From 1 Week to 1 Month

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

I spent 2.5 weeks there and absolutely loved it. However even at a quick tempo, I nonetheless felt like I barely noticed something (although I crammed lots 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, lots of that has to do with what you’re going for: the Amazon, the 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 probably the most historic websites and the most important sights. However there’s additionally the Amazon, the seashore cities, and smaller ruins within the north.

To present you some concepts on potential routes, listed here are my recommended 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 may spend a pair days stress-free in Cusco earlier than flying dwelling.

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 shall be a should), and also you gained’t get lots of down time, however it’s a doable itinerary.

Days 1–3: Lima
Fly into Lima (in the event you’re coming from the US, 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 attainable. The capital is a huge metropolis dwelling to over 11 million individuals. Most guests consider 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 recommended issues to do in Lima are as follows:

Free strolling tour – I really 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 a neighborhood information who can share their insider suggestions and information. Lima has lots of free strolling tour corporations, however two I like to recommend are Milky Way and Free Walking Tours Peru.

Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb has lots of unimaginable meals excursions, cooking courses, and historical past walks value trying out. I believe they’re an underrated useful resource as I’ve completed some wonderful actions by way of the platform. Regardless of your curiosity, you’ll have the ability to discover one thing distinctive.

Museo Larco – This personal museum options an in depth assortment of pre-Columbian artwork, gold, and jewels in an previous 18th-century mansion with a fantastic 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 fantastic place to get a primer on Peru’s previous.

Huca Pucllana – This can be a large adobe and clay pyramid inbuilt seven staggered platforms. It’s large 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 heart 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 identify, Surquillo is my favourite market on the town. It’s large and there are lots of little eating places right here. When you’re trying to buy groceries and eat some unimaginable 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 group that features ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and work spanning over 3,000 years, from pre-Columbian occasions to the current, with a concentrate on native artists. In addition they have a rotating checklist 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 instructional 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 individuals had been displaced as nicely). It’s a sobering however must-visit museum.

Furthermore, Lima has top-of-the-line meals scenes on this planet, so remember to eat, eat, and eat some extra. The primary restaurant is right here as are a few of the different high ones. Simply remember that a majority of those higher-end spots shut on Sunday and that you just’ll have to make reservations months prematurely (although in the event you arrive after they open, you would possibly have the ability to get a seat as a consequence of a last-minute cancelation). Some which can be definitely worth the expense are:

• La Mar (seafood)
• Mercado (seafood)
• Maido (Japanese)
• Girl Bee (cocktails)
• Contraste (Peruvian)
• Central (Peruvian)

Subsequent, relying in your pursuits, you may 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 really want greater than an evening in every place if you’re quick 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 unimaginable, 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 cherished it a lot (as did my mates). However, if yo solely have a couple 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 primary plaza, that is an important Catholic church within the metropolis. Excursions right here take about 45 minutes (although you may go by yourself), encompassing the gorgeous work, ornate decorations, and large organ.

Mundo Alpaca – This free museum provides you lots 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 may even feed a few of the animals on the heart.

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 putting cloisters, chapels, and even an artwork gallery. I’d advocate getting a information for 20 soles, so that you get extra historical past and context. The excursions final about an hour (however you may see it by yourself after as nicely).

Yanahuara Mirador – Situated outdoors town heart, this viewpoint provides you sweeping vistas of town and surrounding countryside. The district of the identical identify can be a quiet, fairly neighborhood usually freed from vacationers that’s value exploring (take a look at La Nueva Palomino, an unimaginable restaurant serving cheap Peruvian meals).

The Church of the Firm – That is considered 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 unimaginable work by native artists (and Virgin and Little one by Bernardo Bitti) and gold altarpieces. Plus, you may go to the cloisters, which at the moment are a gallery!

For effective eating, my two favourite spots had been China and Indigo, which each characteristic modern Andean meals. For a scrumptious Peruvian holes-in-the-wall, take a look at Picanteria La Mundial. I additionally advocate a breakfast spot known as Isidro, run by two Peruvians who hung out 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 lots of operators round. I went by way of the corporate Peru Hop. Most in a single day excursions price round $40 USD.

Days 8–12: Cusco
From Arequipa, you may both take an in a single day bus or fly to Cusco, an enormous metropolis with lots of actions and sights to discover. Don’t attempt to rush it. In reality, spend as a lot time right here as you may! It lives as much as all of the hype, and it’s crammed with world-class eating places, a lot of artwork museums, fascinating historic websites, and exquisite 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 here are as follows:

Free strolling tour – As you may inform, I really 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 should utilize the businesses talked about in earlier sections. Simply keep 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 positioning dates again even earlier, to round 900 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Website, it’s a massively spectacular construction and is certainly 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 may 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 had been as soon as coated in sheets of gold), it was the place the Excessive Priest resided and the place varied sacrifices had been held. It was demolished and become a church by the Spanish, however lots of the unique partitions are nonetheless there. It additionally options rotating artwork reveals.

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 gadgets on show right here, lots of that are n load from the Larco Museum in Lima (its mother or father museum). When you missed the museum in Lima, it is a good one to see as an alternative since they cowl lots 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 grew to become outlined by cocaine over the centuries. I used to be actually impressed by the extent of element within the descriptions. When you’re going to climbing, likelihood is you’re going to be chewing cocoa leaves, so remember to cease by. It’s small, however fascinating!

Machu Picchu Museum – Remember to see this museum earlier than you go to the positioning because it provides lots of historical past concerning the web site and its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. There are informative shows, instructional movies concerning the authentic excavations, and artifacts from the positioning. It’s a pleasant primer to visiting the precise ruins.

Franciscan Convent – This lovely convent is crammed with majestic tapestries, work, and cloisters, and incorporates a ornamental church. There’s little or no signage, however the pamphlet they offer you is absolutely detailed. It was inbuilt 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 buying, 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 realm has a bohemian vibe and it’s up on a hill, so there are a couple of good viewpoints too.

Then spend as many days you need climbing. Everybody goes to go to Machu Picchu, however I wouldn’t advocate doing it in a single day, as a result of you need to stand up soooooo early from Cusco. As an alternative, 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 info on trekking Machu Picchu, check out this post.)

When you’re curious about 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 loosen up 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 dwelling.

Different Two-Week Itinerary

Conversely, in the event you needed to go to the Amazon, you may 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 may do some multiday river cruises. Each locations require flights to get to.

Peru One Month Itinerary

You probably have a full month, I’d observe the above two-week itinerary but additionally add within the following:

Do extra climbing – There are such a lot of hikes within the Sacred Valley (and round Peru usually) that when you’ve got the time, you may 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 take a look at both Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos to discover and study concerning the jungle and river. In Iquitos, you may 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 seashore city and a fantastic place for world-class seafood. It’s type 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’s to fly.

Spend extra time within the different areas – You can even 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 could have (except you progress there). There’s far more to see than you would possibly 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 may and use the above solutions as a place to begin. Do this, and also you’ll remember to have an incredible journey!