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 seashore 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?

Effectively, in fact, a variety of that has to do with what you’re going for: the Amazon, the mountaineering, 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 most important points of interest. However there’s additionally the Amazon, the seashore cities, and smaller ruins within the north.

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

Peru Itinerary: One Week

I’d solely go to Peru for one week in the event you’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 enjoyable in Cusco earlier than flying house.

Peru Itinerary: Two Weeks

Two weeks means that you can get a great (albeit barely rushed) really feel of the nation. You’ll want to maneuver shortly (flying and in a single day buses will probably be a should), and also you received’t get a variety of down time, however it’s a doable itinerary.

Days 1–3: Lima
Fly into Lima (in the event you’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 potential. The capital is a huge metropolis house to over 11 million folks. Most guests focus on the neighborhoods of Miraflores, Downtown, and Barranco, as these are the place nearly all of the points of interest are and since they’re the most secure districts.

My steered issues to do in Lima are as follows:

Free strolling tour – I really like free strolling excursions, as they’re an effective 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 suggestions and data. Lima has a variety of free strolling tour firms, however two I like to recommend are Milky Manner and Free Strolling Excursions Peru.

Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb has a variety of unbelievable meals excursions, cooking lessons, and historical past walks value trying out. I believe they’re an underrated useful resource as I’ve accomplished some superb actions through the platform. Irrespective of your curiosity, you’ll be capable 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 bit that includes pre-Colombian erotic artwork. Spanning over 5,000 years of historical past, it’s an amazing place to get a primer on Peru’s previous.

Huca Pucllana – It is a enormous adobe and clay pyramid in-built seven staggered platforms. It’s huge and straightforward to get to because it’s in Miraflores, the primary district everybody stays in, so it’s very easy to see. It served as an necessary 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 – Positioned 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 the event 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 primary artwork museum within the metropolis and has a set that features ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and work spanning over 3,000 years, from pre-Columbian instances to the current, with a deal with native artists. Additionally they have a rotating record of non permanent 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 inside battle of 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 nicely). It’s a sobering however must-visit museum.

Furthermore, Lima has among the best meals scenes on the planet, so make sure you eat, eat, and eat some extra. The primary restaurant is right here as are among the different prime ones. Simply take into account that a majority of those higher-end spots shut on Sunday and that you simply’ll must make reservations months prematurely (although in the event you arrive after they open, you may be capable to get a seat because of 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 might 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 known for its mangroves, Haucachina for its sand dunes, and Nazca for the Nazca strains and the archeological web site, Cahuachi. You don’t actually need greater than an evening in every place if you’re 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 a great base to discover the close by canyons and mountains the area is known for. I may have spent weeks within the metropolis I beloved it a lot (as did my buddies). 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 firms as in Lima.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa – Located in the primary 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 large 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 nicely accomplished.) Plus, you’ll be able to even feed among the animals on the middle.

Santa Catalina – Taking on 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 nicely).

Yanahuara Mirador – Positioned outdoors town middle, this viewpoint offers you sweeping vistas of town and surrounding countryside. The district of the identical title can also 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 one among 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 are actually a gallery!

For wonderful eating, my two favourite spots have been China and Indigo, which each function modern 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 among 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 through 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. In truth, 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, plenty of 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 really like a free strolling tour, and there are half a dozen firms right here. Your resort or hostel can join you with one, or you should utilize 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 – Crucial Incan temple in Cusco is situated 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 nearly 500 gadgets on show right here, lots of that are n load from the Larco Museum in Lima (its mum or dad museum). In the event you missed the museum in Lima, it is a good one to see as an alternative 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 the event you’re going to mountaineering, likelihood is you’re going to be chewing cocoa leaves, so make sure you cease by. It’s small, however fascinating!

Machu Picchu Museum – Make sure you see this museum earlier than you go to the location because it offers a variety of historical past concerning the web site 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 basically 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 an honest job of explaining the historical past of the area, particularly earlier than the Spanish arrived. There’s an honest assortment of textiles, work, and ceramics. The opposite sections depart a bit to be desired, however it makes for a brief cease if you wish to study extra concerning the area’s historical past.

San Pedro Market – That is the most important 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 known for its artwork and eating places (enjoyable truth: 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 mountaineering. Everybody goes to go to Machu Picchu, however I wouldn’t suggest doing it in a single day, as a result of it’s a must to stand up soooooo early from Cusco. As a substitute, I’d go to Ollantaytambo the evening earlier than after which both take the practice or you are able to do hike from Km104. (For extra data on trekking Machu Picchu, try this put up.)

In the event you’re interested by different treks, there are additionally hikes to Palcoyo, Waqrapukara, Huchuy Qosqo, Pumamarca, and so, so, so many others. Actually, you may 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 house.

Various Two-Week Itinerary

Conversely, in the event you wished to go to the Amazon, you might reduce out Arequipa, maintain 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 might do some multiday river cruises. Each locations require flights to get to.

Peru One Month Itinerary

If in case you have a full month, I’d observe the above two-week itinerary but in addition add within the following:

Do extra mountaineering – There are such a lot of hikes within the Sacred Valley (and round Peru on the whole) that in case you have the time, you might hike as a lot as you need. You may have those I discussed about in addition to multi-day treks within the Colca Canyon, up north within the Amazon, and plenty of 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 study 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 the planet. There’s not a lot in Puno however the lake is great. I’d spend 2-3 days right here.

Mancora – Positioned up north, Mancora is a well-known seashore city and an amazing place for world-class seafood. It’s form of a celebration spot, however you may also go to with out partying. It’s additionally fairly distant, so the easiest way to get there may be to fly.

Spend extra time within the different areas – You can too add in additional days within the Colca Canyon, Nazca, Lima, or actually some other a part of the nation that fits your pursuits!

Peru is a huge nation. You’ll by no means have sufficient time, irrespective of how a lot you may have (until you progress there). There’s far more to see than you may suppose, 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 strategies as a place to begin. Do this, and also you’ll make sure you have a tremendous journey!