Living in Peru : your everyday companion

By María José Campos

Processions, music and tradition have already made their appearances on the streets of many cities in Peru to celebrate Semana Santa, or Easter Week. Religion has been of great importance for people all around the country since colonial times and its celebration is a symbol of enthusiasm, emotion and pure faith. It is a festivity that will even touch everyone’s heart, no matter if you are not religious, a believer or simply curious. What are you waiting for? Pack up your bags, choose a destination and celebrate this colorful, reflective and significant weekend.

Here are five recommended destinations with tour package options. To get inspired for other places, see our travel section.

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Ayacucho.

Ayacucho

Called the Semana Santa capital, this city is hostess of celebrations full of fervor, emotion and faith. It is a popular destination for tourists all around the world who enjoy an exceptional mix of tradition, dances, rituals and gastronomy.

Options:

Experience the Semana Santa at its fullest by going to incomparable processions, visiting colonial churches and the towns of Huanta and Quinua for 4 days. Price: S/. 742 Contact Ritual Andino Tours: (084) 234 571, peru-tours.com.pe.

A city tour consisting of the mayor religious centers of the city such as the Santa Teresa Monastery, participate in the Pascua Toro and the celebrated processions of this holy party. Price: S/. 613 Contact Mundo al Día Travel: (01) 761 3310, mundoaldiatravel.com.

Arequipa

The white city is the land of grandiose canyons and volcanoes, exquisite gastronomy and good-natured people who love their heritage. Arequipa’s Semana Santa offers food which is finger-licking good and the burning of Judas on Sunday.


Options:

Enjoy 3 days in a city tour offered by the Santa Catalina Monastery, which enables you to be part of the processions, visiting the charming countryside as well as the Sabandía windmill. Price: S/. 454 Contact Viajes Club, (01) 422 3232, www.viajesclub.com.

For 4 days be part of a city tour where you can go to places like Yanahuara and Sabandía and go to Colca, the land of nature lovers and adventurers, being guest of a folklore show at night. Price: S/. 400 Contact Maravillas Peruanas Travels, (054) 200 970, maravillasperu@hotmail.com.

Ancash

Having the highest mountains of Peru and a breathtaking plant life Ancash is the paradise of every adventurer. This week, its people are authors of one of the most beautiful and emotive celebrations that cannot go unnoticed.




















Options:

Have a fully guided tour around Huaraz, watch the marvels of the Llanganuco lagoons, discover Chavin de Huantar and be impressed by the magnificence of the Pastoruri, all in 4 days. Cost: S/. 465 Contact Pablo Tours: (043) 421 145, pablotours.com.

In 3 days enjoy the wonders of nature by visiting Purhuay and Querococha lagoons, Maria Jiray falls, go to the Regional Museum of Chavin and have unique Chavin tour at night. Cost: S/. 295 Contact Infinite Adventures: (043) 427 304, infiniteadventures.com.

Junin

A beautiful place located in the ceja de selva with captivating artisan towns is another great choice for travelers. Mantles made of flowers and other peculiarities are part of the Semana Santa celebration, which is especially famous in Tarma.

Options:

Be part of the Tarma’s Semana Santa experience by visiting the Santa Ana Cathedral, Señor de la Cárcel Chapel and San Pedro de Cajas, including a tour in the Culture Museum and camping for 3 days. Cost: S/. 339.90 Contact Cultural Experience, (01) 440 1488, reservas@peru-ce.com.

Visit three different locations in Junin: the Perene valley for a great view of nature, Oxapampa and Tarma, for 4 days. Cost: S/. 526 Contact Adventure & Expeditions Peru, (062) 760 809.

Cusco

The Inca Empire capital and a majestic city of Inca and Hispanic architecture, makes cult to the Señor de los Temblores. Come and feast by tasting the 12 typical dishes and let yourself fall in love with the magic of this celebration.

Options:

For 3 days go horseback riding in and its surroundings, view the Holy Valley, visit the 7 stations for Semana Santa in the city and be able to eat the traditional 12 typical dishes. Price: S/. 287 Contact Cuscolande, (084) 244 223, cuscolande@speedy.com.pe

Go on a city and Sacsayhuamán tour, visit the Holy Valley of the Incas and assist to two of the most popular processions in Semana Santa: Señor de los Temblores and the Holy Sepulchre, all for 4 days. Price: S/. 650 Contact Andean Adventures Perú, (084) 601 391, andeanadventuresperu.com

tags : Easter travel processions tours countryside museums camping food music

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1 Comments

# Poala Pomposini says :
29 March, 2010 [ 12:39 ]

Another option which could leven be a day trip, is going to Cusco and visit the Pisco which are by the sea and harbour many bird species.
Additionally, the proceeds help the inhabitants of Pisco who have been quite neglected after the earthquale of two years ago.
There is much effective volunteer work with young people from all over the world who arrive there to help together in their own way, and three healing through the arts projects which are most effectively leadered by Narda Devescovi (marinera norteña champion) and locals targeted at healing through the arts.
A look into this and our contribution could mean an important difference.

Take a peek here.

ESPACIO EXPRESION
Narda's Facebook page.
dhttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=108879132465622&id=602723564#!/album.php?id=536006005&aid=36615&s=20&hash=9ae9a61137ac36e31a34ce2c94b06ad4e

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