Even the ancient Incas knew that the most breathtaking landscapes of South America can be found in Peru: enchanting Andes and mysterious rainforests. Thousands of years old archeology, fine beaches, the Andes mountains, the wonders of the Amazon rainforest, culture, art, good food and lively city life. There is much more to Peru than the well-known Machu Picchu.
More than Machu Picchu
According to countryaah, Peru, on the west coast of South America, has an astonishing number of tourists compared to how much the country has to see. Everyone knows the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu, but Peru also has numerous other archaeological wonders from the pre-Inca Moche and Chimú cultures.
The base also has stunning beaches, fascinating cities, rainforests and some of the world’s finest mountains and hiking trails. The largest and most famous cities are the capital Lima, as well as Arequipa, Cuzco and Trujillo.
Peru is a favorite of independent travelers
Peru’s tourism is particularly hampered by a lack of infrastructure and services required by tourists. Roads are in poor condition in many places, there are few signs and it takes time to move from place to place. Public transport relies on buses, but there are huge differences in their level.
Peru is especially suitable for active and independent vacationers. Even rudimentary Spanish is a necessity, as in most places English is not spoken at all or very poorly.
There is also some crime in the country, mainly theft and robbery, so property should be taken special care of. You must be careful with taxis and always agree on the price in advance. You should prefer official taxis. High in the mountains, it is good to consider the possibility of mountain sickness.
Cool in the mountains, warm on the coast and in the rainforest
Peru’s climate varies depending on where it is located. From December to April the country has summer and the coast is then warm and the best season.
In the Andes mountains, the season runs through the dry winter season from May to September. It rains in the mountains, especially in January-February, when movement can be impossible or very difficult. In the rainforest, the weather is warm and humid all year round.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT BASIC
Flying to Lima
There are no direct flights from Finland to Peru, but you can fly to Lima in one change via several European cities. Those heading to Machu Picchu should first fly to Lima and continue on a domestic flight to Cuzco. Prices for flights to Lima range from about a thousand euros upwards.
The level of accommodation in Peru varies
The base offers a wide variety of accommodation options for all needs. In the biggest cities you will find high-quality hotels and hostels.
In smaller towns and villages, the level of accommodation may not be very high, but some kind of hotel or hostel can be found almost everywhere. The price level is affordable in Finnish and in the cheapest places you can get accommodation for one night for a couple of euros. For a mid-range hotel, a double room costs around 30-40 euros.
Bus public transport backbone
The main mode of transport in Peru is by bus, which runs everywhere. The level varies greatly, so you should be careful when choosing a bus company, especially for longer trips. The condition of the roads is poor in many places and the traffic is chaotic, so you should avoid night buses because of the higher risk of accidents.
Car hire should be considered twice due to heavy traffic and unpredictability of drivers. The train can travel at least between Cuzco and Puno, but the price is high.
Getting around the cities is easiest on foot, by bus, taxi or small moped taxis. Prices are cheap, but be careful with taxis in particular, as scams are common and robberies also occur. You should always use official taxis and agree on a price in advance.
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu is Peru’s number one tourist destination and attracts huge numbers of visitors each year. The ancient Inca city is one of the sights to be seen once in a lifetime. Machu Picchu is best reached from Cuzco by train and bus via Aguas Caliente. A popular option is to hike the ancient Inca trail along the Inca Trail, which takes four days. Machu Picchu only receives a certain number of visitors a day, so tickets must be purchased well in advance.
The city of Cuzco itself is also worth experiencing and it is worth spending a few days there and around the city. There are many archeological sites and hot springs around the city. About 15 km from Cuzco is the Sacred Valley, where you will find the Inca towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, as well as a market worth experiencing.
Archeology and beaches in Trujillo and Hunchaco
The city of Trujillo and its surroundings offer a great opportunity to learn about Peruvian history and archeology before the Inca era. A few kilometers from Trujillo is the huge mud town of Chimú culture, Chan Chan, and a little further away are the temples of Huaca de la Luna y Sol from Moche culture.
Those looking for beach life should head to Huanchaco, 12 km from Trujillo. The relaxed and relaxed small town offers the best opportunities for surfing in Peru.
Opinion sharing Lima
The capital, Lima, is often not on the tourist list, but it is still not to be missed when visiting Peru.
The huge city of millions is made up of several different parts, of which Miraflores and Barranco are the most delightful and also the safest. In the center of Lima, on the other hand, there are many fine old buildings, churches and museums.
To the edge of the rainforest and to Lake Titicaca
Short for PE by abbreviationfinder, Peru is home to some of the finest rainforest areas in the world. Iquitos in the north and Manu National Park in the south in Peru in particular offer amazing nature experiences, but excursions to them are expensive.
The highest lake in the world, Titicaca, with its many islands, is an oasis in the middle of the Andes Mountains. Titicaca and its islands are best reached from the city of Puno. Titicaca is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, so it is also possible to visit from the Bolivian side.