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Peru is an amazing country home to one of the seven wonders of the World. There is so much to see and places to go in Peru its difficult to know where to start. Please ask me a question on any area of Peru or your travels if you have more questions after reading this post. I am happy to help and don’t make the mistakes I made.
If you are planning a trip to Peru please don’t just think of the sacred valley or Machu Picchu as there is a lot more to see in this amazing country. There is everything from beaches, to cities with amazing food, to hiking and sleeping under the stars.
THINGS TO DO IN PERU
- EAT FOOD: Amazing food everywhere but especially in cities like Lima and Cusco.
- GO TO PARACAS: Paracas was a huge surprise for me. Its a small beach town with very nice accommodations, food and bars. But the highlight is the boat ride to the small islands covered with amazing wildlife from penguins, seals , dolphins to every variety of seabird. This really is a special place. And this can be a substitute for people who can’t afford to go to Galapagos islands. You can do it independently or with Peru Hop (We will write our experience on Peru Hop and details soon but you can watch our video below).
- VISIT MACHU PICCHU: The Inca ruins are magical, mystical and well worth the adventure you take to get there. Machu Picchu is not the easiest place to get to but it is worth the trip. And here are all the tips you should know before going to Machu Picchu.
- GO ON A TRAIN RIDE: the train journeys are all fun and special. It is not like getting on LIRR to get into the city. Mind blowing scenery no matter were you look. The scenery on the journey to MP is special but this scenery is common place in Peru. If you are looking to go to Machu Picchu by train, you can check our post on which is the best option for you.
- STAY AT AN ANCIENT HOTEL: the hotels and hostels are cute and friendly. A lot of hostals and hotels were converted from the buildings that existed forever. So it has a feeling of old and new. We will list few of the places we stayed and liked
- GO ON SAND BOARDING: Huacachina is an Oasis in middle of the desert. From there you can go on sand boarding which is kind of scary but super fun
Where to Go in Peru (Places to Visit)
Cusco
Here is where I used my base as to go to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley. We stayed at the party hostel Loki hostel and El Balcon which was calm and quiet. I made a comparison, so you can get the vibe of these hotels.
I didn’t do much her but rest and party (ended up staying too long here, because it was too fun!), but here are some of the best restaurants I visited.
Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley)
It is near Cusco, so should be visiting Ollantaytambo while in Cusco is the best way to do it. If you want more detail, you can check my blog post here.
Machu Picchu
Probably don’t have to explain much as this would be the main reason to visit Peru. I wrote a separate post about how you shouldn’t make mistakes I made visiting Machu Picchu. Also, before getting to Machu Picchu, you will have to stay in Aguas Caliente. There is not much to do, so this guide will help you spend a night.
Lima
It is a starting point for many other cities, and a good place to take a break from hiking and bus rides
Huacachina
My favorite town in Peru. PERIOD.
Paracas
Puno
This is where you can visit the floating islands.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to go to Peru is in the dry season which is May to September. The only downside is that most other visitors also go at this time of year. I went in April and there were showers but overall it was ok. April is a shoulder season and it’s not too crowded and also the weather is not that bad.
RECENT POSTS AND MORE
How long should I stay in Peru?
There is so much to see and do in Peru and two weeks is not enough. A month in Peru in my opinion is perfect to really see and enjoy everything. If a month isn’t possible two weeks cramming and a well planned trip can work. If you can take some time to get accustomed to the altitude i think it helps with the overall trip. You don’t want your holiday ruined by being sick.
The top cities you cannot miss were Cusco, Huacachina and Paracas. Yes, Machu Picchu was breath taking and very educational, but not worth staying over night. Unless you are doing the Inca trail, I think a day trip is enough for Machu Picchu.
Where to Stay in Peru
I stayed in a mix of hotels and hostels all of which were good quality, good value for money and perfectly located for the sights or cities to visit. Please see my reviews of the hotels and hostels through the links below. I cant recommend these places enough but the highlights were the hostels in Cusco and Huacachina. In both of these amazing places i wished i had more time to enjoy them. The cities have many hotels and hostels just chose the location and budget that is right for you. Again if you need and help please let me know.
Lima
- JW Marriott Hotel: In my opinion JW Marriott is the nicest hotel in Lima.
- Dragon Fly Hostal : Dragon Fly Hostel attracts a lot of cool and hip foreigners. And it is in the center of Lima which will be convenient for you.
- Four Points Hotel : We stayed here. The location is the best, but for the price it wasn’t the best (We chose this hotel to earn Platinum Status on SPG)
Cusco
Huacachina
- Banana’s Adventure : Probably the best hostel in the world
Paracas
- Hotel Residencial Los Frayles
- Hostel Kokopelli Paracas
Puno
Machu Picchu
- EcoPacker Hostal
What to Eat in Peru
The quality and variety of food In Peru was excellent. Food tends to be substantial and rich. There are many, many types of foods from roast chicken, pasta to Chinese, all with a Peruvian twist and style! If you are visiting Cusco, you have to read my best restaurants in Cusco. I really fell in love after visiting these restaurants!
- My favorite food was the Peruvian Sopa Criolla de Bisteca (Creole Beef Soup). It is slightly spicy and had noodles in it.
- Also the Peruvian Chinese, Chifa, is really good. You can find it anywhere and ask your hostal or hotel for a good Chifa around the area.
- Peruvian Pesto Pasta is also really good. I am not sure why this type of pasta has become so famous, but every restaurant you will be able to find it.
- And of course Ceviche which is a seafood dish mixed with salad.
- Lomo Saltado is very popular and found on most menus. It is sliced beef stir fried with red onions, tomatoes, chillies, soy, vinegar and cilantro. Potatoes and rices can also be added making it a dish for two!
Here are some of the food that is popular is Peru, but I haven’t tried.
- CUY or guinea pig. Served whole normally after baking or being put on the BBQ. it tastes gamy like wild fowl but is bony.Give it a try it i s a staple of the people here.
- Alpaca is a strong meat very lean and is often found smoked for jerky.
Cocktails
- Pisco Sour is the classic and available everywhere made from Pisco, lemon juice egg white and a simple sugar syrup. Therese drinks are strong so be careful!
- Inca Kola which is a refreshing soda drink bright yellow in color and tastes like pineapple!! Your eyes read Kola your taste buds scream pineapple.
Should I Tip in Peru?
Tipping is not expected here but the service was always so good i did leave a tip but no more than 10 per cent. Most locals would round up the bill only.
Is It Safe to Go to Peru?
It is safe in Peru and tourists are welcomed. But please be careful in Lima just follow the normal rules and you should be fine. Enjoy anmd don’t worry.