My trip to Peru was as wonderful as it was intense, combining breathtaking landscapes, authentic encounters, and small challenges. This country has everything to captivate travelers: stunning mountains, surfer-friendly beaches, a mysterious jungle, and, of course, the fascinating Inca heritage. In this article, I offer an overview of the must-see highlights of my journey, which left a lasting impression on me.
Lima and the Miraflores Neighborhood
My trip to Peru began in Lima, a vibrant and contrasting capital. While some travelers don’t spend much time here, I highly recommend exploring Miraflores. This chic and lively neighborhood sits atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Here, you can watch the sunset, stroll through the Love Park, or enjoy a ceviche at one of the many restaurants.
But Lima is not just Miraflores. Exploring the other districts reveals bustling streets and a unique atmosphere. The city is also an ideal starting point to explore the rest of the country, with numerous bus connections to various regions.
Huaraz: A Paradise for Hikers
Nestled in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz is a true playground for mountain lovers. The Huascarán National Park is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in Peru. However, before enjoying these incredible landscapes, it’s essential to acclimate to the altitude, which can be challenging.
Hike to Pastoruri Glacier
My first hike was to the Pastoruri Glacier, at 5,200 meters above sea level. Every step felt intense: shortness of breath, headaches… acclimatization was far from perfect! Yet, the effort was more than worth it: standing in front of this massive ice formation, surrounded by majestic mountains, was an unforgettable experience.
Lagoon Hikes
Next came the lagoon hikes, equally breathtaking:
- Laguna Parón: a lake of unreal blue, surrounded by towering peaks. The viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama, with Artesonraju in the background — the famous mountain that supposedly inspired the Paramount logo.
- Laguna 69: one of the most famous hikes in the park, usually listed as 4–4.5 hours round trip. For us, it took 3 hours to reach the summit. And what a reward! We arrived first, alone, facing this icy blue lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Silence reigned, only broken by the distant cracking of the glacier. Then, to make the moment even more magical, snow began to fall… a timeless experience, suspended in the middle of the mountains.
Tips for Managing the Altitude
This is Huaraz: effort, tough moments, but unforgettable memories. It’s wise to prepare for the altitude. Coca leaves help quite a bit, and on buses, sometimes women hand out a small bottle of menthol alcohol to inhale or rub on your temples to relieve headaches. A little Andean ritual that, combined with the beauty of the place, makes you completely forget the difficulty of the journey.
Puerto Chicama: Legendary Surf Spot
Puerto Chicama, a remote village, exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere. This surf spot is world-famous, especially for its long left-hand wave, one of the longest in the world. Thanks to our surf instructor, we met locals and shared wonderful evenings together. The waves suit all levels: beginners can practice on gentle waves, while experienced surfers fully enjoy this famous left-hand break. Over the days, we truly felt integrated into this small community.
Huacachina: Desert, Dunes, and Relaxation by the Oasis
Located in the heart of the desert, Huacachina is the perfect spot for a short getaway of a few days. You can try sandboarding on the dunes before enjoying the stunning sunsets. The hostels by the oasis offer pools and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal stop to escape and have a unique experience in this desert landscape.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon: A Must-See on a Trip to Peru
Arequipa, the “White City“, is perfect for relaxing and exploring at your own pace. Between its cozy cafés, charming streets, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, there is so much to discover. The city is also an ideal starting point for adventure, whether it’s the ascent of Misti Volcano or exploring the Colca Canyon.
We chose to explore the canyon in a small group, without a tour agency. The trail is well-marked, allowing us to hike at our own pace. Before starting the descent, our minivan stopped at a viewpoint where we were lucky to see condors soaring above the canyon, a truly fascinating sight.
On the first day, the hike descends through arid and impressive landscapes. We spent the night at Llahuar Lodge, where natural pools awaited us — a real relief after several hours of walking. The next day, we continued to a second lodge, higher up, before the big climb on the final day.
With an elevation gain of 1,300 meters, the final ascent is a real challenge. Yet, watching the sunrise over the canyonmakes the effort completely worthwhile. This trek will remain one of the highlights of the trip: breathtaking panoramas and a full immersion in nature.
Puno, Lake Titicaca, and the Uros Islands
In Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, we discovered the Uros Islands. These are islands entirely built from reeds. For two days, we stayed with locals via Airbnb, which allowed us to experience their way of life and even participate in building the raft, a regular task. We fished, ate fresh fish, and sailed on the lake. It was also a chance to meet the island inhabitants, who shared their unique traditions with us. We spent wonderful moments playing with the children, a true moment of sharing. And of course, we even swam in the icy lake water, at only 8°C! Sailing on this high-altitude lake at more than 3,800 meters above sea level allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the local culture and have an authentic experience.
Cuzco: The Capital of Adventurers
Cuzco is a city with a unique atmosphere, perfect for resting and acclimating before heading out on a trek. It’s an ideal place to meet other travelers and soak up the local vibe. Its colorful markets, hostels, and lively nightlife make it a true cultural hub. You can also taste local specialties, from pisco sour to roast guinea pig.
A day trip to the Sacred Valley immerses you in the fascinating history of the Incas. You’ll discover sites like the Maras salt mines, the agricultural terraces of Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. These sites showcase the ingenuityand ancient craftsmanship of this civilization. It’s a perfect introduction to both the history and landscapes before embarking on treks like Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu, Hydroelectrica, and Aguas Calientes: A Key Step in a Trip to Peru
Machu Picchu, a true world wonder, is a must-see in Peru. There are several ways to get there, depending on your timeand budget. All of these options can easily be arranged through local agencies.
The fastest and most comfortable option is to take the train from Cuzco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then take a shuttle or hike up to the site.
For a more immersive experience, several treks lead to Machu Picchu. The most famous is the Inca Trail, a multi-day route following the steps of the ancient Incas. A popular alternative is the Salkantay trek, which crosses diverse landscapes from snow-capped mountains to lush jungle. Other routes, like the Lares trek or Choquequirao trek, offer less crowded but equally impressive experiences.
The most economical option is the route via Hydroelectrica, combining bus and walking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
I chose this last option over two days. Although the walk follows the train tracks, we preferred to hike rather than take the train. After a night in Aguas Calientes, the ascent begins the next day: about 45 minutes through the jungleto reach the iconic site.
If I had more time, I would have loved to do the Salkantay trek, one of the most famous in the country. This 5-day trek immerses you in the Peruvian mountains, with breathtaking landscapes: snowy peaks, lush valleys, dense forests, and turquoise lagoons. It’s a real physical challenge, but I believe the adventure is absolutely worth it.
Puerto Maldonado: Immersion in the Jungle
After about ten hours by bus from Cuzco, we finally arrived in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Upon arrival, the Jungle Tour Agency was already waiting for us at the bus station. We dropped off our backpacks at their office and took only the essentials. That’s when the real adventure began: first, a motorboat ride along the river, followed by a walk through the jungle, and finally a canoe trip to reach our accommodation.
We had booked a three-day, two-night stay, which cost about $230 per person, all inclusive from our arrival in Puerto Maldonado (transportation, meals, lodging, excursions, and guide). As it was just after the COVID reopening, we were incredibly lucky to have a private tour just for the three of us.
Each day brought its share of adventures. At the first light of morning or dusk, when the heat became more bearable, we explored the jungle with our guide. We saw monkeys, colorful birds, caimans gliding across the water, and even piranhas that we caught and ate that very evening. Observing the wildlife was simply fascinating.
The rest of the time, we enjoyed absolute calm, swaying in hammocks, listening to the lush sounds of the jungle. Three friends, no other tourists, and breathtaking sunsets over the lake… Far from civilization, this stay was a unique escape, a complete immersion in nature. An experience that will stay with us forever.
Transportation During a Trip to Peru: Practical and Comfortable
Throughout my Peru trip, I mainly relied on buses for getting around, and I was pleasantly surprised by their comfort. The main bus companies offer reclining seats, perfect for long journeys, especially overnight trips. This is an ideal option to save a night of accommodation while waking up directly at your destination, ready to explore a new place first thing in the morning.
An Unforgettable Mishap: A Lesson Learned
This trip to Peru wasn’t without surprises. After my stay in the jungle and the Machu Picchu trek, I developed intense pain in my feet and ankles, accompanied by concerning swelling. At first, I thought it was just the altitude, but I quickly realized it was much more serious: infected mosquito bites had caused a severe skin infection, with some areas starting to necrotize.
I was hospitalized urgently, but fortunately, I received excellent care. Thanks to my travel insurance (Macif), I didn’t have to pay any costs upfront. A French doctor contacted me daily to monitor my condition and advise me on options, including a medical evacuation if needed.
This experience was a harsh but crucial reminder: never travel without good travel insurance. In case of unforeseen events, it makes all the difference and provides true peace of mind.
Traveling in Peru: A True Heart-Stealer
Despite this mishap, Peru remains one of my biggest travel crushes. Between its breathtaking landscapes, fascinating culture, and delicious cuisine, every moment is worth it. This trip left me with unforgettable memories and an irresistible desire to return. So, are you ready to be tempted by a Peru adventure?
And if you want to take your journey a bit further, just across the border, Bolivia offers equally spectacular landscapes: check out our 5-day adventure in the Sud Lipez and Salar de Uyuni.
Manon – Trip Completed in October 2021
