From 1 Week to 1 Month

Peru is an enormous 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 seashore 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 mountain 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 essentially 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 provide you some concepts on potential routes, listed below are my steered itineraries for visiting Peru:

Peru Itinerary: One Week

I might solely go to Peru for one week if you happen to’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 possibly can spend a pair days enjoyable in Cusco earlier than flying dwelling.

Peru Itinerary: Two Weeks

Two weeks lets you get a very good (albeit barely rushed) really feel of the nation. You’ll want to maneuver rapidly (flying and in a single day buses will probably be a should), and also you received’t get a whole lot of down time, but it surely’s a doable itinerary.

Days 1–3: Lima
Fly into Lima (if you happen to’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 attainable. The capital is a big metropolis dwelling to over 11 million individuals. Most guests focus on the neighborhoods of Miraflores, Downtown, and Barranco, as these are the place the vast majority 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 an effective 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 ideas and information. Lima has a whole lot of free strolling tour firms, however two I like to recommend are Milky Approach and Free Strolling Excursions Peru.

Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb has a whole lot of unimaginable meals excursions, cooking courses, and historical past walks price testing. I believe they’re an underrated useful resource as I’ve achieved some superb actions through the platform. Regardless of your curiosity, you’ll be capable of discover one thing distinctive.

Museo Larco – This personal museum options an intensive assortment of pre-Columbian artwork, gold, and jewels in an outdated 18th-century mansion with a gorgeous 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

Huca Pucllana – This can be a large adobe and clay pyramid in-built seven staggered platforms. It’s large and straightforward to get to because it’s in Miraflores, the principle 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 identify, Surquillo is my favourite market on the town. It’s large and there are a whole lot of little eating places right here. Should 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 principle 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 give attention to native artists. Additionally they have a rotating record 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 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 have been displaced as effectively). It’s a sobering however must-visit museum.

Furthermore, Lima has among the best meals scenes on this planet, so remember to eat, eat, and eat some extra. The primary restaurant is right here as are a number of the different high ones. Simply needless to say a majority of those higher-end spots shut on Sunday and that you simply’ll must make reservations months prematurely (although if you happen to arrive after they open, you would possibly be capable of get a seat on account of a last-minute cancelation). Some which can 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 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 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 (known as that due to the white volcanic stone used for the buildings) has an unimaginable, energetic vibe, actually vibrant meals scene, and beautiful Spanish structure. It additionally makes for a very good base to discover the close by canyons and mountains the area is known for. I might 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 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 principle plaza, that is a very powerful Catholic church within the metropolis. Excursions right here take about 45 minutes (although you possibly can go by yourself), encompassing the attractive work, ornate decorations, and large organ.

Mundo Alpaca – This free museum provides 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 effectively achieved.) Plus, you possibly can even feed a number of 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 energetic for hundreds of years. You get to discover a collection of putting 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 possibly can see it by yourself after as effectively).

Yanahuara Mirador – Positioned exterior town middle, this viewpoint provides you sweeping vistas of town and surrounding countryside. The district of the identical identify can also be a quiet, fairly neighborhood usually freed from vacationers that’s price 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 Baby by Bernardo Bitti) and gold altarpieces. Plus, you possibly can go to the cloisters, which are actually a gallery!

For fantastic eating, my two favourite spots have been China and Indigo, which each function revolutionary 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 number of 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 price round $40 USD.

Days 8–12: Cusco
From Arequipa, you possibly can 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 actual fact, spend as a lot time right here as you possibly can! It lives as much as all of the hype, and it’s crammed with world-class eating places, numerous artwork museums, fascinating historic websites, and delightful 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 below are as follows:

Free strolling tour – As you possibly can inform, I 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 positioning dates again even earlier, to round 900 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Website, it’s a vastly spectacular construction and is certainly a must-see. You’ll be able to rent a information exterior the doorway, as there’s no signage right here. It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to get to (you possibly can stroll there or take the bus).

Qorikancha – An important Incan temple in Cusco is positioned 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 became 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 gadgets on show right here, a lot of that are n load from the Larco Museum in Lima (its mum or dad museum). Should you missed the museum in Lima, this can be 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. Should you’re going to mountain climbing, chances are high you’re going to be chewing cocoa leaves, so remember to cease by. It’s small, however attention-grabbing!

Machu Picchu Museum – You should definitely see this museum earlier than you go to the positioning because it provides a whole lot of historical past concerning the web site and its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. There are informative shows, instructional movies concerning the unique 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 encompasses a ornamental church. There’s little or no signage, however the pamphlet they offer 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 go away a bit to be desired, but it surely makes for a brief cease if you wish to study 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 procuring, 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 mountain climbing. Everybody goes to go to Machu Picchu, however I wouldn’t advocate doing it in a single day, as a result of it’s a must to rise up soooooo early from Cusco. As a substitute, I might go to Ollantaytambo the night time earlier than after which both take the prepare or you are able to do hike from Km104. (For extra data on trekking Machu Picchu, take a look at this submit.)

Should you’re serious about 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 might, 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 remaining day or two sightseeing and consuming earlier than flying dwelling.

Various Two-Week Itinerary

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

Peru One Month Itinerary

You probably have a full month, I might comply with the above two-week itinerary but additionally add within the following:

Do extra mountain climbing – There are such a lot of hikes within the Sacred Valley (and round Peru normally) that if in case you have the time, you may hike as a lot as you need. You could 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. Undoubtedly take a look at both Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos to discover and study concerning the jungle and river. In Iquitos, you possibly can take 3-5 day river cruises.

Puno/Lake Titicaca – You’ll be able to 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 super. I’d spend 2-3 days right here.

Mancora – Positioned up north, Mancora is a well-known seashore city and an excellent place for world-class seafood. It’s type of a celebration spot, however you can even go to with out partying. It’s additionally fairly distant, so one of the simplest ways to get there may be to fly.

Spend extra time within the different areas – You may as well 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 big 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 would possibly assume, so, as you make your itinerary, don’t stress an excessive amount of or attempt to jam all of it in. See what you possibly can and use the above strategies as a place to begin. Try this, and also you’ll remember to have a tremendous journey!