For many, visiting Peru is a lifelong dream; for others, it’s a place admired only from afar, through a screen. We were fortunate enough to experience Peru up close. In fact, we traveled its winding roads, hiked atop its breathtaking mountains, and immersed ourselves in its rich, vibrant culture.
Peru has exceeded all our expectations, leaving us with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this awe-inspiring country. If you were to ask me, Peru is one of the best countries in South America.
Table of Contents
Itinerary Overview & Map
We spent a total of 2 months in South America, starting and finishing in Lima, Peru. After spending some days in Lima we then flew to Cusco. Here we did the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, explored the Sacred Valley and the Rainbow Mountain. The trip then continued by bus to Puno, on lake Titicaca. We spent a night on one of the islands with the local community, hiked on of its mountains and danced in traditional outfits. This is then where we entered Bolivia.
Days 1-2: Lima
This was our first time in South America. As with any first-times, we were nervous but exited to explore a new place. Our first stop was Lima, the capital of Peru.
Coming from a sweltering 36 degrees in Madrid, we were surprised by the chilly temperatures and overcast sky in Lima. However, many locals assured us that gloomy winters are typical here. Despite these conditions, the intrepid surfers were undeterred, fearlessly braving the ocean waves on their boards.
To get a deeper understanding of Lima, we chose to take a walking tour of its city center. Despite invasions from neighboring countries and the Spanish conquistadores, Lima has successfully preserved its unique charm. However, the region is prone to earthquakes, which have unfortunately led to the destruction of many historic buildings over the years.
Frequently asked questions: Lima
- Where should I stay in Lima?
We stayed in Miraflores, which is a popular area for backpackers. It is quite close to the city centre and has many shops as well as restaurants to choose from. - How many days should I spend in Lima?
2-3 days should be enough to explore the city. - How do you move around Lima?
Uber or Cabify are very popular and cheap. Otherwise, Lima has a metro (more of a bus actually) to reach the main attractions. If you are into an adventure, then opt for a minibus. - Should I buy a Sim card in Peru?
Yes, I highly recommend it. Sim cards and internet plans are very cheap in Peru. We used Claro and never experienced any problems. - Where can I withdraw money?
We always went to BCP and were never charged withdrawal fees. But, this also depends on your issuing bank, so you’d better check with them before traveling.
Days 3-12: Cusco
To reach our next destination, we chose to fly instead of taking a bus, hoping to save time and avoid early exhaustion. Cusco, situated at an impressive 3,399 meters above sea level, rests in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains and is home to around 489,000 residents.
In the main square, Plaza de Armas, the blend of architectural styles beautifully reflects both the legacy of the Inca Empire and the influence of Spanish colonialism. In fact, most Peruvian cities feature a Plaza de Armas (known as Plaza Mayor in Spain), a result of the Spanish invasion and rebranding that began in the 1500s.
Due to its proximity to numerous attractions, Cusco serves as an ideal base for planning treks and activities. To visit Machu Picchu, we chose the Salkantay trek – a captivating 5-day journey that takes you through glaciers, Inca ruins, and lush tropical forests. Once we returned to Cusco and had some time to rest, we then booked a tour to explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley. Afterward, we embarked on an unforgettable trip to the stunning Rainbow Mountain.
Frequently asked questions: Cusco
- How do I reach Cusco?
From Lima you can either take a plane or go by bus (>20h drive). If you’re short of time, we recommend flying in. - How many days should I spend in Cusco?
Your experience in the Cusco region will depend on your interests, as it offers a diverse range of activities. If you enjoy hiking, I recommend using Cusco as a base to explore the surrounding mountains, such as Salkantay or Ausangate. Otherwise, there are numerous organized tours available from Cusco, including excursions to the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain. In this case, spending 7 to 10 days would be ideal for fully exploring the area’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. - Is it cold in Cusco?
Since the city is located above 3,000m / 9,843 feet, at night it can get quite cold. In August, for instance, the days were quite warm, but as soon as the sun set, the temperature dropped sharply. - What should I know before traveling to Cusco?
A common issue in Cusco is the availability of hot water. It’s not uncommon for hot water to be inconsistent, so be sure to read reviews and thoroughly check accommodations before making a booking.
Days 12-15: Puno
Our next stop was Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3,810 m / 12,500 feet), the highest navigable lake in the world. If you want to reach Puno, there are several ways. In fact, you can fly into Juliaca Airport or take a bus from Cusco or Arequipa. In my opinion, buses are the best and most economical mode of transportation in Peru. However, if you’re short on time, flights are a convenient option for connecting to key cities inland.
We did not spend as much time in Puno itself as on the neighboring islands. To visit the islands, we booked a tour. But you can plan the trip independently by booking a private boat to the islands.
Lake Titicaca – Uros, Amantani and Taquile islands
Uros islands, also known as “floating islands”, are located just a couple of minutes away from the Puno harbour. Are you wondering whether these islands really float? In fact, yes they do! These islands were artificially built from totora reed beds tied together by ropes.
The islands, boats, and homes of the Uros people are all skillfully constructed from totora reeds. In order to prevent the islands from sinking, they require continual maintenance, with new layers of totora roots added every few weeks.
Then, we arrived on Amantani island where we experienced the daily life of a local Quechua family. Despite our poor Spanish and the basic living conditions, we embraced the quiet day and the different cultural setting.
Amantani island has two peaks, “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) and “Pachatata” (Father Earth), that rise to approx. 4,000m / 13,123 feet. Later at sunset, we went to visit them both and enjoy the view from the top of the Titicaca lake.
In the evening, the families organised a typical night of dancing, for which we were dressed in typical ponchos, hats and skirts.
The next morning, we went to Taquile island and enjoyed a relaxing walk around its shores. The island is mostly known for its weaving, which plays a significant role in both the local traditions and tourism.
The day after returning from the islands, we took a bus to Copacabana and crossed the border with Bolivia. Don’t miss out on the different types of nuts and snacks at the border. Delicious and very cheap!
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