Peru Highlights
Cusco
Cusco Specialties: 4 Dishes Not To Be Missed
5 Authentic restaurants where you can eat like a local
Green point – Hands down the best restaurant in Cusco. Do not let the theme (vegan) deter you. It is one of my favorite restaurants in the whole world. And you will leave absolutely stuffed. Lunch buffet has a crowd so get there early! It has both Peruvian food as well as other options. I took plenty of meat eaters here and they absolutely loved it.
Machu Picchu
14 Ways to Get to Machu Picchu
6 Different Ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
For those who are trekking, accommodation, transportation, food and entrance tickets are paid for and taken care of beforehand. Here is some very helpful general information.
What you need to know to visit Machu Picchu
Here is a closer look at your trekking options. I did the 5 day Salkantay trek and had the most amazing time. Highly recommend it!
The Sacred Valley
A Day Trip to Pisac – the Ruins + Market
How to visit the ruins and market in Pisac, Peru (without a tour)
Spend a half a day at each site to make a lovely day trip.
Maras is famous for its beautiful (and still functioning) salt mines. Snap some incredible pics, shop high quality products and learn how the salt is mined here in these unique salt pans.
Moray is an archeological site of the Incas most likely used for agriculture. There are a some curious and interesting unknowns about the uses and innovations that make it all the more interesting.
The Amazon
Which Amazon Jungle Region is the Best to Visit in Peru
The Best Areas of the Amazon Jungle to Visit in Peru
Responsible Travel
Don’t go anywhere that lets you touch the animals! Have we learned nothing from Tiger King?
Don’t litter, don’t use single-use plastic water bottles
How to Travel Responsibly in the Amazon
How to be a responsible and sustainable tourist
Responsible tourism in the Amazon Rainforest – Geared towards Brazil but still applies. Info on cruises and animal captivity.
10 Things You Should Know Before a Visit to the Peruvian Amazon
Arequipa
Colca Canyon Tour Info – gather information but shop around once you arrive. Book in person if you can help it, it’s always cheaper than booking online. I would recommend the two-day tour. On day one you drive out and see condors in the morning and hike down into the canyon in the afternoon where you’ll spend the night. Day two you rise early to hike out and beat the sun. It gets a bit grueling by the end but just make sure you don’t forget to stop every now and then and take a look around.
Three days is exactly the same as the two-day tour but more spaced out. You’re still doing the tough part of the hike in one morning, though, there is no getting around that. In my opinion, it’s a bit of a waste of time and money. The one-day option won’t get to do everything and not recommended unless you’re really short on time or not physically fit enough for the trek.
Doing it on your own:
Huacachina
The town of Huacachina is very small so the best eating, sleeping and doing can all be found in complete guides.
If coming with Peru Hop you have the option of booking your dune buggy tours with them right there on the bus. My entire bus did it together which was really fun. They will arrange everything for you and the optional pisco tour is included with your ticket at no extra charge.
Paracas
Don’t be too quick to overlook this underrated town. It may be small but it packs a punch with it’s own version of the Galapagos Islands and jaw dropping views at the National Reserve you’ll be glad you made the stop.
Paracas is a small town and the best information can be found the same blog post. Here are three great ones.
Puno
Huaraz
The number one reason I will be back to Peru ASAP. Cannot wait to dig my hiking boots into this gem!
Nazca Lines
I only saw them from the road because I personally do not believe the flight to be worth your time or money. The going rate is about $80 – $100 for a 30 minute flight and a lot of waiting around. You can see some along the road from a viewing tower and I have heard that, in addition to the cost, the flights are unorganized and leave something to be desired. However, that being said, they are also one of the most popular attractions in Peru and I have read a lot of positive reviews while searching for info. Read more about it and decide for yourself!
Ancient Nazca: More than just flying
8 Really Useful Things to Know Before Flying the Nazca Lines
Mancora
