Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Wild Rivers: Fantastic rapids and gorges make Colca Canyon and Cotahuasi Canyon the region's best-known kayaking and rafting spots.

Folk Fiestas: Whether it's Carnivál in Puno, Arequipa's annual Anniversary or Semana Santa in Chivay, Peru's culture is celebrated with more than 300 festive folkloric dances and brightly colored costumes.

Wildlife: Llamas, vicuñas, and alpaca roam the Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca, giant Andean condor soar above Colca Canyon, and rare bird species nest at Lake Titicaca and in the coastal lagoons of Meija.

Shopping: Along with Arequipa's alpaca stores, this region is also a mine of yarn, leather products, guitars, and antiques.

Floating Islands: On Lake Titicaca, made from the lake's tótora reeds, the series of Uros islands float, providing residence to more than 3,000 Aymara and Quechua inhabitants.