It’s the multiple layers of great civilizations that make Peru so intriguing. Wander around colonial cities preserving the legacy of Spanish conquistadors, visit the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, explore the lost city of Machu Picchu and ponder the enigma of Nazca Lines. It also has some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in South America. The Peruvian Andes are arguably the most beautiful on the continent and the mountains are home to millions of highland Indians, who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and maintain a traditional way of life. The verdant Amazon Basin, which occupies half of Peru, is one of the world’s top 10 biodiversity ‘hot spots’ – a species-rich area of tropical rain forest that will make your head spin when you start to learn about its ecology. The coastal deserts, with their huge rolling dunes, farmland oases and fishing villages, are underappreciated by travellers but offer the opportunity to get off the Gringo Trail in a big way.
Cities and Seascapes
Many visitors begin their vacation in Lima on the Pacific coast. Before heading to the country’s other corners, we recommend spending a day or two exploring the capital. Among the city’s must-visit sights are the Larco Museum’s collection of native artifacts spanning millennia, the historic central Plaza de Armas and the ghoulish Catacombs beneath the Convent of San Francisco, as well as the pre-Inca ruins Huaca Pucllana. The world has also taken notice of Peruvian cuisine, so be sure to sample the myriad ceviches at celebrity chef Gaston Acurio’s open-air restaurant La Mar in Miraflores and the gourmet dishes of up-and-coming chef Virgilio Martinez at Central. Though many travelers immediately head to the mountains or rainforests, those with a few extra days should head three hours south to one of Peru’s most indelible landscapes, the coastal region of Paracas, where the deserts meet cliff-fringed beaches and islands teem with millions of birds including Humboldt penguins and sea lion colonies. Visitors can also charter half-hour flights inland to fly over the mysterious, ancient Nazca lines.
Adventure in the Andes
No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to the thousand-year-old city of Cusco, which floats nearly 12,000 feet above sea level in the Andes and was once the heart of the vast Incan empire. Three days in Cusco should suffice and the flight here from Lima is quick and easy, giving travelers plenty of time to explore the city’s famous sights, including Koricancha, the massive Incan temple of the sun that was once covered in pure gold and the nearby ruins of Machu Picchu. After an exhilarating climb to the café-filled San Blas district for sweeping views of the city, stop by the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco to shop for unique Peruvian souvenirs.
If you have the luxury of time we recommend exploring some of the country’s other highland destinations. Lake Titicaca is cradled in the Andes along the border of Peru and Bolivia, and is the world’s highest navigable lake. Travelers who want a taste of untouched traditional Peruvian culture can take a short flight from Cusco to Juliaca to visit the colorful city of Puno on the lake’s shore, or venture out onto the waters to visit floating man-made islands – made of totora reeds – whose inhabitants live according to the customs of their ancestors.
If you’re looking for more high-octane thrills, fly to Arequipa, known as “The White City,” as many buildings are made from beautiful white volcanic rock. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including favorites such as mountain and volcano climbing and a trip to Colca Canyon – the world’s deepest canyon (more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and where you can witness the remarkable flight of the condors.
Rivers and Rainforests
One of the most unique aspects of Peru is the country’s vast, unspoiled rainforests. For this journey you’ll need to allow time to get to these regions and to explore their untold natural riches.
In the northeast, Loreto is Peru’s largest region and is covered in dense, primordial rainforest crisscrossed by the Amazon’s many tributaries. The capital, Iquitos, is a bustling Amazon port city where guests embark on multi-day river cruises through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve to see endangered species including river dolphins and giant otters. It takes time to travel through the interior regions, so we recommend spending a few days here to fully enjoy and appreciate the area.
Farther afield in the southern region of Madre de Dios – about three hours’ flight from Lima – is the capital Puerto Maldonado. The city is the entry point to the national parks and reserves carved out of the lush jungle, such as Lake Sandoval, which is full of exotic trees and flowers, or Lake Valencia, where indigenous communities still make their living from fishing the waters. From breathtaking mountain highs to Eden-like rainforests and dramatic coastline, traditional communities to cosmopolitan cities, Peru offers plenty of adventures to interest every traveler.
Getting to Know Machu Picchu
Known as the “lost city of the Inca,” Machu Picchu has become one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. There are a few ways to experience this unforgettable city and by far the most popular way is by train from Cusco. For a touch of luxury, spend the day aboard the Hiram Bingham train passing through stunning scenery and picturesque villages. And if you love the outdoors and have more time, consider hiking the famous 28-mile Inca Trail.
After a day of exploring the Lost City relax and unwind at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. The only hotel located next to the World Heritage Site, the lodge offers spectacular sunrises and mystical moonlit nights.
Reputable companies that have a great selection of Peru tour packages include Trafalgar Tours and Globus Tours. For the more independent minded travelers, Monograms Vacations and General Tours are good options.
