Which destinations should you include in a trip to Peru? /

Located on the South American continent, Peru is the third largest country in South America, bordering 5 countries, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. The fact that its surface is more than 1 million kilometers means that it is a destination with a lot of biodiversity and possibilities to visit, with 3 different regions: the coast, the Andes and the Amazon.

Which languages ​​are spoken in Peru Spanish, Quechua and Aymara are the most important languages ​​in that order, you will also find 47 different native languages, spoken by more than 4 million people. The capital is Lima where more than 10 million inhabitants live.

Undoubtedly, Peru is an ideal destination for all types of travelers, and this can be seen in the fact that the country has 12 sites declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO and its archaeological sites exceed the 100,000 mark. Are you ready to discover how to make your trip to Peru a unique experience? Below you will find the places you must visit.

Lima – everything starts in the capital

Originally baptized as the ¨City of the Kings¨ by the Spaniards in 1535, it is located on the central coast of the country. Did you know that Lima is the only capital in South America with an ocean view? Yes, you read that right. This makes it more than just an interesting destination where travelers can choose different places to visit. To begin with, the historic center is undoubtedly the main attraction with very special destinations nearby, such as the cathedral and the government palace, in general many churches, including the bridge chapel, which is considered the smallest in the world. Of course, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the district of Miraflores, where you can visit the archaeological complex of Huaca Pucllana, characterized by its pyramidal shape. In addition, you can visit other destinations such as the Malecon Costa Verde, and the Larcomar shopping center where you can visit clothing stores and delicious restaurants and ice cream parlors with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

Lima also offers a true gastronomic experience, as you would expect, so we strongly recommend that you do not leave without trying the aji de gallina, lomo salteado and ceviche. Leave a comment at the end of the blog if you want to know more about these typical Peruvian dishes.

Cusco – more historic than you can imagine

Also known in the world as the navel of the world, its name comes from the Quechua word ask which means navel in spanish, was named after its high altitude in the Andes, which was a very important destination in the continent because in the past there were several roads that connected to all the cities of the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire). You may be wondering once you arrive in Cusco, what activities should I do?

You should not miss the opportunity to visit the Plaza de Armas in the historic center of the city, where you can visit the Cathedral, the Basilica de la Merced and the Compañía de Jesús Church, which was built in the old palace of Huayna Capac (He was the penultimate Inca of the Tahuantinsuyo). In addition, you can visit the market of San Pedro, where you will find a wide variety of handicrafts, clothes, fruits and typical dishes of the area.

If you like to call yourself a historian, or are a history buff, you must visit Tambomachay, a place of water worship and a resting place for the Inca elite. In addition, there is a canal system with two fountains that are still working and are a living example of the city’s lifestyle in its heyday. Another option to visit is Qenqo, a ceremonial site where sacrifices and mummification of Inca nobles took place.

Has Cusco already convinced you to visit it?

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of Peru, also known as the Urubamba Valley, is a region in the Andes Mountains near Cusco, Peru. It is considered one of the most breathtaking and culturally significant areas in the country. The valley is home to several impressive Inca ruins and archaeological sites. The best known are Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. These sites demonstrate the remarkable engineering skills and architectural prowess of the Incas.

The Sacred Valley is a popular starting point for those traveling to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Along the way, you can also visit the town of Ollantaytambo, an important transportation hub with a train station that connects to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu – the lost city of the Incas

Yes, you saw this coming! Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city and it is a must for all travelers to Peru; it is located on a mountain ridge at an elevation of about 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level. Machu Picchu is known for its impressive architecture, breathtaking views and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was built in the 15th century by the Inca civilization and remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu is often referred to as the “lost city of the Incas” because it was unknown to the Spanish conquistadors during their conquest of the region. Machu Picchu consists of numerous stone structures, including temples, houses, terraces and agricultural fields. The architecture showcases the remarkable engineering skills of the Inca civilization, with stones meticulously cut and assembled without the use of mortar.

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Nazca Lines – an enigmatic natural wonder

The Nazca Lines. These huge geoglyphs etched into the desert floor cover an area of ​​about 450 square kilometers and have amazed and fascinated archaeologists, historians and curious travelers for decades. The Nazca Lines are an intricate network of straight lines, geometric shapes, and more than 70 stylized figures, including animals, plants, and humanoid forms. What sets them apart is their colossal size, with some reaching up to 300 meters in length. These geoglyphs were created by removing the reddish-brown, iron-oxide-coated pebbles that cover the surface of the Nazca Desert, revealing the lighter-colored soil below.

The lines, probably dating from 500 B.C. and 500 AD. made by the Nazca civilization have stood the test of time remarkably well, with some estimates suggesting they have survived intact for over 2,000 years.

You can board small planes that fly over this area, giving you a more complete and panoramic view of the extent of the Nazca Lines.

Now that you know which destinations you can’t rule out when visiting Peru, you can expect a trip full of adventure, history, tradition and real gastronomic experiences, so make sure you enjoy your itinerary every day. Let me know in the comments if Peru is on your bucket list, or if you’ve already visited it, this article has made you want to visit this beautiful country again.

Marcel Perkins is CEO of Latin Trails. Latin Trails is an inbound destination management company specializing in customized travel with a focus on providing unique experiences throughout Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Peru.

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