Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Argentina

The city of Salta is located in the northern part of Argentina and it is bounded by the borders of Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay.

In fact, Salta is just two hundred miles south of Cochabamba Bolivia and around seven hundred miles northwest of the capital city of Buenos Aires Argentina.

If you are traveling to Salta Argentina for the first time, the city preserves its Spanish heritage with beautiful cobbled stone streets and 18th century colonial architecture such as the Salta Cathedral.

Things to do in Salta: Fun Outdoor Activities

Canoeing, Fishing & Water Rafting

If you want to enjoy water activities, the closest place is Campo Alegre Dam, around 15 miles east of Salta.

At Campo Alegre Dam you can enjoy canoeing, swimming and fishing, although boat fishing is not allowed.


Another popular place for water activities it is Cabra Corral Dam, which is located 45 miles south of Salta Argentina (around 90 minutes drive along the national route 68).

Cabra Corral Dam is by far the largest of the Dams near Salta and if you fancy doing some rafting, you can do so along Juramento River.

Clouds Scenic Railway Ride

Another fun activity worth adding to the Salta itinerary, it’s a ride along the Train to the Clouds Scenic Railway.

The Train to the Clouds ( El Tren a las Nubes) railway ride is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular fun things to do in Salta.

This scenic railway line ride last around 14 hours and takes out through bridges, tunnels and viaducts, and the scenery along the way it’s quite breathtaking.

The train ride costs around US$150 but it is once in a life time activity and worth every penny.

Things to do in Salta: Day Trip Suggestion (Cachi-Cafayate)

If you are looking for exciting things to do during your trip to Salta Argentina, one thing you can add to your itinerary it’s a day trip to the towns of Cachi and Cafayate.

Town of Cachi

There are a couple of ways to reach Cachi from Salta. One way is the local bus and the second way is by car.

If you travel by car, take the RN 68 west towards Cachipampa and then the RP 33 towards Cachi (it takes around 3 hours).

Once you get to Cachi, you can take a stroll the town and visit the local museum and then enjoy a nice meal at one of the lovely bars there.

Then, you can head to Los Cardones National Park, which is not far from Cachi Town. At the park, you can hike along natural trails and observe over one hundred species of birds and the lush vegetation that grows there.

If you want to spend the night in Cachi, you can camp out or book yourself in one of the charming lodgings at the town.

Otherwise, you can continue towards the town of Cafayate.

Town of Cafayate (Quilmes Ruins)

From Cachi, the town of Cafayate is a further two hours along the famed Route 40, which is the longest stretch of road after Route 66 in the USA.

The scenic drive between Cachi and Cafayate takes you along the Calchaqui Valley and through splendid canyon formations reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Once in Cafayate, you can explore the town’s markets and shop for handmade goods the town is known for.

After a bit of shopping, you can visit the Nanni wine cellar, which is located at the town, and enjoy a wine tasting tour.

After exploring the town, you can visit the nearby Quilmes Ruins. The ruins are located a short drive from Cafayate, and offer a great insight into the Quilmes tribe way of life before the Spanish colonization.

Things to do in Salta: Places of Interest

Salta Museum of Archeology

If you are interested in archeological findings and interested in history, the Salta Museum of Archeology is a must-add in your itinerary. This museum houses the remains of indigenous mummies, which are over 500 years old.

Apart from the mummies, you can learn more about indigenous cultures before pre-colonial times. The Museum is located nearby 9th of July Square, on Mitre Street.

Cathedral of Salta

The Cathedral of Salta, located opposite the 9th of July Square, is along San Francisco Church, one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city of Salita. Inside the basilica, you can see an impressive gold altar sitting 40 feet high.

San Francisco Church

San Francisco Church is located nearby the Museum of Archeology, and it is one of the must-see landmarks in Salta.

San Francisco church was built in the 17th century and it is characterized by its red and gold facades.

One of the best times to appreciate this church is at night, when the lights are lit up around the church showing off all its glory.

Things to do in Salta: Shopping

If you are looking to shop for genuine local handmade goods, the city of Salta will not disappoint.

On Sundays, the city comes alive with street markets filled with vendors selling all kind of souvenir-type gifts, handmade clothing items made out of wool and high quality arts and crafts such as paintings and jewelry.

During the week, one of the most popular markets in Salta, it’s the Mercado (Market) Artesanal, which is located west of Salta along San Martin Street.

For retail shopping, the city is home to a few shopping malls such as the Alto Noa Shopping Mall located on Entre Rios Avenue.

Things to do in Salta: Nightlife & Entertainment

Weekends are traditional the days when the locals gear up for a night out.

The area around General Guermes Square is the heart and soul of the nightlife. Around this area, you’ll find the bulk of bars, restaurants and discos.

Another hot-spot is along Balcarce Street where you can also find plenty of bars and live music venues playing anything from Latin Rock to Argentinean folkloric music.

Things to do in Salta: Events & Festivals

Miracle Procession

The Miracle Procession is held in September in Salta, and it is one of the most important religious events in the calendar. During this time, the streets of Salta are filled with pilgrims carrying the statues of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

April Cultural Month

One of the best times to travel to Salta it’s during the month of April, as the city of Salta dedicates the whole month to special cultural events.

During the entire month of April, the city features plenty of live entertainment, arts and crafts exhibitions and fun competitions.

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Arequipa, located south of Peru near the border with Bolivia, is along Trujillo Peru and Chiclayo Peru, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Peru.


If you are traveling to Arequipa for the first time, the city is within driving distance of the Colca Valley, where you can enjoy water rafting and explore the Colca Canyon, which is twice the size of the Arizona Grand Canyon in the United States Of America.

Things to do in Arequipa: Outdoor Activities

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca is one of the best places near Arequipa where you can explore Peru’s natural scenery and enjoy fun outdoor activities.

Hiking & Climbing

If you love hiking, the Salinas Reserve is home to the active volcano El Misti, which stands at over 2000 meters.

The El Misti (located 8 miles north east of Arequipa) features slopes that are quite steep so if you area an inexperienced hiker, you may want to hike along the base of the volcano. Otherwise, you can hike up the El Misti slopes to get marvelous views of the area around.

If you are an experienced climber, the El Misti's summit can be climbed in a day, although most people do camp along the way and make it a two day affair.

Animal Spotting

If you love flora and bird spotting, Salinas Reserve is home to the Salinas Lake, which features a variety of vegetation and wildlife such as Llamas, Flamingos and more.

The Salinas Reserve is also home to the beautiful plains of Pampa Canahuas where you can observe the Vicugna (type of camelid similar to llama).

Water Rafting

If you are traveling to Arequipa between spring and Christmas time, you can enjoy a river rafting trip in the Colca Valley, along the Colca River.

One of the best ways to do a water rafting trip, it’s with an organized tour, as it’ll include the rafting gear, itinerary and transportation.

However, if you have your own kayaks and prefer to venture out in the Colca Valley for a water rafting trip, the town of Huambo is where you need to head.

The drive from Arequipa to Huambo is a few hours (4 to 5 hours), and once you get to the town, you can hire out donkeys to travel the remainder of the trip, which would take a 5 hour hike to the Colca Valley

Also, if you are expert rafter, the Colca Canyon sections have rapid grades between 3 and 5 suitable for experienced rafters..

Colca Valley Trekking Tour

If you are traveling to Arequipa with the intention of exploring the majestic Colca Canyon, I would suggest an booking an organized trekking tour. In Arequipa, you can book a Colca Canyon trek with one of the many tour companies there.

A typical Colca Valley trekking tour can last between two and five days and can include a trek to the Colca Canyon, as well as a trek of the entire Colca Valley.

Beach Activities

If you are looking to enjoy some time at the beach, the beach town of Mollendo is only a couple of hours drive along the Carretera Interoceanica (highway 30).

Also, while in Mollendo you can visit the National Sanctuary of Mejía Lagoons, which is just a short drive from Mollendo beach town.

The Mejia Sanctuary is home to over 100 different species of birds that include local and migratory birds.

Things to do in Arequipa: Places of Interest

Monastery of Saint Catalina

If you are into architecture, the Monastery of Saint Catalina, located in the Historic Center district on Zela Street, is a great example of early 16th century colonial architecture.

You can tour the monastery for around $10 and see the many alleys and rooms such as a restored period kitchen.

Monastery of La Recoleta

The Monastery of La Recoleta, adjacent the Ministry of Education, is another monastery open for public viewing.

Along with the Monastery of Santa Catalina, La Recoleta offers you a glimpse into the missionary activities of nuns and monks during colonial times.

You can walk inside the rooms and explore the items there. In particular, the famed La Recoleta library is an attraction of its own as it features thousands of old books.

Arequipa Cathedral & Plaza De Armas

Visits to both Arequipa Cathedral & Plaza De Armas are two of the most popular things to do in Arequipa.

Plaza De Armas (Main Square) is actually surrounded by the cathedral of Arequipa and three beautiful granite portals.

The Main Square feature lovely tropical trees as well as a beautiful bronze fountain crowned by the statue of a soldier.

The Cathedral is free to explore, and once inside you can see an amazingly imposing altar with a beautifully carved pulpit as well as a Belgian organ.

Complex of San Francisco

The Complex of San Francisco, located nearby the Santa Catalina Monastery, features a small park, a 16th century church, a convent and the Cimientos de Fierro building, which houses a museum and a small market.

Andinos Sanctuary Museum

The Andinos Sanctuary Museum (Museo Santuarios Andinos), adjacent the Plaza De Armas (Main Square), is another popular cultural attraction in the city.

The museum features Inca mummified human remains found in Peru’s volcanoes such as the ones found in El Misti volcano.

Things to do in Arequipa: Shopping

Just as popular Panama Hats are in Cuenca Ecuador, Alpaca and Vicuña woolen and leather goods are the most popular items to shop for during a vacation to Arequipa Peru.

Shopping is, indeed, one of the top things to do in Arequipa and the Historic Center district is where you can find many of the high scale boutiques such as Patio del Ekeko‎, which one of the best places where you can find high quality Alpaca goods.

If you are looking to enjoy a nit of retail shopping, along Ejercito Avenue you can find Saga Falabella Shopping Mall, Real Plaza Arequipa and Cayma Shopping Center. All three offering plenty of department stores and food courts.

For local produce shopping, on San Camillo Street you can find Central Market (Mercado Central), where you can purchase fruits, vegetables and that kind of thing.

Another popular market, it’s Antiquilla Market located on Antiquilla Street.

Things to do in Arequipa: Nightlife & Entertainment

Since Arequipa is a University town, the nightlife in the city has a lively atmosphere
with plenty of nightclubs and live music venues.

The Historic Center district, and the area around Plaza De Armas, it’s where you can find the bulk of bars, restaurants and discos.

The Main Theater (Teatro Minicipal), adjacent Topy Top, is one of the most popular places to hang out for a pleasant night of entertainment.

The theater features nightly entertainment where you can catch local folkloric groups performing traditional Peruvian dancing.

Things to do in Arequipa: Events & Festivals

Arequipa International Guitar Festival

The Arequipa International Guitar Festival, held in August, is a popular event that brings together the best guitarist in Peru.

Great Parade of Arequipa

The Great Parade of Arequipa, held in August, is one of the most important and most popular events in Arequipa.

During this time, the city features hundreds of floats and many beautiful parades, which are reminiscent of the carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil.

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San Pedro Sula is the second largest city in Honduras and it is the economic heart of the country due to its main industries of banana and coffee bean.

8 Tourist things to do in Honduras 

If you are visiting San Pedro Sula for the first time, the city center is the heart and soul of the City, and it’s here where you can find the upscale hotels, bars, restaurants and shopping malls.

Similar cities with Spanish heritage include: San Salvador El Salvador, San Jose Costa Rica, Trujillo Peru, Chiclayo Peru and Cuenca Ecuador.

Things to do in San Pedro Sula: Day Trips

Olancho Valley

The Olancho Valley is home to an important archeological site that includes the famed Talgua Caves, which were used as burial sites by pre-Columbian indigenous people.

One of the caves is opened to the public and you can walk along designated paths to marvel at calcified human burials, and beautiful stalactite formations.

At the archaeological site itself, you can also see small exhibition areas showcasing all kinds of ancient artifacts found at the site such as ceramic pots and arrow heads.

The Talgua caves are located 130 miles southeast of San Pedro Sula. One of the best ways to enjoy the caves it’s with an organized tour as it’ll include the transportation and a night stay in a nearby accommodation.

Copan

The Copan Ruins are one of the most popular archeological sites in Honduras, and they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Copan Ruins are home to some of the best preserved Mayan artifacts that include impressive Royal Steles with beautifully crafted inscriptions and decorations.

At the ruins, you can also see the famed ‘Escalinata Jeroglifica’ which is a step-pyramid temple which contains the longest ancient Mayan writings found to date.

The Copan Ruins are located 60 miles southwest of San Pedro Sula. To get there, take the Carretera Pavimentada Principal towards La Estanzuela.

Santa Cruz De Yojoa

Another side trip that you can add to your San Pedro Sula itinerary; it’s the one to Santa Cruz de Yojoa.

Near Santa Cruz de Yojoa, you can find the Los Naranjos Archeological Park located on the banks of Lake Yojoa.

Los Naranjos Park was created to protect the 3000 year old Lenca settlement, as well as the fauna and flora around Lake Yojoa.

The park features vantage points from where you can get amazing views of the area around, as well as a museum and a visitor center.

At the Los Naranjos Park Museum you can see on display highly crafted ceramic items.

Los Naranjos Park is located 30 miles south of San Pedro Sula. To get there, take the Carretera Pavimentada towards El Jaral.

Things to do in San Pedro Sula: Places of Interest

Museum of Anthropology and History

If you are a history buff, the Museum of Anthropology and History is a good place to get an insight into San Pedro Sula before and after the Spanish colonial rule.

Museum of Nature (Museo de la Naturaleza)

If you are a nature enthusiast, this museum features over twenty exhibitions on the environment, natural resources and biology of Honduras.

San Pedro Sula Cathedral

San Pedro Cathedral has been restored recently and it is a great example of 1950’s Spanish architecture.

The area around the Cathedral also features a lovely park where you can enjoy a nice stroll and seat at one of the park benches while enjoying some people watching.

Things to do in San Pedro Sula: Sports

Hondurans love the game of football (soccer) and are very expressive and passionate fans.

For football enthusiasts, and even if you’re not much into football, attending a football game is one of the most popular things to do in San Pedro Sula.

Apart from being very affordable (between $4 and $8 per game), you can see how locals interact with each other, soak in some culture and enjoy a great game in an electrifying atmosphere.

Things to do in San Pedro Sula: Shopping

One of the best places for souvenir-gift hunting, it’s at the Guamilito market, located between Street (Calle) number 6 and Avenue (Avenida) number 8.

Here, you can find all kinds of local handmade goods such as jewelry, bags and potteries, which you can haggle at the stall.

For retail shopping, two of the most popular shopping centers are Mall Multiplaza and City Mall located on Colonia Hernandez and Colonia Villa Eugenia respectively.

Things to do in San Pedro Sula: Nightlife & Entertainment

The nightlife in San Pedro Sula is one of the liveliest in Honduras and you can expect to find many bars, clubs and restaurants offering all types of live entertainment such as karaoke nights.

San Pedro Sula’s city center is the hotspot for finding nightlife. Popular streets include:

* Circunvalacion Avenue (Avenida)
* West Street (Calle Oeste)
* East Street (Calle Este)
* Sixth Avenue (6 Avenida No)
* Junior Avenue (Avenida)

Entertainment-wise, San Pedro Sula is home to cinemas and casinos such as the Casino Copan, where you can enjoy a game of Blackjack as well as slot machines.

Things to do in San Pedro Sula: Events & Festivals

National Art Exhibition

The National Art Exhibition, held at the Centro Cultural Sampedrano in March, is an annual art event that features the best Honduran art the country has to offer.

San Pedro Sula Feria Juniana

San Pedro Sula Feria Juniana, held in June, is a seven day celebration to commemorate Saint San Pedro.

During the celebrations the city is filled with street parades, live entertainment and stalls selling delicious Honduran dishes.

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The city of San Salvador is one of the biggest cities in Central America and it is located in the country of El Salvador, which borders Guatemala and Honduras.

Must Do Things in Central America

If you are traveling to San Salvador El Salvador for the first time, the city center is a mixture of rich and poor areas with buzzing street corners filled with vendors on the streets selling foods and all kinds of crafts.

Apart from the many things to do in San Salvador El Salvador, the city is ideal base for exploring other cities such as: Chalchuapa, where you can explore the impressive Mayan ruins of Tazumal, as well as San Jose, Cuenca, Trujillo and Chiclayo.

Things to do in San Salvador El Salvador: Outdoor Activities

Hiking & Swimming

If you are interested in the Great Outdoors during your stay in San Salvador El Salvador, the Cerro Verde National Park is within driving distance.

The park, located 20 miles west of San Salvador’s city center, is home to the extinct volcanoes of Santa Ana and Izalco.

You are allowed to hike the trails along the volcanoes but, for safety reasons, you can only do so in the company of a guide.

They only allow 300 people per day, and admission to the park is around $3. Before you head to the park you need to let them know through fax or e-mail when you’re planning to come. (Here it is Cerro Verde e-mail: informacion@istu.gob.sv)

The park is also home to Lake Coatepeque, which features a handful of hotels and guest houses by the lake shore. At the lake you can some swimming and boating activities.

El Roble Park

El Roble Park, located near the University of El Salvador, features recreational areas such as a basketball court and a BMX rump. Apart from these, you can enjoy an early morning jog along the paths as well as picnicking.

Cuscatlan Park

Cuscatlan Park is one of the largest urban parks in San Salvador El Salvador. The park features open green spaces with beautiful tropical trees.

The park, located adjacent Tin Marin Children’s Museum, features many opportunities for recreational outdoor activities, or simply a relaxing time on one of the park benches taking in the beautiful natural scenery.

In Cuscatlan Park, you can also find the Monumento a la Memoria y la Verdad (Monument to the Memory and Truth) Wall Memorial, which depicts the faces of those missing during the civil war.

Things to do in San Salvador El Salvador: Fun Family Activities

Tin Marin Children’s Museum

If you are traveling with kids, the Tin Martin Children’s Museum should be high in your itinerary.

The Museum, adjacent Cuscatlan Park, is an amazing place where you and kids can learn through fun and interactive activities such as the planetarium where you can learn about stars and constellations.

Mundo Feliz Amusement Park

If you looking for things to do with kids in San Salvador El Salvador, opposite Sykes El Salvador center you can find El Mundo Feliz (Happy World) amusement park where you can enjoy arcade games and bumper cars.

National Zoological Park

The National Park (Parque Zoologico Nacional) is another popular place where the whole family can enjoy some cultural attractions.

At the park, you can find the Saburo Hirao Japanese gardens, the National Zoo and El Salvador Natural History Museum.

Saburo Hirao Japanese Gardens

The Saburo Hirao Japanese gardens feature beautiful flora as well as kid’s playgrounds for the little ones.

The National Zoo

Apart from a collection of wildlife, the National Zoo serves as a sanctuary for the protection of animals in danger of extinction.

El Salvador Natural History Museum

At the El Salvador Natural History Museum, you can the fossils of a giant sloth among other species.

The National Zoological Park is located on Calle Modelo (Modelo Street) near Colonia Malaga neighborhood.

Things to do in San Salvador El Salvador: Places of Interest

University of El Salvador

The University of El Salvador (Universidad de El Salvador) is another landmark worth checking out. Here, you can stroll along the campus taking in the beautiful surroundings and explore the different buildings.

David J Guzman National Museum

If you are interested in ancient El Salvador, a visit to the David J Guzman National Museum is a must-add in your itinerary. The museum features a beautiful collection of Mayan artifacts that include ceramics and pottery items.

Cuscatlan Old Quarter

Cuscatlan Old Quarter (Antiguo Cuscatlan), home to the US Embassy, is where you can find the La Laguna Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico).

If you love flora, the park is home to over 3,000 different types of plant species from around the world as well as native to El Salvador.

Things to do in San Salvador El Salvador: Shopping & Food

For retail shopping, head to the area between Colonia Miramonte and Colonia Terraza neighborhoods (along Boulevard De Los Heroes).

Here, you can find three shopping malls:

* Metrocenter shopping mall (Centro Comercial Metrocentro)
* Metrosur (Centro Comercial Metrosur)
* Metrogalerias (Centro Comercial Metrogalerias)

The neighborhood of Santa Elena (located in Antiguo Cuscatlan) is also home to a few malls where you can enjoy more retail shopping.

All of these malls are located along La Panamericana highway and they include:

* La Gran Via shopping Mall (Centro Comercial La Gran Via)
* Las Cascadas shopping mall (Centro Comercial Las Cascadas)
* Multiplaza shopping mall (Centro Comercial Multiplaza).

San Salvador is also home to many markets, where you can shop for local produce and handmade goods such as hammocks.

For instance, San Jacinto District is home to a few Mercados (markets) such as:

* Mercado Municipal San Jacinto
* Mercado Modelo
* La Despensa De Don Juan hypermarket.

Food

Trying out some of the popular dishes in San Salvador El Salvador is one of the popular things to do there. Popular dishes include:

* Purpusas, which are delicious handmade tortillas made out of corn or rice flour. They are usually filled with cheese, chorizo and vegetables.

* Yuca Fritas, which are deep fried cassava root topped with vegetables.

* Panes Rellenos, which are delicious sandwiches filled with turkey or chicken, and served with vegetables.

Things to do in San Salvador El Salvador: Nightlife & Entertainment

For a trendy night scene, head to Zona Rosa district. Here, you can find many luxurious hotels and upscale bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as the popular Gran Via Shopping complex which features plenty of bars, restaurants and cinemas.

Apart from bars and clubs, you can enjoy a night out at the theater. For instance the Presidential Theater (Teatro Presidente), near the Embassy of Chile, is home to the San Salvador National Symphony which performs here regularly.

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The city of Cuenca Ecuador is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical value.

Museums in Cuenca Ecuador

The city features museums and churches from the colonial era, along with cobbled streets with modern and colonial houses with illustrious balconies which are reminiscent of the Peruvian cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo. Apart from colonial period houses, not far from Cuenca Ecuador you can find the significant Inca ruins near the town of Ingapirca

Things to do in Cuenca Ecuador: Outdoor Activities

Hiking & Fishing

One of the top things to do in Cuenca Ecuador it’s to explore the beautiful natural scenery while enjoying fun outdoor activities. One of the most popular places where you can explore the outdoors is at Cajas National Park (Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas), which is located 60 miles west of Cuenca Ecuador.

Things people do in Ecuador while on vacation

Apart from the many natural hiking trails, Cajas National Park covers a wide area that includes the lakes of Taitachuga and Osohuaycu where you can enjoy some fishing and water activities.

If you are an experienced climber, Cajas National Park also features a few peaks such as the Chimborazo with an elevation of over 20,000 feet. The village of Jima is another place near Cuenca Ecuador where you can enjoy hiking up the beautiful hills.

The village of Jima is located 80 miles south of Cuenca's city center. Take highway 35 (La Panamericana) towards Tocadel and take the diversion to San Jose de Raranga. The village is a few miles south of San Jose de Raranga.

The area around the town of Gualaceo is another place where you can enjoy outdoor pursuits. Here, you can find many mountains trails ideal for hiking and mountain biking.

Burro Ride

Taking a Burro (donkey) ride is another exciting thing to do, especially if you’ve never been on one before. The towns of Gualaceo and Jima are great places where you can hire a burro and trot around taking in the beautiful sights.

Things to do in Cuenca Ecuador: Places of Interest

Spanish Churches

If you are a history buff or simply want to marvel at some fine architecture, Cuenca’s city center is home to a few churches from the Spanish colonial period such as:

* Iglesia del Sagrario (Old Church of Cuenca) built in the 16th century.

* Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción (New Church) built in the 19th century.

Monastery and Museum of La Concepcion (Monasterio and Museo de La Concepción)

La Concepcion Monastery and Museum houses an exhibition that showcases 17th century tombs as well as other religious artifacts such as paintings and crosses.

Things to do in Cuenca Ecuador: Half Day trips

Town of Ingapirca

A trip to the town of Ingapirca is easily one of the highlights of a trip to Cuenca Ecuador. In the outskirts of the town you can find the magnificent archeological site that is the Ingapirca Ruins. At the Ingapirca ruins you can see an amazing Inca wall and a circular temple which were constructed without the use of mortar.

If you travel to the ruins on Friday, you can also catch a small market that sells Inca artifacts imitations. Ingapirca is located 20 miles north of Cuenca Ecuador. Take highway 35 (north) towards Uculoma (around 40 minutes drive).

Town of Gualaceo

The town of Gualaceo, located 15 miles east of Cuenca’s city center, is a beautiful charming town worth adding to the itinerary. You can take a stroll along Gualaceo’s riverfront and soak in the breathtaking scenery and charming landmarks.

Town of Azogues

The town of Azogues is another charming town worth adding to the itinerary of places to visit in Cuenca Ecuador.

Azogues ( just on the outskirts of Cuenca) features a couple of museums as well as the Cojitambo Archeological site where you can see stone terraces from the Inca period.

Things to do in Cuenca Ecuador: Shopping

Just like the rest of Ecuador Cuenca is a shopper’s paradise when it comes to handmade arts and crafts. Rather than shopping malls, you’ll find a range of charming stores selling items such as the popular Panama hat.

However, for the best shopping experience, head to the town of Gualaceo. On Sundays, this charming town becomes alive with a traditional market filled with local vendors selling all kinds of handmade goods such as bags and beautifully crafted jewelry.

Things to do in Cuenca Ecuador: Nightlife & Entertainment

The nightlife in Cuenca Ecuador is on the quiet side and it consists mainly of small bars and salsa venues such as Table Salsa & Son and La Mesa Salsoteca (both along Gran Colombia) where you can enjoy a bit of salsa.

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‘El Sagrario’ district, along Gran Colombia Street, is where you will find many of these charming bars.

Things to do in Cuenca Ecuador: Events & Festivals

Azogues Carnival

The Azogues Carnival, held in Azogues, is one of the most popular events in Ecuador and features beautiful parades with flamboyant floats reminiscent of the carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil.

Azogues is located 12 miles northeast of Cuenca (around 30 minutes drive along highway 35, which is also known as La Panamericana.

Cuenca Corpus Christi Fest

Cuenca Corpus Christi Fest, held in June, is one of the most important and popular events in Cuenca and runs for seven days. The event features pilgrim processions, live entertainment and amazing firework displays.

Cuenca Independence Day

Cuenca Independence Day, held in November, is a four day event that commemorates the city’s independence. At the event you can enjoy traditional Ecuadorian music and dances as well as sample fine dishes.

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The city of Chiclayo, located north of Trujillo Peru, is one of the largest cities in Peru and one of the most hospitable and friendly cities in the country.

Must do things in Peru

If you are traveling to Chiclayo Peru for the first time, the main draw of the city is the Tucume pyramids and the Historic Pomac Forest where you can find the pyramid where Lord Sipan remains were discovered.

Things to do in Chiclayo Peru: Outdoor Activities

Pyramids of Tucume Tour

Exploring the pyramids of Tucume is one of the most popular things to do in Chiclayo Peru.

The Tucume pyramids (and all the pyramids found in Peru) differ from those found in Cairo Egypt in that the Tucume pyramids are made of adobe and resemble more like mountains.

The area around Tucume is actually home to over twenty pyramids and a museum where you can see pottery objects and mosaics recovered from the pyramids.

Four of the most popular pyramids (Huacas) include:

* Long Pyramid (Huaca Larga)
* Pyramid One (Huaca 1)
* Pyramid Balsas (Huaca Balsas)

If you are planning to check out this area or explore the outskirts of Chiclayo, it’s a good idea to book a tour guide from one of the agencies in the city, just for the local knowledge and expertise.

Hiking & Bird watching

If you bird enthusiast or simply want to explore Peru’s natural scenery, the Historic Pomac Forest (Bosque Historico del Pomac) is home to a bird sanctuary where you can spot many different types of species.

The Historic Pomac Forest is also home to a few important pyramids such as the Parrot Pyramid (Huaca del Loro) which is the pyramid where Lord Sipan was discovered.

The Historic Pomac Forest is located near the Tucume Pyramids. To reach the Forest, you need to take the route towards Ferreñafe on the way to Pitipo.

The Tucume pyramids are located 16 miles north of Chiclayo's city center (around 60 minutes by car).

Surfing

If you are looking to spend time at the beach and enjoy a bit of surfing, Pimentel Beach Town is one of the best places where you can do this. Here, you can also see and enjoy a ride on the famed ‘Caballitos de Tortora’ (Reed boats) found in Trujillo Peru.

Pimentel Beach Town also features a few sea-side restaurants and a pier where you can walk along and enjoy lovely views of the ocean.

Things to do in Chiclayo Peru: Places of Interest

Lambayeque District

Royal Tombs of Lord Sipan Museum (Museo Tumbas Reales del Señor de Sipán‎)

The Royal Tombs of Sir Sipan Museum, adjacent Bruning Arqueological Museum, is one of the top museums in the country where you can see relics and precious objects of Lord Sipan as well as ancient Peru. Items include gold collars, earrings, and statues of Lord Sipan.

Bruning Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nacional Bruning)

The Bruning Museum is located near the Royal Tombs of Lord Sipan Museum and offers a beautiful inside into ancient Peru’s craftsmanship. The museum features pottery objects and ceramic items.

University of Lambayeque

The University of Lambayeque is located near the Bruning and Sipan Museums and it is worth checking out. You can take a lovely stroll around the University grounds and check out some of the buildings there.

Modelo Market: Witch Market

If you are interested in alternative medicines, a visit to the city’s very own witch market is one of the most popular things to do in Chiclayo Peru.

The Witch market, which is part of Modelo market (Mercado Modelo), sells all kinds of medicinal herbs said to have healing powers.

Main Park (Parque Principal)

The Main Park, located on Elias Aguirre Street, is the focal point in the city center and it is an ideal stop from a long day touring the city center.

You can seat at the park benches and do some people watching while recharging you batteries.

St. Mary Cathedral (Santa Maria Cathedral)

St. Mary Cathedral, located adjacent the Main Park, is architecturally one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Peru featuring a lovely creme exterior. Once inside, you can appreciate the high ceilings and Doric columns.

Things to do in Chiclayo Peru: Shopping

The Modelo market is one of the best places in Chiclayo where you can start souvenir hunting.

Apart from medicinal herbs at the Witch market, the Modelo market sells many wooden figurines, fancy stones and shells, bags and pottery items which can make an ideal souvenir present.

For a retail experience, the Real Plaza complex (Royal Square) is home to hundreds of small stores, a food court and a cinema (cine planet) where you can watch the latest movie releases.

Things to do in Chiclayo Peru: Sports

If you are a football enthusiast, you can see a game of football on Saturdays at one of the stadiums located in the area.

In Chiclayo center, you can find the Carlos Castaneda Stadium on Bolivar Street; and the Elias Aguirre Stadium on Paseo del Deporte Avenue.

In the Lambayeque district, you can find the Estadio Municipal (Municipal Stadium).

Apart from the entertainment factor, experiencing a game of football is also a great way to soak in a bit of Peruvian culture and learn how the locals interact with each other.

Things to do in Chiclayo Peru: Nightlife & Entertainment

The night scene in Chiclayo consists of small bars, clubs and outdoor terraces where you can enjoy a pleasant drink. For instance, the area around Parque Principal (Main Park) is home to many bars with outdoor terraces overlooking the park.

The Real Plaza Shopping complex is also another popular hang-out place home many restaurants, bars and a cinema.

The Pimentel Beach Town area is also a nice place where you can enjoy a nice drink or meal on one of the terraces overlooking the ocean.

Things to do in Chiclayo Peru: Events & Festivals

Easter Week

If you planning when to visit the city, Easter time (April) is one of the best times to experience Chiclayo and Peru overall.

Peruvians are very religious people and devoted. During Easter time, you can see street processions where pilgrims carry the statue of Christ.

If traveling to Chiclayo or Peru during Easter time, make sure to book hotel accommodation well in advance.

Monsefu Handcrafts Fair

The handcrafts Fair held in Monsefu in late summer is one of the highlights of Peru and one of the most popular things to do in Chiclayo Peru.

The fair is not far at all from Chiclayo’s city center, six miles south of Chiclayo (around 15 minutes drive).

At the event you can enjoy all kinds of live entertainment such as Marinera dances, and you’ll be able to purchase local handmade craft and art goods.

Stepping Horse Parade

The Stepping Horse parade, held along Parque Principal, is another fun event that you can enjoy in August. At the stepping horse parade you’ll be able to see the famous Peruvian Paso horse and its elegant and synchronized gait.

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