Images of Peru and Beyond

For those who don't know Peru and the wider Andean region, it's impossible to fully describe the difficult, beautiful, tragic, and joyous nature of this part of the world. Although the visual is only one part of the experience, perhaps the images on these pages will give a little insight into this unpredictable world that leaves a permanent imprint on those who fall under its spell. Follow links below or from the right-hand menu.

Arequipa & the Colca Valley

The colonial "white city" of Arequipa sits in the desert heart of Southern Peru, at the crossroads between Lima, Cuzco, Bolivia, and Chile. Beyond the city, the world's deepest canyons cut between snowcapped volcanoes, sheltering an array of geographic zones, 500 year-old cultures, and wildlife that includes the iconic Andean condor. See more images >>

Cuzco & the Inca Trail

Cuzco was known by its Incan rulers as the 'navel of the world', and was the imperial capital of Tahuantinsuyo, which spread from southwestern Colombia to central Chile. The influence of the Incas is still apparent in the city and the numerous ruins such as the magincificent fortress of Saqsayhuaman. Beyond the fertile Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail crosses several mountain passes to reach the lost citadel of Machu Picchu. See more images >>

Lake Titicaca to La Paz

At a dizzying 3,800 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca spreads across the Peru-Bolivia border. The world's highest navigable lake was sacred to the Incas as the origin of their ancestors. Across the stark altiplano, Bolivia's chaotic and divided capital of La Paz sits in a narrow canyon beneath the Cordillera Real. It's a short but precarious journey from dizzying La Paz to the jungle lowlands of Bolivia's Amazon. See more images >>

The Amazon Jungle and Iquitos

The immense Amazon jungle occupies more than one-third of Peru's territory, but it's just as mysterious to many Peruvians as it is to outsiders. With its origin in the mountains of Arequipa and Cuzco, the Amazon river carves a path through dense but fragile jungle rich with flora, fauna, and a surprising variety of human habitation. See more images >>

Climbing in the Andes

The Andes form the world's longest and second highest mountain range. Dividing the Amazon jungle from South America's desert coast, these mountains Becuase of the dry climate and lack of permanent ice, many of the volcanoes of southern Peru can be climbed even by inexperienced amatuers -- as long as they get acclimatised to the altitude. See more images >>

Bolivia's Dramatic Southwest

In the southwestern corner of Bolivia on the frontier with Chile, the high, desolate altiplano has been lifted and twisted by geological forces and moulded by sun, wind and dust. Covering 30,000 km sq with pure dazzling salt, the Salar de Uyuni is one of South America's and the world's most unusual and unforgettable landscapes. See more images >>

 

Peru's Delicious Cuisine

Arequipa has rich and spicy meat dishes and its famous fresh-water prawns. The high sierra is the origin of the potato and ancient grains like quinoa. The north coast offers a delicious array of fish, shellfish (including the best cebiche) and coriander-rich stews. The jungle surprises with its succulent river fish and fruit you won't find anywhere else in the world. And it all comes together in the culinary melting pot of Lima. See more images >>

 

Flora & Fauna of the Andes & Amazon

 

South Peru's Desert & Coast

 

 

Lima -- City of Kings

 

the andean observer -- News, perspectives and narratives from peru and beyond.