The Most Incredible Places To Visit In Peru

The Most Incredible Places To Visit In Peru

Peru is an integral part of the South American backpacking route. Sharing boarders with Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia as well as boasting an impressive coastline and sections of the great Amazon rain forest Peru is the perfect destination for travellers of any ilk.

The red and white flag of Peru flies proudly everywhere you go, a nation of hospitable and friendly people who have been welcoming backpackers for decades and as such Peru is set up for easy and convenient travel. Along with the Amazon rain forest Peru is home to the scenic Andes mountains and the infamous Inca Trail. The Inca Trail lies high on the bucket list of any self-respecting traveller and Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and with good reason.

Peru with its expansive coastline, truly unique rain forest and mountainous regions is a truly mystified place. There are countless incredible places to visit in Peru both on and off the beaten track. Here is our list of most incredible places to visit in Peru.

#1. Lima

Peru’s capital city Lima is home to over ten million people. The city has a mixed history that is prevalent to see within its architecture. Featuring pre-hispanic, colonial and modern-day buildings Lima is an urban photographer’s dream. When thinking about what to pack for Peru be sure to pack your camera!

There are lots of things to do in Lima. The district of Miraflores is synonymous with travellers seeking wild and vibrant nightlife. With bars and clubs to suit every genre. The Jazz scene in Lima is certainly something to behold, be sure to pack your dancing shoes!

Lima is rich in history and even those with limited interest in yesteryear will find something of note in the Larco Museum. The museum features displays and exhibits of pre-colonial artefacts and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this incredible city.

#2. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is not only one of the most incredible places in Peru, but one of the most incredible places in the world. The ancient Incan citadel is set 2430m above sea level and takes days to reach by foot. Many travellers decide to join tour groups which is a wise move for those who are less experienced in hiking and certainly for those who are less confident with the Spanish language. There are many reputable tour companies out there who offer Inca Trail hikes and Machu Picchu visits for very reasonable prices.

Peru Packing List for Machu Picchu; of course you will want to pack your camera, your hiking boots and your sunglasses but don’t forget blister patches! With days ahead of you of trudging up rubbly steps you’ve inevitably experience some chaffing!

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is before sunrise, get there early to secure your spot to watch in awe as the run rises over the abandoned ancient ruins.

#3. Cusco

The city of Cusco is a popular spot for travellers about to start their adventure to Machu Picchu and there are plenty of hostels in Cusco. Cusco is incredible in its own way. Previously the capital city of the Incan Empire Cusco offers visitors the chance to see spectacular ruins and archaeological remains.

Cusco is the gateway not only to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail but the Sacred Valley, which we will tell you about later! Planetarium Cusco is a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if travelling with children. Be sure to time your visit when the skies are clear to maximise your chance of seeing the best stars in the sky.

#4. Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is truly incredible. The Sacred Valley is one of the most incredible places in Peru and most popular areas of Peru for tourists, travellers and backpackers alike. The Sacred Valley boasts vast expansive and incredibly photogenic landscapes.

Located in the Andean Highlands the Sacred Valley is not only lauded for its natural geography but the man made impacts from farming are equally as impressive in many ways. Get your Instagram account ready and open, a visit to the Sacred Valley will provide golden insta’ content for weeks on end!

The city of Cusco is a great starting base for a trip though the Sacred Valley, and with plenty of budget accommodation and Airbnb rentals becoming more and more popular you will be able to find accommodation to suit you.

#5. Nazca Desert

The Nazca Desert, also known as the Nazca Lines are an incredible feature of Peru’s varied and expansive landscape. The rich red earth features ancient geoglyphs that are protected as a UNSECO World Heritage site and the Nazca Lines are best observed from above.

For a pretty penny private chartered flights can be arranged to view this impressive spectacle from above; most visitors take off from Pisco or Nazca itself. There are over 10,000 lines to see and have been created in a variety of patterns and covers an area of 1000 sq kilometres.

#6. Puno and Lake Titicaca

The picturesque port side city of Puno is a little off the beaten track but that’s what makes a visit that bit more special, a hidden gem along the South American backpacking route. Located along the shoreline of Lake Titicaca.

Although the city itself in more of a modern ruin the cityscape makes for pleasant viewing from a boat on the lake as the sun goes down.

According to Andean believes Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun and so poses great spiritual significance to the Peruvian people. The lake is a wildlife reserve home to protected aquatic species and the giant frogs.

Incredible Incas…

Peru is rich in history and abundant in awe-inspiring landscaped and panoramic vistas. Now well versed with tourism the country welcomes visitors from all over the world every year and is a vibrant, exciting and totally unique place to visit.

Although popular with budget shoestring backpackers Peru offers experiences for everyone; from budding photographers to history enthusiasts from wildlife lovers to keen hikers Peru’s rich and varied landscape and culture is inviting and enthralling.

Peru is the perfect place to start your South American adventures, within close proximity of Bolivia and the amazing salt flats and Brazil with the Amazon river and rainforest nestled within, Peru is the gateway to spectacular South America.

About Author

Linda Smith is a travel writer and the founder/main editor of EasyTravel4U. Her passion for travel inspires her to seek new places, new adventures and sharing her travel experience to everyone. You can connect her via her social media  

(photos and text provided by author)

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