Peru is a country made for adventure seekers. Our journey kicked off with a boat ride to the Peruvian Galapagos Islands, followed by thrilling dune buggy rides through the world’s driest desert. We explored the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu and hiked to the colorful peaks of Rainbow Mountain. Every day felt like a new chapter in an unforgettable adventure. But it wasn’t just the landscapes—Peru’s beauty stretches beyond its breathtaking desert coastlines, towering mountains, and lush cloud rainforests. As we wandered through vibrant markets filled with handcrafted goods like cozy baby alpaca clothing and witnessed the timeless traditions of the Andean highlands, it felt like every corner of Peru had a story to tell. And the food? From fresh ceviche to savory empanadas and indulgent Peruvian chocolate, every meal was a delicious discovery. This was my husband and mine’s first trip to South America, and we couldn’t have picked a better introduction.
Destination Insights
Peru is a country that blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for any adventurers.
History
Peru is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, the Inca Empire. The iconic ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, where you can explore ancient temples, agricultural terraces, and sophisticated engineering feats. For a more modern twice, visit Peru’s capital, Lima, and check out the neighborhood of Barranco, known for its colorful streets, bohemian vibe, and thriving art scene. The neighborhood is full of galleries, street art, and cozy cafés that make it the perfect place to wander and soak in the creative energy.
Flora & Fauna
Along the coast, we observed Humboldt penguins perched on rocky islands, sea lions lounging in the sun, and starfish scattered across cliffs where waves crashed below. Inland, Andean condors soared through the skies, while hummingbirds darted among vibrant flowers. In the Amazon basin, the dense rainforest is home to giant otters, macaws, and elusive jaguars. Peru’s agricultural richness shines in its tropical fruits like passion fruit, cherimoya, and camu camu, as well as its vegetables such as beets, carrots, and onions, complemented by herbs like mint and licorice. Each moment underscored the diversity of Peru’s ecosystems.
Food
Peruvian food is delicious! Be sure to sample ceviche, pollo a la brasa, lomo saltado, and arroz con mariscos. A Pisco Sour or Chilcano cocktail is a good way to experience the local drinks, and Chicha Morada was hands down my favorite refreshing option! For something different, there’s also tasty Japanese and Chinese food available. Restaurant recommendations included Punto Azul for seafood, Pardos Chicken for pollo a la brasa, and Francesco for more seafood. Isolina in Barranco offers a variety of Peruvian dishes that are perfect for sharing. For sushi, Edo Sushi Bar is a solid choice, and Madam Tusan serves Chinese food in Miraflores. While in Barranco, be sure to stop by one of the many coffee shops in the area. If you’re hungry, Canta Rana serves a unique ceviche.
Weather
Peru’s weather varies by region: the coast has a mild desert climate, the Andean highlands are cooler, and the Amazon basin offers tropical conditions. The dry season from April to October is more popular due to the pleasant weather (, while the rainy season from November to March is wetter with fewer crowds. We visited in January, when temperatures ranged from 65-90°F, so we packed for all kinds of weather!
Langage
Spanish is the official language in Peru, but don’t be surprised if you hear Quechua, the ancient language of the Inca civilization. Many Peruvians, especially in touristy areas, speak a bit of English, but it’s always helpful to know a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience.
Currency
Peruvian sol (PEN) is the official currency, so make sure to keep some in hand for local markets. However, U.S. dollars in some tourist areas are preferred due to their stable value.
Souvenirs
Peru is a treasure trove of unique made goods. From colorful textiles and intricate jewelry to luxurious baby alpaca wool items like scarves, blankets, and sweaters, there’s something special for everyone. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Cusco or exploring the markets in Lima, supporting local artisans is a great way to take a piece of Peru home. I personally found beautiful baby alpaca wool sweaters, textile place mats, and beautiful watercolor artwork that will always remind me of the country’s rich craftsmanship.
Travel Guide
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Flight (12 hours): SNA to IAH to LIM |
| Afternoon | • Lunch from the Brass Tap Room |
| Evening | • Night at Holiday Inn Lima Airport. Insider Tip: Use the hotel shuttle as downtown Lima isn’t the safest. |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Holiday Inn Lima Airport: Large spread available at 4am. • Road Trip (4 hours): Peru Hop Bus from Lima to Paracas. |
| Afternoon | • Explore the Paracas beach town • Lounge by the oceanside |
| Evening | • Dinner and Night at Atoq Paracas Reserva |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast to-go from Atoq Paracas Reserva: Ham and cheese sandwich, cereal bar, fruit, and cookies hit the spot! |
| Afternoon | • Ballestas Islands Tour. Insider Tip: These islands are nicknamed Peru’s Galapagos Islands. • Paracas National Park Tour |
| Evening | • Adrenaline rush in Huacachina: Dune buggy ride and sandboarding are a must! • Dinner at Olive Tree: The chicken Chinese noodles were delicious! • Road Trip (4.5 hours): Peru Hop Bus from Huacachina to Lima. • Night at Arawi Miraflores Prime |
Day 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Savannah Café: Cinnamon roll and Chai Latte were tasty. • Stroll to Miraflores Beach Viewpoint and “El Beso” sculpture |
| Afternoon | • Road Trip (50 mins): Taxi shuttle from Miraflores to LIM airport. • Flight (~1.5 hour): LIM to CUZ • Road Trip (25 mins): Arrange taxi shuttle from CUZ to hotel ahead of time. • Shopping at La Vicunita Factory: Baby alpacha sweaters, scarfs, etc. are so soft! |
| Evening | • Dinner at Yaku Restaurant: The vegetable stew and lomo saltado were amazing! • Night at Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco |
Day 5
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco: Oatmeal and fruit fueled our adventurous day. |
| Afternoon | • Machu Picchu Tour. Insider Tip: We did one day, so be prepared to take a round trip 6 hour bus ride and 3 hour train ride. |
| Evening | • Lunch at Sami Restaurant: Incredible view of the Urumbum river. |
Day 6
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • ATV Ride to Rainbow Mountain. Insider Tip: We opted for the early morning start at 3:30am and would recommend this Viator tour again. |
| Afternoon | • Hike to Rainbow Mountain (2.5 miles): At 16,000ft in elevation, altitude sickness is legit with the 1,000ft incline. Insider Tip: Breathe in of alcohol to open up the lungs. Recommend riding the horse or motorcycle to the top to beat the crowds. |
| Evening | • Dinner at Carpe Diem Cucina Italiana: Maragrita pizza hit the spot! |
Day 7
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco: French toast and fruit hit the spot. |
| Afternoon | • Stroll around Plaza Mayor de Cuzco • Lunch at Café Panam: Veggie sandwich and danish chocolate were so tasty! • Tour Cocoa Factory • Flight (~1 hr): CUZ to LIM • Road Trip (~1 hr): Taxi ride to Barrarcos |
| Evening | • Dinner at Reiwa Yakitori: Sushi was spot on. • Drinks at Cordial Wine Bar: The Albita Orange Wine 2016 was delicious! • Night at Airbnb in Modern Barrarcos apartment |
Day 8
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco: French toast and fruit hit the spot. |
| Afternoon | • Soak up sun on the rooftop pool at the Airbnb Afternoon • Store luggage. Insider Tip: We used Luggage Hero. • Brunch Caleta Dolsa Coffee: Oats and Chai Latte were scrumptious. • Walk to Playa Los Yuyos. Insider Tip: Walk near the bridge of sighs to enjoy beautiful murals. |
| Evening | • Road Trip (~1 hr): Taxi ride to LIM airport • Dinner, Spa, and Night at Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima |
Day 9
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Flight (12 hours): LIM to IAH to SNA. Insider Tip: We left at 1:50am and returned around 11:30am to CA, what a long travel day! |
Next Time Must Do’s
Would love to backpack the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to experience the rugged beauty of the Andes up close. The Amazon Basin is also calling my name—nothing beats exploring the world’s largest rainforest! Would like to visit Humantay Lake for fresh mountain air and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.In Cusco, would like to visit Qenqo to learn more about Inca history and rituals. In Lima, I’d check out Centro Histórico, including Museo Larco Café-Restaurant. So grateful to Andrea and Stephen for their amazing recommendations, so many future adventures await!
Wilderness Wisdom
Peru is a country of extreme climates, offering diverse weather conditions due to its varied geography. Along the coast, you’ll find the world’s driest desert, with high temperatures and little rainfall, perfect for desert adventures like dune buggy rides. Moving into the Andes, the climate cools, with mild temperatures and thin air, especially in high-altitude areas like Machu Picchu. The Andean region is known for its cloud forests, where morning and evening temperatures can drop, adding a chill to the air. Lastly, the Amazon basin offers a humid, tropical climate, with heavy rainfall and high humidity, making it a lush, vibrant environment. This contrast in climates allows travelers to experience a wide range of landscapes, all in one trip.
Trailside Ties
During this trip, I read Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams. The book takes you through Hiram Bingham’s journey of rediscovering Machu Picchu, mixing his personal story, some humor, and the history of the Inca civilization. This book reminded me of how fun it is to discover new places and learn from the past. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to dive into Peru’s history with a few laughs along the way.
At Machu Picchu, I took time to do some watercolor painting with a travel kit, capturing the terraces and surrounding mountains. The act of painting helped me slow down, observe the details, and connect with the landscape. If you visit, bring along a small creative project—it’s a meaningful way to be present and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the place.
Photo Journal
Summary
As our trip came to an end, we couldn’t help but feel like we’d only scratched the surface of what Peru—and South America—has to offer. It was a perfect sampler of the continent’s incredible diversity, from the sweeping desert landscapes to the ancient ruins and lush rainforests. Every day brought something new, and we left with a hunger for more. Peru was just the beginning, and now we’re already dreaming of our next adventure in South America. There’s so much more to explore, and we can’t wait to dive deeper into the rich cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes, and delicious food this part of the world has waiting for us.
