Peru

The jewel of Peru-the ruins of Machu Picchu

Overview

Peru is a country that holds a special place in our hearts.  Not because it’s our favorite, but because it was the first country we visited on our RTW trip.  Just because it wasn’t our favorite country doesn’t mean we didn’t love it though.

While many automatically think of Machu Picchu when thinking of Peru, and rightfully so, there is much more to this gorgeous country than the famous ruins it is known for.  As always with the country pages, click on any of the links below for more in depth information and reviews of cities, hikes, and activities.

Highlights-What to Do

Machu Picchu- This was a cornerstone of our trip, and we had massively high expectations for it, all of which were not only met but exceeded.  Machu Picchu is magical, and travelers have tons of options when visiting, from taking a train from Cusco to going on a trek.  The 4 day classic Inca Trail is most popular, but more hardcore hikers have the options of several week treks ending at the famous site .

Cusco- The infamous capital of the Incas, and the Sacred Valley which surrounds it, is the most popular and visited city in Peru.  Cusco is placed in a spectacular setting and has any amenity for the weary traveler.  It is also the jumping off point for any trip or trek to Machu Picchu.

Lima- The Peruvian capital gets some hate from many travelers, but not here.  Stunning architecture, diverse neighborhoods, friendly people, and excellent culinary treats will greet you in Lima, not to mention a rugged and picturesque coastline.

Arequipa- If you’re a photographer, you could spend a great deal of time in Arequipa taking pictures of the unique buildings.  Many were built of sillar, which is a volcanic material that is pearly white in color.  It adds a distinctly unique touch to a city standing at the foot of a volcano (El Misti) and surrounded by the Andes.  Arequipa is also home to number two of my hidden treasures of South America, Monasterio de Santa Catalina, and it is the starting point for any trip or trek to Colca Canyon.

Colca Canyon- It’s amazing what we don’t hear about here in the States.  We all think the Grand Canyon is the be all, end all of canyons in the world.  While the Grand Canyon is spectacular, I bet most don’t know that Colca Canyon is twice as deep.  TWICE!  This massive canyon is surrounded by mountains and active volcanoes, and is also home to the largest bird in the world-the condor.  Definitely worth at least a trip, if not a trek, into the canyon.

Puno- My mom always taught me that if I didn’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.  Well, I was never the most obedient of children, and I feel I owe it to you, the readers, to inform you of not only the good but the bad.  This was probably my least favorite city on the trip (we visited upwards of 90), and it doesn’t make sense.  The scenery is there, the location is there, but for some reason it’s just a mess of a city.  The food was really good though.  But if you’re going to visit Lake Titicaca, you would be much better served to go to the Copacabana on  the Bolivian side.

Budget

Ahh, the most important thing for any backpacker or budget-minded traveler– How much is it going to cost me?

Luckily for you, Peru is a very affordable destination while still remaining comfortable.  Couples can get by on a tight budget while still staying in private rooms with a private bathroom.  Food can also be had cheaply, especially if you stick to local food, which is something I highly recommend in any region.

We averaged $83/day while in Peru, including our Inca Trail hike, which was quite spendy at nearly $900 for the two of us.

When to Go/Weather

There are three different  zones in Peru, all with different climates.

The Coast-Remember the seasons are opposite in the southern hemisphere, so December-April is summertime here, which means it’s hot (ranging from 77-95 Fahrenheit, 25-35 Celsius) and dry.  The wintertime (April-December) is a little colder, cloudier, and wetter.  The temperatures don’t vary much on the coast.

The Sierra- April-October brings dry, hot weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night, oftentimes below freezing.  November-April sees the rain come in, bringing cooler temperatures with it.

June-September is the high season in this region, with the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu being most crowded during this time.  It’s the best time for trekking as you’re more likely to remain dry, although temperatures are colder at high altitudes.  Remember that weather is always unpredictable in the mountains, no matter what time of year.

The Jungle- Dry season in the jungle is from April-October, and temperatures are hot, up to 95F (35C).  The rainy season of November-October won’t bring days upon days of rain, but the short, heavy downfalls can wash away roads, and it’s very, very humid.

Transportation

We heard some bad stories about transportation in Peru before arriving, and I have to say that we were pleasantly surprised.  The roads were a bit rough at times (but you are traveling in the mountains a lot), and transportation strikes held us up a few separate times, but overall we were pleased with bus travel in Peru.  We paid about $35US for an overnight bus journey (about 16 hours) to give you an idea of costs, and the buses were quite comfortable, including reclining seats, a decent amount of leg room, decent meals, and even Bingo!

Click on any of the links on this page for more information, or click below to get a more in depth description of each city, activity, sight, or hike.

• Lima

• Arequipa

• Monasterio de Santa Catalina in Arequipa

• Colca Canyon

• Cusco
  

• Incan Ruins surrounding Cusco

• Tips for Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• Classic Inca Trail Days 1 & 2

• Classic Inca Trail Days 3 & 4

• Machu Picchu

• Puno