The Instagrammer’s Guide to Perú

 

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Perú. Oh Perú, how I love you!

I did fall in love with Perú and I have so much I want to write about this beautifully diverse country. You know how you get so excited about something that a million words come out of your mouth at once and you get that confused look from the person to whom you are talking? And it’s then that you realize you made zero sense with your blubbering? That was Perú for me. Since I can’t get out all I want to say about Perú in one post, I’m starting with the must-see places all wrapped up in this Instagrammer’s Guide to Perú!

Lima

1. El Parque del Amor

Love Park is located right on the ocean in the Miraflores district of Lima. Dedicated to all lovers, it was opened on Valentine’s Day, 1993.

Address: Malecón Cisneros, Miraflores 15074, Perú

2. El Beso

“The Kiss” is the iconic statue located in Love Park.

The statue, by Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín, is said to depict Delfín and his wife kissing.

Address: El Parque del Amor

3. Parque Kennedy

Interestingly, Kennedy Park is named for former American President John F. Kennedy. Also located in the Miraflores district, the park is beautifully manicured and is home to over 100 stray cats!

Address: Diagonal, Miraflores Lima 18, Perú

4. Cupid Heart

This heart-shaped cupid can be found…yep, you guessed it. Right outside of El Parque del Amor!

5. El Palacio del Gobierno

Also known as the House of Pizarro, the Government Palace is the seat of the executive branch of the Peruvian government and the official residence of the President of Perú.

Lima knows how to get its lighting on. How gorgeous is the Palace at night?

Address: Jirón de la Union s/n, Cercado de Lima 15001, Perú

6. Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)

Cathedral of Lima

Plaza Mayor is bordered by impressive (and important) buildings in all four directions. Its square is adorned with beautiful flowers as so much of Lima is. This in addition to the palm trees against the ornate architecture makes the perfect combination!

Lima does well with illumination so be sure to see Plaza Mayor at night.

Address: Lima District 15001, Perú

7. Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros) is a famous landmark in the Barranco district, the Bohemian area of Lima.

Address: Jr. Batallón, Ayacucho 271, Barranco 15063, Perú

8. San Martín

Plaza San Martín is another popular area that is beautifully lit at night in the historic center of Lima.

Address: Av. Nicolás de Piérola 1800, Cercado de Lima 15001, Perú

Iquitos

1. Plaza de Armas de Iquitos

Like the other plazas in Perú (there was one in each of the three cities I visited), the Plaza de Armas in Iquitos is located in the center of the city.

Address: Jirón Putumayo 253, Iquitos, Perú

Don’t miss the Cathedral of Iquitos!

Address: Jirón Putumayo 271, Iquitos, Perú

2. Amazon River Boats

The boats used to tour and sail the Amazon are unlike any other boat I’ve ever seen before. Their colorful design makes them very unique!

Address: These don’t have an actual address. You can find them along the water’s edge where Amazon River tours are given.

3. Giant Amazon Water Lily Pads

These lily pads are huge! They are located mainly along the Amazon itself versus up in its tributaries.

Address: No exact address, found along the Amazon River.

4. Pink River Dolphin

Left: Tail of a mother Right: Her baby’s cute little head 🙂

You read correctly. Pink.

The Amazon River Dolphin, or Boto, is a freshwater dolphin that, depending on its age, can be anywhere from solid pink to pinkish-grey in color. These elusive animals are shy and can be hard to find, however, a good guide can usually locate them!

Address: Amazon River

5. Aerial Río Amazonas

Photos of the Amazon River from the air are amazing and show you just how big it is!

Cuzco Region

1. Cuzco

Overlooking Cusco (English spelling) is a colorful experience and one that shouldn’t be missed!

Address: This photo was taken from the Cristo Blanco.

Cristo Blanco looks over Cusco and reminds me (and I’m sure everyone else) of a mini Christ the Redeemer in Rio.

Address: Cristo Blanco, Cusco, Perú

This is a cool ceramic tile map of Old Cusco!

Address: Right by the Palacio de Justicia, Av El Sol, Cusco 08000, Perú

2. Catedral del Cuzco

Cusco Cathedral is located in the Plaza de Armas. Imagine that! 😉

Be sure to catch the Cathedral at night too!

Address: Cusco 08000, Perú

3. Roses in El Mercado Central San Pedro

So many beautiful things to see at the San Pedro Market, but the roses are the best!

Address: Cascaparo, Cusco 08000, Perú

4. Machu Picchu

Can’t leave out the obvious one!

Alpacas are everywhere and they are so cute!

Address: It’s Machu Picchu. 😉

5. Vinicunca

Not as obvious as Machu Picchu and known more commonly as Rainbow Mountain, this is a MUST-do in Perú!

Scenery to and from Rainbow Mountain isn’t too shabby either. This photo was taken on my way back down. You can read about my day trip from Cusco here.

Address: Circunvalacion, Cusco, Perú

Sacred Valley

1. Salinas de Maras

The Maras Salt Mines, an Incan creation, are in the town of Maras near Cusco.

Address: Calle Marquez 231, Maras 00051, Perú

2. Incan Concentric Terraces

The Incans are also responsible for this stunning visual located in Moray very near Maras.

Address: Moray, Perú

3. Water Gardens of Tipón

Once again, those Incans are truly amazing. Check out all the water structures and the gardens in Tipón!

Address: Tipón, Cusco Region, Perú

PIN IT!

Perú’s diversity is a photographer’s dream. There are so many more photos I want to share and will soon. Hopefully, these photos will be a useful tool if you are heading to Perú and if you aren’t, then I hope they inspire you to change your mind!

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

Heather