Are you struggling to find the best places abroad for holidays? Go through this article and you'll get a quick guide for planning your trip to Peru. Peru is one of the best places to visit in South America. It has beautiful beaches, islands, mountains, desert, colonial cities, rainforests, and ancient ruins. There is much more things to do in Peru besides visiting Machu Picchu.
Peru is much more than Machu Picchu, so don't limit yourself to Cusco, but plan a three-week itinerary through Peru from Lima all the way to Cusco. When thinking of Peru, Incan history and geological marvels might spring to mind over starchy vegetables. But the South American country is a dominant force in the world of spuds.
Of the five thousand known varieties of potato in the world, Peru is home to three and a half thousand. There’s some evidence to suggest they were first cultivated high in the Andes and became a revered part of everyday life. The Incans used potatoes to tell time, treat injuries, make childbirth easier, and even predict the weather.
Peru is one of the most diverse countries in South America. Peru is ideal for a holiday in December, especially if you're planning for a trip for its impressive coastline. Peru is well-known for its stunning beaches, and it's no secret that surfers will not want to miss this location. Popular beach stretches include Punta Hermosa, Punta Negra and El Silencio.
The beaches of Herradura, Costa Verde, and Punta Rocas are all popular surfing locations situated south of Lima, Peru's capital. To enjoy some sun, sand, and sparkling seas, visit famous beaches such as El Silencio, Punta Sal, Punta Hermosa, Pucusana, and Santa Mara. Peru is ideal for those who love the surf and sand, but also has a lot to offer to those who wish to explore the Amazon.
Peru, the land of the Incas and the conquerors! Peru is a true center of history, traditions preserved as nowhere and an impressive nature. House of the great Incas, a nation that has conquered an entire continent, the center of Spanish rule in the New World, small communities who live their lives peacefully as if time had stopped, desert, canyons, incurable mountains or dense jungle. All are in Peru, a country as a whole world!
Peru is one of the cheapest travel places and most popular destinations in South America. It is a land that has history, ancient heritage which attracts visitors over the world. Peru is a destination that can be explored at the cheapest package price. You can visit Peru for a day trip for 350 USD.
Peru has 28 distinct climatic zones. This results in a varied ecology and natural diversity contained inside a single nation. Snow is visible in the Andes, yet not far away, sandboarding in the desert in the Huacachina Oasis is possible. You may observe penguins on the Ballestas Islands, which are located near the arid and desert-like town of Paracas, and you can paddle quietly through the Amazonian rainforest rivers.
You may climb to the Andes' highest peaks or descend to the world's deepest gorges - Caón del Colca and Caón del Cotahuasi. There are an infinite number of variations and combinations. Peru is ideal for a range of short budget excursions that enable you to see this natural diversity. And if you're going to Peru with children, have no fear; the country is varied enough to offer an exciting experience for them as well.
We know not everyone has a month or two to take Peru in slowly (if you have the time, do it), so it’s important to waste as little of those precious weeks as possible. If you’re going between Lima and Cusco, hop on a flight. But other destinations might be more finicky. Planning ahead is important if you’re tied to a short itinerary.
There’s a good chance that those flight routes will have you connect in Lima or Cusco, wasting precious hours. Instead, grab a bus. Many longer trips run through the night, meaning you still get a full day in both places. Plus, some of Peru’s buses are amazing. Try Cruz del Sur for some of the best lay-flat seats you can find.
There’s approximately a 150% chance that you’re visiting Machu Picchu on your trip. If you’re hoping to trek the Inca Trail there, there’s a 270% chance you’re not going to if you leave it till the last minute. Daily spots on the Inca Trail are limited and fill up as much as six months in advance. Get planning early.
The same applies if you’re taking the train for a day trip, although you won’t need to do it so far in advance. Just make sure you use the official website to avoid any of the endless scams.
The same applies to some of Lima’s world-class eateries. Good luck grabbing a table at the fourth-best restaurant in the world on the day of. It books up three months in advance. You’re going to be busy in Peru, so having somewhere comfortable to knock out for the night should be high on your priority list. From high-end modern exuberance in Lima to Incan adorned delights in Cusco, your hotel could be as much of an adventure as the rest of your trip.
Here we will brief you on the best places to visit in Peru so that you can plan your holidays for wandering Peru to get an exciting, adventurous experience.
1. Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is surrounded by beautiful valleys, rivers with desert belts facing the pacific ocean. Staying in the Miraflores district of Lima is a better choice for any traveler as there are food markets, bars, shops, and attire stores directly at your doorstep. In case you wish for a sassy place to stay, Barranco would make you happy with its microbreweries, classic architecture, and impressive artworks.
If you are fond of cats, you must not miss a chance to visit Kennedy Park. A perfect paradise for cat lovers. If you are looking for cool places for couples, Lovers Park is the best park. Spend a great time with your better half in this park. Exploring Lima takes almost 2-3 days; there are numerous different things you can do in Lima, for example, a dazzling bicycle visit or a walk around the Malecon coast.
Lima, the largest city in Peru, will surely make your first stay memorable, regardless of any place you choose. The landscape is incredible; seashores covering the coastline, surfers of Cabo Blanco, drinks at Los Positas, and much more exciting things to spend your vacay time lavishly.
Lima has abundant accommodation, including 320 hostels and hotels in total. Prices are affordable for any traveler; it starts with £5 and goes up to £500 for each night's stay, including free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Therefore, one can easily find a spot suitable to their budget in Lima.
Hostel Kokopelli is good in terms of the size of the room with an attached balcony. However, for luxurious facilities, one can go with the other options like Pool Paradise. Miraflores, JW Marriott Hotel Lima, Casa Republica Barranco, etc., are well-known hotels for a lavish stay in Lima.
Food is also big in Peru, probably having the most developed gastronomy in South America, with unique spices, and dishes, including ceviche (oh so delicious ceviche), lomo saltado. Peru is considered to have one of the finest cuisines in America. Quinoa is a common breakfast found on the streets of Lima in the mornings. Recipes with coca leaves are well known in Lima; mind that coca leaves don't have any traits of cocaine. This flavor is seen in sweets, cocktails, tea, etc. Pisco sour is the classic cocktail of Lima.
Once again, we’re faced with the criminal task of condensing one of the world’s greatest culinary traditions into a paragraph or two. You may have heard that the guinea pig is a delicacy in Peru, and you wouldn’t be wrong. It’s one of the primary sources of food in the Andes. If you can move past the thought of your first pet, it's worth it. But beyond that, Peru is packed with unbelievable food.
Top of the list is Ceviche, a fresh fish cooked in lime. It’s unbelievable when done well and can be found everywhere. Panchita chicken, Papas a la Huancaina, and Causa are all dishes to tick off your list, but above and beyond anything else, just try as much as you can. Oh, and try pisco, the national liquor of Peru made from grape leaves.
Peru is not only ethnically diverse, but also has a climate diversity of 28 distinct climates. This mingling of cultures and diversity of weather varies by city, resulting in a diverse cuisine across the nation. Lomo Saltado, Ceviche Mixto, Empanadas, Tiradito, Butifarra, and Chicharrón are just a few of the Peruvian foods that are a must-try.
If you're interested about an Andean delicacy, try cuy, or guinea pig flesh. It's juicy and tender, but not recommended for those with sensitive stomachs. Peruvian cuisine is, on the whole, hot and hefty, but oh-so-delicious. Excellent beverages must be paired with excellent meals. Right? Peru ensures that this is done correctly.
Whether you like the bubble gum-flavored Inca Kola or the robust brews, Peruvian beverages will quickly become a part of your routine. Among the local beverages you'll discover (and enjoy) are the renowned Ica wines, pisco sours (a sweet, lime-flavored, but powerful drink made with egg whites.
2. Cusco
You will be shocked for sure by witnessing the elegance of Cusco. One who visits Peru never fails to visit Cusco. Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trek is one of the best routes that exist in Peru. The Vilcabamba region is located Northwest of Cusco, in the La Convencion province, in the eastern mountain range of the Andes.
The first stop is the impressive ruin of Choquequirao, known as the sister city of Machu Picchu and recently ranked as one of the 20 best travel destinations by National Geographic. The site rises over the rivers Río Blanco and Apurimac, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Along the way you can observe the snow-covered peaks of Padriyoc and Wayna Cachora. In Capuliyoc, you will be able to see condors before starting to descend through the Apurímac Canyon.
If you have time then you can visit Rainbow Mountain for hiking.
Vinicunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, is a mountain in Andes Peru with an altitude of 5200 m above sea level. Rainbow mountain is the perfect example of an illusion in the real world; it's hard to believe until you see it through your naked eyes. The mountain with different color hues shades seven colors of the rainbow, an absolutely fantastic piece of nature's art.
Earlier, this place was not a tourist place, since a few years back, it became a famous spot in Peru for every traveler. Then there are the obvious hikes to Macchu Picchu around Cusco which are steeped with ancient ruins and various landscapes ranging from jungles, to snow clad mountains, to desert(ish) areas.
Peru’s natural offerings are impossible to work through in a single trip. There’s just too much spread across the country. Pick a region and get to grips with it, or do a highlight run of each corner. You’ll not have seen anything like it.
The Rainbow Mountain (real name Vinicunca) is an immediate highlight in any itinerary. Sitting at 5200m, the spectacularly colored mountain is possible as a day trip from Cusco. Just get ready for the hike at that altitude—Coca tea at the ready.
There are a few adorable hotels to stay in Cusco. The Belmond Hotel Monasterio is exceptionally lovely, and the surrounding scenic beauty adds glory. Not too expensive, it starts as low as possible, like £23, and ends up to £450.
Other great options for stay can be JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, Novotel Cusco, etc. You can select the hotel as per your budget, Stay in Cusco is not too expensive; it'll set in your budget without any doubt.
3. Machu Picchu
Tourists are noting South America as they seek out lesser-known, unknown destinations around the globe. Machu Picchu is one of the most famous symbols of the continent, and its numbers of visitors are a reflection of the fact that it is. After welcoming more than one million tourists, officials from tourism have decided to reduce the entry fee in an effort to stop the beautiful ruin from falling into.
Machu Picchu has received the honor of being part of the seven wonders of the world. Trekking through the Inca trail is the most thrilling adventure of your lifetime. It would be best if you availed passes for Machu Picchu; the government manages to share around 200 passes on each day. One must plan a trip to Peru well in advance (6 months before) to visit Machu Picchu. Know that this trek is not open in February.
Weather is unstable, unexpected rainfalls may occur (better to carry a raincoat for safety measures), and the temperature starts to decrease by evening. Keep your body hydrated and carry some coca leaves and some light yet healthy food; it will help you to stay fit and fine while trekking.
The Inca trail may be the trek out of your comfort zone if you are not a regular traveler, but the peace you get after reaching Machu Picchu is worth it. Prep your mindset for working with odds; you may not get a chance to bathe for 3-4 days. You have to live with no luxurious facilities, Keeping all worldly pleasures aside, live with the purest form of nature and collect joyful memories.
If you wish to catch the sunrise from Inti Punku, you must begin your trek late at night. Regardless of how many odds you go through, nothing will matter when you see the Machu Picchu. This heavenly place will soothe your mind, body, and soul. However, as some parts of Peru may be rainy during December, remember to pack clothes and gear accordingly, especially if you wish to go on hikes!
Whether you visit a museum, stroll around a town or hamlet, or go to one of the secret Inca ruins, you will always be surrounded by history and its cultural effects. The ancient Inca ruins are often regarded as among of the world's most stunning and intriguing locations. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu include some of their most magnificent ruins, which are best appreciated when trekking the Inca Trail.
However, the Inca ruins are not the sole evidence of prehistoric civilizations. At the north, ancient civilizations may be found in Chan Chan, while in the south, fascinating evidence of ancient societies can be found in Lake Titicaca, Puno, and the Nazca Lines.
Any country would kill to have a historic site as iconic as Machu Picchu. Its mind-boggling engineering combined with the innate drama of the Andes makes it one of the most sought-after experiences on the planet. Built in the 15th century, the Incan citadel has baffled historians for years. The biggest conundrum you face as a tourist is how to visit.
or those short on time, day trips are the best option. Grabbing the Vistadome panoramic train from Cusco is the best way to take in the scenery as you go, but there are buses available too. Staying the night at nearby Aguas Calientes is the key to avoiding the crowds that swarm in at 11 am.
For the more adventurous, trekking the Inca Trail could be something truly memorable. The four-day trek takes you through ruins and awe-inspiring valleys before reaching your goal. These must be booked well in advance as you can’t do it without a guide. If you're counting pennies, the Salkantay route is a wonderful alternative. You can do it without a guide, and although there will be fewer ruins on the way, the views are still breathtaking.
If you have time, dig into the neverending historic sites Peru has to offer. It's heartbreaking that we don’t have the space to cover them here. What if we told you Machu Picchu was only the tip of the iceberg? Adventure is hard to avoid in Peru. It cascades off its Andean spine to the arid Pacific coast in one direction and dissolves into the Amazon in the other. While riding the wave, visitors are treated to astounding natural beauty, gastronomical masterclasses, and a vivacious culture as diverse as the landscape.
However you prefer to get your thrills, it has you covered. Grab a Pisco Sour and get planning. This is Peru.
4. Huacachina
Hit a different type of slope and head for Huacachina’s gargantuan dunes. Sandboarding and dune buggy riding are popular, but there’s nothing wrong with a simple sunset stroll. An unexpected adventure comes just blocks from the center of Lima. Grab a surfboard and hit the waves in one of the best city-surfing locations on the planet. The stunning cliffs of the city make for a unique spot to get tubular.
By Buggies, you can reach Huacachina, a place for endless parties. Huacachina is a little town with huge sand ridges. Ensure that you have some medicines when you feel dehydrated by over-drinking.
You can easily find a stay from $20 up to $229. Bananas Adventure Hostel Huacachina, Ecocamp Huacachina, Katari Hotel, etc., would be the best option for a luxurious stay in huacachina.
Where else can you discover a synthesis of Peruvian history, culture, art, and extraordinary abilities? The explanation is that they do so via their handicrafts. Textiles are among of the most well-known handicrafts found across Peru. You may see the ladies weaving the intricate designs that comprise a beautiful wall carpet, scarf, sweater, or anything in between.
Other excellent handmade crafts include instruments, wood carvings, canvas paintings, and jewellery. Not only do they make excellent souvenirs and trip memories, but by purchasing them you are also supporting their traditions and providing a family with a good standard of life.
5. Huaraz
Peru is amazing for it's hiking, food and culture. Some of the best hiking trails can be found in the remote and high-altitude Coridillera Blancas in the town of Huaraz.
Santa Cruz trek is a popular 3 or 4 day trip with backpack on the shoulder through the heart of the impressive Cordillera Blanca of Peru and most travelers use Huaraz as a place to establish their base. The best time to do the Santa Cruz trek is from May to September, but if you go out of season, you are likely to see fewer people.
The classic Santa Cruz trek begins in Cashapampa and you walk towards Vaquería. The path to the beginning of the trail is spectacular when entering the Huascarán National Park, passing the Llanganuco lakes and ending the curves towards Portachuelo de Llanganuco. Along this road is also the starting point of Laguna 69.
6. Colca Canyon
In the south is the Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, where you can witness giant Condors in flight (the national bird of Peru), and some majestic waterfalls. Many indigenous people still live in these areas and the culture of the Incan and Spanish history is ingrained in the architecture of many cities.
It's always fascinating to meet new people and explore with different cultures, but Peruvians elevate this experience to a whole other level of intrigue and enjoyment. Numerous Peruvians have a strong connection to their Inca forebears, passionately preserving the Quechua culture that is so integral to Peru's history. Sharing stories with them provides an intriguing opportunity to learn about the nation and its legends.
7. Urubamba
The town of Urubamba is a stopover in the heart of the Sacred Valley, essential for lovers of Inca history. Its position is strategic, on the banks of the sinuous Urubamba River, facing the snowy summit of Chicón and submerged in the valley full of greenery of the Incas.
8. Arequipa
First you have to get to the bus terminal in the city of Arequipa, from there trucks go to the town of Chivay. In Chivay you can find where to stay, eat or relax in the hot springs of the town, but the most important thing is that from here you can start the route of the viewpoints, reach the cross of the condor and other nearby towns.
9. Huanuco
There is a river, once believed to be a legend, only to be uncovered in the central Peruvian Amazon, appropriately called the Boiling River, because it's constantly percolating all year round, with temperatures reaching as much as 93 degrees Celsius (a real oven of the wild)! It is located in the Mayantuyacu part of the Huanuco hill forest in Peru.
Shanay-timpishka is an ancient name that can be translated as boiling with the heat of the sun. Consequently, any animal that dares to venture in that area to drink eventually falls to its doom, suffering a most painful death, before having its remains washed up and petrified on the shore.
How this river became so hot is a mystery, with some believing that a fault-led hydrothermal feature is causing the river to reach such high temperatures, particularly when underground water is heating up before resurfacing through cracks and broken rock formations.
Visitors to Peru flock to the Andes because they’re amazing, but the might of the Amazon is looming quietly at their feet and covers 60% of the country. The Peruvian portion has the most biodiversity anywhere in the Amazon, making it the perfect entry point for bird watching, caiman sightings, and some of the most mesmerizing plant and tree life anywhere in the world.
Lodges of all sorts have been built deep in the forest, allowing tourists to explore with a naturalist guide for five days or more. Some cheaper ones will cut costs on accommodations but offer unbelievable experiences. There are plenty of higher-end glamping opportunities to temper any worries for those not keen on being too close to nature.
Expect boat rides along the river, night hikes, anaconda searching, and maybe even the chance to swim in the river. It’s not to be missed.
10. Reserva Nacional Tambopata
Not only do weird animals inhabit the Amazon jungle, but weird trees exist there too, such as Socratea exorrhiza, also known as the Walking Tree, a species of palm tree that can grow as much as 25 meters in height, and is held above the ground by bizarre, stilt-like roots.
To explain why these roots are formed so, two hypotheses came to light. One believed that the roots allowed the tree to stay above water when the forest flooded in the wet season. The other spoke of their ability to enable the palm in walking – to be precise. According to this theory, when the tree is knocked over, it will use its stilt roots to creep away from its initial location, and then upright itself while growing new roots and a new trunk.
Speaking of trees, the Amazon rainforest is a true land of giants, and one of its biggest is called La Lupuna, which can grow to up to 10 meters long, and contains a part of the trunk that is wider than the rest, making it resemble a human abdomen – this has led locals to believe that the hollow trunk hosts a spirit who acts as the jungle's protector, and thus will take revenge upon anything who disrespects the trees.
11. Iquitos
A five-day boat trip around Amazon possibly will cost you around $3500 except airfare. Nevertheless, there is a possibility to chop down this mounting expense by getting in touch with locals in Iquitos, which is one of the biggest cities on the world that can't be reached via land.
You can cut down a huge amount through dealing with these locals whether you are set for a visit at Piranha Fishing Spots or go dolphin watching at the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve.
Other Things To Consider
One must plan a Peru trip in the months between May and October. In February, the Inca trek is closed. Know that the currency of Peru is Peruvian Nuevo Sol or soles. There is a limit for exchanging currency, and it's a wise option to be prepared before starting the trip. Now that you have a basic idea about Peru, you can explore the roots of Peru by following this blog.