The best reasons for a trip to Peru
There are many reasons to travel to Peru. Our travel tips to Peru offer suggestions on what not to be missed. Peru has been on our bucket list of the destinations we want to see for a long time. We have looked at the country again and again over the years, but so far we haven't managed to look at the country for ourselves. But that doesn't mean we don't dream about it. And who knows, maybe one day it will work out with one Travel to South America? Until then we will collect reasons for a trip to Peru.
Discover Machu Picchu on your own
- Christina Dwiggins suggests an alternative to Machu Picchu in her blog post "Hiking Huayna Picchu". That is certainly worth considering.
Ten Peru Highlights
Machu Picchu - one of the best reasons to travel to Peru
One of the main reasons is the ancient Inca city Machu Picchu. It is probably the highlight of a Peru trip for most visitors. We are no exception. As a cultural historian and ethnologist, I have always been fascinated by the ancient Indian cultures of South America. This includes the mysterious city in the Andes. It was only the beginning of the 20th century, that it was discovered by Hiram Bingham. It has since become one of the main attractions of the country. It is still hard to get to. You can either reach it by taking the panoramic train, that follows the Urubamba River or choose the arduous route over the passes of the Inca Trail. The old path of the Inca can only be done with a guide today. The tour takes four days over mountain passes, which offer spectacular views. Overnight you stay in tents along the way.
Discover Machu Picchu on organized tours
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The Cordillera Blanca – a great reason to travel to Peru
Another reason to visit Peru is the spectacular mountain vistas of the Andes. In northern Peru, the Cordillera Blanca mountain range stretches for about 180 kilometers. It is also home to fifty of the country's highest mountains - all over 5700 meters. These mountains are best experienced on a trekking tour. On the one hand, this facilitates acclimatization to the extreme altitudes. On the other hand, you have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views extensively. The highest pass that you can overcome on such a tour is the Punta Union Pass with a height of 4750 meters.
Pack Tips
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- You will definitely walk on uneven paths. So be sure to pack good hiking boots .
- With our packing list for hikers You definitely don't forget anything.
- You should also not underestimate the sun at these altitudes. Therefore we recommend one sun hat .
- We also recommend one for day trips backpack, in which you camera, a jacket and other utensils. You also need one for longer hikes backpack.
- Be sure to take your camera with you. There are many wonderful photo opportunities in Peru. We recommend this one camera.
- With such long travel distances, it is sometimes difficult to recharge your devices. Therefore, you should not forget a solar power station.
The Alpamayo
You should not miss the Alpamayo on a trekking tour through the Andes. This mountain is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. At 5947 meters it is also one of the highest mountains in the country. Because the mountain is very remote, it was not known to European mountaineers for a long time. After three unsuccessful attempts, the first ascent was only made in 1957. A German rope team finally conquered the "most beautiful mountain in the world", as the mountaineering magazine "Alpinism" described it in a photo competition in 1966.
Practical tips
Arequipa
Also south of Lima there are fascinating mountain landscapes. Here, however, they look different from northern Peru. Snow-capped volcanoes form the natural backdrop of the city of Arequipa, also known as the White City. Named after the cream-colored stone works made from the region's volcanic rock, the town got its nickname. The city center of Arequipa has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Discover Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
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Cusco
Another city that is part of every trip to Peru is Cusco. On the one hand, today it is the starting point for all those who travel on to Machu Picchu. On the other hand, the city is interesting because of its Indian-Spanish past. For a long time it was the capital of the Inca Empire. However, after the Inca Huayna Cápac moved his headquarters to Quito, the city lost importance. In addition, the Spaniards destroyed the city. Only after Machu Picchu was discovered, it gained her present fame. It is definitely worth seeing.
Discover Cusco and the surrounding area
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Lima - another of the reasons for a trip to Peru
This is a city no visitor to Peru can avoid. Lima did not have much importance during the Inca period. Although this place has traces of settlement that are 5000 years old, it played only a minor role in the Inca empire. It served the Incas as a place of pilgrimage. The modern Lima goes back to a founding of the Spaniards in the year 1535. The city is especially interesting because of its museums and Spanish architecture. In addition, the farmers from the highlands and the Amazon come here to offer their goods.
Discover Lima and surroundings
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The lines of Nazca
To see the next sight, you have to fly. The lines of Nazca are among the secrets of the world. They were created by the Nazca culture. The figures include birds, monkeys, jaguars and other animals. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. They are not recognizable from the ground. There you only see how they were made. The creators of these works wore away the dark upper layer of earth and piled it up along the lines. This is how the bright lines were created in the desert soil. If you want to see them well, you have to look at them from an elevated position. The best way is to fly over them by plane.
Discover the lines of Nazca
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Puno on Lake Titicaca
The name Puno probably does not mean much to most people. But the Titicaca Lake is well known. Puno is the largest city at this lake in the Altiplano of Peru. With its almost 150.000 inhabitants, it is the starting point for excursions on the lake. The people of Puno breed alpacas and llamas. In addition, they operate arable farming. The city is so high that it never gets hot here. The average annual temperature in Puno is at a low 8.4 degrees Celsius.
Discover Puno and Lake Titicaca on your Peru trip
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The floating islands in Lake Titicaca
One of the best reasons to travel to Peru are the islands in Lake Titicaca. There are natural islands in the lake. There are also islands made by humans that float on the lake. Today about 2000 Uros Indians still live on these islands in simple straw huts. They retreated to these islands as early as Inca times. When an attack threatened, they detached the islands from the mainland and let them float out to sea. Today, tourism is the main source of income for the people who live there. Visitors are welcome on the islands.
Discover the floating islands in Lake Titicaca
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Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Chicha - also reasons for a trip to Peru
For us as pleasure travelers, the local cuisine is of course one of the reasons for a trip to Peru. The country has a lot to offer. The Peruvian national dish Ceviche we already know from our trips to Florida. It is a fish dish prepared with lime juice. Another Peruvian specialty is Lomo Saltado. This is sliced beef that is fried in a wok with tomatoes, onions and deep-fried potato slices. What we don't know yet is the Peruvian grape liquor Pisco or the corn beer Chicha, which the Incas produced. I'm sure that there are still a lot of culinary specialties to be discovered in Peru.
Get to know the Peruvian cuisine
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We are particularly interested in the cultural attractions that Peru has to offer. For slow travelers who like to take a look behind the scenes, the cities of Arequipa and Lima are good reasons for a trip to Peru. Cusco with its Indian-Spanish past gives a great insight into the history and development of the country. If you want to see how people live on the floating islands, then a tour to Puno and a boat trip to these islands across Lake Titicaca is worthwhile. What we like most about a trip to this country is the opportunity to take a look at Peruvian cuisine. This is always a good way to get in close contact with the locals. There are some offers that are worthwhile.
Questions and answers:
Do I need a visa to enter Peru?
For stays of up to 90 days, German citizens do not need a visa. However, your passport should be valid for at least six months upon entry. current travel conditions for entry into Peru can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Which vaccinations are recommended for a trip to Peru?
In addition to the standard vaccinations, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and yellow fever vaccination are recommended for travel to the jungle. Consult your doctor for individual advice.
How safe is traveling in Peru?
Peru is generally a safe country to travel to, but you should be particularly careful with your valuables in large cities and tourist areas. Find out about the latest security advice from the Foreign Office in advance.
When is the best time to travel to Peru?
The best time to travel varies depending on the region. The summer months (December to March) are ideal for the coast, while the dry season from May to September is recommended for the Andes and the jungle.
What currency is used in Peru and can I pay by credit card?
The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is used in Peru. In cities and tourist areas you can often pay with a credit card, but in rural areas you should have cash with you.
Do you know anything else?
- On a Trip to Florida you can also enjoy Peruvian cuisine.
- There is one especially for that Travel to Miami
- The Best California Beaches
- With the seaplane over the 30000 islands of Georgian Bay
- Discover picturesque Croatia islands while island hopping
- Enjoy a Bergische coffee table
- Book ski tours in summer
- The Hotel Post in Lermoos, Austria
Source Reasons for traveling to Peru: Research tips for traveling to Peru.
Text Reasons for a trip to Peru : © Copyright Monika Fuchs and Travel World Online
Photo: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline, Unsplash and Flickr participants (details in the respective caption)
Updated on 24.07.2024
Peru is beautiful indeed, after reading your post, now I have 10 more reasons to visit ASAP
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment. Peru is a very diverse country with many sights that will be explored.
Funny - I just made my flashback article about the trip with the in-laws ...: D
I have to read it right away. Thanks Anke.
Best regards,
Monika
Hello you two,
that really makes you want to go on a tour to Peru. But the journey will probably take a while to come.
I can well imagine that it can be realized wonderfully with Inkatrotter.
Thanks for the exciting tips.
Spring greetings
Katja
Hello dear Katja,
with us it also takes a trip to Peru. But the photos make you feel like it.
Best regards,
Monika
But hello ... I do not think I need 10 reasons to go to Peru ... But your report has reinforced my yearning for this fascinating country. And these pictures ... just great! I hope we can do that soon. Maybe you will see yourself there then? :-)
LG
Hartmut
Peru has long been on our list of countries we would like to see.
Hello you two,
Wow, these are really great pictures. I would have to lie if I said that Peru is not one of my dream destinations. However, your report has topped the list.
LG Anja
Hi Anja,
Thank you very much for your nice comment.
Best regards,
Monika
Wow! That's great shots! In Arequipa our son would especially like the old trams. Is really the hammer. Do you know how the price structure is there? And how is it about security there? Man, South America, we must necessarily travel. There are such great places there.
Lg, Nina
Hello Nina,
We have not been there ourselves, so we can not answer your questions from personal experience. In foreign countries I always follow the instructions of the Foreign Ministry, and you will find them here for Peru: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Laenderinformationen/00-SiHi/PeruSicherheit.html, As far as prices are concerned, this list may help you: http://insideperu.com.pe/faq-2/lebenshaltungskosten-in-peru/, I hope this helps you further.
Best regards,
Monika
Peru is one of my top 10 future destinations. Now I have more reasons for 10 to travel there soon. It really has to be really nice there.
Thanks for the tips.
LG
Ina
I am convinced of that, Ina. I'm just a little bit worried about the extreme highs in mountain areas. Is that so easy to put away? But that does not usually stop us from traveling. Then you just have to travel slowly to better acclimatize.
Best regards,
Monika
The pictures definitely promise more and make you want to experience Peru live. I dream with you and who knows, maybe it will take me there sometimes. ;-)
LG Daniela
Hello Daniela,
Peru is a country that has been interested in us for a long time. The great landscapes and the fascinating Indian cultures are particularly appealing to us. Let's see if it even works out with a trip there. We have been dreaming about this for a long time.
Best regards,
Monika
Hello Monika and Petar, what great impressions of a country that I long ago remotely adore! As Bergfex I am obviously fond of the many trekking options, I will definitely take a closer look at the program of the organizer! LG Alex
Dear Alex,
yes, the mountains in Peru are really breathtaking. Trekking is not our cup of tea, but we have been dreaming of traveling by train through the Urubamba Valley to Macchu Picchu for a long time.
Best regards,
Monika
Hello Monika, your report makes you feel like Peru. My boss was there last year and just raved about this country in South America. Thanks for the tip, a trip with Inkatrotter is certainly interesting, especially for someone like me who does not even know South America. Best regards, Anita
Thank you very much, dear Anita. We were not that far in the south. So far, we have only made it to Honduras. But Peru has long been on our wish list. On the first trip, it makes sense to be traveling with a country connoisseur.
Best regards,
Monika
Thanks for this perfect article - my next destination to Ecuador is Peru. I've been there for a few days before, and I'm enjoying Ceviche - I love it !! Furthermore, I am looking forward to your report now on the mountains and also the Lake Titicaca :)
Lg from Ecuador
Dear Michaela,
I'm looking forward to your reports. Is this time again on one of the high peaks?
Best regards,
Monika