Peru was a journey as wonderful as it was intense, blending breathtaking landscapes, authentic encounters, and small challenges. This country has it all: stunning mountains, beaches for surfers, a mysterious jungle, and, of course, the fascinating legacy of the Incas. Here’s a glimpse of the must-see stops on my trip, which left a lasting impression on me.

Lima and the Miraflores District

My journey began in Lima, a vibrant and contrasting capital. While some travelers choose not to linger, I highly recommend exploring Miraflores, a chic and lively neighborhood. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Miraflores is the perfect place to watch the sunset, stroll through the Love Park, or savor a delicious ceviche at one of the city's many restaurants.

But Lima is much more than just this district—it’s worth wandering through its bustling streets and soaking in its unique atmosphere. It’s also an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the country, with numerous bus connections to different regions of Peru.

Huaraz: A Hiker’s Paradise

Nestled in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz is a true playground for mountain lovers. This is where you’ll find some of Peru’s most breathtaking hikes, particularly in Huascarán National Park. But before enjoying these incredible landscapes, you have to deal with the altitude, which can quickly take its toll.

My first hike was to Pastoruri Glacier, at an altitude of 5,200 meters. And let’s just say—you feel every meter climbed: shortness of breath, headaches… My acclimatization was far from perfect! However, the effort was absolutely worth it: standing in front of this massive ice formation, surrounded by towering peaks, was an unforgettable experience.

Then came the legendary lagoon hikes, each one just as stunning:

• Laguna Parón: A surreal blue lake, framed by towering peaks. The viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama, with Artesonraju in the background—the mountain said to have inspired the Paramount Pictures logo.

• Laguna 69: One of the park’s most famous hikes, often estimated at 4 to 4.5 hours round trip. We made it to the top in just 3 hours. And what a reward! We arrived first, completely alone in front of this glacier-blue lake, encircled by snow-capped peaks. The silence was absolute, broken only by the distant cracking of the glacier. Then, as if to make the moment even more magical, snowflakes began to fall… A timeless pause, suspended in the heart of the mountains.

That’s Huaraz: tough climbs, challenging moments, but memories that last forever. And with the high altitude, preparation is key. Coca leaves help quite a bit, and on buses, local women sometimes hand out small bottles of mentholated alcohol to inhale or rub on your temples to ease headaches. A little Andean ritual that, combined with the breathtaking scenery, makes you forget all about the hardships of the trail.

Puerto Chicama: A Legendary Surf Spot

Although tucked away in the middle of nowhere, Puerto Chicama has an incredibly welcoming and laid-back atmosphere. We quickly bonded with our surf instructor, who introduced us to locals, leading to some unforgettable evenings. It was the perfect mix of surfing, relaxation, and great encounters. Depending on the conditions, the waves cater to all levels: beginners can practice on smooth, consistent waves, while experienced surfers can enjoy the legendary long left-hander. Day by day, we truly felt like part of this small community—dividing our time between surf sessions and sharing moments with the locals.

Huacachina: Desert, Dunes & Oasis Retreat

Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian desert, Huacachina is the perfect place for a short getaway. Here, you can experience the thrill of sandboarding and dune buggy rides before unwinding with breathtaking sunset views over the dunes. The hostels around the oasis are lively and welcoming, often featuring pools and a laid-back atmosphere, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers. Evenings are filled with good vibes, as people gather to share stories and enjoy the unique setting. It’s the perfect stop to escape and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind desert adventure.

Arequipa & the Colca Canyon: A Journey Through the White City and the Depths of Nature

Arequipa, known as the "White City", is the perfect place to slow down and explore at your own pace. Its charming streets, cozy cafés, and the stunning Santa Catalina Monastery offer plenty to see without any rush. The city is also a great launching point for adventure, whether it’s climbing the Misti Volcano or trekking through the Colca Canyon.

We chose to explore Colca Canyon independently, without a tour agency. The well-marked trails allowed us to hike at our own pace. Before descending, our minivan stopped at a viewpoint, where we were lucky enough to witness majestic condors gliding over the canyon—a breathtaking sight.

• Day 1: The entire trek was downhill, leading us through arid yet stunning landscapes. We spent the night at Llahuar Lodge, where natural hot springs awaited us—pure bliss after hours of hiking.

• Day 2: We continued our journey, staying in another lodge perched higher up, in preparation for the final climb.

• Day 3: With a 1,300-meter ascent, the last stretch was tough, but watching the sunrise over the canyon and reaching the top was an unforgettable reward.

This trek was one of the highlights of the trip—breathtaking scenery, a deep connection with nature, and a true sense of achievement.

Puno, Lake Titicaca & the Floating Uros Islands

In Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, we discovered the fascinating Uros Islands, entirely built from reeds. For two days, we stayed with locals, an experience we found on Airbnb, where they welcomed us into their way of life.

One of the highlights was helping build the island’s only reed boat, a structure that requires constant maintenance. We also fished, enjoyed fresh-caught meals, and sailed across the lake, immersing ourselves in the daily rhythms of island life.

Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, the true magic came from connecting with the islanders. We played with the children, listened to their stories, and learned about their unique traditions. And of course, we couldn’t resist taking a dip in the freezing waters of Lake Titicaca—just 8°C!

Sailing across this vast, high-altitude lake (3,800m), surrounded by serenity, was more than just a scenic journey—it was a deep dive into Andean culture and an authentic experience we’ll never forget.

Cuzco: The Adventurers’ Capital

Cuzco has a unique atmosphere, making it the perfect place to acclimate before a trek. It’s a hub where travelers from all over the world gather, creating a vibrant mix of cultures. From colorful markets and cozy hostels to a lively nightlife, the city offers the best of both adventure and relaxation.

This is also the place to dive into Peruvian cuisine: whether it’s sipping a pisco sour, trying roasted guinea pig, or enjoying freshly made fruit juices at the local markets, the food scene is an experience in itself.

A one-day excursion to the Sacred Valley is a great way to explore the Incan heritage before heading into the mountains. Highlights include:

• Maras Salt Mines – stunning white salt terraces cascading down the hillside.

• Moray Agricultural Terraces – an ancient Incan agricultural experiment.

• Ollantaytambo & Pisac – impressive ruins showcasing Incan engineering and culture.

Beyond its historical richness, this cultural and scenic journey helps with acclimatization before taking on the legendary Machu Picchu trek.

Machu Picchu, Hydroelectrica & Aguas Calientes

Machu Picchu, a true Wonder of the World, is a must-see in Peru. There are multiple ways to reach it, depending on time and budget, and local agencies can easily organize these options.

The quickest and most comfortable way is to take the train from Cuzco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by either a shuttle or a hike up to the site.

For a more immersive experience, several treks lead to Machu Picchu:

• The Inca Trail: the most famous, following the footsteps of the Incas over multiple days.

• The Salkantay Trek: a stunning alternative crossing snow-capped mountains, lush jungles, and turquoise lagoons.

• The Lares & Choquequirao Treks: offering off-the-beaten-path adventures with breathtaking landscapes.

The cheapest option is the Hydroelectrica route, combining a bus ride and a walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.

Due to limited time, I chose this two-day Hydroelectrica route. While the walk itself isn’t the most exciting, hiking instead of taking the train made the journey feel more rewarding. After a night in Aguas Calientes, we began the final ascent early in the morning—a 45-minute jungle climb leading to this iconic site.

If I had more time, I would have loved to do the Salkantay Trek. This 5-day adventure offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Peru, from towering peaks to deep valleys and dense forests. It’s physically demanding, but absolutely worth it.

Puerto Maldonado: Immersion in the Jungle

After about ten hours on a bus from Cusco, we finally reached Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon. As soon as we arrived, the Jungle Tour agency was already waiting for us at the bus station. We dropped off our backpacks at their office and set off with only the essentials. That’s when the real journey began: first, a motorboat ride along the river, followed by a hike through the jungle, and finally a canoe ride to reach our lodge.

We had booked a three-day, two-night stay, which cost us around $230 per person, all-inclusive from the moment we arrived in Puerto Maldonado (transport, meals, lodging, excursions, and guide). Since we were traveling during the Covid period, just after the borders reopened, we were incredibly lucky to have a private tour just for the three of us.

Each day brought new adventures. At sunrise or sunset—when the heat was more bearable—we would head out into the jungle with our guide. Monkeys, vibrantly colored birds, caimans gliding through the water, and even some piranhas we fished and ate that same evening… the wildlife was fascinating to observe.

The rest of the time, we soaked in the absolute calm, swaying in hammocks and simply listening to the sounds of the lush jungle. It was the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation—a truly unique experience we’ll never forget.

Transportation in Peru: Convenient and Comfortable

Throughout my trip to Peru, I mostly traveled by bus, and I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was. The main bus companies offer reclining seats, perfect for long journeys, especially overnight trips. It’s an ideal option to save on a night’s accommodation while arriving directly at your destination, ready to explore first thing in the morning.

Long-distance buses are well-equipped, with semi-cama (seats reclining to 140°) or cama (almost fully flat) options, depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for. Some companies even provide meals, blankets, and individual screens, making the journey more enjoyable.

It’s a cost-effective and safe way to travel across the country, allowing you to take in the ever-changing landscapes, from mountains to deserts and jungle. A great alternative to flying, which is more expensive and less immersive.

An Unforgettable Mishap: A Lesson Learned

This trip to Peru wasn’t without its unexpected challenges. After my time in the jungle and the Machu Picchu hike, a sharp pain appeared in my feet and ankles, accompanied by worrying swelling. At first, I assumed it was just a reaction to the altitude, but I quickly realized it was far more serious: infected mosquito bites had caused a severe skin infection, to the point where some areas began to necrotize.

I was rushed to the hospital and, fortunately, received excellent medical care. Thanks to my travel insurance (Macif), I didn’t have to pay anything upfront. A French doctor contacted me daily to monitor my condition and inform me of my options, including a possible repatriation if needed.

This experience was a harsh but essential reminder: never travel without good travel insurance. When the unexpected happens, it makes all the difference, providing both financial security and peace of mind.

Peru: A True Heartfelt Favorite

Despite this mishap, Peru remains one of my biggest travel favorites. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and incredible cuisine, this country has so much to offer. A month barely seems enough to scratch the surface of its wonders, yet every moment spent there is worth it. This journey left me with unforgettable memories and an irresistible desire to return one day. So, are you ready to fall under Peru’s spell?

Manon - Trip Completed in October 2021