If there was one word that perfectly encapsulated Peru and its beauty it would be “kaleidoscope.” That is because even though Peru is one destination it gives you a clear access to so many different experiences.
This is the kind of location that stays with you long after you have left. You keep going back to those ancient stone paths in the Andes, or the boat ride in the Amazon, and the ceviche by the Pacific, tantalizing your taste buds.
Somehow, all those mountains, deserts, jungles, and cities just seem to go together. Don’t just travel to Peru just to tick a few popular attractions off the lists. Here’s how you can make the most of your trip to this exotic location!
Contents
Getting to Know Peru
We all know by now that Peru is a mix of three different parts. Each one of these feels like a different world altogether.
The Coasts, a Mix of the Desert and the Ocean
Most travelers, when they come to Peru, end up in Lima first and foremost. This city deserves to be at the top of your list.
We cannot deny the fact that Lima is Peru’s food capital and it is going to offer you the best ceviche and lomo saltado. In fact, it sets the standard for these dishes worldwide. When you need to walk off all that delicious food you can experience the dramatic clifftop walks over the Pacific in Miraflores and street art and live music in Barranco.
As you go to the South of Lima you are going to land on some of Peru’s quirkiest stops. There’s Huacachina which is a small desert oasis where you can enjoy the dune buggies or sandboarding. As you travel a bit farther you witness the mysterious Nazca Lines (geoglyphs) that are so large and stretch so far across the desert that you’ll need a flight to fully appreciate them.
There are also many other hidden gems on the coast such as surf towns like Mancora up north or the Ballestas Islands near Paracas that you can explore if you like stepping off the path.
At the Heart of Inca Culture in the Mountains
Peru feels most authentic in the Andes. History is hidden deep within Cusco which was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Walking through those streets and exploring the markets or visiting sites like Qorikancha or Sacsayhuamán takes you on a journey through that history.
You can follow that up by a visit to the Sacred Valley. It’s the perfect segue. Here you will find many villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo which are surrounded by terraces, ruins, and mountains. This location is much slower compared to Cusco. If you want to tackle Machu Picchu, you can choose to stay here a couple of nights and adjust to the altitude.
Speaking of Machu Picchu, you absolutely cannot miss that experience. You could choose to take a train or hike the Inca Trail, but make sure you fully immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
If you want to explore even more places in the mountains here are a few to keep on the list
- Lake Titicaca: This is the world’s highest lake where you can explore reed islands and weaving communities.
- Arequipa: It’s a famous city that is known for its white volcanic stone.
- Colca Canyon: Perfect for birdwatching especially if you are searching for majestic condors.
Into the Wilderness, Exploring the Jungle
More than half of Peru is covered in rainforests and if you visit the Amazon you will get a chance to experience this world. Travel to Puerto Maldonado where you can easily access jungle lodges along the river. Here you get to meet monkeys, colorful birds, as well as giant otters on your walks or boat rides.
You could also take a flight or riverboat to Iquitos. It offers you the opportunity to take multi-day cruises or stay deep in the jungle where you can see pink river dolphins and greenery for miles.
Just a word of caution. Amazon is not for everyone. It is pretty hot and humid, and we recommend you visit only if you are interested in nature or local traditions.
Tips to Get You Through the Region
If you are particularly confused, reach out guides managing Peru tours and book an affordable and fun tour without having to stress over the itinerary. These local guides know the region well enough to take you through all the popular places, ensuring you don’t miss out on the fun.
Here are a few tips to get you through your trip;
- Let yourself adjust to the mountains before tackling a summit.
- Save time through flights if you can afford them, but lean on buses or trains for shorter journeys.
- If you are planning on visiting the Amazon bring mosquito repellant.
- Don’t forget sunscreen for the coast and warm layers for the Andes.
- Basic Spanish is going to help you a lot!
Final Thoughts
There you go! You have all you need to plan an amazing trip to Peru. Just a final word of advice. When planning, figure out your major goals and what you want to get out of the trip. That is going to give you a lot of clarity and help you map out that itinerary in a much more organized manner.
