You may (or may not) have wondered about the inspiration behind the PeruNorth logo. Well, the animal chosen to represent Northern Peru is the Marvellous Spatuletail Hummingbird (Loddigesia mirabilis).
Vallunaraju - a 'Moderate' Cordillera Blanca Climb
By the giddying standards of Huascaran National Park, which contains 27 peaks over 6,000 m (19,685 ft), Mount Vallunaraju, standing at 5,686 m (18,654 ft) is a relative midget.
It can be seen directly from Huaraz, as well from the Cordillera Negra, and is easily identifiable for its double - headed summit, of which the northern summit is the highest one. It is one of the few peaks in the Cordillera Blanca that can be climbed from Huaraz in two days.
Top 7 Swimming Pools in High Amazon
The water in the vast Amazon River system is largely run-off from the Andes Mountains, and some of the most spectacular scenery and interesting wildlife can be found in the region of Northern Peru where these two gigantic geographical features meet - an area known in Spanish as ceja de selva (literally 'jungle's eye-brow') and incorporating a wide range of eco-systems between the altitudes of 500 m (1,640 ft) and 3,000 m (9,840 ft) above sea level.
Even at a slightly higher elevation, the heat can be stifling, and so a nice swimming pool is extremely welcome for the purpose of cooling down and calmly taking in one's surroundings. We therefore list below some of our favourites in the high Amazon provinces of San Martin and Amazonas.
Puya Raimondii - Pineapple meets Triffid!
Raymi Llacta - Chachapoyas' Annual Party
The first week of June sees the city of Chachapoyas indulge in a celebration of the region's culture, that includes dances, cuisine, music, costumes and artwork. Known as Raymi Llacta (or Llaqta), which means 'town festival' in Quechua, it has been a fixture on the Northern Peru calendar since 1996.
What to Bring on a Northern Peru Holiday
A good maxim when packing to go on holiday is 'half the luggage; twice the money'! Peru has plenty of shops, selling everything from Alpaca sweaters to camera batteries, and by spending in them, visitors are doing their bit to support the local economy.
Moreover, we once had a client arrive for a two-week holiday in Belize with just hand luggage ... and this was by choice, not at the whim of the airline. He had two shirts and would wash one, while he wore the other.
Nonetheless, Peru North understands that this is not the norm, and so please see our advice on what to bring. Northern Peru is a very diverse place, geographically, climatically and culturally, so there will be variations according to your exact destination. We will start with the essentials, and then suggest additions, according to the region or activity.
Lima Airport
Most tours to Peru involve at least two visits to Lima Airport, at some point; and as Lima expands in size and importance, so the airport is increasingly becoming a hub for South American air travel. Therefore, it is good to know what to expect, as chances are you will be spending a couple of hours here at least.
Jorge Chavez - Peru's Most Famous Aviator
Art of the Shipibo-Konibo
Shipibo-Konibo is an indigenous Amazonian culture, most numerous in Peru’s Ucayali Department.
Renowned for distinctive geometrically-decorated textiles.
We examine the process behind this intricate art form.
Amazon Reforestation & Sustainable Farming Project
An hour by boat from Iquitos, up the River Nanay, lies the hamlet of Fray Martin de Porres, where, in 2010, Latitud Sur began a project to offer viable alternatives to the ecologically-damaging practices of charcoal production, single crop farming, and slash-and-burn agriculture.
Peru's Tomb Raiders
Amazon Canopy Walkways
In the 1970s, biologists began exploring the rainforest canopy, experimenting with tree-climbing gear, platforms, and even hot-air balloons to study little-known plants and animals which lived only in the tree-tops.
Now, for many visitors ascending into the canopy is a real highlight of their Amazon experience.