Peru – A world to discover

Unlike other sensational South American countries, Peru is truly a magnificent story itself! It's the country of history, flabbergasting religion, amazing culture, breathtaking beauty, and adventure – filled with immense marvels for keen travelers! With the diversity of the landscape, the open-minded and welcoming people, and the top-notch historic sites, Peru has it all. From the ancient Inca City of Machu Picchu to hiking in the Andes, Peru is undoubtedly unmissable! Those who are still in two minds about what to see or explore in this unique destination here is a thorough guide that will surely help you out!

1. Walk with the ancestors on the Inca Trail

In this stunning four-day hike which ends at the famous Machu Picchu, you will have the chance to witness some of the world's glorious natural wonders. The popular Inca Trail begins at the Cusco-Ahuas Calientes rail line at compresses around 82km in total. You will have the chance to pass through more than 30 Inca ruins and traverse spectacular scenery. Not only that, but no matter how demanding the trail might be, the end destination is utterly rewarding and all hikers forget about aches and worries. Depending on the type of tour, travelers can either carry their backpacks or have them transported. Bear in mind that you should book the tour well in advance, because the demand is high, especially in July and August.

2. Witness and explore the untamed Amazon

As a visitor, you would probably jump on a half-hour flight from Cusco to go to the starting tour of the amazon. But if you are up for a challenge, you could sign up to volunteer abroad and help plant the trees and shrubs, remove invasive species, and help protect the Amazon jungle. If you were to volunteer in this part of Peru, you would see an incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna, and do your part to help Mother Nature. On the other hand,  by merely exploring Amazon as a tourist you can visit the Reserva Nacional Tambopata jungle lodges and explore the hot jungle and see caimans, capybara, various monkeys, and turtle species, and have an unforgettable adventure.

3. See the word’s wonder – Machu Picchu

You simply cannot visit Peru and skip Machu Picchu. As one of the world's most famous heritage sites, Machu Picchu is one of the most majestic Inca cities perched high upon a ridge, over 300 meters above the Urubamba River. The entire landscape is surrounded by breathtaking cloud-shrouded mountains, lush greeneries, and mesmerizing views. The impressive ruins stand proud and tall in the jungle-covered mountains overlooking the river, so the hike up the Inca Trail is no plain sailing. Some travelers opt for the luxury train option instead of the four-day hike. The ancient Incan city dates back to 1450AD, but it hasn't come into the limelight until the American historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. The peak of the season is from June to August, but if you wish to avoid the crowd you can come in May or September as the weather is equally fine. The journey up to Machu Picchu is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it should be on everybody's bucket list.

4. Unravel the mysterious Nazca lines

People haven't heard about the infamous Nazca lines until the 1920s when plains started flying over this area. The strange and mysterious hillside drawings near Nazca and Paracas have been alluring to tourists for decades. These huge and amazing drawings have been made on the flat desert floor utterly unknown. Scientists and historians reckon that the lines were a product of the Paracas and Nazca cultures around900 BC and AD 600. Why and how were they made remains a mystery to this date! From the air, you will be able to see around 70 different animal and plant drawings, plus hundreds of other geometrical shapes. While you are in this region, make sure to visit other Nazca ancient sites like the Cemetery of Chauchilla.

5. Enliven all your senses at Lima

Amongst many other charming petite villages across vast Peru, the capital city of Lima is also a must-stop. With a combination of cosmopolitan buildings and rich history, it's no wonder that Lima's Historic Center is another UNESCO World Heritage Site you would explore. The first place to explore is the main square, Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by a glorious cathedral on the east side and Palacio del Gobierno on the north side. Besides numerous restaurants where you can try out some of the mouth-watering Peruvian delights, you can go to the pedestrian street, Jiron de la Union, and go shopping and sightseeing. You're in for something special in Lima. Green suburb of Miraflores, antique shops and bars, intriguing Spanish-colonial churches, and monasteries – and so much more awaits you there!

6. Blend with the locals and nature at the Sacred Valley

Another Incan gem, the Sacred Valley is just an hour's drive north of Cusco and it's home to dazzling markets and an abundance of Inca ruins worth exploring. In the beautiful valley, you will have the chance to pass the towns of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba, try their unique food specialties and soak up the local culture. What's more, if you are brave enough, you can spend the night at Skylodge Adventure Suites in a glass pod situated on the side of a 400m cliff. You would be able to blend with nature, stargaze, and immerse yourself in this peaceful area.

7. Take a boat tour at Lake Titicaca

The mesmerizing blue waters of Lake Titicaca are surrounded by rolling hills and traditional small villages. Lake is located at the Bolivian border and it's the highlight navigable lake in the world, believe it or not, located at 3,812 m in the Andes. Here you can delve into the real culture of Peru and see the stunning floating houses and the luscious scenery. You can take a boat trip around the island and the famous Uros Floating Islands and see how those people live off the grid. This unique lake offers every traveler an unforgettable experience, so it's another must-see place in Peru.

These places to see in Peru are surely impeccable, but there are more to add to the list. If you happen to come to Peru, you would need a minimum of 10 days to explore it to the fullest.