Planning a Trip to Peru: All You Need to Know

Over the last decade or so, the rest of the world has begun to wake up to something Peruvians have always known: theirs is a diverse and exciting cuisine the equal of any other. Foodies around the globe have taken note of Peruvian cuisine, which blends influences from many different countries with the huge variety of locally-available ingredients. Peruvian food reflects the great cultural diversity of the country and which is also generally healthy – as well as simply being a pleasure to eat.

Nestled in the cloud forests of remote northern Peru, the city of Chachapoyas is the gateway to the fascinating but little-known region of the same name. A long way from the established Peruvian tourist trail, this part of the country is home to enigmatic pre-Incan archaeological ruins, towering waterfalls, and rewarding treks in Peru. Little is known of the Chachapoya people who inhabited the area as they had already been subjugated and incorporated into the Incan Empire before the arrival of the Spanish Inquisitors. It is thought that the Chachapoya people had established a distinct culture in the region by around 750-850 BCE, and by the time of the arrival of the Incas around the fifteenth century CE, they had erected monumental architecture to rival that of the Inca themselves. A visit to the Chachapoyas region offers the opportunity to discover a mysteriously lost culture and a very remote region of Peru. While short on real attractions, the Chachapoyas town itself is a pleasant place to be based, boasting the colonial-period architecture and a perfectly square main plaza measuring 100 meters along each side. The town is famous for fruit liqueurs and anybody spending a night or two there may choose to track down some of the bars where they can be sampled. Decent eating and sleeping options are also available.

The Amazon has caught the collective imagination of people for the longest time. It has inspired explorers, discoverers, biologists, anthropologists, marine scientists, authors, artists, and countless other people. It is a diverse area, rich in biodiversity and in culture. While most people go to Brazil to explore the Amazon, a trip to Peru offers a quieter alternative route. You can experience the beautiful rainforest by foot or through the river. Peru has been fierce about protecting its rainforests when compared to many other South American countries. This makes it the best possible location for you to observe the beautiful rivers and impenetrable jungle that has made the Amazon this popular. So, what places should you be visiting when you’re in the Amazon? Here’s a list of 5 destinations for you to gain inspiration from!

So, you’ve set your eyes on traveling to Peru, and now all that’s left to do is decide which of its hotels will be the starting point for exploring this immense South American treasure trove. Thanks to the rapid expansion of tourism industry that has occurred in recent decades, boutique hotels in Peru these days are a rich and vibrant affair, designed to suit every stripe of traveler. Regardless of whether you’re looking to explore the paths of the ancient Incas, chill on the pristine beaches of northern Peru or get lost in the busy streets of Lima, you won’t be left short of gorgeous, well-equipped boutique lodgings that you can call your home away from home. From opulent colonial mansions and secluded natural gems to ultra-modern metropolitan spots, here is a curated list some of the finest boutique hotels in Peru, in no particular order.

Peru’s famous trekking trails need no introduction. But as the country’s primary trekking destination, the Cordillera Blanca region exerts an inexorable pull. It has something for every ability, from relative novices to elite technical mountaineers. The gateway to this outdoor wonderland is the town of Huaraz, also a convenient stop for organizing guides and provisions. Since the Cordillera Blanca is firmly on the itinerary of many who make the trip to Peru, there are several good transport connections from Lima to Huaraz and travelling between the two should present no significant difficulties. If you don’t have your own transport, the two easiest options are either to fly or to take a bus.

Most visitors to Peru head straight for Cusco to visit Peru’s premier tourist attraction, Machu Picchu. Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and is the present-day base for exploring the Sacred Valley. However, the more adventurous travellers continue on from Cusco to the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Madre de Dios region on the border with Bolivia and Brazil. Nowadays, it is not too difficult to travel from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and the two main options are a bus journey or a short flight. Before you leave, please check out some of the top things to do in Cusco.

There are many options to travel from Lima to Machu Picchu but journeys usually include a combination of plane, bus and train. From Lima, all travellers will first need to make their way to Cusco by plane or bus, from where most will continue on to Ollantaytambo. From there, the final stop is Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town, the base for visiting Machu Picchu itself. Aguas Calientes is normally reached by train. For those planning to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot via the Inca Trail, there is no need to go further than Cusco since most Inca Trail treks start and end at in Aguas Calientes. We break down the travel routes and options for you.

A trip to Lima offers exciting nightlife, a vibrant culinary scene and a wealth of culture and history to discover. Cusco was the heart of the ancient Inca Empire and is one of the most visited cities in the country, serving as a base for exploration of the Sacred Valley and, of course, the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Cusco is also the starting location of many of the best treks in Peru including the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Both Lima and Cusco are firmly on the itinerary of almost any visitor to Peru and there are good transport links between them. If you are traveling from Lima, check out some of the best things to do in Lima before leaving. Also, check out our guide on the Sacred Valley to know more about the awesome things you can do while visiting. Basically, there are two options for traveling between Lima and Cusco, either by plane or by bus. We breakdown the details for you.

Only a short bus journey from the world-famous tourist attractions of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, the Colca Canyon tour has increased greatly in popularity in recent years and many visitors include it in their Peru trip. Here is all you need to know to organise a guided tour, a trekking trip or independent exploration.

Peru has been attracting millions of visitors and tourists for years. After all, the country does have a lot to offer. It is a hiker’s dream, and the adventure of a lifetime for history buffs. However, there is one portion of the beautiful Andes that is much less explored — the Central Andes. Lying between Huaraz and Cusco, this area has some of the most stunning views to offer, and some of the greatest escapades in the world. The best part is that it hasn’t turned into a tourist bait yet, so you will get to explore it at your own pace, without having to worry about fighting off throngs of people! Are you ready to explore the path less taken? Let’s step into some of Central Andes’ greatest spots!

Unless you arrive on foot via the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will certainly have to spend a night in the town of Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town) while visiting Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is a short bus ride from Machu Picchu itself, where there are many accommodation options to suit all budget and group size. If you are wondering where to stay in Machu Picchu, look no further. We have assembled 10 of the best hotels near Machu Picchu from luxury to affordable options for a comfortable stay.

Since some of Peru’s most popular hiking trails are closed due to rain in February, this month is the best time to hit off the beaten tracks and explore the country’s hidden gems. Escape the capital to embark on a trip through lesser-known trails across the country. Take a cable car to the ruins of Kuelap Fortress, considered to be a religious center of the Chachapoyas people, or head for the arid Arequipa, which offers perfect mountain-biking conditions. For those interested in nature, there is Gocta Waterfall, while those into culture and history will feel at home among the mummified remains of the Leymebamba Museum.