The oasis of Huacachina– the first time I heard this phrase, I wasn’t sure if it was real. I didn’t even know if oases actually existed (sorry, East Coast American here) or were fictional. I had been cooped up in a room in a village in the Andes for 3 months, waiting out the rainy season when life kind of stops in that part of Peru. So when I heard the warm, sunny oasis was indeed real, I jumped at the chance to go. I was excited to try a new sport, drink some pisco, and catch up with friends.
Not just anyone could escape to Huacachina back in the day, though. Once reserved for Peruvian high society, the (very real) oasis is now a not-so-secret adventure spot just south of Lima for weekend travelers and backpackers. The oasis was made popular with its dune buggy and sandboarding excursions, but there is more to this tiny town of 100. It’s not far from Paracas and the Islas Ballestas, and the famous Nazca lines are a couple of hours away. Plus, Huacachina is located in Ica. Because of this you’ll find the best pisco and historic Peruvian vineyards.
Locals say the water of Huacachina treats asthma, rheumatism, and bronchitis. And a mermaid is said to claim the life of one man every year. I can’t confirm these since I never entered the water. It has gotten polluted from so many dune buggies and visitors, but there are efforts to reverse this using revolutionary nanotechnology. For visitors this means be conscious of your environment, and sadly, don’t swim in the oasis.
Of course, sandboarding is the name of the game in Huacachina. It’s impossible to not run across a dune buggy + sandboarding tour package while walking in the tiny oasis. The buggy + sandboarding experience costs S/ 45 plus S/ 3.60 in tax. Tours are not available in the middle of the day due to the hot sun and sand.
A more eco-friendly option is to rent a sandboard for S/ 10 an hour. You can walk up the dunes (work those calves!) and sandboard on down. The best time for this is after 5pm. Bring water and put on sunblock for this :)
Huacachina is full of discotecas, bars, and pools. If you look for nightlife or a chill afternoon, you will find it. Also consider visiting Tacama (www.tacama.com) in nearby Ica to learn about one of Peru’s oldest vineyards and popular pisco makers. The 50-minute tour is S/ 20 and includes tastings.
Where to Stay in Huacachina
There are lots of places to stay in Huacachina. Here are a couple popular options:
First, I love the name. Bananas are nutritious, and adventure equals life. This popular spot for backpackers has a pool and bar area and is located right inside the oasis. They provide tour services too.
The Upcycled Hostel is just outside of Huacachina. This colorful, bright building has a reputation of friendly staff and service. Plus, as its name implies, much of the premises is made from recycled materials. There is also a pool and garden area. Win-win!!
You have to get to Ica in order to visit Huacachina. From there it is a quick taxi ride to the oasis. Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Soyuz, and Peru Hop connect Ica with other destinations such as Lima, Paracas (Islas Ballestas), Nazca, Arequipa and Cusco.
Destination
Trip Length (Hours)
Typical Cost (Soles)
Lima
4-5
35-75
Paracas
1
12-37
Nazca
2.5
29-77
Arequipa
12-13.5
110-150
Cusco
17.5
165-177
Note: The exchange rate tends to hover around 1 USD/3 soles. Price are as of April 2020
Things to Know for Huacachina
You can go year-round. So escape the routine anytime!
It’s always dry and the average temperature is 67 F (19 C), dipping a bit to 60 F (16 C) in June-August. Be sure to bring layers and sunglasses, sunblock, a baseball cap, and swimsuit for the pools :)
Your shoes will get full of sand if you wear them on the dunes, so use a good pair of sandals instead
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Top 8 Sustainable Places to Stay in Peru
Don’t Contribute to Unethical Establishments
There are so many fascinating destinations in Peru that the potential adventures there are limitless. Because of this, the difficult part for me is figuring out where to stay after deciding on my next adventure’s location. Often I use Agoda. Regardless, I do a lot of investigating to know which place will make my experience the awesome-est.
Also, sustainable tourism is important in Peru, since so much tourism there is dependent on conserving the local environment. Because of this I prioritize hotels/hostels that are locally run and green. Finally, I only want to stay somewhere if I think it will be fun and add to my experience. After all, this is an adventure!
These are my top recommendations for where to stay in some of Peru’s most visited destinations: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Puno. These have been selected for their sustainability standards, quality, and ability to add to your overall experience.
By my professional estimation, there are a million hotels in Lima, a city of over 10 million people. Which can be… overwhelming. But in reality, only a handful of neighborhoods cater to tourists. Of these, Janina and I prefer the Bohemian coastal enclave of Barranco. We always end up here, drinking on a terrace and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, as we finish our latest adventure.
I recommend staying at Kaminu Backpackers Hostel. Its location is ideally set close to the main plaza and within walking distance to some delicious cevicherias. Good ceviche alone is worth it, really. Always.
Plus, you can spot and easily reach Barranco’s famous bridge of sighs (Puente de los suspiros) from Kaminu. According to legend, your wish will come true if you hold your breath while walking the length of this bridge. Be strategic, since this only works once!
I also like Kaminu because they cater to lovers of fun. There’s foosball and other games, a public grill, and a terrace from which guests can enjoy the sunset. The eco-friendly aspect comes from the establishment’s free filtered water for guests. Since disposable plastic bottles are a scourge in Peru, this is a big deal.
Breakfast Included?
Yes
Hot Showers?
Yes
Vegetarian Food Options?
No
Outdoor Activity Services
Bicycle Rentals
Kaminu Backpackers Hostel: It’s located in a hip, artsy district with great food and nightlife options. Additionally it has fun options for guests and promotes sustainable water practices.
As one might imagine, there are TONS of hotel options in Cusco. But year in and out, I see one place consistently getting high marks. Ninos Hotel started off as Jolanda van den Berg’s mission to fund safe childcare for underserved children in Cusco. Today it has grown into two establishments (Meloc and Fierro) and a restaurant. The restaurant really hits the spot after walking around Cusco all day (get the pumpkin soup if it’s available!). Today I still recall viewing the Andean sky from the hotel’s courtyard, too.
Ninos Hotel is also a TripAdvisor-recognized Green Leader. That means they recycle, use energy and water-saving practices, and compost their organic waste to grow food for the restaurant. The two locations are two blocks from each other.
Breakfast Included?
No
Hot Showers?
Yes
Vegetarian Food Options?
Yes. Try the pumpkin soup!
Outdoor Activity Services
Packed lunches
Summary of Ninos Hotel Cuzco Meloc and Fierro: This is a socially responsible enterprise that offers an excellent experience to visitors. It’s walking distance (10 minutes) to the main plaza in Cuzco and offers a range of services. The packed lunches are particularly nice if you are waking up at the crack of dawn to catch a car for the Sacred Valley or Rainbow Mountain.
I’m always finding myself wanting to spend more time in the Sacred Valley. There are dozens of traditional villages with their own histories and sights to see. They are less crowded than Cuzco and located at lower altitudes, too. For this reason some tourists stay in the Sacred Valley for a longer amount of time and shorten their time in Cusco, instead of the other way around.
Of the many villages in the Sacred Valley, I picked three that stand out to me: Pisac, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. These are known for their archaeological sites, cultural expressions, and locations.
Pisac
The word is out! Pisac was once a hidden gem, largely due to its incredible indigenous market. Today the market has transformed a bit due to the increase in tourists, yet it’s still a top experience in the Sacred Valley. The town’s archaeological site is impressive, too.
Pisac is about one hour from Cusco. You can take a private taxi or one of the many mini-buses (combis) that leave Cusco and pass by Pisac throughout the day. The village lies between Cuzco and Ollantaytambo and so can easily fit into your plans to visit Machu Picchu!
Hatha Art Yoga is a 15 minute walk from Pisac’s main plaza. Views of Pisac’s archaeological site are available in some rooms, in addition to a great vegetarian breakfast. You can rent a bike from the hotel, and as name implies, yoga classes are available if you need to stretch out those muscles before hitting the trails again!
This is a less-visited village compared to Pisac, but is still in the middle of the Sacred Valley. This makes Chinchero a perfect spot from which to explore the region. Chinchero has its own traditional market, fascinating Incan and Spanish buildings, and mesmerizing views of the mountain range. Chinchero is a cultural capital, too- the rebirth of Andean textiles started here, and the village’s textile collective is a great place to find souvenirs.
There aren’t as many options for staying in Chinchero. But check out Hospedaje Encanto de Chinchero. It’s practically adjacent to the Chinchero market, AND the town’s archaeological site is just a 5 minute walk away.
They provide free bicycle rentals, too.
Breakfast Included?
Yes
Hot Showers?
No
Vegetarian Food Options?
No
Outdoor Activity Services
Free Bicycle Rentals
Hospedaje Encanto de Chinchero Summary: This is a small business that provides regular services (ie, laundry) in addition to room and board. Take advantage of the free bicycle rental to explore the Sacred Valley. You can also take a short stroll to the local archaeological site, market, or Chinchero’s famous textile cooperative.
MOST trips to Machu Picchu involve going to Ollantaytambo, and the town was a pleasant surprise for me. Its archaeological site’s architecture is as impressive as Machu Picchu’s, and its history is arguably more interesting (the Spanish lost a battle to the rebel Manco Inca here in 1537). The train station is the last stop before Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo). So lots of stores and restaurants cater to the international crowd.
One place that really stands out is El Albergue Ollantaytambo. It is walking distance to the main square, close to the archaeological site, and adjacent to the train station. You’re guaranteed organic, local food and drink here, since El Albergue is next door to the owner’s farm, distillery (Destileria Andina) and coffee roaster (Cafe Mayu). Plus there are excellentviews of the Andean landscape. Cooking classes and cultural shows are available, too.
And there’s a sauna!
Breakfast Included?
Yes
Hot Showers?
Yes (takes time to warm up)
Vegetarian Food Options?
Yes
Outdoor Activity Services
Free Bicycle Rentals, Sauna
Summary of El Albergue Ollantaytambo: This is a strategically-located hotel and restaurant that uses local, organic ingredients. In addition, it has received awards from TripAdvisor, TripExpert and Green Hotelier for sustainable tourism practices. From here you can rent bicycles for free, walk to the main attractions of Ollantaytambo, and then recuperate your muscles in the sauna.
Sunlight hitting the mountains at Aguas Calientes Photo by Paul Daly on Unsplash
I used to hate Aguas Calientes. Honestly, it’s a tourist trap. You see, only the Inca Trail (or the roundabout way) can reach Machu Picchu without stopping in AC. They literally changed the nickname of the town to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
BUT, it turns out there ARE things to do here (besides leave for Machu Picchu)! At the very least I’d recommend soaking in the hot springs after a long day. These hot springs are from which the town gets its name. And some people climb the sacred mountain Putucusi to get views of the area, even of Machu Picchu.
Your trip may involve an early wake up (think 3AM) to see Machu Picchu. Because of this, I recommend a quiet, comfortable place to stay in Aguas Calientes. Check out Rupa Wasi Eco-Lodge. Its comfortable beds, wooden design, and mountain views are great for getting rest. Plus its restaurant, the Tree House, is an excellent option, with vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Rupa Wasi offers massage services, too.
Breakfast Included?
Yes
Hot Showers?
Yes
Vegetarian Food Options?
Yes
Outdoor Activity Services
Packed lunches
Summary of Rupa Wasi Eco-Lodge: This beautiful lodge has a garden, terrace, massage services, and bar area. It’s a 3-minute walk to the bus station for Machu Picchu. The packed lunches are a nice touch for those waking up early (there are no food or drink options in Machu Picchu).
There is nothing like the view of Lake Titicaca at night. The night sky is practically untouched by air pollution at 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) above see level. The stars and moon reflect off of the highest freshwater lake on Earth. Few souls experience this, due to the fact that most tourists do not stay on the actual island. They instead spend the night in the city of Puno.
BUT a homestay in the islands of Puno is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You only need one night, and you’ll be able to explore the entire island and get to know a family with a different culture and worldview. And you won’t be herded around like sheep from one tourist stop to the next (ahem, boat tours). These are rustic experiences but incredibly authentic, and they directly contribute to the local economy.
Homestay opportunities are available on the two largest islands, Taquile and Amantani:
Taquile Island
Taquile is an UNESCO world heritage site thanks to its rich textile traditions. The island is small enough to walk its entire length (2.2 square miles, or 5.7 square km) in under half a day. With a one-night homestay you can check out the textiles, take in the panoramas of the lake, and enjoy a home cooked meal with your local hosts.
Breakfast Included?
Yes
Hot Showers?
Unlikely
Vegetarian Food Options?
Unlikely
Outdoor Activity Services
Hiking
Summary of Homestays in Taquile: You will be taken in by a local family, who will cook meals for you and perhaps share a bit of their culture and lives. This experiential tourism also provides you with the chance to enjoy the island without other tourists or a fixed tour schedule. Seeing the sunset over Titicaca may be worth it in itself.
Amantani (3.6 square miles, or 9.28 square km) is not much larger than Taquile. But there’s a lot to discover for such a small island: its two mountain peaks, Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth), each have buildings from the Incan and Tiwanaku cultures.
There are also miradores (lookouts) throughout the island providing the best views of Lake Titicaca. Just as those of Taquile, the residents of Amantani hold on to very old traditions. In fact, there is a temple in the island that is still used for “offerings” (and not open to the public)!
Kantuta Lodge is a solar-powered lodge run by a local family, the Caris. It’s known for providing high-quality experiential tourism to tourists and is accredited by the local tourism committee. The Caris share with visitors their beliefs, daily lives, and meals (which are included in the price).
Breakfast Included?
Yes
Hot Showers?
Yes
Vegetarian Food Options?
Yes
Outdoor Activity Services
Hiking, Oxygen
Kantuta Lodge summary: This is an excellent, locally-run and owned operation. It will provide an experience you will never forget!!!
Why should you start your itinerary for Peru right now?
Well, if you want it, Peru probably has it. World class hikes, of all types of length and adventure? Check. Indigenous traditions and ancient cultures? Yup. Awe-inspiring nature and outdoor activities? You bet.
And to keep you energized throughout all that, it’s even aglobally-recognized food destination.
So Peru is an excellent destination for adventure. It’s also perfect for appreciating nature and different cultures. Many visitors describe parts of their trips as spiritual for these reasons.
Plus,I’d say it’s the best country to cure anxiety and self-doubt that arise from boring office jobs.
If you’re interested in ever visiting Peru, this website will help plan your trip. First, this article will go over background and basic need-to-know travel information.
Afterwards, I recommend selecting a region to start with. That’s because Peru is so large, you might only have time to visit one area. For this reason I’ve written adventure guides for each: The North, Central, and Southern Peru.
Here is all you need to break the boring routine of daily life and start your itinerary for Peru:
Why You Need An Itinerary for Peru
Peru has been climbing in status for adventure travel (and for checking off bucket lists) since relative stability entered the country in the early 2000’s. The great majority of tourism is funneled to the southern region of the country.
Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Manu, Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, and Arequipa are all in the southern region. So is the more-recently “discovered” backpacker haven of Huacachina and the Instagram-famous Rainbow Mountain.
The country has been earning accolades and superlatives at an astonishing pace. National Geographic considers several of the treks there among the very best in the world. The jungle of Manu has the highest level of biodiversity ever recorded. There are more tropical galciers in Peru than any other country.
The country is also recognized as the South American food capital, and Lima now competes with New York City and Paris for the most number of restaurants in the top 10 world rankings. And this isn’t even a complete list!
When I first arrived to Peru, it was my first time out of the United States. Peace Corps sent me to a small village on the top of the mountain in the Andes of Lima, and my life was never the same. Now I can’t imagine my life without knowing Peru; it opened my eyes to new perspectives and adventures that other parts of the world can’t offer.
To decide which destinations to visit, focus on one region of Peru at a time; the south, central, or north. Start out by knowing how limited you are timewise. Time will likely be the most limiting factor for any itinerary for Peru.
For example, don’t visit more than two regions if you only have a week (and even that is tight). Otherwise you’ll find yourself spending a lot more money on plane tickets or much more time in buses than you may like (Peru is the size of 3 Californias!). So I recommend figuring out what you absolutely have to see, and work from there.
If you definitely want to start with the big-ticket destinations like Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Sacred Valley in the South, here’s an overview on Southern Peru.
Other Excellent Destinations
For a long-overlooked region that deserves consideration for any Peru itinerary, check out Central Peru. This is home to old German colonies in the jungle, rural communities holding on to traditional ways of life in the Andes, and beaches and hikes just a day’s trip from Lima.
The Andes and jungle of this region have been recognized for holding onto their ancient customs a bit longer. Here you’ll be off the beaten path where only a few intrepid backpackers, Peruvian and international, venture. It’s a great place to reset your perspective and take in unbelievable landscapes and cultural experiences.
And last, but definitely not least, Northern Peru, including its beaches, has been gaining in popularity over the past few years, yet is far from being overrun by tourists. The cultures of Northern Peru left behind pyramids on the coast and fortresses in the clouds, and all are worthy of consideration.
The North also has the country’s tallest waterfalls and large lakes for hiking opportunities. Peruvians from other regions often admit the North has the best food, too (a hard thing to admit!).
Top Experiences by Region
Here are the top activities in each region of Peru to help you figure out what to consider for your itinerary:
If you’re looking for something less populated with Gringos, there are several great Inca trail alternatives that get you to Machu Picchu with similar sights and experiences, such as the Lares, Salkantay, and Extreme Inca hikes
The mountain made famous by Instagram, Rainbow Mountain in Cuzco
Hiking in Arequipa, such as the El Misti volcano or Colca Canyon to see the condors in action
Sandboarding Cerro Blanco (near Nazca) or dune buggying in Huacachina
Staying in an ecolodge in the Amazon jungle
Getting mesmerized by the world’s highest freshwater lake and the fascinating night sky at Lake Titicaca
Exploring world-class treks and glaciers in Huaraz
Enjoying the ever-more popular sites of Chachapoyas: the ancient fortress of Kuelap, the waterfalls of Gocta and Yumbilla (2 of the highest in the world!), mysterious sarcophagi overlooking hikers, and various multi day hikes to archaeological sites and lakes
Visiting Iquitos, the largest non-road accessible city in the world, by boat
Surfing or just chilling in the coast of Northern Peru
Checking out ancient Moche pyramids and the giant Chimu city of Chan Chan
Visiting the top-10 globally ranked museum of Sipan
The peak season for Peru is from June through August. This coincides with the dry season in the Andes and much of the jungle. You may find good deals in the shoulder season during the months of April, May, or October.
Lima is grey and dry all year except from late November through March, when it is warm and sunny. The rest of the coast is sunny year-round.
Budgeting
No matter your budget, you can make an itinerary for Peru. You can find a hostel for S/ 10-15 per night. Or end up paying US-style rates to be spoiled by the big chains and expensive hotels.
Day-to-day costs are intermediate but considerably lower than in the US, UK, and Canada.
Prices in peru
The Peruvian Nuevo Sol tends to be worth about 1/3 of a US dollar.
Food & drink
Set price lunches at menus can cost S/ 10 or less and include an appetizer and juice.
A liter of Cusquena beer can go from S/ 5 at a store to over S/ 10 at some restaurants.
Freshly squeezed juice goes for S/ 1 at city markets and sidewalks
transportation
Uber and Easy Taxi operate in Lima and can be cheaper (and safer) than haggling on the street. A taxi from the airport to most touristy areas of Lima goes from S/ 40-70 depending on the time of day. Cross-city costs up to S/ 15, also depending on traffic. The intracity buses are very complicated but charge up to S/ 5. I prefer the Metropolitano, a series of efficient buses that costs S/ 2.50 per trip. This goes through the neighborhoods of Barranco, Miraflores, San Isidro, and the center of the city (Lima Centro).
Minibuses for intracity trips in cities outside of Lima charge up to S/ 3, depending on length of travel. Taxis are also cheaper outside of Lima. Many towns have mototaxis which are more rickety but cheaper, at maximum 2-3 soles per person. They are best for shorter trips.
Intercity bus rides of 6+ hours have different levels of service. You can find tickets for basic seats and service for as little as S/ 30. But a fully 180 degree reclining seat can go for S/ 100+ for overnight journeys. These prices depend greatly on the destination.
Note: Prices for everything spike during Holy Week, Independence Day (July 28th), and the last half of December.
Currency
The Peruvian Nuevo Sol is symbolized as S/. It is normally worth about one-third of a US dollar.
Languages
Peru has several official languages, the most common of which are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. Spanish is spoken widely throughout the country. Quechua is common in the Andes and Aymara is almost exclusively spoken in the region of Puno around and in Lake Titicaca.
All visitors should have routine vaccinations up to date
All visitors should have their measles and yellow fever vaccinations
They also recommend visitors to get the vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B
If going to the jungle, talk to a doctor about preventing malaria
Travelers should consider a rabies shot if they are doing adventure travel, caving, will be working with animals, or are going to remote areas
Let’s Start Your Itinerary for Peru Now
Are you already picturing your trip? First, let’s decide on where to visit in Peru: Check out what to do in the South, North or Central.
I developed these adventure guides to help you get the most out of your time traveling, and to save you from hours of time spent researching and planning.
Comment below: What’s your inspiration for travel? When do you want to visit Peru?
Catty-corner to Janina is Dorcher beer’s gastropub. Both Janina and Dorcher beer are from Oxapampa, Peru!
Grey and breezy, the sprawling City of Kings is underwhelming for many. But that’s because visitors often don’t know where to look in this metropolis of 10 million. In fact, Lima is no less than South America’s food capital and host to the largest number of museums in the country. It’s full of surprising activities such as surfing, exploring mysterious pyramids, and enjoying a drink on cliffsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Here are our travel tips for Lima!
My S/ 10 ($3) cowboy hat had seen its final trip. Adios, amigo! It was an epic 12 years. EPIC!
Escaping to nature in the unique Lomas ecosystem of Lachay
The Nightlife
The LarcoMar mall @ night.
Dancing ‘til dawn in Barranco or Miraflores
Seeing live traditional music at peña such as Brisas del Titicaca
Sipping a café or coctel at one of the popular spots in LarcoMar (photo above)
The Culture & History
Huaca Pucllana pyramid in the Miraflores neighborhood
Artisan shopping at Mercado Indio and Tesoros del Inca
Walking back in time at Pachacamac, a 1,800-year old archaeologicalsite over 11,250 acres (450 hectares) large
Learning about the importance of chocolate at ChocoMuseo (free samples, too!)
Getting creeped out at the San Francisco Convent & Catacombs or Museum of the Inquisition
Visiting ancient pyramids such as Huaca Pucllana
Eating the amazing food at a local set-priced establishment
Going to Museo Larco or Museo de la Nacion to learn about pre columbian cultures and Peruvian history
Off-the-Beaten-Path Options
Do you have an extra day or two? You might want to consider these adventures outside of Lima:
Inland Towards the Andes
Trekking to the waterfalls of Matucana and the mysterious rock forests of Marcahuasi in Huarochiri Province
Making the 5.3 mile (8.5 km) hike to Rapaz and soaking in the hot springs afterwards in Churin
Up & Down the Coast from Lima
Rafting in the weekend warrior hotspot of Lunahuana
Following Lima’s cool kids (and surfers) to the beaches of Asia, Punta Hermosa, and Punto Azul
Getting mesmerized by the oldest civilization in the Americas, Caral
Having the beach all to yourself in Norte Chico
What to Eat
A lady had her own mini-oven to sell fresh baked bread on the street. #Entrepreneur
Lima is South America’s food capital, and for good reason! An amazing fusion of Andean, Amazonian, Asian, and European flavors provides an epic scene.
Some of the world’s top ranked restaurants are the fraction of the price as counterparts in Paris and New York, such as the 17-course Central and Maido.
A more traditional take on Lima seafood is at the amazingly delicious Sonia.
The best experiences are often the family-run “menus”, with cheap fixed-priced lunches. These are all over the city, and prices go as low as $5 for a whole meal. Definitely try the seafood and creole food (comida criolla). And you have to eat ceviche!
Tiradito, similar to ceviche, has been booming in popularity in recent years too.
Want to eat like limeños do? Walk to Mercado Surquillo, which is just over the border from Miraflores neighborhood. We enjoyed a chorizo sandwich, fresh fruit juices, and seriously strong coffee on our last morning.
Finally, as mentioned above, take a culinary bike tour to fit in as many spots as possible and to burn those calories :)
A kiosk at the Surquillo market. I’m not sure what is more amazing: the number of spices or how meticulously organized they are.
Where to Stay
Kokopelli in Barranco has a bar and game room, plus volunteering opportunities. They offer a free walking tour as well.
The Neighborhoods
Miraflores
Mural of Pachamama in the Miraflores neighborhood
Most tourists end up in Miraflores at some point. It’s easily the most touristy part of Lima. But because of this, it’s fairly easy to navigate. The famous Parque Kennedy and a boardwalk (malecón) overlooking the coast are the biggest attractions. It’s a safe, busy, and fun neighborhood. There are lots of hotels, restaurants, and bookstores.
You can take surfing lessons for S/ 25 an hour (includes a board and wetsuit). Or eat at world-famous restaurants like Tanta, Central (check it out on Season 3 of Chef’s Table on Netflix), Maido, and Amaz.
Our favorite cafe in Miraflores!!
Barranco
Streets of Barranco in Lima
Then there is Barranco. In this Bohemian neighborhood you can drink beer overlooking the coast, go out to a local club or peña at night, and make a wish at the famous Bridge of Sighs (puente de los suspiros).
Travelers who want to be in the center of the action might consider Lima Centro. Here you’ll be walking distance to the main plaza, Catacombs of San Francisco, Government Palace, museums, and the delicious barrio chino (Chinatown).
When to Visit Lima (Including Weather)
There is no rainy season in Lima, so you can visit all year round. However the sun does not come out much except from November through March, which is peak beach and ceviche season. In winter (June, July, August) it can get chilly at night. Think lows in the 50’s (10 C).
Peruvian Holidays
The most important Peruvian national holidays are Holy Week, Independence Day (July 28th), Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. In Lima there is a military parade on July 29th to celebrate the country’s independence.
Lima-Specific Festivals
On January 18, Lima’s anniversary is highlighted with a large public parade, general festivities, and live concerts in the middle of the sunny Limeño summer
Check out the Peruvian step horse competition (Concurso Nacional del Caballo de Paso Peruano) if you visit around April. The date for this event changes. You’ll witness the unique Peruvian horse trot and dance and try amazing food.
The Santa Rosa de Lima festival (August 30) is another widely celebrated holiday.
My personal favorite is MISTURA, a gastronomic festival that hosts top chefs from every part of Peru. MISTURA usually occurs in September. It’s a multiday event with events, drinks, food samples, and meals available all day.
Finally, consider Senor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) for one of the largest festivals in the Americas!! It’s celebrated every October 18 to 28.
How to Get There
Lima is in the geographical and political center of the country, and so the rest of Peru connects with and converges onto the city. That makes trip planning insanely easy for visitors!
For example, it’s only a short flight from Lima to places such as Cusco.
The more environmentally-friendly option, buses, also arrive to/leave from Lima regularly from other cities and even small towns.
Hint: Get a buscama seat if you can! These are comfy, sofa-like reclining seats.
Conclusion
View of Miraflores from our ceviche lunch at Punta Sal.
Lima is exciting, fun, and delicious if you give it a chance. Definitely plan to spend a few days to learn and play here.
Check out my complete 10-day itinerary for off-the-beaten path Peru. This adventure starts in Lima.
Native inhabitant of Machu Picchu. Photo: Jani Goodman
The mystery, history, and adventure that Peru has entranced outsiders with started here in Southern Peru. Hiram Bingham stumbled upon Machu Picchu in 1911. Then, Toribio Mejia Xesspe rediscovered the mysterious Nazca Lines in 1927. The “Inca Trail” was made known to adventurers decades after, and a resurgence in indigenous identity more recently occurred in the Sacred Valley.
That’s just scratching the surface, though- there’s a TON to see in this region! Because of that I’ve developed these travel tips for Southern Peru. This will make planning your adventure easy.
You can spend days in traditional villages hiking and learning ancient customs. Or go up and over sacred mountains on the way to precolonial cities. And end your trip sandboarding in a desert oasis.
No matter what, take your time here. Southern Peru is an amazing place to escape, get lost in another world, and experience fulfilling adventures. This is cliche, but here there always seems to be more to discover!
The Best Travel Tips for Southern Peru
Ica and Nazca
From Lima you can visit “Peru’s Galapagos”, Las Islas Ballestas, only a few hours south of the city. It’s worth it for the penguins alone!
Less than two hours from there is Ica and the oasis of Huacachina. Backpackers go for its sandboarding adventures.
Nazca is four hours further inland. You can fly over the famous Nazca Lines and visit the gigantic site of Cahuachi (they have yet to uncover 85% of it!). You can also sandboard the largest dune on Earth at Cerro Blanco.
And of course you have Cusco! The Incan infrastructure of the streets and main plaza are an attraction alone. In addition you have museums, churches and the ancient Qorikancha temple. Just outside the city are Incan sites such as Sacsayhuaman.
Further outside Cusco are the villages dotting the Sacred Valley. Each is known for something different. For example, Pisac and Chinchero have traditional markets and archaeological sites. And Ollantaytambo arguably has the most impressive examples of Incan architecture anywhere.
An hour from Ollantaytambo (by train only) is Aguas Calientes, which is a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu. You can reach Machu Picchu either this way, the roundabout way via Santa Teresa, or the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail comes in 2 and 4-day variants.
The department of Madre de Dios is home to large swaths of protected Amazonian forest. It can be visited from neighboring Cusco.
Puno borders Bolivia and Lake Titicaca, where homestays with indigenous communities are a big attraction. Puno is also known for its colorful festivals.
Arequipa
Just east of Puno is Arequipa, whose city is the second largest in Peru. Arequipa is famous for its cleanliness, academia, and food (hello!!!). It’s the jumping-off point for Colca Canyon. Also it lies in the shadows of three snow-capped volcanoes.
For Adventurers-at-Heart
To get off the beaten path consider Ayacucho in the Andes, or Moquegua and Tacna at the very southern part of the country.
Top Travel Tips for Southern Peru: Activities
Can’t-Miss Adventures
Here are the most popular experiences in Southern Peru:
Visiting Machu Picchu, the “lost city of the Incas”
Hiking the traditional Inca Trail or one of its alternatives to Machu Picchu. Click here for my guide to the Inca Trail and its alternatives.
Day tripping to Vinicunca, aka “Rainbow Mountain”, from Cusco
Taking a day to visit Sacsayhuaman and other ancient sites just outside of Cusco
Exploring the museums and streets of Cusco
Learning about traditional ways of life in the Sacred Valley
Taking in the sights and hiking around the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Titicaca
Travelers to this region will feel like intrepid explorers blazing paths where there are no other tourists, yet will also feel incredibly spoiled by what the area offers.
Andean traditions and fascinating landscapes will marvel you in the mountains. In the jungle you’ll find German and Indigenous communities intermixed, resulting in fascinating foods and experiences. Adventures include summitting snowcaps, hiking ancient trails, and swimming in tropical waters.
Central Peru has a special place in my heart. It’s where I first lived outside my home country and began a lifelong dream of traveling. It’s where I fell in love. And here my Spanish skills went from very basic to sometimes passable.
This part of Peru has become more well-known to national tourists, yet international visitors are uncommon. But that’s not due to a lack of things to do. On the contrary, the most exciting part of your trip might be here!
Fortunately it’s pretty easy to get to parts of Central Peru from Lima. So you can plan an excellent trip in this region. Or, you can easily make a side trip to one of the locations below. So check out my travel tips for Central Peru to get started:
FYI: This article does not include Lima. Our article on Lima is here
How to Visit: Travel Tips for Central Peru
The Highlands
Nor-Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve
The biggest city in Central Peru, Huancayo, is an 8 hour bus ride from Lima. Huancayo is famous for its artisans and has potential for adventure tourism. You can visit the artesian market in town or take a car to one of the nearby artesian villages. Each is known for a different type of artwork!
A day hike to the snowcapped mountain of Huaytapallana is another option. From Huancayo cars take the 3-5 hour ride to the beautiful cascades and traditional villages (and my old home :)) of the Nor-Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve. There you can hike old Incan trails to snow-capped mountains and see the unique UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Further inland is another highland city, Huancavelica. Here, too, Andean culture is alive and well. You can take a bus or the country’s only train used for public transportation, “El Train Macho”. The trip takes 6 hours and has a buffet option! In and around Huancavelica are hot springs, dozens of churches and temples, pre-incan sites, and adventure tourism options such as exploring snow capped mountains and rock forests.
The Jungle
The Jungle of Oxapampa, one of my all-time favorite places
If these high Andean cities get too cold, you can warm up in the Central Jungle. Oxapampa is 10 hours from Lima and 7 from Huancayo. There you can bathe in waterfalls, take a delicious coffee tour, or camp in Yanachaga Chemillen National Park. The park is home to the spectacled bear and cock-of-the-rock (Peru’s national bird).
For yet another city with spring-like weather year round, there is Huanuco. There, bathe in even MORE waterfalls at Tingo Maria, dip in hot springs, or be the only foreigner in an ancient Incan stronghold.
Pucallpa is deeper into the Peruvian tropics. There the biggest attractions are the oxbow Yarinacocha Lake and neighboring indigenous communities. In Pucallpa you can hop on a boat for the multi-day journey to Iquitos and the northern jungle.
Top Travel Tips for Central Peru: Activities For the Uber Adventurer
Pretty much this entire region is overlooked by international tourists. That makes for an adventure in itself, and below are the top activities in Central Peru:
Cultural Experiences
Hiking around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed terraces and archaeological sites in the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve
Witnessing the plazas, man-made water channels, and “solar clocks” at Incahuasi
Touring the German-influenced breweries and distilleries of the central jungle
Learning from and sharing cultures with the Tsachopen Native Community
Taking a delicious coffee tour in Villa Rica
Oktoberfest-ing in Pozuzo
Taking a boat tour of Lake Yarinacocha and visiting nearby native communities
Avoid the rainy season. That’s generally November through March. The coldest months are June-August, when the Andes can get quite frigid at night.
Main Festivals
Selvavamos is Oxapampa’s celebration of music, culture and the environment. They hold the huge outdoor concert at different dates yearly, but normally in June.
St. John’s Festival, El Dia de San Juan, is the jungle’s largest festival and is celebrated on June 23rd.
For a unique Austrian-Peruvian experience Pozuzo has the Beer and Gastronomy Festival of Pozuzo, usually in September. Pozuzo also celebrates Octoberfest, which tends to coincide with that of Berlin’s.
The most important Peruvian national holidays are Holy Week, Independence Day (July 28th), Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
And Huancayo has more festivals than days per year (true story!)
Next Steps
Leave a comment if you have more tips or questions. I’d love to help you out- I’ve lived for three years in Central Peru! I’d also love to know what experience seems the most exciting to you.
Northern Peru seems designed to fascinate the visitor. Superlatives abound:The largest non-road-accessible city in the world (Iquitos). A trekker’s oasis adjacent to culturally important snow-capped mountains (Huaraz). Top-notch surfing next to your private bungalow (most beaches).
Plus a growing tourist capital, Chachapoyas, surrounded by hikes to some of the world’s highest waterfalls and mountaintops with pre-Incan sites. But the tourist industry here is still new and growing. For this reason, planning your itinerary here can be tough. That’s why I’ve written these travel tips for Northern Peru!
When I first visited this region, I was single and wanted to party on the beach all night at places like Máncora. And it was definitely worth it! But I’ve learned there is much more to Northern Peru than beach parties. Although that would still be enough for me :)
The Best Travel Tips for Northern Peru
When planning for Northern Peru, your itinerary can cover a lot of climates and activities. This is a large region and most travelers don’t have unlimited time. Therefore we’ve written a list of the major cities in the region and a brief description of what makes each popular:
Huaraz is a trekker’s paradise. The city is easily reached by the many bus companies that make the 8.5-hr ride from Lima. Huaraz offers the 840,000 acre (340,000 ha) Huascaran National Park, which covers magnificent portions of the Cordillera Blanca (White Range). In Huascaran you can visit quenual forests and day hike to glacial lakes. Above all, Huaraz is known for its mountain climbing and multiday hikes. Here you can get off the grid for the popular 4-day Santa Cruz trek or even the 14-day Huayhaush trek!!
Trujillo & Huanchaco
Further up the coast is the department of La Libertad and Peru’s original capital, Trujillo. You can check out the city and its backpacker-favorite neighbor Huanchaco. In Huanchaco you can surf, witness locals use traditional reed boats, and explore Chan Chan. Chan Chan is the largest pre-Columbian site in the Americas.
Chachapoyas
“Chacha” has become popular in recent years. Despite this, it does not feel overrun with tourists. You can take a day trip to Yumbilla and Gocta, which are two of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Nearby Kuelap is the ancient fortress of the Chachapoya civilization and is accessible by a breathtaking cable car ride. And that’s just to start!
You can fly to Chachapoyas from Lima for as little as $49. The bus ride is 24 hours long. Therefore I recommend flying or breaking up the trip in Chiclayo (12 hours from Lima). In Chiclayo you’ll find great seafood and the world-recognized museum of Sipan. This is home to the ancient Lords of Sipan.
Cajamarca
The location of Pizarro’s first unfortunate meeting with the Incas becomes Peru’s carnival capital every February. Be prepared to party until late, wake up early, and get wet if you go (all totally worth it!). Cajamarca is also famous for its stunning Baños del Inca thermal baths and its history. This is exemplified by sites such as the 900-year-old Kuntur Wasi.
Buses from Lima take 15 hours, or you can take the roughly 1.5 hour flight.
Mancora
Photo by Will Stewart on UnSplash
Several hours from the border with Ecuador is the surf/party town of Mancora. Here you can dance til’ dawn and chill in hammocks all day. If that’s not your cup of tea, there are quieter beaches such as Los Organos. Even further north are the legendary beaches of Tumbes: Zorritos, Punta Capones and Playa Hermosa. There are few better places to forget about expectations back home and to dream of, for example, becoming a professional traveler. :)
Iquitos
You’ll have to fly or take a boat to this jungle city. This is the largest non-road accessible city on Earth. For this reason, the boat ride to Iquitos can be a highlight in itself. Nearby you can visit parks like Pacaya Samiria and swim with pink dolphins. Or visit the many native communities that dot the Amazon.
Northern Peru Travel Tips: Activities
Lake Paron near Huaraz, in Ancash, Peru. Photo by Aline Rodrigues on Unsplash
Hiking under the gaze of snowcaps around turquoise lakes in Huascaran National Park
Climb a mountain or take the beautiful Huayhuash and Santa Cruz treks
Take a dip in a glacial lake at Laguna 69!
Get your fill of surfing and ceviche at Huancacho
Surf the 2.2 km (1.4 mile) break in Puerto Chicama. It’s the longest left-leaning surf break in the world!
Explore ancient pyramids of the Sipan, Sican and other ancient cultures around Chiclayo. Then, end with a visit to the Lord of Sipan Museum (Museo del Senor de Sipan)
Witness the Cloud Warrior (Chachapoyas) civilization’s famous fortress of Kuelap
Hike in the warm sun to the frigid 2,500+ feet (760+ meters) falls of Yumbilla and Gocta (check out my blog post on our hike to Gocta here)
Celebrate Carnival in Cajamarca
Explore Kuntur Wasi and end the trip with a dip in the thermal baths of Banos del Inca
Get a private bungalow and surf til’ your heart’s content in Los Organos or Zorritos
Taking an Amazonian rafting or boat trip to/from Iquitos
Discover the Amazon at Pacaya Samiria National Park.
When to Visit Northern Peru
The coast is dry year-round. The coldest month is July. The average minimum temperature in July is in the 60’s (17-19 Celsius). The jungle and Andes have rainy seasons roughly from November through March.
Overall I do not recommend traveling during the rainy season. But, there is one exception. Carnival’s exact dates change annually but festivities last all of February. And in Peru, Cajamarca is the place to be during Carnival!
St. John’s Festival, El Dia de San Juan, is the jungle’s largest festival. It’s celebrated on June 23rd.
Next Steps
I hope this helps get you started on planning a trip to Northern Peru! Please comment below to tell me what you really want to do on your trip. Also leave a comment if you have questions, and I’ll respond right away.
