Planning a travel itinerary for Peru can be a complex task. The vast extension of the country, combined with its diverse geography, presents logistical challenges. With an imposing Andes Mountain Range, an extensive desert coast, and the immense Amazon jungle, Peru should not be seen as a single destination, but as a set of distinct regions that require careful planning to be explored efficiently.
To facilitate this planning, the country can be divided into its three large natural regions. The Coast, with Lima as the main international entry point, is the gastronomic and cultural center. The Highlands, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, is home to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the most famous trekking routes. Finally, The Jungle offers an immersion into the biodiversity of the Amazon, with access points like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado.
This Peru travel Guide is designed to be a practical tool to help you navigate this diversity. In the following sections, we will help you put together your itinerary for Peru and we will mention the country's essential destinations.
The goal is to offer a solid base so you can organize your trip logically and make the most of your time in Peru.
Almost nobody comes to Peru without heading for the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, and for many people this mountain city is the highlight of their visit. A half-hour flight from Lima - one ofthe most spectacular on earth - takes travelers straight into the heart of the Andes and this jewelof Inca and colonial architecture. Apart from its own attractions, Cusco serves as a base to visit the Urubamba valley and waht is perhabs the most famouys sight in the continent: Machu Picchu. No matter how many times you have seen these ruins in photographsand tourist brochures, nothing will quite prepare you for the reality. Nobody comes away disappointed.
Also in the Andes, Arequipa is one of Peru's most stylish colonial cities set in the shadow of the snow-capped volcno Misti and renowned for its intellectual life. From Cusco and Arequipa, many travelers fly or take a popular railway journey to Puno, by the shores of Lake Titicaca. The world's highest navigable lake is inhabited by fascinating Indian communities, who still ply its waters in totora reed canoes.
Increasing numbers of foreign travelers are visiting an area that takes up over half of Peru's land mass: the Amazon basin. In the northern Amazon, the city of Iquitos is the traditional center for beginnig tours. And in the south, Puerto Maldonado (reached by flights via Cusco) has become the gateway to the new Manu National Park, possibly the purest setionof rain forest open to visitors in South America.
South of Lima, the Pan-American highway run along the barren coastal desert to Nazca, whose plains are etched with gigantic drawings made by a mysterious pre-Inca culture, and only visible from the air. Meanwhile, Peru's north has its own distinctive character, with peaceful coastal cities like Trujillo and the beautiful Andean market town of Cajamarca.Then, in the mountains north of Lima is the region of Huaraz, considered by experts to have Peru's most impressive mountain scenery-quite and accolade in a land full of breathtaking views.
Lima, the city of kings, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city full of cultural and historical attractions. It is located on the Pacific coast of the country, offering a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The city is full of historical monuments such as the Torre Tagle Palace, a former aristocratic residence dating from the 18th century, or the Plaza de Armas, the city's historical heart with its colonial buildings and baroque churches. Lima is also known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America, with an emerging culinary scene that celebrates local cuisine and local products.
Visitors will be able to discover the city's best restaurants and taste the famous dishes of Peruvian cuisine such as ceviche or lomo saltado. Finally, Lima is also a great place for art and culture lovers with many museums and art galleries to explore, including the Museum of the Nation or the Museum of Contemporary Art of Lima. Salkantay Trek Machu offers guided tours of exploring lima peru to allow you to discover all the wonders of this city rich in history and culture.
Lima Main Square
The Ballestas Islands, also known as the Penguin Islands, are an archipelago located off the Peruvian coast, near the city of Paracas. These islands are famous for their abundant wildlife and unique landscapes. The Ballestas Islands are a breeding ground for many marine birds such as Humboldt penguins, cormorants, pelicans, and guanayas. Visitors can also see sea lions, sea lions, and wild dolphins in the surrounding waters.
The Ballestas Islands are known for their unique rock formations, which form caves, arches, and cliffs. Travelers can also see the remains of an ancient Inca port, which was discovered on the main island. Our tour company offers boat tours to visit the Ballestas Islands and discover their unique flora and fauna.
Paracas National Reserve
Ica is a city located in the Peruvian desert, approximately 300 km south of Lima. It is famous for its vineyards, its sand dunes, and its oases. This city is an ideal destination for adventure and nature lovers. Visitors can discover the vineyards of Ica, which produce some of the best wines in Peru, and spirits such as Pisco, a national alcohol made from grapes.
Our travelers will be able to discover the oases of Huacachina, a popular vacation spot for locals and tourists alike, where they can go sandboarding and take trips over the sand dunes in buggies. In addition, Ica is also a stopover for those looking to explore the famous Nazca Lines, giant lines drawn on the ground centuries ago that can only be seen from the air.
Our tour company offers tours to Ica to allow you to discover all the wonders of this city in the middle of the Peruvian desert. You will visit vineyards and oases, but also fly over the Nazca lines Peru, accompanied by experienced guides who will show you the secrets of this region.
Huacachina Oasis
The Arequipa region, located in the south of Peru, offers a notable diversity of attractions that range from one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the country to geographical landscapes of great magnitude. It is a destination that combines history, culture, and nature.
Considered one of the deepest canyons on the planet, the Colca Canyon is the main natural destination of the region. Its main attractions include:
The historic center of Arequipa, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is famous for its architecture built with sillar, a white volcanic stone. Its main attractions include the Plaza de Armas, the imposing Basilica Cathedral, and the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a religious citadel of more than 20,000 square meters that was in operation for centuries. To explore these wonders, Salkantay Trek Machu offers an Deep Peru Explore excursion, which will allow you to discover the most important points of the region.
Colca Canyon Arequipa
Lake Titicaca is a lake located in Puno, on the border between Peru and Bolivia, famous for its natural beauty, it is the highest navigable lake in the world, located at more than 3,800 meters above sea level, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Lake Titicaca is also a sacred place for local people, who believe it is the cradle of the Inca civilization. The legends and stories surrounding the lake give it a mystical and magical character. You will have the opportunity to discover these legends and stories during your excursion.
You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will show you the floating islands of Uros and the traditional villages of Taquile and Amantani. You will have the opportunity to meet the local people and discover their way of life and their culture. Don't hesitate and book now to live a unique experience and discover the beauty of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Floating Island of the Uros on Lake Titicaca
Cuzco is a historical city located in the Peruvian Andes, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. It is famous for its Inca architecture and its rich cultural history. It is also a must-see place for those looking to explore the most famous Inca sites such as Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, our agency can organize a combined tailor-made trip if you wish to visit Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
Our organized tours in small groups propose during the circuit an excursion to Cuzco to allow you to discover all the wonders of this historical city. Our guides will make you discover the Inca sites such as the temple of the Sun and the temple of the Moon, but also the traditional districts of the city and the colonial churches.
Machu Picchu
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest! By adding a 3 or 4-day excursion to your Peru tour package, you will have the opportunity to discover the unique biodiversity of this region from the city of Cusco. Imagine yourself sailing the calm waters of the Amazon, looking for rare species of birds and monkeys, or immersing yourself in the local culture by visiting the indigenous villages. This is a unique experience that will allow you to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Don't miss this opportunity to live an epic adventure in one of the last wild paradises on the planet.
Peru offers unique experiences that show impressive landscapes, archaeological sites, and living traditions, attracting travelers who seek adventure and discovery in each region of the country. Get to know some of the most recommended trips to explore its diversity.
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more
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