Everything you need to know about Peru
From the vibrant colors of the Amazon to the wispy clouds of Machu Picchu, Peru has it all. We’ve sifted through our archives to compile one megablog that covers every corner of this magnificent country…
Lima, the thriving capital
With great beaches, the world’s best food (officially!) and a fascinating history Lima really does have it all. Where else can you see a pre-Incan adobe pyramid surrounded by skyscrapers and go on a tour of the oldest colonial house in all of the Americas? Adventure junkies can jog, surf, bike and paraglide to their hearts' content while kids and adults will love the water and lights show at the Parque de la Reserva.
Making the most of your Lima layover
Lima más arriba (amazing aerial photographs of the city)
Water and lights shows at the Parque de la Reserva
With five restaurants in the the world's Top 50, Lima is officially the best culinary destination on the planet. Read these blogs to get your tastebuds working.
Peruvian cuisine and national pride
Making the most of your Lima layover (repeated from above but there are loads of foodie options)
Machu Picchu, the jewel in the crown
Machu Picchu is justifiably Peru’s number one tourist attraction, a place that continues to amaze even the tour guides who go there every day. We've got loads of incredible content on this wonder of the world, but we've handpicked some of the most useful, including a great comparison between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu.
An introduction to Machu Picchu
10 things you probably didn’t know about Machu Picchu, Peru
Climbing Machu Picchu mountain (not as popular but well worth doing)
Climbing Huayna Picchu (book well in advance)
Trekking near Machu Picchu
Nothing beats reaching the great Inca citadel under your steam, and the Inca Trail is a bucket list item if ever there was one. These days there also alternatives to the classic Inca trail. Some are shorter, others are less crowded, and still others are much more luxurious.
An introduction to the Inca Trail
Retracing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Two Day Inca Trail (short on time?)
3 Alternatives to the Inca Trail (far from the madding crowd)
Lodge to lodge treks near Machu Picchu (more comfortable alternatives)
Cusco
Cusco, the capital of Tawantinsuyu (the Inca empire) is an incredible city in its own right which features some amazing Inca foundations and an unbelievable array of colonial churches, plazas and mansions. The mountain backdrop is inspiring and the quaint alleyways are well worth exploring.
Cusco through the ages (the city has gone through three distinct phases)
Mighty walls of Sacsayhuaman (arguably the greatest example of stonemasonry on the planet.)
The Sacred Valley
Between Cusco and Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Valley, a vast showcase to both the beauty of the Andes and the ingenuity and engineering wizardry of the Incas. If Machu Picchu is the jewel in the crown the myriad sites and scenes of the Sacred Valley are the very impressive accoutrements.
An introduction to the Sacred Valley
More than Machu Picchu: An introduction to the Sacred Valley
Taking time out in Ollantaytambo
Inca ingenuity at Moray and Salinas
The incredible Amazon
The Amazon rainforest needs no introduction, but seeing the world's most famous jungle on NatGeo simply doesn't compare with experiencing it in the flesh. Find out all you need to know about visiting the Peruvian Amazon with these blogs that range from practical to downright evocative.
Lodge versus cruise: Exploring the Peruvian Amazon
10 amazing facts about the Amazon Rainforest
Planning and packing for the Amazon
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is an otherworldly place. Not only is it the world's highest navigable lake, but it’s also home to fascinating floating villages which haven’t changed for centuries.
The people and islands of Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca island homestays
Arequipa
The southern city of Arequipa aka The White City is another colonial gem, with fantastic history, not least in the wonderful Santa Catalina Monastery. Nearby, the Colca Canyon is one of the world’s largest, deepest and most picturesque and it is also a great place to come Face to face with condors.
Arequipa's gem: Santa Catalina Monastery
An introduction to the Colca Canyon
Face to face with condors in the Colca Canyon
Central Peru
Central Peru also has some heavyweight attractions, not least the world famous Nazca Lines and the equally impressive Marine reserve at Paracas. The city of Ica and the Huacachina oasis on its outskirts is another must-see, especially if you’re keen on tasting Pisco sours, Peru’s national drink, at source.
The incredible marine reserve at Paracas
Exploring Ica and the Huacachina oasis
Cocktail of the week: Pisco sours (you can't escape them in Peru!)
Northern Peru
Up North you’ll find some Great pre-Inca ruins and some Amazing beaches to boot. The main city in the area is Trujillo a pleasant colonial spot with some amazing archaeological sites.
4 Great pre-Inca ruins in Peru
Why you really should include Trujillo on your Peruvian itinerary
The final word
Peru really does have enough attractions to fill a lifetime of holidays. Whether you’re tempted by the heights of Andes, the tropical beaches of the North or the fecund diversity of the Amazon, we have a Peru itinerary for you.
Credit to H-W Schlieper and James Borrell for the images used in this blog and to Salt & Silver for the video.