Topping everyone’s list of must-see countries and back packer paradises in South America is Peru. It is known for being comparatively affordable to the surrounding countries in addition to being ‘Llama-land!’ and the home to the world renowned Incan site Machu Picchu. It is a country of spectacular landscapes, rich in biodiversity and where adventures abound. Our adventure consultants have put together their top thirteen reasons why Peru should be next up on your list of places to visit.
Machu Picchu
Every year, millions of people visit the imposing and mysterious Incan citadel of Machu Picchu to be taken back in time to experience the mysteries of the Inca Empire. Nestled high in the slopes of the Andes, the “Imperial City” is certainly worth the hype. Machu Picchu’s greatness is even more so when it is considered that the entire city, stretching across 5 miles of high altitude Andes, was built without the use of concrete, mortar or wheels to transport the massive rocks. Although it is unknown what methods were used to cut the rocks with such precision there’s no doubt it is both an architectural and engineering feat. It is believed that this mountain citadel was an important religious site to the Incas, complete with several temples to worship their gods. The fact that the “Lost City of the Incas” was never found by the Spanish conquerors just adds to the intrigue. Check out our 2 Day Machu Picchu Tours.
The Inca Trail
We recommend trekking along the ancient Incan trails to access the city the same way they would have centuries ago. The canyon and ridgeline trail takes you through lush tropical forests of orchids and exotic birds. The route takes 4-5 days to reach the famed ruins of Machu Picchu and goes past several ancient ruins. It is requisite to acclimatize, either in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, before joining the trek. At its highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, the trail reaches 13,829 feet and altitude sickness can become a concern. We recommend drinking coca tea for the high altitude, taking diamox and/or taking an oxygen monitor to check your oxygen levels. If the altitude doesn’t take your breath away then the sunrise views of Machu Picchu through the sun gate surely will!
Read our blog on what to pack for the Inca Trail here: https://www.adventurehero.com/blog/inca-trail-trek-what-to-pack.html
Here are the details on our 4 Day Inca Trail Trek:
https://www.adventurehero.com/peru/classic-inca-trail-4-days.html
Cusco & The Sacred Valley
It’s no surprise that Cusco, the former heart of the largest, Pre Colombian empire is rich in cultural history as well as archaeological remnants. Built around ancient Incan architecture and fused with Spanish colonial influence, it is a truly impressive Peruvian city. Cusco has a special charm that invites travelers to stay a few days to absorb the beauty and character of the city. By day explore the vibrant indigenous culture, museums, and the verdant countryside. By night the city booms into live music, socializing and Pisco fueled dancing. This ambiance makes Cusco an ideal locale to acclimate to South Eastern Peru’s breathtaking altitudes. Take it easy when you first arrive as Cusco lies at the staggering height of 3,399 meters above sea level. This vibrant city will surely be on your itinerary due to its proximity to the Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. However, also consider visiting Salinas de Maras or Saqsaywaman to make the most of this classic Peruvian destination.
For more activities around Peru click here: https://www.adventurehero.com/blog/5-awesome-day-trips-from-cusco.html
Huascarán National Park in Huaraz, Peru
The Huascarán National Park has some of the best trekking, mountaineering and mountain biking that Peru has to offer. The park encompasses the majority of the stunning Cordillera Blanca and is named after Huascaran, the tallest mountain in Peru. This underrated park has 35 peaks taller than 6,000m, is filled to the brim with graceful vicunas, and is a great place to pick up some souvenirs. With claim to being the highest tropical mountain range in the world, you might be surprised to find that it is home to over 700 glaciers. Consider taking the popular day hike to see Pastoruri Glacier, one of the more accessible glaciers. In addition to stunning ranges and glimmering glaciers, the park features a series of azure glacial lakes; most notable being Laguna Wilcacocha, Laguna Llanganuco, Laguna 69 and Lake Patron. If you are an avid trekker we recommend exploring the park via the 50km Santa Cruz Trek or the 120km Cordillera Huayhuash Trek for truly fantastic views.
Read more about the Cordillera Blanca Treks here:
Peru’s 8 Best Treks
Millpu Pools
Photos of brilliantly blue pools have often trended as popular travel destinations and the Millpu Pools are no exception. These 20 natural pools of turquoise water are located deep within a canyon in the countryside of Peru’s Ayacucho Region. Although the pools are often too cold to swim in due to the high elevation, the landscape is as unique as it is breathtaking. The best time to go is during Peru’s dry season, which lasts from May until December. Though this destination is somewhat off the beaten path you can add visiting the city of Ayacucho to your itinerary while you’re in the area. It Known as “The City of Churches.” it is one of the most beautiful and charming cities of the Peruvian highlands and will make your trip to the Millpu Pools complete!
Huacachina (the Oasis)
Just 4 km outside Ica, Peru, can be found the only natural desert oasis in the whole of South America. The stunning town borders a green lagoon encompassed by immense dunes, some reaching upwards of 1,000m tall. This beautifully unique town is sunny year round and the dry climate makes it a great escape during the country’s rainy season. In addition to its picturesque draw, Huacachina lures in those ready for more unconventional adventures. Its main activities include sandboarding and riding dune buggies down the colossal dunes.
Iquitos and the Amazon
Iquitos is famously known as the largest city on earth without road access. The isolation of this port city makes it ideal for nature lovers; the encircling jungle offers some fantastic wildlife watching. It’s a hotspot for river trips to view monkeys, manatees, pink dolphins, alligators and anacondas or fish for piranhas! If hiking is your preferred form of exploration consider hiking on Allpahuayo-Mishana National reserve’s trails to encounter terrestrial creatures such as frogs and tarantulas. In between your tropical outings into the Amazon’s impressive ecosystems, take time to meander through Iqutios’ jungle market of Belen. In this open air street market you can find everything from potions and roasted larvae to alligator heads. And when you’re hungry head to one of the city’s upscale floating restaurants. We organize 3 and 4 day Amazon Tours.
Rainbow Mountain
The second most visited attraction in Cusco, Rainbow Mountain is a stunning mountain that naturally exhibits 7 different colors. Tourists flock to the colorful ridge for a once in a lifetime photo op complete with llamas, bright traditional Peruvian garb and alpine valleys. Due to its dizzying altitude of 5200 meters, make sure to visit this kaleidoscopic location after acclimatizing a few days in Cusco. Additionally, make sure to look out the window to see the spiritual Ausungate region stretching out before you. It’s renowned for its beautiful lakes, shimmering glaciers, and snow capped peaks.
Arequipa Region
Arequipa, a glossy city of white volcanic stone, is the second largest in Peru and arguably the most beautiful. Among other things this “white city” is known for its ‘eternal spring’, the year round cloudless blue skies and comfortable temperatures. Composed of dazzling colonial buildings, graceful archways and a Plaza De Armas that will make your jaw drop, it’s no surprise Arequipa is a World UNESCO site . If that weren’t enough, the city is located within the Valley of the Volcanoes making guesthouse rooftops optimal lookouts for Misti (6821m), Chachani (6075m), and Pichu Pichu (5680m), the three snow capped volcanoes towering over Arequipa. Other than taking in the picturesque surroundings and the city’s relaxing vibes, other top activities in Arequipa include visiting the colorful Santa Catalina Monastery (the “city within a city”) and dining on uniquely delicious dishes before making your way onto Colca Canyon.
Lima, The Nation’s Capital
Lima, the “City of Kings”, is not only Peru’s capital but it is a coastal metropolis optimal for culture lovers. Many of its restaurants are the ‘crema de la crema’ and top ranked in the world at that. Lima, like many other Peruvian cities, has a raucous nightlife scene. The best bars, dancing and even disco can be found in Barranco and Miraflores. Alternatively, during the day these areas also offer shopping, public green spaces, vibrant murals and a stunning 6 miles clifftop boardwalk to enjoy. Other day time activities around the city include swimming with sea lions on the Palomino Islands, surfing the beaches, or visiting the government palaces and Baroque monasteries. To end the day, catch the sunset and the nightscape from Cerro San Cristobal. Do I have you saying ‘Vamos a Lima!’ yet?
Fly the Nazca Lines
Located in and preserved by the dry desert of southern Peru, the 70 real and fantastical animals and plant drawings that make up the Nazca lines are a sight to behold. Created between 200 AD. and 700 AD by the Pre-Incan Nazca people, the Nazca lines are shrouded in mystery. Although some of the figures are easily recognizable to us -the Spider, the Monkey, the Small Lizard, the Hummingbird, the Condor, the Dog- their purpose and symbolism will forever be unknowable. There is speculation that they were created for astrological purposes or to petition the heavens for rains. The lines were created by carving a 12 inches into the sand exposing the lighter layer underneath. As they span several kilometers across, the best way to view them is by air. If you’ve got additional time in the area consider exploring the Palpa Valley hiking trails.
Lake Titicaca & Floating Villages
Lake Titicaca has been made famous by the ingenious Uros tribe who weaved and lived on a mobile floating city of reeds for hundreds of years. ‘The people of the lake’ now have 70 floating reed islands on which everything -their houses, furniture, and handicrafts- is made of reeds. It is fascinating to be shown how the 4-8 feet thick islands are made with layers of continuously replaced reed. While visiting the islands, eat freshly caught fish or enrich your cultural understanding by staying overnight with a local family. There are also great photo ops of the Uros fisherman sailing traditional boats called ‘little reed horses’ that they have floated on for over 3000 years. Lastly, for a taste of pre-Colombian South America, consider visiting the hilltop temple complexes surrounding the lake. Exploring the highest navigable lake in the world is an unreal experience that should not be passed up!
Paracas, The Galapagos of Peru
Paracas is a picturesque coastal town where tourists eat at the shorefront cafes, kite surf, and sand buggy through rolling dunes. However, the biggest draw to the small town of Paracas is just offshore, the incredibly biodiverse Islas Ballesta inside Paraca’s National Reserve. The protected reserve is likened to the Galapagos Islands as it has abundant wildlife; large pelicans, breaching dolphins and, at the right time of year, Humboldt penguin hatchlings. Go to Maternity Beach during the first three months of the year to encounter the sea lions’ birthing season and see the newborn pups frollicking in the waves. Year round 8 million seabirds nest on the island cliffs, filling the skies as far as the eye can see. Below the crystal waters give visitors a clear view of an underwater world filled with starfish, crabs and other crustaceans. If you are looking for a wildlife paradise that is substantially more affordable than the Galapagos, then look no further.
Head down to Paracas, Peru for fresh seaspray on your face and sunkissed skin.
If you have been inspired to visit Peru then don’t hesitate to contact us. It is a world class cultural, trekking and adventuring destination and we would love to help you plan your itinerary! As always, we hope you found our post helpful in organizing your trip. If you enjoyed it please do like, comment and subscribe to our mailing list for future posts!
