From 1 Week to 1 Month

Peru is a large nation. To do it justice, you want a whole lot 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 whole lot of choices.

I spent 2.5 weeks there and completely cherished it. However even at a quick tempo, I nonetheless felt like I barely noticed something (although I crammed a whole lot 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?

Properly, in fact, a whole lot 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 probably the most historic websites and the largest sights. However there’s additionally the Amazon, the seaside cities, and smaller ruins within the north.

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

Peru Itinerary: One Week

I might solely go to Peru for one week should 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 permits you to get a great (albeit barely rushed) really feel of the nation. You’ll want to maneuver rapidly (flying and in a single day buses can be a should), and also you gained’t get a whole lot of down time, but it surely’s a doable itinerary.

Days 1–3: Lima
Fly into Lima (should 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 doable. The capital is a huge metropolis house to over 11 million folks. Most guests think about the neighborhoods of Miraflores, Downtown, and Barranco, as these are the place nearly all of the sights are and since they’re the most secure districts.

My steered 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 information. Lima has a whole lot of free strolling tour firms, however two I like to recommend are Milky Manner and Free Strolling Excursions Peru.

Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb has a whole lot of unbelievable meals excursions, cooking lessons, and historical past walks value testing. I feel they’re an underrated useful resource as I’ve completed some wonderful 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 intensive assortment of pre-Columbian artwork, gold, and jewels in an previous 18th-century mansion with a good looking 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 a terrific place to get a primer on Peru’s previous.

Huca Pucllana – This can be a big adobe and clay pyramid in-built seven staggered platforms. It’s huge and simple 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 vital 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 identify, Surquillo is my favourite market on the town. It’s big and there are a whole lot of little eating places right here. If you happen to’re seeking 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 concentrate on native artists. In addition they have a rotating listing of momentary exhibitions from worldwide artists, so there’s at all times one thing new to see.

LUM Museum – Formally referred to as the “The Place of Reminiscence, Tolerance, and Social Inclusion,” this academic museum is devoted to the Peruvian inside battle of Eighties and 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 probably the greatest meals scenes on this planet, so make sure to eat, eat, and eat some extra. The primary restaurant is right here as are among the different high ones. Simply understand that a majority of those higher-end spots shut on Sunday and that you simply’ll have to make reservations months upfront (although should you arrive once they open, you may be capable to get a seat as a consequence of a last-minute cancelation). Some which might be 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 could possibly 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 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 (referred to as that due to the white volcanic stone used for the buildings) has an unbelievable, energetic vibe, actually vibrant meals scene, and beautiful 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 cherished it a lot (as did my mates). However, if yo solely have a number of days, I like to recommend spending two days exploring the 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 whole lot 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 completed.) Plus, you’ll be able to even feed among the animals on the middle.

Santa Catalina – Taking on a whole 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 might advocate 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 the town middle, this viewpoint offers you sweeping vistas of the town and surrounding countryside. The district of the identical identify 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 Little one by Bernardo Bitti) and gold altarpieces. Plus, you’ll be able to go to the cloisters, which are actually a gallery!

For effective eating, my two favourite spots have been China and Indigo, which each characteristic revolutionary Andean meals. For a scrumptious Peruvian holes-in-the-wall, try Picanteria La Mundial. I additionally advocate a breakfast spot referred to as Isidro, run by two Peruvians who hung out coaching in NYC. And Munanqui (a café) has among the finest sandwiches and tea choice I got here throughout within the nation.

For the Colca Canyon, there’s a whole lot 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 whole lot 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 stuffed with world-class eating places, plenty of artwork museums, fascinating historic websites, and exquisite structure.

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

A few of my favourite issues to see and do listed here 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 firms right here. Your lodge 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 advanced on the northern outskirts of the town was constructed within the fifteenth century, although the earliest occupation of the positioning dates again even earlier, to round 900 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Website, it’s a vastly 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 positioned within the coronary heart of the 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 numerous sacrifices have been held. It was demolished and become a church by the Spanish, however a whole lot 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, a lot of that are n load from the Larco Museum in Lima (its mother or father museum). If you happen to missed the museum in Lima, it is a good one to see as an alternative since they cowl a whole lot 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. If you happen to’re going to mountaineering, likelihood is you’re going to be chewing cocoa leaves, so make sure to cease by. It’s small, however attention-grabbing!

Machu Picchu Museum – You’ll want to see this museum earlier than you go to the positioning because it offers a whole lot 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 positioning. It’s a pleasant primer to visiting the precise ruins.

Franciscan Convent – This stunning convent is stuffed with majestic tapestries, work, and cloisters, and incorporates a ornamental church. There’s little or no signage, however the pamphlet they provide you is actually 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 depart 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 known 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 realm 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 advocate doing it in a single day, as a result of you must stand up soooooo early from Cusco. As an alternative, I might 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 submit.)

If you happen to’re thinking about different treks, there are additionally hikes to Palcoyo, Waqrapukara, Huchuy Qosqo, Pumamarca, and so, so, so many others. Actually, you’ve got a ton of choices!

After that I might, come again to Cusco for a day and calm down or fly to Lima for a day there earlier than your flight.

Days 13 & 14: Lima
Spend your remaining day or two sightseeing and consuming earlier than flying house.

Various Two-Week Itinerary

Conversely, should you needed to go to the Amazon, you could possibly minimize out Arequipa, hold 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 could possibly 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 might comply with the above two-week itinerary but additionally 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 you probably have the time, you could possibly hike as a lot as you need. You’ve 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 very best lake on this 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 seaside city and a terrific place for world-class seafood. It’s sort of a celebration spot, however you may also go to with out partying. It’s additionally fairly distant, so one of the best ways to get there’s to fly.

Spend extra time within the different areas – You too can 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, irrespective of how a lot you’ve got (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 to have an incredible journey!