Today’s blog is by our fabulous Apprentice Anastasia Malavolti, who has extensive travel experience in South America.
Peru is a fascinating country, affordable, full of history, culture and breath-taking landscapes. Check out the Best Places to Visit in Peru. Even if you are used to travelling independently like me, some places in Peru are worth visiting with a tour. When planning an itinerary in Peru, take into consideration that it is a pretty touristic country. There are many companies offering various Peru tours that might be a good option for your trip.
Here is a collection of some tours that will make your visit to Peru unforgettable.
Peru Tours – Vinicunca Mountain
To me that I love nature and hiking, Vinicunca Mountain is a must. The hike is a bit tough, giving the altitude and the sometimes pretty steep path. But, really, if you can get to the top, it will be totally worth it! The tree tours below are very good options. They all leave from Cusco and include the hotel pickup and the 3 hours bus ride to the start of the hike. Breakfast, a packed lunch, and some snacks also come with the tour.
Peru Tours – Lake Titicaca
Another good option is to visit Lake Titicaca with a tour. Most of the time is more convenient than going alone because it includes boat transportation, food, and a guide. I would recommend spending one night on one of the bigger islands, Amantani or Taquile, with a local family. It is a very interesting experience. The inhabitants, despite the increasing tourism still live pretty traditionally. To me, it was very curious to notice that the electricity comes from solar panels on the islands: very good!
Even if some parts of the tour might feel a bit artificial, I loved my experience at Lake Titicaca. The sunsets are wonderful and the place is awesome for some relax time.
Lima – The Peruvian Capital
Lima is the capital of Peru and although I wouldn’t plan to stay for more than 3 days in the city, there are some tours that might want to consider. The classic city tours give you historical and cultural insights on the places you visit. For me, the highlight is visiting the city by bike. Some parts of Lima are improving their infrastructures and becoming “bike-friendly”, which makes the tour a particularly pleasant one.
Cusco City: a must-stop on a Peru Itinerary
Of course, if you are visiting Peru, you don’t want to miss Cusco, the ancient Incan capital. The colonial-style mixed to the traditional Incan streets is a spectacular combination. Most of the tours from Cusco include tours to Machu Picchu or Vinicunca Mountain. If you can and you are willing to know more about the history of Cusco, city tours are recommended.
Lima is also known around the world for its tasty cuisine. I recommend you to take a look at this list of the best gastronomic tours in Lima. I definitely would try to get to know about the wonders of Peruvian food through one of these tours, they are worth it!
Machu Picchu – best Tours in Peru
Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is often on the bucket list of many travelling to Peru. Make sure that you research the latest tips on visiting Machu Picchu. Many tours start from Cusco. You can choose how to get there, to me the most magical way is the Inca Trail. Some tours do plan 3-4 days hike trips, with tends, food and guide. Or you can go with the classical guided tour from Cusco. Even if you can easily get to Machu Picchu on your own, you still need to hire a guide to get in. If you’re travelling in a group, a guided tour might be a cost-effective option.
Peru Tours – Arequipa
Arequipa is a colonial city worth a visit in Peru. It is also a good starting point for the beautiful Colca Canyon, which is recommended to be visited with a guided tour.
As you can see, Peru offers a lot of different options and many tours might make your trip easier and more complete!
What to pack for Peru
First of all, athletic shoes work perfectly for your hikes. However, if you have weak ankles or you are trekking during the rainy season, hiking boots might be more suitable for you.
Having a warm base layer under your other layers is an excellent solution when hiking or camping. Both a thermal shirt and thermal leggings are absolute must-haves. They are thin, but really keep you warm.
[amazon box =”B07HP6HHPH” button_detail=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HP6HHPH?tag=templeseeker-20″ button_detail_text=”Buy on Amazon US”]Even if youβre travelling during the dry season, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and it is wise to bring a rain jacket with you.
Also, either you are heading to the beaches or to the hot springs in the highland, don’t forget your swimsuit.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are also vital to protect you from the strong sun while you go out on treks or tours.