When dreaming of getting away, Peru might not be the first place that comes to mind. But it should. Travel to Peru is budget friendly and there are so many things to see and do when you explore Peru.
Here are five of the top places to see in Peru:
1. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is Peru’s most popular tourist attraction and no wonder. It is of one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.
Machu Picchu is believed to have been built as a military fortress around the middle of the 15th century, and later used as an estate for Inca royalty.
The buildings there are well preserved, and there is evidence that there was once an irrigation system. There are houses, temples, fountains and baths, as well as agricultural terraces.
2. The Inca Trail
Located in the Andes Mountains, the trail is 2, 100 meters above sea level.
Even getting to Machu Picchu is exciting! You hike the Inca Trail to get there, which is 43 kilometres, so it takes a few days. But it is worth it!
This spectacular trail is the route the Incas used to take, and features mountains and jungles. Machu Picchu is 2,100 meters above sea level, so be warned there is a chance you could suffer from altitude sickness.
You can’t hike the trail independently, so you either have to be part of an organized tour, or hire a private guide. Either way, be sure to use a reputable company.
3. Nazca Lines
The Nazca Desert is a few hours south of Lima and occupies a high, arid plateau along the northern Pacific coast.
In the red sand of this Ica desert, you can find the famous Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs created between 200 BC and 700 AD. Thanks to the dry, windless and stable climate, the lines have been preserved until today.
These lines display figures that include simple lines, stylized spiders, monkeys, lizards and human figures. There are hundreds of designs that span across 30-50km of desert.
They were probably drawn by the Nazca people, but it is a mystery as to how or why.
4. Arequipa
Second in size to the capitol of Peru, Lima, Arequipa offers lower costs and lots of its own attractions. Located in the Andes between three volcanoes, Arequipa is also known as the White City, thanks to the city’s striking architecture made of white volcanic sillar stone.
A building of note is the gorgeous Cathedral of Arequipa. Other attractions include the Santa Catalina Monastery, frozen Inca mummies, and food, because Arequipa is the culinary capital of the country!
5. Cusco
Close to Machu Picchu, this city is a tourist destination, too. A colonial city, it has smooth cobblestone roads and churches with Baroque architecture.
Those who like walking trails and history love Cusco, as well as those who enjoy festivals. Cusco has many colourful festivals! And the city center has a mixture of Incan ruins, whitewashed stone homes and textile markets, among other things.
There is so much to see!