Peru is the ultimate in exotic locations, a varied multicultural country rich in traditions with unique cuisine and one of the most fascinating histories on the planet. There’s a total of twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites here, along with a whopping 84 of the world’s 117 life zones.
Sharing borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile, Peru extends to 1.2 million square kilometres split into three distinct regions: the coast, the jungle, and the mountains. Reflecting the unusually varied population, 47 different local languages are spoken here as well as Spanish, which most people understand.
If you fancy something not just a bit different but a LOT different, guided travel in Peru could be the best idea you’ve ever had. Here’s some insight into this extraordinary South American country, part 1 of our Peru guided travel feature.
The weather in Peru – When to go and not to go
Peru has a wet season and a dry season. It’s mostly dry between May and October, mostly wet between November and April, which keeps things nice and simple for holidaymakers.
Avoid January to late April unless you want to be restricted by flooding, closed roads, blocked hiking trails and completely inaccessible attractions. May to the end of November are your best bet. Just bear in mind it’s seething with tourists in July and August, with May and September quieter but still nice and warm.
If the Andes are calling you, June to September is best with clear, sunny days and cold nights because you’re at such a high altitude. The Inca trail is best approached at this time of year, when there are not so many mosquitoes. On the coast, at sea level in the desert, it can get as hot as 35°C between December and April, cooling down through May to October. High up in the Andes your maximum temperature hits around 25C, comfortably warm during the day.
So what are Peru’s main attractions? Here goes, with the world-famous Machu Picchu top of the list.
Glorious Machu Picchu – Wonderfully weird
The lost city of the Incas is one of the entire region’s best loved attractions, an old Inca city with graceful aqueducts, lovely granite and limestone temples, and loads of completely unspoiled Inca buildings. The vast stones are cut so accurately you literally can’t force a knife blade between them, an awesome feat without modern power tools. How did they do that?!
Either take a four day, three night 26 mile hike on steep uphill terrain from Ollantaytambo, arriving at dawn for the sunrise over the great sacrificial stone, or take a dawn train to get there faster. If you love walking you can take even longer to get there with an 8 day hike, immersing yourself in the Andean vibe along the way.
Walk the dramatic Inca Trail
Machu Picchu is accessible via the magnificent Inca Trail, a world-famous multi-day walk through the mountains and jungles along the route the ancient Incas used. It’s a challenge even for fit people and it’s important to bear in mind you can’t know whether you’ll suffer from altitude sickness until you’re way up high. If you get sick you’ll probably need t come back down, since bad altitude sickness can make you very ill or even kill you, and it gets steadily worse the longer you stay up high. Assuming you’re OK, you can either join an organised walking tour or go solo. It’s driest from May to October but also very crowded, whereas November to April is muddy but quieter.
Incredible history at Batán Grande
Batán Grande, AKA Sicán Archaeological Complex, contains fifty pyramids and tombs dating back to 750-1300 BCE. Once an ancient capital city, all sorts of magical artefacts have been found here including loads of impressive pre-Columbian bits and bobs. The pure gold Tumi ceremonial knife weighing almost seven pounds was found here, for example. It’s a truly awesome item. To get to the site, head for Chiclayo.
Marvel at the bizarre Nazca Lines
From the ground you can’t see much. From the air, on a helicopter or light aircraft tour, the Nazca Lines reveal themselves as ancient geoglyphs – AKA land art – covering the San José desert and Nazca Valley, more than 10,000 lines and 300 different plant and animal ‘drawings’ in total. No wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whys and wherefores of these enormous structures remain a mystery, which only adds to their appeal.
Climb 12,000 feet above sea level to Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca extends to 3000 square miles, sitting 12,500 feet above sea level. This is the biggest high altitude lake on the planet, a place of deep blue waters and spectacular sunsets, snow-covered mountains, quaint towns and three magical islands, Isla del Sol, Taquile, and Amantani, all home to ancient pre-Inca ruins. Visit in June, July and August to avoid the rain.
Fall in love with the Islas Flotantes de los Uros, the Floating Islands of the Uros, man-made islands that are home to the indigenous Uros people. They’ve made the islands they live on from tortora reeds and you can catch a boat tour to experience them. Bear in mind it gets very touristy.
Get deep down and personal with the bustling city of Lima
Lima is colourful, loud, chaotic, and in places very beautiful. Trendy Miraflores is a great place to eat, drink and be merry. The magnificent Larco Museum is stuffed with fascinating pre-Columbian artefacts, and you can hang out in the Plaza Mayor to admire the colonial buildings and watch the world go by.
There are vivid markets to explore and an actual Cat Park, the only such park on the planet. The Park of Love is your destination for good luck in your love life and the Barranco district is where the good times happen after dark, a clubbing haven. Oh, and don’t forget the cuisine. You’ll eat like a king here for very little money.
A surfer’s paradise at Máncora Beach
Fabulous fish and seafood, legendary waves and watersports, horse riding, whale watching, fishing and more are the name of the game here on one of South America’s best beaches. Year-round sunshine and waves beginners can enjoy typify it, and there are whales and sea turtles to watch as well.
Cusco and Iquitos
The colonial city of Cusco is a destination in itself, built on ancient Inca stone foundations in an area loved by hikers. The nightlife is vibrant and there are constant festivals to enjoy, along with spectacular archaeology. Don’t miss the sites at Coricancha and Sacsayhuaman. At 3,200 metres above sea level this is a high altitude city with an attitude, a fantastic place to spend a few days in.
Iquitos is just as thrilling, this time only accessible by boat or plane, in the middle of the steamy jungle and the rainforest’s largest city. Eco-tourism is hot here thanks to the nearby Amazon and the stunning Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s biggest. Again, there are some thrilling guided tours available.
Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain
Uber-weird, like something from another planet, Rainbow Mountain is a big tourist attraction with day trips and multi-day hikes from Cusco on the cards. Head for the viewpoint at Palcccoyo, an alternative to the most famous and crowded area, for incredibly colourful scenic views at 5,200 metres above sea level.
Inspired? Next, check out part 2 of our guide to Peru, see what else is in store for you.
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