Travel Destinations in Peru

There is hardly anything that Peru cannot offer you: beaches and coastlines, rugged and adventurous mountain ranges in the Andes, rainforests and mangrove forests, deserts and large lakes. It's no wonder that Peruvians themselves call it 'the richest country in the world'. Let yourself be enchanted and follow me to the homeland of the Incas, which is much more than just Machu Picchu.

It is simply one of the most versatile countries in existence. If Peru had to apply somewhere, it could boast a great deal on its resume: The country is home to one of the new seven wonders of the world, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the largest flying bird and the highest navigable lake in the world. And these are just a few of the reasons why Peru should also be on your bucket list. Here, you'll find everything you need to know about the South American country and your journey.

To give you a quick overview right from the start, here are some basic facts about Peru:

To help you think of everything on your journey, I've put together a small list of travel tips for you.

Remember to use mosquito repellent, especially when traveling to the tropical areas of Peru.

Basic knowledge of Spanish is advantageous. You won't get very far outside tourist centers with just English.

Mobile signal is good in the cities, but tends to be weak in remote and mountainous regions. You can get SIM cards for little money, and free Wi-Fi can also occasionally be found.

Even though rainbow flags fly in many places in Peru, this has nothing to do with the LGBT community. They are the flags of the Inca Empire and the city of Cusco. In conservative, Catholic Peru, same-sex couples are unfortunately still viewed with skepticism by some, which is why many homosexuals do not publicly come out about their sexuality.

In larger restaurants or hotels, you can pay with a credit card; it is recommended to use a travel credit card to save on additional fees. You can find a list of credit cards without foreign transaction fees in my magazine article. However, with small vendors, you will usually have to pay in cash. ATMs can be found in the cities, but are scarce in rural areas. So always carry some cash with you. Keep your money and valuables close to your body (you can store them in a slim travel waist pack) and take good care of them - pickpockets exist everywhere in the world, even in Peru. You can check the current local security situation at the Foreign Office.

Come fly with me, let's float down to Peru. In llama-land there's a one-man band and he'll toot his flute for you. Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue. Follow Frank Sinatra's words and get on a plane to South America. From Germany, you can reach Peru from all major airports with layovers. The most important airport in the country is Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima, where most international flights are routed. Once you arrive there, you will find yourself seven hours behind German time (GMT -05:00). Peru borders Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador - so if you are already traveling in South America, you can also get to the land of the Incas via the longest road in the world, the Pan-American Highway, or even by boat along the Amazon.

Once in Peru, you can cheaply reach your destinations using buses, taxis, and shared taxis known as 'colectivos'. Here, the ride only begins after the driver has called out several times where they are heading and enough passengers have boarded. This usually doesn't take long - often there are even more passengers than available seats. For longer journeys between different towns, you should have a strong stomach and nerves, as the driving habits there are quite different from what we know here. Unfortunately, this also leads to regular accidents.

Guru Tip: If you'd like more special info about backpacking, check out my article on Backpacking in South America.

Follow me through the many exciting ancient ruins of Peru, the lush rainforest, to numerous sights, and into charming, picturesque towns.

Guru Tip: Did you know that you can book unique tours and activities with locals through Airbnb? I've already researched appropriate offers for Peru for you:

The capital of Peru is Lima, with a population of nearly 8.6 million residents. This coastal city has a lot to offer in terms of culture and cuisine and impresses with its balance between ancient Inca tradition and modernity. For example, visit the ancient Huaca Pucllana ruins, explore the colonial old town and the historic city center. Start your city trip at the Plaza Mayor, or Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by colonial mansions, palaces, and churches. Let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful and modern district of Miraflores and relax a little in one of the many cafés or in Parque del Amor and Parque Kennedy, where you can watch artists and street performers.

Near the Plaza Mayor is the church and Franciscan monastery of San Francisco. Marvel at the massive library there and venture into the dark catacombs beneath the earth, where an estimated 25,000 people found their final resting place until 1808.

The Museo Larco will fascinate you with its numerous exhibits from the time before and during the Inca Empire. More than 5,000 years of Peruvian history are available to you every day. Want to relax afterward? Visit the Circuito Magico Del Agua and watch impressive, colorful water games. Speaking of water: The sprawling city on the Pacific coast is a paradise for surfers of all levels. Hop on a board and ride the waves off the coastal section of Punta Hermosa in the southern part of the city with its many surf shops and schools, or at Playa Makaha in Miraflores. The best surf spots for experienced wave riders can be found on the northern coast of Peru. The most legendary among them is Chicama, known for having one of the longest waves in the world.

Together with the capital Lima, Cusco forms the tourist center of Peru and is therefore somewhat more expensive than the rest of the country. There's an incredible amount to discover here, so you should spend several days in this beautiful city. You should plan enough time for acclimatization, as Cusco is located at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. When you land at the airport, you will find coca leaves ready for you, which are meant to help you cope with the altitude as they promote oxygen absorption into the bloodstream. The leaves can either be brewed in hot water and drunk as tea or chewed while clenched in the cheeks. If you still experience dizziness and headaches, you should seek advice. You can find competent help not just from a doctor - often the reception desks of your hostels or hotels can help you.

Walk in the former capital of the Inca Empire from Plaza de Armas along cobblestones and marvel at the precisely crafted walls, the Spanish colonial architecture, and visit archaeological sites from the Inca period. On the outskirts of Cusco lies Sacsayhuaman, the ruins of a former Inca fortress and today one of the most important sights from the Inca era.

Stroll past hundreds of shopping stalls at the Mercado San Pedro. Here you can find everything a tourist's heart desires, from souvenirs, clothing to culinary delights. Don't forget to haggle! You can usually negotiate a little off the price. After a successful shopping tour, you can learn all about the cultivation, processing, and history of cocoa in the Cusco Chocolate Museum. Tasting is, of course, allowed and encouraged.

After a good meal, you can make your way to Humantay Lake. After about a two-hour hike to an altitude of around 4,200 meters, this picturesque lake with turquoise water awaits you.

Adventurers among you can take a trip to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. As the name suggests, the roughly 5,200-meter-high mountain captivates with its surreal colors and provides a beautiful backdrop for your hike. For this, you should have good fitness and book a tour. These usually start very early in the morning with an adventurous drive up to over 4,000 meters, so prepare for a strenuous day - but the breathtaking view makes it all worth it.

After a visit to Cusco, you should not miss the Sacred Valley, located 27 kilometers northeast along the Urubamba River. It lies between Písac and Ollantaytambo and is dotted with beautiful small villages, ancient ruins, and many terraced fields, which were skillfully integrated into the mountains centuries ago. You can also find one of the most extraordinary accommodations in the world there. The Skylodge Adventure Suites in Peru are glass domes that hang about 400 meters up the mountain and offer an incredible view over the valley. They are said to resemble condor nests.

One of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spaniards is the ruin city of Ollantaytambo. From the upper terraces of this large archaeological site, you have a good view of the square grid of the city. You can also stock up on all kinds of delicacies and souvenirs at the market. The village of Písac also offers a beautiful market and a large ancient Inca ruin that you can explore on a multi-hour hike. Along the way, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Sacred Valley.

When visiting the Sacred Valley and the Cusco region, it is worth purchasing the Boleto Turistico. With this ticket, you gain access to the most important ruins and archaeological sites in the region. Good news for students: You only pay half price for the Boleto Turistico. The same goes for admittance to the world-famous ruin of Machu Picchu! However, you must personally present your original student ID at the Direccion Regional de Cultura in Cusco; online booking is not possible. It is also worth applying for the internationally recognized ISIC student ID.

Few things are as iconic to Peru as the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. With its green rocks and stone walls, it is the country's landmark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the new seven wonders. Researchers say that up to 1,000 people lived there and were self-sufficient. Today, thousands of visitors dare to explore the ruins located at about 2,400 meters above sea level.

To reach Machu Picchu from Cusco, the best way is to take the train to Aguas Calientes. Just the journey there, alongside wild streams and picturesque backdrops, which you can enjoy in full thanks to the panoramic train, is unique. This has earned Peru a spot on the list of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

From Aguas Calientes, you can take a bus for a few minutes that will take you right to the entrance of the ruins, or you can hike the last few meters. Remember, the early bird catches the worm. If you make it to the world-famous ruins by 6 a.m., you are usually rewarded with a spectacular sunrise and avoid the crowds. Generally, visitor times are divided into two shifts - morning from 6 to 12 and afternoon from 12 to 5 p.m. If you want to stay during both shifts at the ancient ruins, you must purchase a ticket for both shifts.

Important: Due to the daily influx of visitors, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu is suffering. Recent measures have introduced restricted access to certain attractions. So, when you visit, be sure to leave the Inca city as you found it.

Although Machu Picchu is an imposing example of Inca craftsmanship and culture, it is by no means the only ruin you should check out. For instance, take a trip to Choquequirao (Quechua for 'Cradle of Gold'), a still partly unexcavated ruin site, often referred to as 'sister to Machu Picchu.' It's larger but far less known and, above all, not so accessible - for now, it can only be reached after a minimum of a four-day hike on foot.

The paths leading to Machu Picchu are significantly better known and frequented - first and foremost, the Inca Trail. It spans 45 kilometers and is a rewarding four-day challenge for people with adequate fitness. Passing several old ruins, you reach the highest point of the trail at 'Dead Woman's Pass' at 4,200 meters. From there, it goes back down until you finally arrive at the Sun Gate and can look down on Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail is walked daily by a now limited number of 500 people per day. Due to this cap and the great touristic interest, spots are often booked out months in advance. So if you want to embark on South America's most famous hiking trail, plan well ahead.

Additionally, the trail is closed every February for cleanup. If you happen to be traveling during that time, try one of the other routes to Machu Picchu. These are far less crowded and offer wonderful views. One of the best-known alternative routes is the Salkantay Trek. Named after the adjacent mountain Salkantay, which rises to 6,200 meters, it truly holds its own against its 'big brother.' The hike can take four to five days and takes you to over 4,600 meters. You can camp traditionally or stay with local families.

For the adventurers among you, the Inca Jungle Trek is just the right thing. On this four-day trekking tour to Machu Picchu, you will not only hike but also ride mountain bikes and kayak through the rivers of Peru. Additionally, you can soar through the air on zip-lines and visit hot springs in Aguas Calientes. If that's not enough, you can also climb one of the surrounding viewpoint mountains, Huayna Picchu or Montaña, and enjoy a spectacular view of the old ruins. Make sure to sort out your tickets early.

What better way to protect yourself against the cold than with hats (chullos), scarves, sweaters, and ponchos made from soft alpaca wool, handmade by the locals? One town stands out in terms of weaving and embroidery. Textiles produced on the island of Taquile in Lake Titicaca are said to be among the highest quality in all of Peru. For this reason, local textile art has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity right in the middle of the highest navigable lake in the world.

Situated at an altitude of over 3,812 meters, Lake Titicaca appears to be a sea with an area of almost 8,500 square kilometers and a length of about 190 kilometers, home to countless indigenous peoples. The Uros and Titinos live on simple reed islands and have been pursuing an ancient way of life for hundreds of years. This is hard for us to imagine and definitely worth a visit. One of the most famous coastal towns is Puno, where you can get close to the Aymara and Quechua Indian cultures and experience Andean customs.

A tour through the Amazon rainforest is a unique experience. Fly to Puerto Maldonado in the Madre de Dios region, get on a boat on the Amazon, and start your trip into lush greenery. Let yourself be awakened in the morning by the songs of many colorful birds and the calls of primates, and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the Amazon. It's no wonder that the Amazon has been recognized as a natural wonder of the world.

Never venture into the jungle alone, especially at night - the risk of getting lost is too great. Guided tours offer many advantages: Learn firsthand in the rainforest, mist forest, cloud forest, and mangrove forest which plants are used for medicine, rituals, or food. Did you know that the red seeds of the annatto plant are used not only as a spice but also primarily by indigenous peoples as a natural dye for tribal painting and cosmetics? They also serve as protection against insects and sunburn. In fact, they are even found in our lipsticks at home.

Also benefit from the trained eye of your guide and let them show you animals that you would never have discovered on your own. The abundance of species you can admire in the Peruvian rainforest is truly unique - Peru is one of the ten countries with the greatest biodiversity. Parrots fly over your heads, giant otters drift on the water, and caimans sunbathe on the shore. If you're lucky, you might even spot jaguars, pumas, and pink river dolphins. What you will see in abundance, however, are butterflies and birds. Almost a fifth of all bird species in the world can be found in Peru, including hummingbirds. But that's not all: In Peru, you can also encounter the only bear species living in South America - the Andean bear or spectacles bear.

The national animal of Peru, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, is native to the Manú National Park. It shelters one of the highest concentrations of wildlife and plants in the world, which is why it is one of the most important protected areas on Earth and a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

The highest tropical mountains in the world can be found in Huascarán National Park, a paradise for climbers and adventurers among you. The mountain of the same name rises to 6,768 meters, making it the highest in all of Peru. Let yourself be impressed by the beauty of this biosphere reserve.

With its many buildings made of white volcanic rock, Arequipa is also called 'the white city.' The political and economic center in southern Peru is surrounded by canyons, deserts, and volcanoes, making it a dream for adventurers. How about an expedition to one of the easiest six-thousanders in the world? At 6,057 meters, Chachani is truly imposing. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, visit the huge Santa Catalina monastery complex in the historic city center and stroll through the many streets and rooms. Covering over 20,000 square meters, it is also known as 'the city within the city'.

Be sure to visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos. There, you will meet Juanita, a over 500-year-old mummified human sacrifice, found in 1995 beneath the 6,288-meter-high Ampato peak.

A bit north of Arequipa lies Colca Canyon, which is almost 3,400 meters deep, nearly twice as deep as the 1,800-meter-deep Grand Canyon. As if that wasn't impressive enough, the canyon is home to the majestic Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world. With a wingspan of 3.20 meters, it elegantly glides through the air above you. Walk along hand-crafted terraces where corn, potatoes, beans, vegetables, and fruits are cultivated and enjoy the contrasts of colorful fields, dusty deserts, and rugged rocks.

You don't need extensive hiking experience for the canyon, but you should have good fitness. Don't forget to protect yourself properly from the sun and drink plenty of water. You may also experience altitude sickness in the canyon.

Even though the Incas represent by far the most well-known culture of Peru, other cultures and peoples also lived here. Have you heard of the Nazca lines or seen pictures of them? Figures of plants, spiders, birds, and monkeys were drawn in the desert by the Paracas and Nazca cultures thousands of years ago, puzzling researchers to this day. They can only be seen from the air over an area of 500 square kilometers.

Another ruin not created by the Incas lies in the north of the country. Kuelap is an ancient fortress of the Chachapoya ('Cloud People' or 'Fog Warriors'), a prehistoric Andean people. It is larger and older than Machu Picchu and is surrounded by a 20-meter-high wall.

You can enter through three narrow passages, which likely had strategic reasons - who would want many enemies running into their fortress at once? Since 2017, however, you can conveniently take a cable car to the entrance of this breathtaking site.

Witness one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country close to the site. With a height of 771 meters, Gocta Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in the world, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views along the hike there.

Take a desert buggy and sandboarding tour in Huacachina in the Ica region. Ride down the up to 100-meter-high sand dunes and let the adrenaline flow through your body. Nearby is Paracas, where the desert meets beautiful and untouched coastline. The Paracas National Reserve is home to sea lions, sea bears, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, dolphins, and many other wildlife species.

After an exciting day, relax in the nearby town of Pisco with a glass of the eponymous national drink - a grape brandy. For a Pisco Sour, it is mixed with egg white, lime juice, and sugar syrup, then refined with cocktail bitters or cinnamon.

Good food has long been an integral part of Peruvian culture. Lima boasts one of the best fine dining scenes in the world. Whether you go to a fine restaurant or are cooked for by locals in small villages: your taste buds will rejoice. Potatoes, corn, and quinoa are abundant in Peru, and avocado lovers will be in heaven.

Here are some well-known and popular Peruvian dishes you should definitely try:

Treat yourself to a glass of Chicha, a type of beer made from corn, or the sweet, yellow Inca Kola. For tea drinkers, a cup of coca tea against altitude sickness is also worth it.

Cultural festivals and celebrations have been around since the time of the Incas. Food lovers should not miss the huge Mistura Culinary Festival in Lima, where locals and tourists alike celebrate the local cuisine every October. Colorful parades and street dancers in traditional clothing await you in Cusco. Every year on June 24, you can celebrate the winter solstice with the locals during the Cusco Inti Raymi amidst ancient Inca ruins. If you want more color and fancy a water fight, I can recommend the Carnaval de Cajamarca, which attracts around 60,000 visitors every year.

Are you intrigued? Then let the magic of Peru enchant you personally! Discover the versatility of this South American country, embark on adventure tours through ancient cultures, and indulge your stomach with traditional delicacies. Have you perhaps been to Peru yourself and can recommend other places or activities? Please leave a comment.