Here are my five top tips for where to visit in Peru:
1. Cusco – Cusco is quite simply a beautiful city, home to Inca and colonial architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Wander the winding cobblestone streets, and people watch in the main square, the Plaza de Armas. As Cusco is located high up in the Andes, it is the perfect place to take a day trip to the Valle Sagrado de las Incas, Rainbow Valley, and to use as a base to head to Machu Picchu.
Extra tip: Take the Salkantay Trek for a less-discovered alternative to the Inca Trail! It is a demanding 5-day trek, but do your research in advance and book with a highly recommended agency, and it will be well worth the challenge!
2. Arequipa – Arequipa is certainly the hidden gem of Peru. Despite being the second biggest city in Peru, many travellers do not even know it exists until they begin to research the country! Many travellers use Arequipa as a stopover for a day trip to the Colca Canyon, but be sure to give yourself a day or two to enjoy the old town here too. Known as the ‘White City’ as its buildings were made from the white rock from the surrounding volcanic mountains, Arequipa has a European vibe due to its Spanish colonial architecture, the most significant site being the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a convent decorated in bright reds and blues which forms a city within the city itself. Arequipa will be a welcome surprise on any trip to Peru!
3. Lima – Many travellers will tell you Lima, Peru’s capital city, is not worth the visit. I disagree. Or at least think it is worth a visit to decide for yourself! Stay in the green neighbourhood of Miraflores which is full of small shops and bars, and enjoy the coastal views by hiring a bike and cycling along the long, open promenade from Miraflores through to the pretty neighbourhood of Barranco. Spend a morning at least in the old, city centre where there are many good walking tours you can join to learn about the city’s deep history.
Food fanatics will know that Lima is also home to some of Peru’s best restaurants, which are also ranked some of the best in the world, making it an ideal place to enjoy a food tour, or to splash out on a world-class meal out.
On a final note, anyone who suffers with altitude sickness will be grateful for time in Lima as it is back down at sea level!
4. Huacachina – You won’t ever have seen anything quite like this surreal place! Not far from the city of Ica, this secluded oasis is a popular place with tourists exploring the country to visit for a night. With sand dunes as far as the eye can see, enjoy a morning of sandboarding, dune buggy rides and quad biking, before relaxing by one of the pools at one of the local hotels where you can pay for a day entry pass.
Be sure to rise early and watch the sunrise over the dunes!
5. Trujillo – Visit Trujillo to see somewhere slightly off the typical tourist trail. Explore the historic old town, taking in the colonial elegance of the architecture, and visiting Trujillo’s Cathedral located in the Plaza de Armas where this bright yellow building dominates over the square of this unassuming city.
From Trujillo, head along the coast to Huanchaco a short bus-ride away; it is a popular surfing spot with beachside cafés, bars and hostels to unwind in.
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