The ancient Inca City of Machu Picchu is one of the highlights of any trip to South America, but there is much more to discover throughout Peru.
Peru is a country of history, culture, beauty, and adventure, with a full spectrum of possibilities for travellers.
A trip to Peru is best combined with Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The region is home to a unique ecosystem that largely evolved without outside influences (mainland Ecuador lies some 1,000 kilometers to the east). And so, a visit to this unspoiled region offers an exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Machu Picchu
Perched high upon a ridge, 300 meters above the Urubamba River, the majestic Inca City of Machu Picchu is one of the most dramatic settings of a ruined city anywhere in the world. Almost as impressive as the ruins themselves is the spectacular backdrop of steep, lush, and often cloud-shrouded mountains, which afford wonderful hikes to Machu Picchu.
The journey is also part of the experience of visiting Machu Picchu, whether it’s by hiking the Inca Trail or seeing the route by train. In either case, it’s impossible not to be inspired by the scenery.
The ancient Incan site of Machu Picchhu located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru was largely unknown until its rediscovery in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. The Incans built this incredible complex using dry stone walling, a technique where stones are placed without mortar to form walls. They then used the natural contours of the mountain to build their city, which is a marvel of engineering and architecture.
Visiting Machu Picchu can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ruins are spread over two levels on the side of a steep mountain at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,970 feet). It’s surrounded by lush jungle foliage and provides stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
The ruins are divided into three main areas: the agricultural area, the urban sector, and the religious sector. The agricultural area includes terraces cut into the mountainside to support crops such as corn, potatoes, and other vegetables. The urban sector includes homes, streets, a marketplace, and other public areas while the religious sector includes temples and shrines.
Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and is now considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s an incredible place to visit, and there are several different ways you can experience it. You can take a guided tour, hike the famous Inca Trail, or explore on your own. Whatever way you choose to visit, Machu Picchu will be an unforgettable experience.
The Peruvian government is committed to protecting this important site, so it’s necessary to follow certain rules and regulations when visiting Machu Picchu. All visitors must have a ticket, and it’s best to book these in advance as they are often sold out. There is also a limited number of visitors allowed each day, so it’s important to plan your visit carefully.
Machu Picchu is an incredible archaeological site that provides insight into the fascinating culture of the Inca Empire. It’s a must-see on any trip to South America and an experience you won’t soon forget.
The nearby city of Aguas Calientes is another great place to visit while in Peru. It’s located just a short distance from Machu Picchu and is known for its hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. The town also has plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels and a variety of restaurants offering delicious Peruvian cuisine. There’s even a train station in Aguas Calientes, making it easy to get to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The famous Inca Trail is a four-day hike, which terminates at Machu Picchu, and is regarded by many as the highlight of their trip to Peru. A couple of different starting points for the Inca Trail exist, there is the traditional four-day hike or a shorter version of the hike, which entails either the last two days or just the last day of the hike. The daily number of hikers and porters on the trail is strictly enforced.
Cusco’s Architectural Treasures
Walking through the streets of Cusco is like wandering through a museum, with history built upon history in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inca ruins have been used in the foundations of many of the lovely old colonial buildings lining the narrow roads, showcasing the city’s long history.
And while there are countless buildings and museums worth visiting, the church of Santo Domingo, resting on the ruins of the Inca site of Coricancha, is one of Cusco’s must-see attractions.
Lake Titicaca
Sitting at 12,550 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca is known for being the highest navigable lake in the world. The sparkling blue water of Lake Titicaca is surrounded by rolling hills and traditional small villages. The lake area is a mix of beautiful scenery and culture that sets it apart from other regions of the country.
A boat trip to the islands and surrounding villages is the best way to appreciate the lake. One of the main tourist attractions is the Uros Floating Islands (Islas Flotantes), which sustain small communities of Uros Indians. These are man-made islands constructed of reeds that have sustained a traditional way of life since the time of the Incas.
The Sacred Valley of The Incas
Less than an hour’s drive north of Cusco is the beautiful Sacred Valley and the towns of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. This fertile valley has many Inca ruins worth exploring but is also a peaceful area to spend some time wandering through markets or soaking up local culture.
Among the highlights in the valley are the Pisac Ruins and the Sunday Market in Pisac (smaller market days are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Here, you’ll find an amazing selection of local handicrafts. A little out of the way but worth the trip is the town of Moray with circular terracing used as an agricultural testing area by the Incas.
Ollantaytambo
The ruins and fortress at the beautiful little town of Ollantaytambo should be on your list of places to see when visiting the Sacred Valley. The town is very walkable and fun to explore. Like Pisac, it’s home to an excellent assortment of vendors selling handmade handicrafts.
Take a bit of time to wander up the hill and explore the ruins. Highlights include the impressive Wall of the Six Monoliths and the Bath of the Princess. Nearby are the Terraces of Pumatillis and the Pinkuylluna, an ancient storehouse.
The Peruvian Amazon
Just a half-hour flight from Cusco, Puerto Maldonado is a key jumping-off point for tours of the Amazon. This is a completely different experience than what you will find in other parts of Peru, with hot humid jungle and a chance to see all kinds of unique wildlife. Caimans, capybara, monkeys, parrots, turtles, and piranhas are what you can expect to find in this part of the country. ours typically range from a couple of days to week-long adventures.
Lima’s Historic Centre
Lima’s Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the 1500s and, although many of the original structures were destroyed, it still holds significant historical value and is a beautiful place to wander around.
One of the most pleasant places to visit in Lima is the main square, Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor), in the heart of the city’s historic district. A majority of the structures were rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1746. The highlights around the Plaza de Armas are the cathedral on the east side and Government Palace (Palacio del Gobierno) on the north side. Also of interest are the Archbishop’s Palace and the Casa del Oidor.
Pisco and the Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas)
The main reason to come to Pisco, about 200 kilometers south of Lima, is to see the nearby Islas Ballestas and the Reserva Nacional de Paracas on the Paracas Peninsula. Almost directly west of Pisco, the Islas Ballestas are home to hundreds of thousands of birds, large colonies of sea lions, pelicans, penguins, and dolphins.
Boat tours from Pracas and Pisco, which visit the islands daily, leave in the morning. The full tour takes you past the “Candelabra,” a hillside geoglyph seen from the coast, and then spends a considerable amount of time boating around the islands watching for wildlife. This tour is generally a half-day trip, returning around noon.
Barranco
The quaint hillside district of Barranco, just south of Central Lima and Miraflores, is a charming area within easy commuting distance of downtown Lima. With unassuming colorful colonial architecture lining the narrow streets and hillside ocean views, the area offers a much more relaxed pace than the city.
The area has long been popular with artists and poets, giving it a Bohemian feel. This is a great place to wander in the afternoon or enjoy a meal, particularly at sunset, at one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean. Besides the atmosphere, the one main tourist attraction in Barranco is the Puente de Los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs).
Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands
More than making up for its small size with an array of Indigenous cultures, colonial architecture, scenic landscapes, and dense rainforests, Ecuador is one of the most fascinating nations in South America.
For nature lovers, it’s Ecuador’s lush, ecologically important forests that are the big draw, while wildlife watchers will also gravitate to its famous Galápagos Islands. And for sun seekers? Ecuador’s pristine tropical beaches are widely considered to be among the best and least spoiled in the world.
The Galápagos Islands
Since their “discovery” in the 16th century, the Galápagos Islands have intrigued and inspired visitors from around the globe. Named for the giant tortoises on the islands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a unique ecosystem that largely evolved without outside influences (mainland Ecuador lies some 1,000 kilometers to the east). Consequently, a visit to this unspoiled region offers an exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing. Here, you can see a variety of rare creatures both on land and in the surrounding seas.
The main attraction here are the region’s many rare bird species, of which 28 are unique to the islands. These include the Galápagos penguin, flightless cormorant, and waved albatross, along with the 13 species of Darwin’s famous finches.
Credit: Inputs from Bespoke Serenity
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