Undeniably a jewel in the crown of South America’s must see destinations and it has recently joined other countries in South America that has opened its borders and is ready to welcome guests back. Peru is a wonderful destination and you would easily be able to fill 10 days or even two weeks just within the Peruvian boarders, with the incredible mix of culture, history, scenery and wilderness. Not forgetting the cuisine, you’ll probably want to stay longer. So in this blog I thought I’d highlight a few of the amazing things to do in Peru.
Although one of the better known places to visit in Peru is Machu Picchu, which we will cover in this blog but we will also show you some other amazing areas to visit. Lets start our ‘virtual visit’ to Peru with the Peruvian Amazon. I am a bit biased but this wild part of the amazon looks incredible, it is at the eastern tip of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, where the Ucayali and Marañon rivers converge, where the Amazon River is “born”. While the precise length of the Amazon river is still open to interpretation, it is commonly accepted that it is at this very confluence that the ‘Amazonas’ begins. With the forest covering roughly 60% of the country covered by the rain forest and only 5% of the population living within the forest. So this wild, seemingly untouched portion of the Amazon is best explored by boat, and the boats on the rivers systems here are quite incredible with a few of the boat belonging to the Relais & Chateau portfolio, so you know the standard on these cruises are exceptional. From these cruises you will go out on excursions, explore the forest on smaller tender boats, visit villages and, depending on the season, hike through portions of the rain forest.
If cruises aren’t your thing or you would still like to spend more time in the jungle, a stay at the Tree House Lodge, which is situated 35 – 75 feet above the jungle floor, is just what you need. How cool is that! Just for a second imagine waking up in the canopy of the Amazon rainforest, surrounded by parrots stretching and howler monkey’s calling in the distance.
Set between Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is the second largest lake in South America and the highest lake in the world navigated by large vessels, sitting at 12,500 feet, which offers unparalleled views of the Andes Mountain range. What I find fascinating about this area is that it is said to be the birth place of the Incas and is home to numerous ruins. Things to do around Lake Titicaca are visiting the Uros floating islands, spend a night on Taquile Island, visit Titicaca National Reserve which protects rare aquatic animals and end off on Isla island.
Cusco is one of the great cultural cities of South America. Here, embark on a guided city tour of historical Cusco, magnificently preserved, and resplendent with colonial architecture. It showcases the apex of indigenous Quechua culture. Beautiful Spanish colonial buildings are juxtaposed with Incan walls lining the square, and a contemporary thriving nightlife flourishes.Visit notable sites on the Main Square such as the Cathedral of Cusco, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco; in addition to its official status as a place of worship, it has become a major repository of Cusco’s colonial art and holds many archaeological artefacts and relics. Discover Koricancha Temple, the most impressive example of how Inca and Hispanic cultures fused together.
Explore the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, built overlooking the city of Cusco or do the rainbow mountain tour from Cusco.
Three incredibly cool things left to do in Peru, Machu Picchu; the sacred valley of the Incas and the elegant Hiram Bingham train. This train is managed by the Belmont group and you receive all the luxury and attention to detail you would expect when visiting a Belmont property. Board this train in Cusco and it will take you through the sacred valley of the incas and to Machu Picchu. Boasting a magnificent natural setting, the Sacred Valley of the Incas can be appreciated for its rich flora and fauna, bird watching, and adventure sports as well as its archaeological wealth. This region (roughly 60km’s long) formed the heart of the Inca empire. At Machu Picchu, visit the town of Ollantaytambo, which has Inca streets of stone, traditional homes and small markets; explore the fascinating citadel of Machu Picchu; surrounded by the cloud forest, you’ll see the heights of the mountain Wayna Pikchu (Huayna Picchu) rising over the site, and Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) once a fortress of Machu Picchu and the entrance point to the Machu Picchu Inca trail; various different hikes and privately guided tours.
Peru is a perfect combination of history and wilderness. If you’re interested let us know, the amazing thing about South America is that all the countries have so much to explore! We can think of something unique and perfect for you.
Stay safe and have a great weekend.
