From 1 Week to 1 Month

Peru is a large nation. To do it justice, you want a variety of time. From the capital of Lima to the traditional metropolis of Cusco to the jungles of the Amazon to the seaside cities to the ruins of the Sacred Valley, Peru presents you with a variety of choices.

I spent 2.5 weeks there and completely beloved it. However even at a quick tempo, I nonetheless felt like I barely noticed something (though I crammed a variety of actions into my journey).

So, in such a big nation, how do you break up a visit? How do you decide what to see and do? What sort of itinerary do you make?

Nicely, after all, a variety of that has to do with what you’re going for: the Amazon, the mountain 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 essentially the most historic websites and the largest points of interest. However there’s additionally the Amazon, the seaside cities, and smaller ruins within the north.

To provide you some concepts on potential routes, listed below are my recommended itineraries for visiting Peru:

Peru Itinerary: One Week

I’d solely go to Peru for one week if you happen to’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 an excellent (albeit barely rushed) really feel of the nation. You’ll want to maneuver rapidly (flying and in a single day buses will probably be a should), and also you gained’t get a variety of down time, but it surely’s a doable itinerary.

Days 1–3: Lima
Fly into Lima (if you happen to’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 doable. The capital is a huge metropolis dwelling to over 11 million folks. Most guests think about 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 a good way to get to know a brand new place and its historical past, to get your bearings, and to attach with an area information who can share their insider ideas and data. Lima has a variety of free strolling tour corporations, however two I like to recommend are Milky Means and Free Strolling Excursions Peru.

Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb has a variety of unbelievable meals excursions, cooking lessons, and historical past walks value testing. I believe they’re an underrated useful resource as I’ve completed some wonderful actions by way of the platform. Irrespective of your curiosity, you’ll have the ability 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 an exquisite 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 important place to get a primer on Peru’s previous.

Huca Pucllana – This can be a enormous adobe and clay pyramid in-built seven staggered platforms. It’s large and simple to get to because it’s in Miraflores, the principle district everybody stays in, so it’s very easy to see. It served as an essential 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 enormous and there are a variety 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 principle artwork museum within the metropolis and has a group that features ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and work spanning over 3,000 years, from pre-Columbian instances to the current, with a concentrate on native artists. In addition they have a rotating record of short-term exhibitions from worldwide artists, so there’s all the time 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 inner battle of Nineteen Eighties and Nineteen 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 folks have been displaced as properly). It’s a sobering however must-visit museum.

Furthermore, Lima has probably the greatest meals scenes on this planet, so you should definitely eat, eat, and eat some extra. The primary restaurant is right here as are a few of the different prime ones. Simply understand that a majority of those higher-end spots shut on Sunday and that you simply’ll must make reservations months prematurely (although if you happen to arrive after they open, you may have the ability to get a seat resulting from 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 would 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 legendary for its mangroves, Haucachina for its sand dunes, and Nazca for the Nazca traces and the archeological website, Cahuachi. You don’t actually need greater than an evening in every place in case you are 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 an excellent base to discover the close by canyons and mountains the area is legendary for. I may have spent weeks within the metropolis I beloved it a lot (as did my mates). However, if yo solely have a number of days, I like to recommend spending two days exploring 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 principle 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 offers you a variety 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 completed.) Plus, you’ll be able to even feed a few of the animals on the middle.

Santa Catalina – Taking over a complete metropolis block, this convent is to not be missed. Based in 1580, it was lively for hundreds of years. You get to discover a collection of hanging cloisters, chapels, and even an artwork gallery. I’d 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 outdoors town middle, this viewpoint offers you sweeping vistas of town and surrounding countryside. The district of the identical title can be a quiet, fairly neighborhood typically 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 certainly one of 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 at the moment are a gallery!

For positive eating, my two favourite spots have been China and Indigo, which each function progressive Andean meals. For a scrumptious Peruvian holes-in-the-wall, try Picanteria La Mundial. I additionally suggest a breakfast spot known as Isidro, run by two Peruvians who frolicked coaching in NYC. And Munanqui (a café) has a few of the greatest sandwiches and tea choice I got here throughout within the nation.

For the Colca Canyon, there’s a variety 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 a variety of actions and sights to discover. Don’t attempt to rush it. Actually, 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 full of world-class eating places, numerous artwork museums, fascinating historic websites, and delightful structure.

I’d spend two days on the town to acclimatize your self earlier than doing any main hikes, because it’s 13,000 toes above sea stage!

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 lodge or hostel can join you with one, or you need to use the businesses talked about in earlier sections. Simply bear in mind to tip on the finish!

Saqsaywaman – This citadel complicated on the northern outskirts of town was constructed within the fifteenth century, although the earliest occupation of the location dates again even earlier, to round 900 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it’s a massively spectacular construction and is unquestionably a must-see. You may rent a information outdoors 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 positioned within the coronary heart of town. Named “The Golden Temple” (as a result of the partitions have been as soon as lined in sheets of gold), it was the place the Excessive Priest resided and the place varied sacrifices have been held. It was demolished and changed into a church by the Spanish, however a variety 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 virtually 500 objects on show right here, lots of that are n load from the Larco Museum in Lima (its mum or dad museum). In case you missed the museum in Lima, this can be a good one to see as a substitute since they cowl a variety 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 mountain climbing, likelihood is you’re going to be chewing cocoa leaves, so you should definitely cease by. It’s small, however attention-grabbing!

Machu Picchu Museum – Remember to see this museum earlier than you go to the location because it offers a variety 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 location. It’s a pleasant primer to visiting the precise ruins.

Franciscan Convent – This stunning convent is full of majestic tapestries, work, and cloisters, and encompasses a ornamental church. There’s little or no signage, however the pamphlet they offer you is de facto detailed. It was in-built 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 a good job of explaining the historical past of the area, particularly earlier than the Spanish arrived. There’s a good assortment of textiles, work, and ceramics. The opposite sections go away 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 legendary for its artwork and eating places (enjoyable reality: 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 a number of good viewpoints too.

Then spend as many days you need mountain climbing. Everybody goes to go to Machu Picchu, however I wouldn’t suggest doing it in a single day, as a result of you must stand up soooooo early from Cusco. As an alternative, I’d 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 data on trekking Machu Picchu, try this put up.)

In case you’re keen on different treks, there are additionally hikes to Palcoyo, Waqrapukara, Huchuy Qosqo, Pumamarca, and so, so, so many others. Actually, you could have a ton of choices!

After that I’d, come again to Cusco for a day and chill out 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.

Different Two-Week Itinerary

Conversely, if you happen to wished to go to the Amazon, you would lower out Arequipa, preserve 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 would do some multiday river cruises. Each locations require flights to get to.

Peru One Month Itinerary

When you’ve got a full month, I’d comply with the above two-week itinerary but in addition add within the following:

Do extra mountain climbing – There are such a lot of hikes within the Sacred Valley (and round Peru typically) that you probably have the time, you would hike as a lot as you need. You have 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 seaside city and an important place for world-class seafood. It’s form of a celebration spot, however you too can 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 huge nation. You’ll by no means have sufficient time, regardless of how a lot you could have (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 recommendations as a place to begin. Do this, and also you’ll you should definitely have an incredible journey!