Amanda PhillipsThere are some countries that boast more than one stand out destination and encourage you to explore all its corners. Peru is one of these countries. Huddled together on the pacific coast of South America, you can’t just fly into the capital, have a one week break and then fly back home. And why would you want to? Peru is a bucket list destination home to an official Wonder of the World, 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a distinct melting pot of cultures found nowhere else.
This is a country that requires an itinerary and here are the five cities that you should make sure are included in any Peru itinerary.
Lima
Every Peruvian adventure starts in the capital city of Lima. Home to the only international airport in the country, some travellers make the mistake of skipping onwards the next morning without exploring Peru’s main urban playground. Around the city you will uncover the city’s rich history with examples of pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern architecture, as well as a rich foodie scene and lively nightlife. There are also pleasant beaches at the north and south of the city.
Machu Picchu
We didn’t need to tell you that this should be on your list, did we? This sky-scrapping Inca city is one of the primary reason many people visit Peru, and some head straight here when they land. Evidence of Inca life can be found as you explore homes, temples and inspect the irrigation system. Despite being the most recognisable example of Inca history, historians are baffled by its existence but it is believed to have existed since the 15th Century undetected by Spanish settlers (and only came to mainstream attention in 1911).
Cusco
When you’re on your way to Machu Picchu from Lima, remember to stop by the culturally energetic city of Cusco. It is one of Peru’s most important tourist destinations with many travellers treating it as their hotel base while they explore Macchu Picchu or the Sacred Valley of the Incas. But the city itself also has much to discover. Cusco was the historic capital of the Incas and features many well-preserved buildings that date back to pre-colonial times and just outside the city is the sacred Inca site of Sacsayhuaman – a large complex built from limestone boulders.
The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is another world wonder that many travellers consider to be a bucket-list item. There are a few ways into the Amazon, and which area you choose to visit will depend on whether you’re looking to raft down along its winding bends or keep an eye out for rare birds. It’s worth noting that it is difficult to explore the Amazon Rainforest without an official guide and self-organised tours will probably encounter a few difficulties. Luckily there are loads of tours groups and guides to choose from.
Nazca Lines
If you really want to delve deep into Peru’s ancient history, we recommend the large ancient geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert. Believed to date back 500 BCE the designs are a mix of geometric lines, stylised animals (such as monkeys and spiders) and symbols of nature such as trees and flowers. The lines themselves are very shallow but due to a lack of wind on the plateau, the lines have remained visible without human intervention. Many tourists choose to hop on a plane to view them, but most of the geoglyphs can be viewed from surrounding foothills.
