You propose a visit to Peru understanding it’s going to be one thing particular. In spite of everything, Machu Picchu is what bucket lists are made for.
And whether or not you’re venturing to the Incan Citadel for a particular birthday, for a significant trek, or simply for an adventurous type of trip, the location is iconic for good cause.
However, as I discovered on my 7-day Inca Path journey with Intrepid Journey, you’ll go to for the ruins however depart having taken in and fallen for a lot extra. With that in thoughts, right here’s 10 stuff you’ll solely know when you’ve travelled in Peru:
10. It’s the those who make the place
Group interactions within the Sacred Valley
You’ll be onerous pressed to search out somebody whose been to Peru and never discovered the locals to be startlingly open and pleasant. In fact it’s not clever to make generalisations, however whether or not in Miraflores, Lima at night time or rural villages by day, I felt welcome wherever I went. And as a solo feminine traveller, this proved an enormous sense of consolation.
One of many fondest recollections from my journey was a morning spent with a area people within the Sacred Valley. After a scenic drive from Cusco we arrived to dancing, smiles and a language barrier that may’ve been insurmountable had it not been for our invaluable Intrepid chief turned translator, Cristina. She taught us a couple of phrases of Quechua, defined in regards to the neighborhood’s conventional life-style, and helped facilitate probably the most hospitable, memorable meals of the journey.
READ MORE ABOUT SPENDING TIME WITH THE LOCALS ON A HOMESTAY IN LAKE TITICACA
9. The cities are underrated of their gorgeousness
Cusco wanders
It’s no shock that Peru’s lush mountain greenery (and likewise desert!) steals numerous the present. However the cities are to not be slept on. Beginning in Lima was an incredible introduction to the nation for me. I used to be capable of see the colonial historical past and structure of the Plaza Mayor (predominant sq.) and likewise head to artistic, foodie district, Barranco, too.
However when you’re in search of magnificence then head to volcano-ringed second metropolis, Arequipa, or the official gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco. Each will present you – when you didn’t already know – that quaint streets, cobble stones, and ornate structure are what Instagram goals are product of.
READ MORE: WHAT TO EAT, DRINK, DO AND SEE IN CUSCO, PERU
8. Every week or two in Peru shouldn’t be sufficient
Lake Titicaca is a must-visit
Like many travellers to Peru on restricted trip days, I visited for a few week. (There’s a cause Intrepid’s hottest journey there’s the 7-day Inca Path Specific.) However the listing of causes to return is near limitless.
Two locations I’m keenest to return for are the Colca Canyon, which is casually twice as deep because the Grand Canyon. And Kuelap in Northern Peru, with its ruins that pre-date Machu Picchu’s and have-to-be-seen-to-be-believed waterfalls!
For those who’re something like me, you’ll journey to Peru and solely then realise fairly how a lot is on provide .
BROWSE ALL OF INTREPID’S TRIPS IN PERU FOR ENDLESS ADVENTURE
7. The meals scene is out of this world
Tasty Peruvian eats
Sure, there’s ceviche it’s best to completely attempt on the coast. And inland there’s cuy (roasted guinea pig) you may get on pizza or… by itself. However it is a land of over 4,000 forms of native potato. A land that mainly invented fusion meals with its Japanese-Peruvian and Chinese language-Peruvian cuisines. And a vacation spot that’ll shock and delight with its meals scene. And with its chicha morada, a purple corn drink that’s extraordinarily refreshing!
Even when mountain climbing (extra on that later), I used to be blown away by the meals on provide. And if there’s one tip I imagine fellow adventurers will profit from: eat the alpaca. You gained’t remorse it.
LOVE PERUVIAN FOOD? THIS 10-DAY FOOD TRIP IS MADE FOR YOU
6. The mountain climbing can be out of this world
Taking over the Inca Path
Don’t let individuals let you know Peru’s solely about mountain climbing. However when you’re even just a little bit tempted by the nice outside and the grandeur of the Andes, it’s an expertise to not be missed. As a result of except you’ve travelled to Peru, you merely can’t image how particular the mountain surroundings actually is.
Whereas journey planning I found that there are tons of epic hikes past the Inca Path. There’s the Choquequirao one, which is more difficult however rewards you with a website 3 times the scale of Machu Picchu. After which there are alternate routes to Machu Picchu, such because the lesser-known Quarry Path that I opted for, and – spoiler alert – completely liked. (Try my pictures and think about getting off the overwhelmed path too!)
READ MORE: WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE TREKKING THE INCA TRAIL
5. The (altitude) wrestle is actual…
Breathtaking Ollantaytambo
Enjoyable truth: the altitude of Cusco is definitely a lot greater than the altitude of Machu Picchu itself. However nonetheless you’re planning on visiting the world surprise, it’s greatest easing your approach in – whether or not that’s arriving in Cusco a day early, not bodily exerting your self upon arrival, consuming a number of water, or limiting alcohol pre trek. You don’t know the way you’ll react to the altitude however you can take precautions.
Most individuals in my Intrepid group had been impacted by the altitude a technique or one other (which is completely regular!), however our native guides had been all the time available to offer suggestions and reassurance in addition to much-appreciated coca tea.
For those who’ve been to Peru, you’ll know altitude isn’t price stressing out about however that it is price studying up on pre-trip. For starters, take a look at this information by a author who took the practice to Machu Picchu and this characteristic by a blogger who hiked the Inca Path.
READ MORE: 5 TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE ON YOUR INCA TRAIL TREK
4. …Although not for hero-like porters
Porters. Are. Wonderful.
Only a fast one to say… hikes and altitude may gradual you down. However they gained’t gradual porters down. As a result of porters are mainly superhuman. Not solely are they those carrying the group’s heavy tenting tools up the Inca Path, they’re just about assured to do it a lot sooner than you.
I used to be proud to hike with Intrepid Journey due to their Porter Coverage, which ensures the protection and wellbeing of those unimaginable people. And you know that when you select to hike that accountable journey is a necessity. And when you didn’t, properly you do now.
HERE’S HOW TO SUPPORT PORTERS THROUGH THE INTREPID FOUNDATIONÂ
3. Inca ruins are in every single place!
Day 3 of the Inca Path
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff or similar to to be stored in your toes, Peru’s MANY ruins gained’t disappoint. As a result of they’re just about in every single place – whether or not you’re a hiker otherwise you’re not. This Nationwide Geographic article gives you some thought, however half of the enjoyment is within the sudden.
My sudden favorite ruins? In Ollantaytambo, the place my group spent one very completely satisfied afternoon exploring one of many solely cities in Peru retaining its unique Inca partitions. Courting again to 1536 they honestly need to be seen to be believed.
READ MORE: 10 (OTHER) FACTS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT PERU
2. There’s a lot extra to Peru than Machu Picchu…
The wonderful Amazon
Admittedly, the entire level we made earlier a few week not being sufficient kinda touched on this. Nevertheless it’s simply so necessary we needed to say it once more. For those who go to Peru as soon as, you’ll wish to go to Peru once more. Due to the wild, spectacular Amazon. The intriguing archaeological thriller of the Nazca Traces. And the chance to hike, eat or cycle till you’re excessive on life. And have fallen onerous for Peru’s many charms.
READ MORE: PERU’S HIDDEN GEMS, ACCORDING TO AN INTREPID LEADER
1. …However, finally, nothing compares to Machu Picchu
You’ve gotta see it for your self.
There’s nothing else to say.
It’s price it.
Promise.
Able to expertise the above and go to Peru for your self? Try Intrepid’s vary of adventures there.