Travelling to Peru is an experience full of history, culture, beauty and adventure, with a full spectrum of possibilities for travellers. The diversity of the landscape, the people and the experiences make Peru one of the most unique destinations on the continent. If you have thought about travelling to this beautiful South American country, we have a list of the best plans you can make to enjoy during your stay.
The best plans to enjoy when travelling to Peru
Know Machu Picchu
Located high on a ridge, 300 metres above the Urubamba River, the majestic Inca City of Machu Picchu is one of the most dramatic scenes of a ruined city anywhere in the world. Almost as impressive as the ruins themselves, it is the spectacular backdrop of steep, lush, and often cloud-covered mountains.
The trip is also part of the experience of visiting Machu Picchu, either walking the Inca Trail or seeing the route by train. In any case, it is impossible not to be inspired by the landscape.
Travel the Inca Trail when travelling to Peru
The famous Inca Trail is a four-day trek ending at Machu Picchu, and is considered to be the highlight when travelling to Peru by many.
The hike must be done with an agency and reservations must be booked well in advance, especially in the high season from June to August.
Appreciate the architectural treasures of Cusco
Walking through the streets of Cusco is like walking through a museum, with history built on the history in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Inca ruins have been used in the foundations of many of the beautiful old colonial buildings that line the narrow roads, showing the long history of the city.
The main square, Plaza de Armas, in the centre of the city, houses La Cathedral and La Compañía, two equally impressive structures. The square is also a great place to start a walking tour, eat, and people-watch during the day.
And while there are countless buildings and museums worth visiting, Santo Domingo church, which rests on the ruins of the Coricancha Inca site, is one of Cusco’s must-see attractions.
Visit Titicaca Lake
The brilliant blue water of Titicaca Lake is surrounded by hills and small traditional villages. The lake area is a mix of beautiful landscapes and culture that distinguishes it from other regions of the country. Located at 3,820 meters above sea level, Titicaca Lake is known for being the highest navigable lake in the world.
A boat trip to the surrounding islands and towns is the best way to appreciate the lake. One of the main tourist attractions is the Uros Floating Islands (Floating Islands), which support small communities of Uros Indians. These are artificial islands built with reeds that have maintained a traditional way of life since the time of the Incas.
Go to the Colca Canyon
Although it was once thought to be the deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is the second deepest after the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon. The canyon reaches a depth of 3,400 meters and is the result of a seismic fault between two volcanoes. At the base, far below, there is a winding river.
The Colca Canyon area has been inhabited for thousands of years and was home to the Collagua, Cabana and finally the Incas peoples. The stone terraces along the canyon walls date back to 800 AD and are still in use today.
In addition to gazing at the canyon, there are also hot springs, churches, towns, and Inca ruins to explore. Condors are also a major attraction in the Colca Canyon, as they soar beyond the cliff faces.
The Nazca Lines
The mysterious Nazca lines are an unusual sight that will leave you feeling awe. These huge images on the desert floor were relatively unknown until planes flying over the area in the 1920s saw the lines from the air and realized they formed distinct patterns and images.
From the air, it is possible to see 70 different drawings of plants and animals, as well as hundreds of lines and other geometric shapes. Flights can be booked in advance or without an appointment, on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of these lines stretch up to 10 kilometres and span hundreds of square kilometres.
The most notable figures are a lizard that is 180 meters long, a condor with a 130-meter wingspan, and several others that include a monkey, a hummingbird, an orca, and a spider.
Go to the Sacred Valley
Less than an hour’s drive north of Cusco, it is the beautiful Sacred Valley and Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo cities. This fertile valley has many Inca ruins that are worth exploring, but it is also a quiet area to spend some time strolling through the markets or soaking up the local culture.
The highlights of the valley are the Pisac ruins, the Sunday market in Pisac, and the ruins and fortress in the beautiful Ollantaytambo town.
Historical Centre of Arequipa City
Arequipa, at more than 2,300 meters, is often considered the most beautiful city in Peru. Against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arequipa’s main claim to fame is the ancient architecture built with sillar stone, a volcanic rock that radiates a brilliant colour in the sunlight.
Go to Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon
This is a completely different experience than what you will find in other parts of Peru, with a hot and humid jungle and the opportunity to see all kinds of unique wildlife. Alligators, capybaras, monkeys, parrots, turtles, and piranhas are what you can expect to find in this part of the country.
Tour the Historic Centre of Lima
The Historic Centre of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the 16th century and, although many of the original structures were destroyed, it still has significant historical value and is a beautiful place for a stroll.
One of the most pleasant places to visit in Lima is the main square, Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor), in the heart of the city’s historic district. Leaving the square, it is Jirón de la Unión Pedestrian Street, with shops, restaurants and the historic La Merced Church.
Go to Cordillera Blanca
For those who seek nature and adventure when travelling to Peru, they cannot leave Cordillera Blanca aside. It is a stunning area of mountains and valleys that attracts climbers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. In addition, it is home to the highest peak in Peru, Huascarán. Also in the same area of the Andes there are other sixteen mountains over 6,000 meters high.
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