Peru

Places to Visit in Peru

Peru has it all: the high Andes, the Amazon, long beaches and dry desert landscapes. The country also has a rich mix of Inca and Spanish history, which you see in the buildings, traditions, Indigenous culture and the belief in Pachamama. And do not forget the food. Peru has one of the best cuisines in South America and eating became a big part of my trip.

In Miraflores, Lima you can eat at Central, while Arequipa and Colca Canyon are perfect for hiking, cycling and seeing condors. Around Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley you find the most famous Inca sites. Farther south, Lake Titicaca and Puno are close to the Bolivian border.

On the coast, Huanchaco and Chicama are good for surfing, while the Máncora area in northern Peru has warmer weather, beaches and surf. Peru is a big country, so distances can be long. Use my 3 to 4 week Peru itinerary and Peru travel tips to plan the route that fits you best.

See below the blogs I wrote on many of the highlights of Peru, they will not disappoint you!

Peru Itinerary: My 3 to 4 Week Route Through Peru

Peru was part of my sabbatical and three months of traveling through South America. I entered the country from Bolivia, traveled from the Andes to the Pacific coast and continued north into Ecuador. This Peru itinerary follows the route I traveled myself and takes...

Peru Travel Tips: What to Know Before Going to Peru

Peru is quite easy to travel independently, but a little preparation makes your trip much easier. Before you leave, check your passport and visa, vaccinations, travel insurance and the weather for the places on your route. Also think about altitude, money and the long...

Mancora Peru: Surfing, Beaches, Organos, Lobitos and Zorritos

After Huanchaco, I continued north by overnight bus to Mancora Peru. The coast is warmer here and the water is more comfortable for surfing. After traveling through South America for a while, some beach time was exactly what I wanted. Máncora is known for surfing,...

Huanchaco Peru: Surfing, Chicama, Chan Chan and Caballitos de Totora

After almost two months of traveling through South America, I was ready for the beach again. My last real beach stop had been Arica in Chile. Lake Titicaca sometimes looked almost like the sea, but for this beach girl it was time for salt water again. Huanchaco Peru...

Miraflores Lima: Things to Do, Restaurant Central and Where to Stay

Miraflores Lima combines the Pacific coast with good food, shops and plenty of things to do. Walk or bike along the cliffs, watch the surfers below, browse the artisan markets and finish the day with a drink overlooking the ocean. Lima felt completely different after...

Sacred Valley Peru: my route from Machu Picchu to Cusco

The Sacred Valley Peru is a green and fertile valley in the Andes, with the Urubamba River running between the mountains. You can visit Inca sites such as Moray and Pisac, see the salt ponds of Maras, walk around local markets and stay in smaller towns such as...

How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco: train, Aguas Calientes and my visit

How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco? I traveled by colectivo to Ollantaytambo, took the train to Aguas Calientes and stayed there for the night. The next morning I took the bus up to Machu Picchu, which made the whole journey easy and relaxed. Machu Picchu had been...

Best Things to Do in Cusco Peru beyond Machu Picchu

Cusco is much more than the place where you catch a train to Machu Picchu. Give the city at least two or three days and you can explore Inca history, colonial streets, local markets, good food and viewpoints without rushing. The atmosphere felt touristy, but still...

Arequipa Peru: Things to Do and my Colca Canyon Tour

Arequipa was one of those cities I liked almost immediately. The white volcanic stone, colonial streets, good cafés and the volcanoes Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu in the background give the city a relaxed atmosphere. Add a trip to Colca Canyon and you have a great...

Puno Peru and Lake Titicaca: from Copacabana to the Uros Islands

Puno Peru fitted naturally into my route from Bolivia into Peru. The city sits on the shore of Lake Titicaca, with the international border running through this enormous lake. I came from Copacabana on the Bolivian side, crossed into Peru and continued to Puno before...