the Conservatory of Tolima. As the name implies, musical performances are usually held here. http://www.colombia.travel/es/a-donde-ir/andina/ibague/actividades/camina-por-el-parque-de-la-musica

A place where the artistic trends in this region are appreciated is the Tolima Art Museum, which has seven exhibition halls in which collections of Colombian painters and traveling works of different regional, national and foreign artists are exhibited. http://www.colombia.travel/es/a-donde-ir/andina/ibague/actividades/conoce-el-museo-de-arte-del-tolima?language=es

The Colón Theater opened on October 27, 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America, and was reopened in July 2014 after a renovation that began in 2008. The restoration of the front curtain, which features "dolls" or "monkeys" drawn on a nineteenth-century linen cloth, was an important part of this renovation. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/andean/bogota/activities/colon-theater

At the Banco de la República’s Gold Museum, visitors witness an unforgettable experience: as they stand in a dark room, bright lights suddenly switch on to reveal hundreds of gold ornaments. The museum features about 13,000 gold artifacts and 20,000 stone and clay objects originating from various pre-Hispanic cultures. http://www.colombia.travel/en/what-to-do/andean/bogota/experiences/gold-museum

Visitors can find rest and relaxation on trails surrounded by gardens and trees in the Olaya Herrera National Park, which was established in 1934. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/andean/bogota/activities/olaya-herrera-national-park

The origins of the Cathedral Metropolitan Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary date back to 1927, when the French architect Julien Auguste Polti was entrusted to rebuild it after a fire in 1926. Construction began in 1928 and ended in 1939, after work was interrupted due to the Great Depression of the 30s. The Cathedral measures 25,833 square feet and can accommodate 5,000 people. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/andean/manizales/activities/cathedral-metropolitan-basilica-our-lady-rosary?language=es

Bolívar Square lies at the center of Manizales and is surrounded by the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Governor’s Palace, among other buildings. In the square you can admire Bolívar Condor, a sculpture made in tribute to Simón Bolívar made by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt, as well as ceramic murals by local artist Guillermo Botero. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/andean/manizales/activities/bolivar-square?language=es

This large Botanical Garden of approximately two hectares, It is named after the illustrious Doctor Martin Cardenas, Cochabamba, who devoted much of his life to the study of Botany on the flora of Bolivia traveling throughout the country. The garden has the purpose of contribute to the conservation of those resources plant of the region, conducting scientific research and teaching through its facilities on areas of Botany and the environment. The garden has various sections like the area of Cactus, Bromeliads, Amarilis, Arboretum with species native and exotic. There are also sections of medicinal plants and nursery. There is also the herbal forest national "Martín Cárdenas", created in 1976 and that account with approximately 40,000 species of all Bolivia at the facilities of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, In addition to a library specialized in themes of Botany. The garden paths allow you to discover different species shown comfortably, In addition to recreation areas to enjoy nature and a relaxing walk. http://boliviaesturismo.com/en/jardin-botanico-martin-cardenas-cochabamba-bolivia/

The great La Cancha market is one of the largest popular markets of Latin America. In it can be found from vegetables and fruits to the latest in technology as televisions plasma or last generation computers. The Court, It's really an area that includes several markets, fairs, shops and places of ambulatory sale, located in the southern part of the city, close to the old railway station and a few blocks from the Bus Terminal. Fairs and markets in the city system was precisely born here, When the agrarian reform allowed farmers, with the passing of the years, become merchants. It is estimated that in the city there are more than 100 thousand merchants with mobile and fixed posts and in the majority of cases develop its commercial activity on the Court. http://boliviaesturismo.com/en/la-cancha-cochabamba-bolivia/

The so-called Cristo de La Concordia is a colossal statue located in the city of Cochabamba- Bolivia, Since the year 1987 It is part of the tourist attraction of the city. The image is considered to be the world's largest Jesus statue. Given its dimensions, the image is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The dimension of the body of the statue from the feet to the top of the head is of 34 meters. The circular base or pedestal measures 6 meters. In total the Colossus overcomes them 40 meters. The view at the top is incredible beauty to see the panorama of the city of Cochabamba in all its glory, overlooking the laguna Alalay to the South side and to the back of the statue, Sacaba municipality. At the top of the hill there is a viewpoint and various services that are offered to travelers as taking pictures, display with larga-vistas, Kiosk, meals, etc. At the base of the Christ is a small museum that displays exhibition of photos and characteristics of the work environments. From here also begin the stairs that spiral as a fairly narrow, They allow to climb level by level to the interior of the statue up to the height of arms. The interior of the statue are small windows from which you can see the city from the top and taking pictures. http://boliviaesturismo.com/en/cristo-la-concordia-cochabamba/

Small historical town located just 2 hours from Medellin. It was the capital of the region before the control of power was shifted to Medellin. If you’re interested in colonial architecture, white-washed walls, weathered churches (like The Catedral de Santa Fe de Antioquia, located in the main plaza) and old town squares then Santa Fe is a perfect day trip from Medellin. http://www.medellincolombia.co/medellin-sightseeing/visit-nearby-towns/

If you’re looking for more than just a one day trip then Rio Claro is a great option. Just three hours east of Medellin Rio Claro offers the chance to get up close and personal with Colombian flora & fauna whilst also being able to participate in various outdoor activities such as rafting, caving and zip lining through the canopy. http://www.medellincolombia.co/medellin-sightseeing/visit-nearby-towns/

The small town of Guatape is a colourful and tranquil pueblito (small town) perfect to enjoy a day trip (or two) from Medellin. Whilst the town is famous for the colourful designs on the facades of the houses it’s probably more recognisable in promotional material for the the large rock “El Penol” which you can climb to get an amazing view of the surrounding man-made lagoons. http://www.medellincolombia.co/medellin-sightseeing/visit-nearby-towns/

Sucre is home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur footprints in the world. The footprints (over 5000 of them) are set into a the Cal Orck’o cliff, just 5kms from the city center. Discovered on the grounds of the local cement company, Fancesa, the footprints have been turned into a major tourist attraction with the creation of a dinosaur-themed park which includes a museum dedicated to the findings, and a collection of life-size dinosaur sculptures including the enormous titanosaurus. Called Parque Cretácico, the park can easily be visited in a couple of hours and is a must for any visit to Sucre. Because let’s face it – dinosaurs are awesome. http://www.sucrelife.com/sucres-dinosaur-park/

As the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Bolivia, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre (or Catedral Metropolitana) is of great importance to the deeply religious city. Construction started on what was then the Cathedral Church of La Plata on June 27, 1552. Works would not fully complete until 260 years later, in 1712. What began as a Renaissance design gradually evolved, during this time, to include baroque and mestizo baroque features. Inside, the expansive white nave is beautifully lit by the sunlight which filters through the many stained glass windows. It is decorated with crystal chandeliers and embellishments in gold and Potosi silver. The walls are lined with large oil paintings, by the artist Montufar, depicting the martyrdom of the apostles. The pews are hand-carved, as are the choir chairs which are additionally brightly-painted and finished in velvet. The white, gold-trimmed, pulpit features an angel in old-fashioned Spanish military clothing. The altar is crowned by a silver crucifix known as the Cross of Carabuco. http://www.sucrelife.com/sucre-cathedral/

The Museo Universitario Charcas is located in a 17th century mansion and is owned and operated by the Universidad San Francisco Xavier. Museo Universitario Charcas comprises three separate museums: the Anthropological Museum, the Colonial Museum, and the Gallery of Contemporary Art. The anthropological museum was established in 1944. It is responsible for collating and preserving the region’s anthropological data, and has items from 3,600 years ago right up to the beginning of the Spanish colonization of the area. The museum exhibits include mummified human remains dating from 700-800 AD, and the highly detailed pottery work of the Yampara culture. The colonial museum houses hundreds of artifacts from Sucre’s colonial times, including religious artifacts, paintings and objects fashioned from Potosi silver. One of the most noteworthy works is Melchor Pérez Holguín’s, San Juan de Dios, with its exceedingly accurate depiction of human hands. Sucre’s museum of modern art, the gallery of contemporary art, exhibits works by local artists, many of which focus on the hardships faced by the indigenous population, particularly those working in the mines of Potosi. http://www.sucrelife.com/places/museo-universitario-charcas/

A must-see for tourists following the “Inca trail”; this is an oasis of shade in the middle of the desert. Inhabited by communities from Atacama, its easy-going pace is only interrupted by religious festivities which, depending on the patron saint, include confetti, flour or algarrobo drinks (fermented drink made from the pods and seeds of the algarrobo tree). Try the typical food of the north and don’t forget to visit the San Francisco Church, built in the 1600s. It is the oldest church in Chile and was built using millennial indigenous techniques. Go in and marvel: it is made out of mud and cactus wood. https://chile.travel/en/where-to-go/north-and-the-atacama-desert/san-pedro-atacama/chiu-chiu

Chicamocha National Park in Panachi, about 50km from Bucaramanga, to see the world’s longest cable cart. This cart is no less than 6 km long and contains 39 cabins, each of which has a capacity of eight passengers. The system covers the entire Chicamocha canyon from La Mesa de los Santos to Panachi and includes three stations in between, allowing people to get out for a moment and enjoy the park by foot. http://www.southamerica.cl/colombia-guide/bucaramanga.htm