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Historical Legacy

native civilizations, Andean landscapes and living traditions

Explore the Historical Legacy Trail, a crossing by Lima, Ancash y Ayacucho that unites original civilizations, Andean landscapes and living traditions. In Lima, visit Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas, and its Historic Center, recognized as one of the most important as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its vice-royal legacy. In Ancash, visit millenary temples such as Chavín from Huántar and landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca. In Ayacucho, discover the Wari culture and experience its Holy Week, one of the most emblematic festivities of the country.

Temperature

Ranges from 0° C to 29° C

Weather

Cold - dry (zone Sierra) y wet (Coastal zone)

Altitude between 0 to 6.768 m.a.s.l.

Dry season: May to October, high visitor season.

Rainy season: November to April, with frequent rains in Andean areas, low season for visitors. While in Lima it coincides with the summer, ideal to enjoy the coast.

How to get there?

Find the best route to start your experience

By Air
Access this road through any of its three main airports, Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, is the main gateway to Peru, receiving domestic and international flights. Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport in Huaraz and Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport in the city of Ayacucho, receive regular flights from Lima, facilitating access to these impressive destinations. Once you land, continue your tour by land, or by combining air routes, while exploring the attractions of the Historic Legacy Trail.
Overland
This road has land connectivity from Lima through the National Route PE-1N or also known as the Pan-American Highway North and the National Route PE-16 that connect with Ancash, and the Central Highway and the Los Libertadores road that connect with Ayacucho, linking its tourist attractions.

Terrestrial Tour

For the tour you can choose to take a bus from the main terminals, private vehicle rental or organized tours by a travel agency.

Terrestrial Tour

For the tour you can choose to take a bus from the main terminals, private vehicle rental or organized tours by a travel agency.

The tour starts in the city of Lima, In Lima, capital of the department of Lima, by private vehicle you can take the Panamericana Norte highway and connect with the National Route PE-16. You can also take a bus from the Gran Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte or at thes interprovincial transportation companies located in the following areas Javier Prado to Huaraz, the capital city of the department of Ancash. Remember to check the schedules to better plan your experience. The route offers views of the coast, fertile valleys and Andean mountain range.

In Lima marvel at:

    ● Historic center with colonial heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the colonial mansions with carved wooden balconies, the majestic Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace and admire the baroque architecture of the Convent of San Francisco and its famous catacombs.   

    ● High level museums such as the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI), the Museo Larco, the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú, and the Museo de Sitio Huallamarca, among others. 

    ● Parque de la Reserva's Magic Water Circuit, with a Guinness record for being the world's largest fountain complex in a public park, with its thirteen fountains, offers an unforgettable synchronized nighttime spectacle of lights and music.  

    ● Great pre-Hispanic civilizations in archaeological sites:  

            - Sacred City of Caral-Supe, the oldest civilization in America, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Caral impresses with its monumental pyramids, circular plazas and sophisticated urban planning.   

            - Huaca Pucllana, imposing ceremonial center of the Lima culture 

            - Huaca Huallamarca and its site museum, linked to the Lima and Ichma cultures, true guardians of the pre-Hispanic coastal legacy. 

            - Arturo Jiménez Borja Site Museum - Pachacamac, dedicated to the great oracular sanctuary of the same name, venerated by cultures such as Lima, Wari, Ichma and Inca. 

    ● Lachay National Reserve and Lomas de Lúcumo, ideal attractions for hiking and bird watching, especially between July and October its vegetation increases during the winter, becoming an oasis in the coastal desert of Lima. 

    ● Humedales de Villa Wetlands Wildlife Refuge, accessible all year round, a refuge for birds such as the Seven Colors of Totoraorra, designated RAMSAR site, designated RAMSAR site 

    ● Costa Limeña in its beaches like Punta Hermosa and Santa Maria a few kilometers from the city ideal for surfing and good beach atmosphere, Asia with exclusive beaches and a vibrant nightlife, El Silencio, with clear sand and calm waters, perfect for relaxing, among many others that you will find on the coast of Lima. 

    ● National Peruvian Paso Horse Contest, in April, is a symbol of national pride. 

    ● Feast of Señor de los Milagros, in October, the most multitudinous procession in South America. 

    ● Fiestas Patrias, in July, transform the city with parades, Creole music and an unparalleled festive atmosphere throughout the month.

    ● Pisco distilled from grapes, representative of. Peru with denomination of origin. Travel the Pisco Route and visit traditional wineries, where you can learn about the elaboration process and taste its varieties. Pisco sour, Peru's signature cocktail, celebrates the vibrant spirit of its tradition every fourth Sunday of July on Pisco Day and every first Saturday of February on Pisco Sour Day. 

    World renowned gastronomy such as ceviche, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Also the lomo saltado, aji de gallina, anticuchos, causa limeña and closes with a delicious traditional dessert called suspiro limeño. 

    ● Handicraft market in the districts of Miraflores y Ravine.

In Huaraz discover:

    ● Historic center where you can visit the Archaeological Museum of Ancash “Augusto Soriano Infante”, with a valuable collection of pre-Hispanic pieces and a unique garden of lithic sculptures. Visit the Iglesia Matriz Señor de la Soledad, the spiritual and architectural center of the city. 

    ● Great pre-Hispanic civilizations in:  

            - Monumental Archaeological Site of Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ceremonial center of the millenary Chavín culture, considered the first great Andean civilization. 

            - Chavin National Museum, discover original pieces such as nail heads, ceramics and ritual objects that reveal the symbolic, artistic and religious complexity of this visionary culture.

    ● Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex, the oldest solar observatory in America, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, will surprise you with its 13 aligned towers that accurately marked solstices and equinoxes.   

    Huascarán National Park, the most impressive natural treasure of Ancash and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this Andean paradise, imposing snow-capped peaks such as Huascarán, the Pastoruri glacier that belongs to the Climate Change Route, the 69 Lagoon with its intense turquoise color, the emblematic lagoons of Llanganuco and the majestic Laguna Parón await you.   

    ● Cordillera de Huayhuash, offers landscapes of snow-capped mountains, crystalline lagoons and deep valleys. Its trekking routes are world famous. 

    ● Cañón del Pato, a narrow canyon separating the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra, with imposing rock walls and the Santa River flowing between them. The route includes more than 30 tunnels carved into the mountain, ideal for traveling by vehicle or bicycle. 

    ● Forest of Stones of Hatun Machay, This stony forest presents eroded volcanic formations that reach up to 60 meters high, with figures that evoke animals, faces and different shapes. 

    ● High altitude gastronomy such as pachamanca which is an ancestral underground cooking, spicy guinea pig, cuchicanca which is marinated and baked pork with mote and sarsa.

It is recommended to return to the city of Lima by land or air to continue to the next destination.  

The tour continues from the city of Lima, In a private vehicle you can take the Central Highway and connect with the Los Libertadores road.You can also take a bus from the Gran Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte or in thes interprovincial transportation companies located in Javier Prado to the city of Ayacucho, the capital of the department of Ayacucho. Remember to check the schedules to better plan your experience. The route offers coastal landscapes and views of the high Andean areas.

In Ayacucho visit:

    ● The most impressive historical center of the southern Andes, with its 33 colonial churches, and its Cathedral of the XVII century. The Triumphal Arch, a symbol of independence, the Regional Historical Museum with pieces from the Wari culture, and the Casa Museo del Retablo, dedicated to the art of Joaquín López. Antay. Churches such as Santo Domingo and the Temple of the Society of Jesus stand out for their architecture and sacred art.  

    ● Great pre-Hispanic civilizations in archaeological sites:  

            – Wari Archaeological Complex was the capital of the Wari culture (600-1100 A.D.), the first great Andean state, prior to the Inca Empire. Its monumental walls, subway passages and site museum reveal their knowledge.  

            – Intihuatana Complex - Pumacocha belongs to the Inca culture (1438-1532 A.D.) and stands out for its ceremonial architecture next to a sacred lagoon, with a solar tower, ritual baths and views that connect heaven and earth.

    ● Caves of Pikimachay, The archaeological site is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Peru and South America. With evidence of human occupation up to 20,000 years old, this site is key to understanding the origins of the first Andean societies.

    ● Dance of the scissors, a cultural expression declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is performed by dancers who perform acrobatics to the rhythm of violin and harp while making their metal scissors sound. 

    ● The Titankayocc Forest stands out for being the largest in Peru with Puyas Raimondi, impressive Andean plants that reach up to 12 meters in height. 

    ● Parinacochas Lagoon, at the foot of the Sara Sara volcano, is home to Andean flamingos and has been considered sacred since pre-Hispanic times. 

    Pachapupum volcano lagoon with sulfur-rich water and a temperature between 35° and 40° C reflects unique landscapes. 

    ● The turquoise waters of Millpu that form natural pools between limestone canyons, ideal for a visit that will delight your eyes.

    ● Ruqruqa waterfall in Ayacucho, a hidden paradise ideal for hiking, photos and natural contact.   

    ● Holy Week, in March or April, is its most emblematic festivity, where tradition becomes a celebration, transforming Ayacucho into a stage of faith with ten days of processions, music and popular fervor. 

    ● Gastronomy that you can't miss, such as mondongo ayacuchano, thick and tasty, made with corn and tender meats. On cold mornings try a comforting Ayacucho punch, a hot drink made with peanuts, milk and spices. 

    The Ayacucho retablos, colorful boxes with religious and traditional scenes, are living symbols of Andean identity. Also the Sarhua Tables, declared Cultural Heritage of Peru, narrate family genealogies in colorful paintings on wood. 

    ● Ayacucho embroidery is a fabric that dazzles with its intense colors and designs full of Andean symbolism, made by hand with cotton or wool threads, it adorns garments, accessories and textile works with flowers, birds and traditional figures.

Road Highlights

HISTORIC CENTER OF THE CITY OF LIMA

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its Historic Center is characterized by mansions with carved balconies, the Plaza Mayor, colonial churches and the catacombs of San Francisco.

GASTRONOMY IN THE CITY OF LIMA

Renowned worldwide for dishes such as ceviche, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lima offers unique flavors such as lomo saltado, aji de gallina, anticuchos, causa and suspiro limeño, among many others that you have to try.

HISTORIC CENTER OF THE CITY OF AYACUCHO

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center impresses with 33 churches, sacred art, Wari legacy, traditional altarpieces and monuments of independence.

HUASCARÁN NATIONAL PARK

In Ancash, the most impressive natural treasure of Ancash and a World Heritage Site, the Huascaran National Park dazzles with snow-capped peaks such as Huascaran, the glacier Pastoruri, and gaps such as Parón, Llanganuco and the intense Laguna 69.





















Pachacamac Archaeological Complex

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Huaca Pucllana

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Magic Water Circuit in Lima

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Huascaran snow-capped mountain

PHOTO: MINCETUR




















Huayhuash mountain range

PHOTO: MINCETUR




















LLanganuco Lagoon, Huascarán National Park

PHOTO: MINCETUR




















Lagoon 69, Yungay

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Pastoruri Glacier

PHOTO: MINCETUR




















Tello Obelisk, at the Chavín National Museum

PHOTO: MINCETUR




















Chavín de Huántar Archaeological Complex

PHOTO: MINCETUR




















Procession of the Risen Christ during Holy Week in Ayacucho.

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Ruqruqa waterfall

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Pikimachay Cave

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Pisco

PHOTO: MINCETUR




















Fish ceviche

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Causa stuffed

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ




















Sopa de mondongo (tripe soup) - Ayacucho

PHOTO: PROMPERÚ
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