Peru is an enormous nation. To do it justice, you want loads of time. From the capital of Lima to the traditional metropolis of Cusco to the jungles of the Amazon to the seashore cities to the ruins of the Sacred Valley, Peru presents you with loads of choices.
I spent 2.5 weeks there and completely liked it. However even at a quick tempo, I nonetheless felt like I barely noticed something (although I crammed loads of actions into my journey).
So, in such a big nation, how do you break up a visit? How do you choose what to see and do? What sort of itinerary do you make?
Properly, in fact, loads of that has to do with what you’re going for: the Amazon, the climbing, the historical past, or the meals?
Most first-time guests to Peru do the southern route: Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and Cusco/Sacred Valley. This route has probably the most historic websites and the largest points of interest. However there’s additionally the Amazon, the seashore cities, and smaller ruins within the north.
To offer you some concepts on potential routes, listed below are my recommended itineraries for visiting Peru:
Peru Itinerary: One Week
I might solely go to Peru for one week in the event you’re simply planning to hike the Inca Path. If that’s the case, I’d fly to Cusco, spend two days acclimatizing (and seeing the sights I like to recommend under), after which do the hike. After that, you’ll be able to spend a pair days stress-free in Cusco earlier than flying dwelling.
Peru Itinerary: Two Weeks
Two weeks means that you can get a superb (albeit barely rushed) really feel of the nation. You’ll want to maneuver shortly (flying and in a single day buses will probably be a should), and also you gained’t get loads of down time, but it surely’s a doable itinerary.
Days 1–3: Lima
Fly into Lima (in the event you’re coming from the USA, you’ll land within the morning, so that you’ll get a full day) and spend your first day sightseeing and consuming as a lot as potential. The capital is a big metropolis dwelling to over 11 million individuals. Most guests focus on the neighborhoods of Miraflores, Downtown, and Barranco, as these are the place the vast majority of the points of interest are and since they’re the most secure districts.
My recommended issues to do in Lima are as follows:
Free strolling tour – I like free strolling excursions, as they’re an effective way to get to know a brand new place and its historical past, to get your bearings, and to attach with a neighborhood information who can share their insider ideas and data. Lima has loads of free strolling tour corporations, however two I like to recommend are Milky Way and Free Walking Tours Peru.
Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb has loads of unbelievable meals excursions, cooking courses, and historical past walks value trying out. I feel they’re an underrated useful resource as I’ve executed some superb actions by way of the platform. Regardless of your curiosity, you’ll be capable to discover one thing distinctive.
Museo Larco – This non-public museum options an in depth assortment of pre-Columbian artwork, gold, and jewels in an previous 18th-century mansion with a phenomenal café with a pleasant backyard. There’s additionally a piece that includes pre-Colombian erotic artwork. Spanning over 5,000 years of historical past, it’s an ideal place to get a primer on Peru’s previous.
Huca Pucllana – It is a large adobe and clay pyramid inbuilt seven staggered platforms. It’s large and straightforward to get to because it’s in Miraflores, the primary district everybody stays in, so it’s very easy to see. It served as an vital ceremonial and administrative middle for the Lima tradition (a society that existed between 100 and 700 CE). Your ticket comes with a tour that lasts about an hour.
Surquillo Market – Situated within the district with the identical title, Surquillo is my favourite market on the town. It’s large and there are loads of little eating places right here. In case you’re trying to buy groceries and eat some unbelievable and cheap meals, that is the spot.
Museo de Arte de Lima – Opened in 1961, the Lima Artwork Museum is the primary artwork museum within the metropolis and has a set that features ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and work spanning over 3,000 years, from pre-Columbian occasions to the current, with a concentrate on native artists. In addition they have a rotating checklist of non permanent exhibitions from worldwide artists, so there’s at all times one thing new to see.
LUM Museum – Formally known as the “The Place of Reminiscence, Tolerance, and Social Inclusion,” this academic museum is devoted to the Peruvian inside battle of Eighties and Nineties and honors its victims. There have been over 50,000 casualties from the battle, which occurred between the federal government and the Maoist guerilla group Shining Path (60,000 individuals had been displaced as properly). It’s a sobering however must-visit museum.
Furthermore, Lima has among the best meals scenes on this planet, so you’ll want to eat, eat, and eat some extra. The primary restaurant is right here as are a number of the different high ones. Simply take into account that a majority of those higher-end spots shut on Sunday and that you simply’ll must make reservations months prematurely (although in the event you arrive after they open, you may be capable to get a seat as a result of a last-minute cancelation). Some which are definitely worth the expense are:
- La Mar (seafood)
- Mercado (seafood)
- Maido (Japanese)
- Woman Bee (cocktails)
- Contraste (Peruvian)
- Central (Peruvian)
Subsequent, relying in your pursuits, you could possibly spend a pair extra days in Lima sightseeing and consuming (it’s a cool metropolis), or head down the coast to Paracas, Haucachina, and Nazca earlier than both coming again to Lima to fly to Arequipa (or simply taking the in a single day bus from Nazca). Paracas is known for its mangroves, Haucachina for its sand dunes, and Nazca for the Nazca strains and the archeological website, Cahuachi. You don’t really want greater than an evening in every place if you’re brief on time.
Days 4–7: Arequipa
I completely love Arequipa. The White Metropolis (known as that due to the white volcanic stone used for the buildings) has an unbelievable, energetic vibe, actually vibrant meals scene, and wonderful Spanish structure. It additionally makes for a superb base to discover the close by canyons and mountains the area is known for. I may have spent weeks within the metropolis I liked it a lot (as did my buddies). However, if yo solely have just a few days, I like to recommend spending two days exploring the town after which an in a single day journey to the Colca Canyon, which is Peru’s Grand Canyon.
Right here’s what’s to not miss within the metropolis of Arequipa:
Free strolling tour – There are a few nice free strolling excursions run by the identical two corporations as in Lima.
Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa – Located in the primary plaza, that is a very powerful Catholic church within the metropolis. Excursions right here take about 45 minutes (although you’ll be able to go by yourself), encompassing the gorgeous work, ornate decorations, and big organ.
Mundo Alpaca – This free museum provides you loads of details about alpacas, their significance to Andean tradition, and the way their fur is made into garments. (The indicators are actually detailed and properly executed.) Plus, you’ll be able to even feed a number of the animals on the middle.
Santa Catalina – Taking over a whole metropolis block, this convent is to not be missed. Based in 1580, it was energetic for hundreds of years. You get to discover a sequence of hanging cloisters, chapels, and even an artwork gallery. I might suggest getting a information for 20 soles, so that you get extra historical past and context. The excursions final about an hour (however you’ll be able to see it by yourself after as properly).
Yanahuara Mirador – Situated exterior the town middle, this viewpoint provides you sweeping vistas of the town and surrounding countryside. The district of the identical title can also be a quiet, fairly neighborhood usually freed from vacationers that’s value exploring (try La Nueva Palomino, an unbelievable restaurant serving cheap Peruvian meals).
The Church of the Firm – That is one in all Arequipa’s most iconic church buildings, with imposing Baroque façade (the unique was destroyed in an earthquake within the 1800s) and inside. Inside, you’ll discover unbelievable work by native artists (and Virgin and Baby by Bernardo Bitti) and gold altarpieces. Plus, you’ll be able to go to the cloisters, which are actually a gallery!
For fantastic eating, my two favourite spots had been China and Indigo, which each characteristic modern Andean meals. For a scrumptious Peruvian hole-in-the-wall, try Picanteria La Mundial. I additionally suggest Isidro, a breakfast spot run by two Peruvians who hung out coaching in NYC. And Munanqui (a café) has a number of the greatest sandwiches and tea choice I got here throughout within the nation.
For the Colca Canyon, there’s loads of operators round. I went by way of the corporate Peru Hop. Most in a single day excursions value round $40 USD.
Days 8–12: Cusco
From Arequipa, you’ll be able to both take an in a single day bus or fly to Cusco, an enormous metropolis with loads of actions and sights to discover. Don’t attempt to rush it. In actual fact, spend as a lot time right here as you’ll be able to! It lives as much as all of the hype, and it’s stuffed with world-class eating places, numerous artwork museums, fascinating historic websites, and exquisite structure.
I might spend two days on the town to acclimatize your self earlier than doing any main hikes, because it’s 13,000 toes above sea degree!
A few of my favourite issues to see and do listed below are as follows:
Free strolling tour – As you’ll be able to inform, I like a free strolling tour, and there are half a dozen corporations right here. Your resort or hostel can join you with one, or you should use the businesses talked about in earlier sections. Simply bear in mind to tip on the finish!
Saqsaywaman – This citadel advanced on the northern outskirts of the town was constructed within the fifteenth century, although the earliest occupation of the positioning dates again even earlier, to round 900 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Website, it’s a massively spectacular construction and is unquestionably a must-see. You may rent a information exterior the doorway, as there’s no signage right here. It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to get to (you’ll be able to stroll there or take the bus).
Qorikancha – A very powerful Incan temple in Cusco is situated within the coronary heart of the town. Named “The Golden Temple” (as a result of the partitions had been as soon as coated in sheets of gold), it was the place the Excessive Priest resided and the place numerous sacrifices had been held. It was demolished and was a church by the Spanish, however loads of the unique partitions are nonetheless there. It additionally options rotating artwork displays.
The Pre-Columbian Artwork Museum – Opened in 2003, this museum devoted to the show of archaeological artifacts and examples of pre-Columbian artworks. There are nearly 500 gadgets on show right here, a lot of that are n load from the Larco Museum in Lima (its guardian museum). In case you missed the museum in Lima, this can be a good one to see as an alternative since they cowl loads of the identical stuff.
Coca Museum – Museo De La Coca is a tiny museum that goes into nice element concerning the historical past of coca and its significance to native tradition, in addition to the way it turned outlined by cocaine over the centuries. I used to be actually impressed by the extent of element within the descriptions. In case you’re going to climbing, likelihood is you’re going to be chewing cocoa leaves, so you’ll want to cease by. It’s small, however attention-grabbing!
Machu Picchu Museum – You should definitely see this museum earlier than you go to the positioning because it provides loads of historical past concerning the website and its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. There are informative shows, academic movies concerning the authentic excavations, and artifacts from the positioning. It’s a pleasant primer to visiting the precise ruins.
Franciscan Convent – This stunning convent is stuffed with majestic tapestries, work, and cloisters, and encompasses a ornamental church. There’s little or no signage, however the pamphlet they provide you is actually detailed. It was inbuilt 1572 by order of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo. Don’t miss the library, which has a polyglot bible written in 5 languages.
Regional Historic Museum of Cusco – Opened in 1946, this museum does an honest job of explaining the historical past of the area, particularly earlier than the Spanish arrived. There’s an honest assortment of textiles, work, and ceramics. The opposite sections depart a bit to be desired, but it surely makes for a brief cease if you wish to be taught extra concerning the area’s historical past.
San Pedro Market – That is the biggest and most vibrant market on the town. If you wish to do any purchasing, get some native produce, or simply wander round and snack, that is the place to do it!
San Blas – This space of Cusco is known for its artwork and eating places (enjoyable truth: the Incas initially settled artists from across the empire right here, and it’s been an artsy district ever since). The world has a bohemian vibe and it’s up on a hill, so there are just a few good viewpoints too.
Then spend as many days you need climbing. Everybody goes to go to Machu Picchu, however I wouldn’t suggest doing it in a single day, as a result of it’s important to rise up soooooo early from Cusco. As an alternative, I might go to Ollantaytambo the night time earlier than after which both take the prepare or you are able to do hike from Km104. (For extra info on trekking Machu Picchu, try this publish.)
In case you’re fascinated with different treks, there are additionally hikes to Palcoyo, Waqrapukara, Huchuy Qosqo, Pumamarca, and so, so, so many others. Actually, you’ve got a ton of choices!
After that I might, come again to Cusco for a day and loosen up or fly to Lima for a day there earlier than your flight.
Days 13 & 14: Lima
Spend your last day or two sightseeing and consuming earlier than flying dwelling.
Various Two-Week Itinerary
Conversely, in the event you wished to go to the Amazon, you could possibly minimize out Arequipa, hold the identical itinerary for Lima and Cusco and go to both Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos to see the Amazon. Puerto Maldonado has extra high-end jungle lodges, whereas from Iquitos you could possibly do some multiday river cruises. Each locations require flights to get to.
Peru One Month Itinerary
When you have a full month, I might comply with the above two-week itinerary but in addition add within the following:
Do extra climbing – There are such a lot of hikes within the Sacred Valley (and round Peru usually) that when you’ve got the time, you could possibly hike as a lot as you need. You’ve got those I discussed about in addition to multi-day treks within the Colca Canyon, up north within the Amazon, and many different locations!
Go to the Amazon – Peru is the place the Amazon River begins its journey to the Atlantic. Positively try both Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos to discover and be taught concerning the jungle and river. In Iquitos, you’ll be able to take 3-5 day river cruises.
Puno/Lake Titicaca – You may spend a few days in Puno, which is considerably between Cusco and Arequipa, and take within the famed Lake Titicaca, the best lake on this planet. There’s not a lot in Puno however the lake is super. I’d spend 2-3 days right here.
Mancora – Situated up north, Mancora is a well-known seashore city and an ideal place for world-class seafood. It’s sort of a celebration spot, however it’s also possible to go to with out partying. It’s additionally fairly distant, so the easiest way to get there’s to fly.
Spend extra time within the different areas – You may as well add in additional days within the Colca Canyon, Nazca, Lima, or actually another a part of the nation that fits your pursuits!
Peru is a big nation. You’ll by no means have sufficient time, regardless of how a lot you’ve got (except you progress there). There’s far more to see than you may assume, so, as you make your itinerary, don’t stress an excessive amount of or attempt to jam all of it in. See what you’ll be able to and use the above solutions as a place to begin. Do this, and also you’ll you’ll want to have an incredible journey!
Guide Your Journey to Peru: Logistical Suggestions and Methods
Guide Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to discover a low cost flight. They’re my favourite search engine as a result of they search web sites and airways across the globe so that you at all times know no stone is left unturned.
Guide Your Lodging
You may e-book your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the largest stock and greatest offers. If you wish to keep someplace aside from a hostel, use Booking.com as they persistently return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low cost accommodations.
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will shield you in opposition to sickness, damage, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes incorrect. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many occasions previously. My favourite corporations that provide the most effective service and worth are:
On the lookout for the Finest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Try my useful resource web page for the most effective corporations to make use of while you journey. I checklist all those I take advantage of to save cash after I’m on the highway. They’ll prevent cash while you journey too.
Need Extra Data on Peru?
You should definitely go to my strong vacation spot information on Peru for much more planning ideas!