Ever wondered where you should travel to Peru? Curious about what there exists to find out and do in Peru, besides Machu Picchu? Read on to find out by pointing out highlights of Peru on this Essential Peru Travel Guide.
First Stop: Lima
For the lion’s share of travelers to Peru, Lima will be the first stop. The capital of Peru, this sprawling metropolis hosts over 9 million people. The most highly frequented area may be the neighborhood of Miraflores, which lies alongside the Costa Verde. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Costa Verde is a green playground for surfers, joggers and couples to walk around. You will find many restaurants and shopping near Larcomar, Parke Kennedy, and Ovalo Miraflores.
After you’ve explored the Miraflores district, head to the El Centro historic district, which may seem like fun from your colonial past. The Plaza de Armas is painted in vibrant yellow, with wooden balconies as well as a stone fountain still in place considering that the colonial era. You may want to have a Peru travel guide show you each of the important museums, churches, and colonial mansions in this area. Grab a drink and dinner in Plaza San Martin, simply a short walk over the pedestrian street Avenida Jr de la Union.
There are many excellent museums in Lima also, like the Museum of Gold, the Inquisition Museum, as well as the National Museum.
Next Stop: Cusco and also the Sacred Valley
Cusco is found south-central Peru, about a 2.5-hour flight from Lima (do not take on the grueling bus ride within the mountains). Cusco was the funding from the Inca Empire, and after this may be the hub for travelers planning to and received from Machu Picchu. The city has a strange mix of modern, colonial, and Inca architecture. Before you head from your Cusco hotel to visit strolling seeking Inca architecture or even an authentic Peruvian meal, make sure to acclimatize. The city is found over 11,000 feet, so take it easy on a day there. If you’re concerned about altitude sickness, possibilities are the initial night inside the Sacred Valley instead, which is at a lower altitude.
After you’ve taken a Cusco city tour and explore the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, visit the ruins in the Sacred Valley, which may be the river valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Covered with small farming villages, Inca ruins, and Inca trails, the Sacred Valley can be a great place to learn more about the Inca Empire as well as fascinating good Peru. Make sure to check out the ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. This Peru travel guide only mentions internet websites in passing, nevertheless, you should research these more to prepare for your trip. One recommended source may be the classic travel book Exploring Cusco, by Peter Frost.
Next Stop: Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an Inca capital of Scotland- stone-built atop a mountain deep inside the cloud forest of Peru. Because of its remote location, the Spanish never think it is, and not enough people knew about this inside ensuing centuries. It wasn’t until 1911 when Hiram Bingham uncovered Machu Picchu, did the location find national fame. Because Machu Picchu was hidden underneath thick jungle vegetation for numerous centuries, simply a couple of farmers knew concerning the land, this Inca city could be the best-preserved work of Inca architecture. All other Inca stonework was razed through the Spanish, notably Sacsayhuaman.
Make certain to visit as soon as possible within the morning, when the fog is just lifting and there are fewer visitors. Walkthrough the ruins and marvel with the incredibly preserved stonework and the steep agricultural terraces. A Peru travel guide can explain to you around each of the major sites in Machu Picchu and may have the ability to answer your questions about Inca history. If you purchase a ticket upfront, you may also hike to Huayna Picchu, the mountain above Machu Picchu, which is a 2-3 hour hike which gives a great look at Machu Picchu.
You can get meals within the Sanctuary Lodge or inside the town of Aguas Calientes. Take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and spent the night time there or go straight to the entrance of Machu Picchu. It’s ideal to arrive at Machu Picchu inside the morning, in case you can not, try to arrange your vacation to be able to be there at sunset.
Bonus Stops:
Beyond the Lima-Cusco-Machu Picchu route, there are several great destinations to visit in Peru. The southern coast of Peru offers great seafood, beach resorts, and exquisite scenery. Visit Ica and go winetasting, visit Paracas Bay to see the Ballestas Islands, or continue into the desert of Nazca to find out the Nazca Lines.
Another great destination in Arequipa, to see a beautiful colonial city situated next towards the El Misti volcano. Nearby will be the Colca Canyon, the biggest canyon on earth. There are hiking trails, several small farming villages with steep agricultural terraces, and lookout points which you could watch huge Andean condors soar in the canyon. Continue south to the border of Bolivia to see the attractive Lake Titicaca. This lake houses the Uros floating islands and many indigenous people that survive these reed islands. Stay in accommodation for the shores of Lake Titicaca, and then have a boat cruise in the lake or a catamaran cruise on the Bolivian border.
In the north of Peru, there are other archeological highlights to determine. Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Cajamarca, and Kuelap are all important places to check out if you are considering seeing the highlights of Peruvian archaeology. Excavations within the near Trujillo and Chiclayo revealed the royal tombs of Sipan and Sican, Chan Chan, and artifacts in the Moche people.
This Peru travel guide highlights some from the most popular and highly frequented travel destinations in Peru, but there are others!
