Peru's Diversity Attracts Photographers

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The photographer is a special breed of traveller. Enticed by objects and scenery that others may overlook, travel photographers search for that special place where they can find one amazing sight after another, and as the word spreads about the beauty of Peru, one of South America's many gems, more and more avid photographers - both amateur and professional - have been heading there for a photo safari, intent on capturing the diversity of the country. They enjoy Peru tours that take them to a variety of destinations - from the vibrant neighbourhoods of Lima, to the Inca sites of Machu Picchu and historical Cusco, to the incredible Amazon rainforest, one of the most bio-diverse regions of the world.

Those considering nature photography trips and other photo-taking excursions to great destinations worldwide would be wise to take a close look at Peru. This 496,000 square-mile country, home to 29 million residents, is slowly becoming the travel photography capital of the world. And it's easy to understand why.

In addition to providing excellent venues for photo-taking and participation in photography classes and photography workshops, Peru offers so much more for the visitor, from the opportunity to enjoy luxury vacation hotels that provide stunning views of the ocean to a chance to do Peru volunteer work in some of the country's neediest mountain communities. Adventure tours in Peru are popular too and include mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and a host of other extreme activities. Whatever your idea of the perfect vacation, it can be achieved in Peru.

Most Peru travel packages start in Lima, the nation's eclectic capital city, boasting a prime location on the coast. Lima offers a host of opportunities for the traveller armed with a digital camera or other photography equipment including the chance to photograph:

• The stunning Peruvian coast - The beaches along Lima's Pan-American Highway are ideal for those who enjoy bird photography. Birdwatchers and photographers travel to the coast to capture not only images of the sparkling water incredible sand dunes surfers, and fishermen, but an indescribable abundance and variety of sea-birds. Due to the Humboldt Current with its cold nutrient rich water from the artic, supports an incredible fish population which in turn supports a large number of birds that feed on the fish. In one trip one can see a number of endemic species including: Humbolt Penguin, the Peruvian Diving-Petrel, Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Booby, Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant and the beautiful Inca Tern and more.

• The cultural district - Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, as such, is a tourism mecca for those who love history and the arts.

• Architecture - When it comes to interesting buildings, Lima has it all. From colonial Spanish designs to Baroque cathedrals to 1960s "brutalist" designs, the photographer who enjoys capturing the image of interesting buildings will love Lima and should consider an architectural tour of the city. While Peru's cities are enticing, including not only Lima but also Arequipa, Puno, and Puerto Maldonado, the mountains of Peru call to photographers as well, especially the outdoor photographer who loves history. While visiting the Andes region, photographers can capture a variety of images that are sure to wow those who view them.

• Inca Trail - The road to Machu Picchu, photographers can book guided tours of the Inca Trail, most of which start in historic Cuzco. Hikers who want to capture the essence of the Inca Empire from behind a camera will certainly need to include this on their list of must-do tours.

• Machu Picchu - The most visited attraction in Peru, the great Incan city of Machu Picchu is a must for any photography tour to this diverse nation. Machu Picchu tours provide the opportunity to capture the details of the lives of those who were part of the Inca culture. For the photographer, Machu Picchu tours are especially enticing at sunrise and sunset.

• Cuzco - An impressive archaeological area that is sure to entice those on a photography holiday or photo tour. Cuzco is a great walking city and is also home to numerous festivals throughout the year, making it a great place for portrait photographers to capture shots of the locals, which are direct descendants of Incas, in traditional dress weaving and chewing coca leaf. It is easy for photographers to immersing themselves in this remarkably preserved culture in the centre of the Inca empire.

• Sacred Valley - The picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley lies just north of Cuzco. Not only is this photogenic valley filled with archaeological ruins, it is scattered with small Quechua villages and towns such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. Cultural photographers will have a field day here as the quechua peoples culture is still intact and can be photographed while visiting colourful traditional Indian markets in Pisac and excursions into Pisac and Chinchero.

For many individuals heading to Peru, the ultimate destination is the Amazon rainforest, which occupies about two-thirds of the country. Many Peru travel packages take visitors to this area, especially those who have a keen interest in eco-tourism.

Indeed, tourism in the Amazon continues to grow and shutterbugs who come to the Peruvian Amazon can photograph:

• Wildlife - The Amazon is the most bio-diverse area in the world, home to 1,800 species of birds, 403 specials of amphibians, 462 kinds of mammals, 395 reptile species, and 900 species of fish. Amazing! Nature tours of the Amazon are perfect for wildlife photography and the end results are usually nothing short of breathtaking.

• Manu National Park - Manu and a number of other national parks and reserves, like Tambopata, are located within the Amazon region. Tour packages that take visitors to these destinations are ideal for photographers, and specialized tours designed specifically for photo-taking feature guides that can provide plenty of tips for shooting the best pictures possible

• Iquitos - The largest city in the Peruvian rainforest, Iquitos was once the centre of the rubber industry in the region. Today, photographers enjoy snapping shots of this charming city, the floating market of Belem, a building built by Gustave Eiffel, and the lovely Shipibo natives who reside there.

Peru travel packages for avid photographers should also include visits to these awesome locales. So, grab your camera and photographic accessories and head to:

• The Nazca Lines - These mysterious geoglyphs are best photographed from the air and photo trips of the formations are the specialty of many a travel agency in the area. About a 3 hour drive from Lima, the Nazca Lines should be on the list of any photographer's places to see in Peru.

• Colca Canyon - The second-deepest canyon in the world, Colca is a photographer's dream. Home to the Andean Condor, an endangered avian species, it's the perfect place for bird watching and other wildlife viewing and is indeed one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in South America.

By Jeff Cremer PeruPhotoTours.com

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