If you have ever wondered, ‘is Peru a good holiday destination?’ the answer lies in its breathtaking diversity. Latin America is an enchanting region with an incredible variety of cultures, thousand-year-old architecture and lush natural habitats from north to south, and Peru is one of its most up-and-coming travel locations.
Glasses of pisco and bowls of ceviche served in the restaurants of big cities have a completely different taste in the clubs of Lima and Cusco, where you can also participate in traditional rituals in the Sacred Valley, as well as admire the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu up close. If you are deciding where to go on holiday in Peru, here are the five must-see sights for a first trip to Peru
What is There to Do in Peru?
Machu Picchu
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1911, Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and must be seen at least once in a lifetime. Adventurers reach it after four days of hiking, while the more comfortable ones prefer to admire the view from the window of a train. Both are incredible ways to witness this spectacle that will ultimately leave you speechless. Although some parts have been rebuilt in the past to better show the original architecture, this site is still full of mystery.
If you’re looking to ditch the large crowds, you can also visit some lesser-known sites such as Kuelap, Chavin de Huantar and Chan Chan. History aside, Machu Picchu, surrounded by impressive nature, is also home to certain species of llamas and alpacas, the most famous (and much loved) animals of Peru!
How to Get to Machu Picchu
Figuring out how to get to Machu Picchu depends entirely on your travel style. The classic route begins in the stunning city of Cusco, where you can board a scenic expedition train (such as the PeruRail or Inca Rail) to the mountain town of Aguas Calientes, followed by a short shuttle bus up to the ruins. For seasoned hikers, booking a regulated spot on the world-famous 4-day Inca Trail or the alternative Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable arrival through the Sun Gate.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. June, July, and August offer the clearest skies and the best conditions for photography, but this peak season also brings the biggest tourist crowds.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds while still dodging the heavy summer downpours, the shoulder-season months of April and October are great sweet spots.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Among the gentler hills of the Andes, there are villages where locals pass on their ancient traditions to future generations. Whether on horseback, on foot, in a canoe, or by bicycle, this strip of land can be discovered through streams, hills, and archaeological sites.
Raqchi is known for the Wiracocha temple, the tallest Inca structure of its kind, while Chinchero is famous for its fabrics. In Písac, the eco-sustainable approach unites tourism with the indigenous peoples, and Maras is famed for its ancient salt extraction, which has left roughly 3000 ponds (the salt pans) behind.
What to Do in the Sacred Valley Before Visiting Machu Picchu
Before reaching Machu Picchu, we recommend spending a few days here at a slightly lower altitude to help your body acclimate to the mountain air. Make sure to wander through the concentric agricultural terraces of Moray and explore the formidable mountain fortress of Ollantaytambo, an authentic, living example of houses and streets from the time of the Tawantinsuyo, making it the perfect final cultural stop before you board the train to the world wonder.
Lima
The first stop on a trip to Peru could only be the capital, Lima, which is steeped in historical and cultural symbols from its colonial Spanish past. For those who venture into this city for the first time, take a stroll among the neoclassical buildings that parade along the Jirón de la Unión, a pedestrian street that connects Plaza Mayor to Plaza San Martín.
Restaurants, boutiques and cafes show a side of Lima which, although full of history, looks to the future with vivacity. Afterwards, head to the Pinacoteca Municipal Ignacio Merino to admire works of Peruvian artists from the modern era. The Museo de Arte de Lima will give you an insight into art from pre-Columbian times to the present day. After satisfying the thirst for culture, it’s time to move on to taste. The Mercado de Surquillo, near Miraflores, is a foodie paradise where you’ll be carried away by the intense scent of spices, the colours of fruit and vegetables and the warm welcome of local vendors. Not to be missed are camote (sweet potatoes), rocoto (a type of chilli pepper) and ginseng.
Cusco
Cusco, in the highlands of the Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. What makes this breathtaking city so fascinating is its mix of millennial history and European charm, clearly visible in the Spanish Baroque style of its churches and palaces.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, this centre lends itself to a day or two’s break before venturing into the Sacred Valley. Begin your day with a walk in the Plaza de Armas, where you can stop to drink, in the company of the locals, a cup of excellent Peruvian coffee before, of course, moving on to the stronger flavours of the pisco – to which a museum is also dedicated! The Cathedral of Cusco, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of paintings and other artefacts that best represent the Inca culture.
Another reason to visit Cusco is its proximity to the famous Vinicunca – the rainbow mountain. It’s no easy feat to reach, given the altitude and the difficulty of the paths, but the view once you get there more than rewards all your efforts.
How to Get to the Amazon Rainforest from Cusco?
When in Peru, it is impossible to resist the call of the Amazon rainforest. Reachable by a 45-minute flight from Cusco (arriving in Puerto Maldonado) and an hour-long motorised boat ride along the Madre de Dios River, a visit here offers experiences you might have deemed impossible, such as intrepid night safaris. If you intend to stay longer, we also recommend canoeing trips to Lake Sandoval, plus a visit to the Rescue Center of Taricaya (created to safeguard the eggs of the Taricaya turtle). For thrill-seekers, get a bird’s-eye view from the Canopy Tree, a walkway suspended over cotton trees!
Is Lima or Cusco Better for Food Lovers?
Both cities are absolute culinary powerhouses, though they serve entirely different palates. Lima is the undisputed gastronomic capital of South America, if not the world, globally acclaimed for its world-class fine dining, fresh coastal cevicherías, and Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) cuisine.
Cusco, on the other hand, excels in hearty, high-altitude comfort foods. It is the best place to sample traditional Andean earth-oven cooking (pachamanca), locally sourced quinoa dishes, alpaca steaks, and craft beer alongside indigenous ingredients.
Lake Titicaca
Legend has it that the sun god was born from the waters of Lake Titicaca, and Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the founders of the Inca Empire, also emerged. In the southern part of Peru, on the border with Bolivia, Titicaca is considered the highest navigable lake in the world.
A land has been home to many civilisations – Tiahuanaco, Collas, Quechuas and Aymaras – that have all left an indelible mark on today’s cultures. The inhabitants of the lake are now the Uros, known for their floating houses, built from ‘totora’, an autochthonous plant also used for boats. There is no better destination to experience life like a local. A visit to the islands of Amantani or Taquile will see you greeted with wide smiles, interesting stories and authentic culinary goodies. What the various corners of this lake have in common is the unique panorama, framed by ruins, lonely plateaus and some of the highest peaks in the Andes.
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