How to Structure Your Peru Itinerary

Peru is a nation with gorgeous landscapes and cultural richness that is simply waiting to be found.

The exceptional variety of this South American treasure, that includes the awesome ruins of Machu Picchu, the brilliant Amazon jungle, and the dynamic markets of Cusco, leaves a long lasting impression on those who go to.

However, one should set out on the experience with a well-structured strategy as a guide to appropriately value Peru’s marvels.

This detailed guide will reveal you how to develop the perfect Peru schedule so that every day of your journey ends up being an interesting chapter in your travel narrative.

Here is a summary:

Peru’s Top Travel Destinations

Every tourist can discover a remarkable website in Peru, a nation abundant in numerous experiences. Home to interesting cultures and ancient civilizations, Peru beckons visitors with an amazing variety of locations as varied as its abundant history.

While you’re preparing your Peru schedule, have a look at these other places to visit besides Machu Picchu!

Here’s a list of Peru’s leading travel locations:

Lima

The lively city of Lima attracts your palate with its world-renowned food and blend of history and modernity.

Lima is a city in consistent motion, where even the past is not forgotten. Where there is a terrific range of feelings, feelings, tastes and colors. It is as if you are welcomed to appreciate the cathedral, fly over the sea, view an awesome sundown or taste an extraordinary meal.

Lima is extremely fashionable due to the fact that of its lively culture and individuals who live here, along with every corner of Peru with which you take a trip; for that reason, you will never ever have enough after a single go to.

Lima has an abundant colonial beauty and is likewise the only capital in South America with access to the sea, which is why it is likewise called the gastronomic capital of Latin America.

Cusco

The center of the Inca Empire, is home to vibrant markets, narrow streets, and the entryway to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca.

In Cusco, a remarkable history exposes itself on every street corner. The names of the streets– such as Ataúd, Siete Culebras or Arpías– immerse you in a excellent and magical environment. Time stalls in these streets, while each corner holds its own story, and the stones stay the same.

Witness to the Spanish conquest, Cusco still protects the magic of the past. This wonderful environment brings in countless visitors who wish to become part of this living history.

As the historical capital of Peru, Cusco is the heart of the world. An outright must-see!

Related read: Things to do in Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu

This ancient castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for history and environment fans.

This location lies on top of a mountain surrounded by a tropical forest. This location is thought about the outright piece de resistance in Peru– Machu Picchu.

It is a historic sanctuary that amazes travelers not just for its excellent architectural charm however likewise for its considerable historical-cultural heritage. As an outcome, Machu Picchu has actually gotten around the world acknowledgment and affection.

Machu Picchu is a stunning structure, a tomb for queens, and a center of politics, faith, and administration. Its significance depends on the reality that all that the Inca life needed was unified in one location … and this occurred practically on the acme of a mountain.

Related read: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu

Arequipa

Often described as the “White City” for its incredible architecture, it works as the entrance to the Colca Canyon.

Arequipa is a city formed by volcanoes. We can see it in the walls of its structures, streets and churches, in the excellent landscape with a fertile valley and deep canyons. Can you envision how great it is to unwind in a thermal bath while taking a look at the green mountains covered with everlasting snow?

Arequipa is a location to remain thanks to its special food, historic past and warm environment.

Arequipa, the famous white city loaded with history– here you can feel the nerve under the careful eye of the volcanoes.

Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon in the gorgeous Colca Valley is the second-largest canyon on our world and among the most awesome landscapes in Peru and all of South America.

The fertile valley has actually long been populated by pre-Inca individuals, and to this day, quinoa, potatoes and corn are grown on the high balconies. A really excellent phenomenon awaits you at the Mirador Cruz del Condor in the depths of the Colca Canyon. Early in the early morning, the kings of the Andes, the marvelous condors, start their flight over the whole valley.

Amazon Rainforest

Dive into the heart of the Amazon to explore its gorgeous environments and unique animals.

The mystical cloud forests of the Amazon hold remarkable surprises that were unidentified till just recently.

Among its numerous treasures are the excellent fortress of Kuelap, the interesting sarcophagi of Karajía and the enforcing Gocta waterfall.

Imagine strolling along a damp and happily cool course. The sun’s rays permeate the canopy of trees, and unexpectedly, a loud sound shakes the ground. It’s an awesome waterfall, triggering a significant rainstorm!

The Amazon is not just home to cloud forests and a range of plant and animal types such as orchids, spectacled bears and Andean rock parrots. It is likewise home to the gorgeous wonder sylph, a types of hummingbird.

Puno

Puno is nestled at the coasts of Lake Titicaca and is a location that integrates the special culture of Uros and the serenity of the world’s greatest accessible lake.

The story goes that the origin of whatever remains in Puno, where Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the creators of the Inca dynasty, are stated to have actually emerged from the lake.

In reality, in Puno, you enter into living history with every breath you take. The awesome natural landscapes, such as the gorgeous Lake Titicaca, along with the heat of its individuals and the spiritedness of its celebrations, routines and dances, enable you to experience this very first hand. In Puno, customs are lived, and every day is an event.

Located on the coasts of Lake Titicaca, the greatest lake worldwide, Puno is the happy capital of Peruvian folklore.

Nazca Lines

Admire the mystical geoglyphs sculpted into the desert at the Nazca Lines.

The mystical Nazca Lines lie in the middle of the desert in the southern part of Peru, simply beyond Nazca. This location covers about 170 square miles. To this day, these lines continue to puzzle researchers. Nobody appears to understand why they were formed or their function.

The Nazca Lines include a plethora of geoglyphs. The lines were actually sculpted into the ground, and there are actually countless various styles illustrating animals from both nature and dream. These representations consist of animals such as spiders, Nazca Lines, hummingbirds, monkeys, lizards, along with pelicans and even a whale. You can likewise discover plant concepts such as flowers and trees, and geometric shapes such as wavy lines, rectangular shapes, triangles, and spirals.

Huacachina

Embark on a journey to the natural Oasis of Huacachina and delight in a few of South America’s greatest dune.

The Huacachina Lagoon, situated simply 20 minutes from the city of Ica, is the ideal location to unwind and take a break. Why not attempt some experience sports?

This lagoon, likewise referred to as the “Oasis of the Americas,” provides an attractive lake surrounded by plants, along with moorings and a range of hotels for those who wish to invest more than one day in this terrific sanctuary.

Peru provides a remarkable journey into natural, history, and culture marvels with these places and their leading destinations.

The Heart of Your Itinerary for Peru

Cusco, frequently referred to as the “navel of the world” by the Incas, is a city with natural charm, history, and culture. Think about making Cusco the core of your Peru tour schedule.

Because you’ll invest the majority of your time in this city and from there, you’ll find a few of the most amazing websites, such as:

• Sacred Valley
• Machu Picchu
• Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
• Humantay Lake

Cusco is the ideal location to start your trip in Peru due to its main area and brilliant cultural environment.

Related read: How to Visit Cusco & Machu Picchu on a Budget

Sites to Build Around Your Core Peru Itinerary

Although Cusco is the core of your Peruvian schedule, there are other locations you might consist of that will completely match your primary schedule. To extend your journey, consider including these interesting locations:

• Puno and Lake Titicaca (2-3 days)
• Amazon jungle (3 days)
• Lima (2 days)
• Arequipa and Colca Canyon (2-3 days)

To experience the complete series of Peru’s alternatives, consisting of high-altitude cultures, vibrant cities, and the fascinating marvels of the Amazon, include these places to your core schedule. By going to these different places, you might make your Peruvian getaway a lot more interesting and comprehensive.

Sample Itinerary for Your Peru Trip

The essential thing to keep in mind is that seeing Machu Picchu alone will not make your journey to Peru perfect; you likewise require to visit it in the proper setting, at the best speed, and in the appropriate order in your schedule.

To make our point crystal clear, let’s take a look at 2 sample schedules.

Option A

Day 1: Arrival to Lima

Day 2: Flight to Cusco and city trip

Day 3: Sacred Valley trip and over night in Aguas Calientes

Day 4: Machu Picchu trip (Book directly with the tour operator)

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain and flight to Lima

Day 6: Sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis

Day 7: Ballestas Islands or gastronomic trip

Option B

Day 1: Arrival to Lima

Day 2: Flight to Cusco and city trip

Day 3: Sacred Valley trip and over night in Aguas Calientes

Day 4: Machu Picchu trip (Book directly with the tour operator)

Day 5: Flight to Iquitos and trip of the Amazon Day 1

Day 6: Tour in the Amazon Day 2

Day 7: Tour in the Amazon Day 3 and flight to Lima

As stated, we can consider Cusco as the “core” of the schedule given that it is the center and the city from which you will go to most websites.

After that, you can consider an extension, such as the Amazon jungle, as pointed out in Option B. Therefore, all of your preparation will go efficiently if you bear in mind all the aspects showed in the paragraph above.

Transportation and Logistics in Peru

Making your method through Peru’s various landscapes is a fundamental part of organizing your journey.

Peru has a range of modes of transport, each with unique advantages:

1. Airplanes

Peru has many airports that are well-connected, making domestic aircrafts an useful alternative for taking a trip across fars away. Scheduling ahead of time regularly leads to cost effective rates, and regional providers like LATAM or Avianca are recommended for security. If you are brief on time and have a hectic schedule,

We extremely advise utilizing an airplane.

2. Buses

Buses are an affordable method to take a trip throughout Peru’s areas and cities. Lots of bus business offer comfy long-distance transport, with alternatives varying from economical to extravagant.

If you prepare to take a trip to your various locations by bus, then ensure to utilize reliable and popular business, such as Cruz del Sur.

3. Trains

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UkJBZbUQ0U

Accommodation Choices in Peru

Your journey to Peru may be considerably much better by choosing the appropriate accommodations.

Here are some options to consider:

Unique Accommodations

Be mindful of the special lodgings in Peru, from oversleeping glass pills connected to a stone wall to feeding alpacas from the jacuzzi. All of that and far more is possible in Peru.

Hotels

Various hotels, from inexpensive to glamorous, are offered in Peru. When picking the perfect fit, take your convenience and spending plan into account. Please bear in mind that the hotels represent Western requirements, and you can anticipate a similar quality.

Hostels

Budget tourists and those desiring a social environment needs to remain in hostels. Both shared dormitories, and specific spaces prevail in hostels.

Making bookings ahead of time has numerous advantages, consisting of getting the most affordable costs, ensuring accessibility, and getting rid of last-minute tension. To get the most out of your journey to Peru, strategy your accommodations ahead of time.

Local food in Peru.Peruvian cuisine A complicated tapestry of tastes waits for expedition in Peru’s gastronomic world. Do not miss out on the possibility to attempt

as you take a trip throughout this varied country.

Lima

The country’s capital is understood for its ceviche and blend food, making it a cooking hotspot. Attempt the “ceviche” at close-by dining establishments like La Mar.

Ceviche is a specialized in which raw fish or seafood is prepared utilizing citrus juice rather of heat. This technique has actually been utilized for centuries.

In Peru and surrounding nations, the preparation and intake of ceviche is practically spiritual. There are as several kinds of ceviche as there are individuals who consume it.

When the juice of lime enters contact with the fish, a chemical procedure comparable to cooking takes place. The flesh ends up being cloudy and tender.

Peruvian lime is the most crucial active ingredient in Peruvian ceviche. Peruvians declare that it is vital for both ceviche and pisco sour due to the fact that this specific range of lime has a distinct pH. However, other limes can likewise be utilized to make tasty ceviche.

Cusco

Try tasty Andean food like “alpaca steak” and “llama stews.” Dine at Chicha by Gastón Acurio for a distinct gastronomic experience. When thought about an unique delicacy by the individuals of the Andes,

Alpaca Steak

Alpaca meat was. It is among the healthiest and tastiest meats worldwide. The meat is identified by its leanness, inflammation, and practically sweet taste. In addition to being high in protein, alpaca meat is low in fat and has an exceptionally low cholesterol material compared to other meats.

Unlike standard butchered meats, alpaca meat provides many health advantages. Belonging to the Andes, alpaca meat was among the most ancient foods of the Incas and pre-Inca cultures. It is still thought about a special in South America and a fundamental part of the regional diet plan.

Llama Stew

Llama meat is ending up being more popular and a normal specialized of the nation, offered in numerous regional dining establishments. It is utilized in numerous local meals.

It is identified by a high protein material and a low-fat material. It is likewise thought about to be abundant and healthy in nutrients, making it a great source of protein for the Andean population.

In current years, llama meat has actually ended up being significantly popular and can even be discovered on the menus of special dining establishments.

Its taste resembles that of lean beef, however it has a more tender consistency and more extreme tastes compared to beef.

Slow cooking in a stew makes lama meat especially tender and soft.

Often thought about an unique food, lama meat can be utilized to get in touch with regional culture. It is a mind-expanding experience and a part of Andean custom.

During the reign of the Inca Empire in the Andean area of South America, llama meat played an essential function in conference protein requires. Rather of pigs or cows, the Incas chose the meat of llamas and alpacas as a source of protein.

Arequipa

Arequipa is popular for “rocoto relleno” (packed peppers) along with other regional specials at picanterias like La Nueva Palomino.

Rocoto Relleno” Rocoto” is an exceptionally hot paprika veggie that is frequently utilized in Peru and is likewise referred to as ají. Generally, little pieces of rocoto are served with practically all meals and soups, however beware– rocoto has a heat score of 9 out of 10!

” Relleno” implies “packed.” These hot rocotos are completely cleaned and after that boiled in water and vinegar to soften their severe heat.

Good to understand:

in traveler dining establishments, the rocotos are “pacified.”

Iquitos

Enjoy unique jungle tastes like “juane” (rice tamales) and fresh river seafood here in the heart of the Amazon.

Juane

Juane, a standard meal from the Peruvian jungle, is a tasty mix of chicken, hard-boiled eggs and rice. It is experienced with spices such as cumin, oregano and turmeric. To secure the tastes, these components are adoringly covered in waxy bijao leaves and after that prepared.

This mouthwatering meal is frequently served with manioc or boiled bananas. You can enjoy them in standard dining establishments or purchase them from street suppliers when you’re starving for juanes.

On unique celebrations, juanes plans play an essential function in the exchange in between member of the family and pals– even complete strangers! Everybody pitches in to prepare this remarkable meal. What a terrific concept!

For a genuine experience, we provide various food trips where you will go to the various markets like Mercado de Surquillo in Lima or Mercado San Pedro in Cusco or where you can likewise take part in a cooking session with a regional chef.

The nation’s food assures to take your palate on an unforgettable journey.

Crafting the Perfect Peru Itinerary for Your Adventure