The South American country of Peru is noted down on many traveler’s bucket lists because it’s such an interesting and unique place. Famous for its ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru has become something of a hot spot for travelers in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. From diverse landscapes and tropical wildlife to an array of adventurous activities and cuisine that really packs a punch, Peru is a country like no other, making it a must-see destination.
Like with any location, to ensure that you get as much out of your trip to Peru as possible, planning is key, especially as with so much on offer it can be somewhat overwhelming choosing what to see and what to skip. Obviously, you don’t want to skip any of the good stuff, but it’s impossible to fit every last thing into your trip, no matter how long you’re there for, so taking the time to research and plan beforehand is crucial.
So what are the must-see sights in Peru, and what are the best ways to see them?
Float through the Amazon
If there’s one place you can’t miss when you’re in Peru, it’s the Amazon Rainforest. The world’s most biodiverse rainforest, the Amazon is sweltering hot, vast in size, home to an array of wildlife, and also, to indigenous communities that have little to no contact with the modern world. The famous Amazon Basin in Peru is one of the world’s most incredible sights, and a must-see if you’re planning on visiting this amazing country. As for how to see and explore the Amazon, you could opt to trek, with a tour guide on hand, of course. However, an Amazon river cruise could be a more enjoyable and safer way to explore the depths of this jungle paradise.
Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
For a lot of travelers, one of their main reasons for visiting Peru is to explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The most famous archaeological site in South America, was untouched by modern life until the early 20th century – since then it’s become a must-see destination for almost all visitors to Peru. To give you an idea of just how busy Machu Picchu can get, come summer, up to 2500 visitors arrive here every day. What it’s important to remember when visiting Machu Picchu is that it’s 8000 feet high, meaning that you need to take a night or two to get acclimatised before trekking to the ruins themselves. An easy way to travel is to take the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo – you can then spend a night or two there acclimatising before heading up the mountain.
Immerse yourself in Lima
The capital of Peru, Lima is an incredible city located on the country’s pacific coast, and a must-see destination while in South America. One of the largest cities in the continent, Lima has a lot to offer travelers, from its modern metropolis of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels, to its colonial centre. Among its many sights and attractions, Lima is most famous for its Museo Larco collections of pre-Columbian art, as well as the Museo de la Nacion which is home to some incredible pieces of Peruvian history.
If you’re taking a trip to South America, a trip to Peru is a must
