We’ve been dreaming of a trip to South America for a long time, but somehow it’s never worked out. Marco and I have both never been to this continent, but we already have many travel destinations on our imaginary list. Of course, that includes a trip to Peru. Luckily, we occasionally have great travel reporters here on our blog who report on their adventures.
Jule and Lars from Düsseldorf have been traveling the world together since 2015 (like us) and in 2018, among other places, they visited some great places in Peru. In total, they spent 4 weeks in South America, spending most of that time in Peru. In the following article, the two tell us about 4 great Peruvian sights that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Have fun browsing!
- Our 4 most beautiful sights in Peru
- Our travel route at a glance
- Peru sights – Arequipa
- Peru sights – Colca Canyon
- Peru sights – Cusco
- Peru sights – Machu Picchu
- Food in Peru
- On the road in Peru
Our 4 most beautiful sights in Peru
We would like to introduce you to ourhighlights from Peru. We deliberately made our selection very personally, and so one or two “classic” highlights from the travel guide may not be included. Peru was the first country we visited on the South American continent, and we immediately fell in love with the country, culture, and people. Especially for backpackers, Peru is just as easy and affordable to travel as many other Southeast Asian countries. Here are our top Peru sights and highlights:
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Our itinerary at a glance
- Lima – 2 days (arrival & flight)
- Ica – 1 day
- Arequipa – 2 days
- Cusco – 4 days
- Machu Picchu – 4 days
- then continue by bus to Bolivia and Lake Titicaca
Peru Sights – Arequipa
Arequipa enchanted us from the very first moment. It is also called the “White City.” The name is believed to be derived from the light-colored volcanic rock from which many of the city’s buildings are constructed. One of these is the magnificent cathedral in the central Plaza de Armas, whose structure is initially disconcerting: It is one of the few churches that stretches across the entire width of the square, rather than lengthwise.
The Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa offers a charming splash of color in the “White City.” Inconspicuous from the outside, behind the walls you are immersed in a colorful world of blue and orange. Once home to around 150 nuns, now there are only about twenty nuns. Admission is 40 soles (approximately €8.50). And even though this price seems quite high by Peruvian standards, the visit is worthwhile.
Peru Sights – Colca Canyon
From Arequipa, we took a guided day trip to the Colca Canyon with Colonial Tours. There are many providers for various day trips*, but we can say that we had a very good experience with Colonial Tours. Depending on your time, a multi-day trip is recommended. A day trip is fine if you have limited time, but you should be aware that it’s quite a long drive and you start early in the morning and don’t get back until late in the evening. Nevertheless, it’s a great experience.
The first stop is in the town of Colca, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. A small town with a church, a marketplace, and a few street stalls. Here, it was possible to immerse yourself in the more authentic life of Peru. Afterwards, we reached an impressive viewpoint at the Colca Canyon. There was even time for a short hike and to observe the local condors (a large species of vulture).
On the way back, we finally reached the Pata Pampa Pass at an altitude of 4,890 m for the first time. Since this altitude is very strenuous without an acclimatization period, this stop is very brief. However, there isn’t much to see: In this barren landscape, the flora and fauna have adapted to the prevailing conditions. The short jump to the almost 5,000-meter altitude served as a foretaste of the upcoming stages.
Peru Sights – Cusco
Cusco itself is an exciting and captivating city. It’s not only a starting point for excursions into the Andes, but also has several highlights worth seeing. These include the Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square (yes, it really does have the same name as Arequipa). Here you’ll find the Cathedral and Iglesia La Compania, which can be visited for a small fee of just 25 soles.
The churches in South America, in particular, are very different from what we’re used to in Germany. The altars and walls are colorful and artfully decorated with figures, some of which we would certainly consider kitsch here. This contrast makes a visit definitely worthwhile.
In the side streets of the square, there are many charming little cafés that invite you to stop for a bite to eat. Don’t miss a typical regional meal at the San Pedro Market. To learn more about the history of the country and the Incas, we recommend a visit to the Inca Museum.
Tours in and around Cusco
- Day tour to the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca*
- Lake Humantay all-inclusive day tour*
- Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Weavers half-day tour*
- Machu Picchu: Round-trip ticket with PeruRail*
- From Cusco: 2-night excursion to Lake Titicaca*
- Half-day city tour of Cusco*
An absolute highlight is the view of the city from above. To get there, walk to the Sacsayhuman viewing platform, about 3 kilometers outside the city center. In this area, next to the ruins of an ancient Inca fortress, you’ll find the world’s largest natural slide. Even though the trip sounds like a short trip, it’s more suitable for a second day, as you’ll already be a bit more accustomed to the altitude.
Our tip: If you’re planning a hike in the Andes, we recommend acclimatizing to this altitude. Spend a few days in Cusco to get used to the altitude (Cusco is at 3,399 meters). Otherwise, you may experience altitude sickness—especially during physical exertion—with nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Peru Sights – Machu Picchu
We also have a “classic” highlight: Machu Picchu. There are various ways to visit the legendary Inca city, either comfortably by bus or via various hiking routes. One of the most famous routes is the Inca Trail. However, we opted for the Salkantay Trail because it is less busy and offers two other great highlights: Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass.
With KB Travel and our guide Alex, whom we highly recommend, the four days were wonderfully organized, challenging, and educational. The physical effort should not be underestimated, but it is rewarded with wonderful views and crowned by reaching Machu Picchu.
Food in Peru
The national dish in Peru is ceviche – raw fish marinated in lime juice. A fresh, delicious dish. You can try a lot more at the many markets and street stalls: Pollo (chicken) is often offered in various variations. Fruit juices and avocado snacks are particularly inexpensive and fresh. Guinea pigs can also be found on the menu in Peru.
Potatoes are also one of the most important foods. There are approximately 3,800 varieties in the Andes region, differing in size, color, and flavor. One of the most popular drinks is the Pisco Sour, and it’s definitely worth trying.
On the Road in Peru
Peru is ideal for a backpacking holiday and is perfect for traveling by bus. There are a variety of different bus companies, which differ particularly in quality, punctuality, and safety. You can purchase tickets at short notice, as the main routes, in particular, are served several times a week (sometimes even during the day). We always traveled with Cruz del Sur (visit website) and had very good experiences. If you don’t have much time, we recommend night trips. You should always have a travel tablet in your hand luggage in case of an emergency; sometimes the bus can get a bit shaky.
