As a traveler, I often find myself captivated by the scenery in movies and dream of visiting those places. After watching "The Lord of the Rings" and falling in love with New Zealand, I've been itching to go to Italy after seeing "The Shape of Water." But while watching "Transformers: The Rise of the Beasts" on my latest trip, I found myself regretting not being able to fly immediately to Peru - the setting of the movie.
While the storyline of the movie may be predictable, it still serves as an adequate promotional piece for Peru as its setting.
In addition to the famous Machu Picchu, the movie also features lesser-known destinations such as Cusco, which has become a popular transit point for many travelers.
Today, I would like to take this opportunity to praise Peru, a hidden gem in South America, although it is far away, it is truly beautiful and full of fun activities.
Peru's natural resources are abundant, offering a wide range of outdoor activities from rainforests to highlands, and breathtaking views of the Andean mountains.
Its cultural heritage is top-notch, from exploring the lost Inca civilization hidden in the clouds at Machu Picchu, to marveling at every corner of its well-preserved history and architecture.
If you're a train enthusiast, you should definitely add Peru to your future travel list, with the luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer train taking you through the stunning scenery of the Andes mountain range en route to Lake Titicaca.
Where is Peru?
Peru is located in western South America, bordering Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Bolivia, with Lima as its capital.
In addition to being the third-largest country in South America, Peru has an abundance of natural and cultural heritage, so it's recommended to spend at least 10 days there to make the most of your trip.
Transportation in Peru
Major tourist cities in Peru can be reached by plane, train, or bus, making travel very convenient.
When taking taxis within the city, it's best to use Uber instead of local taxis, as they may not be reliable and could overcharge you.
Official language of Peru
Official languages are Spanish, and communication is possible using translation software.
The best time to visit
The months of June to September are the dry season, with clear skies and a high probability of seeing the entire Machu Picchu landscape.
Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian Cuisine reflects the country’s history, with a variety that is unique in the world.
Each city boasts its own regional dish with unique flavors.
- Lima’s cuisine has undoubtedly earned it an excellent and well-deserved position as one of the top food capitals in the world.With its iconic dishes, ceviche and tiradito, Lima is a prime destination for those who love good cuisine.
- Andean Cuisine:The Peruvian mountains are synonymous with variety. Andean cuisine abounds with stews, soups, meats, and exquisite desserts made from corn, milk and fruits.
- Cuisine of Arequipa:Rocoto peppers, the area’s iconic delicacy, solterito cheese salad, white soup, pork crackling, guisado stew, and the famous adobo dominical all entice visitors.
- The cuisine of the Northern Coast:The warm climate of Peru’s northern coast offers a delectable variety of seafood and fish to satisfy the tastes of even the most discriminating visitors.
- Novo-Andean Cuisine:Novo-Andean cuisine is a new style, originating in Peru, that reclaims the culinary traditions of its pre-Hispanic past to recreate, and therefore rediscover, many local ingredients.
Precautionary Note
1. Due to the high altitude in most areas of Peru, it's advisable to take medication to prevent altitude sickness beforehand;
2. Pack clothes for all seasons, as the temperature difference between regions can be quite large;
3. If planning to visit rainforest areas, it's recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever in advance.
Peru Travel Guide
Usually, we would first arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, and then start our journey from there to explore the rest of the country.
Travel plans in Peru usually last around seven to ten days, but today I'll give you a more comprehensive itinerary since traveling to South America isn't easy.
- Arrive in Lima
- Lima - Amazon Rainforest - Lima
- Lima - Cusco
- Cusco - Vinicunca Mountain - Cusco
- Cusco - Hot Springs Town
- Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu - Cusco
- Cusco - Puno
- Puno - Lake Titicaca
You can follow the order above to explore Peru, and spend several days at each location such as the Amazon rainforest, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca to fully experience the beauty of these places.
If time is tight, you can also adjust the itinerary according to your preferences and remove some destinations.
Destination - Lima
Lima is the capital of Peru and often serves as the first stop for visitors to the country.
When arriving in Lima, one of the first stops can be Plaza Mayor, where the mysterious San Francisco Church is located. This church is known as the 'Church of Human Bones,' due to historical and cultural reasons, there are countless human bones beneath the church.
However, contrary to the horror rumors, the interior decoration of the church is magnificent Baroque style, with gold and vibrant colors.
Plaza Mayor (one of many in South America) features a variety of Spanish architectural styles, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk.
The Love Park is also worth visiting, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and comfortable sunbathing spots.
If you're a cat lover, you should head to Kennedy Park, which is home to numerous stray cats, making it a paradise for cat enthusiasts.
For accommodations, Miraflores and Barranco districts are safer choices compared to Callao, which is prone to robberies.
Destination-Amazon Rainforest
It would be a shame not to visit the Amazon rainforest when you're in South America, especially Peru, the source of the Amazon River.
In the rainforest, you can get up close and personal with adorable sloths, majestic dolphins, and iridescent butterflies. If you're a fishing enthusiast, this is your chance to catch the famous Amazon river dolphins, which are abundant here. You can have a blast fishing and enjoying the company of these magnificent creatures.
In addition to the breathtaking wildlife, the Amazon rainforest also offers the chance to escape city life and disconnect from the world for a few days. Immerse yourself in nature and bask in the beauty of endless greens.
Destination-Ancient City of Cuzco
Cusco is probably the most surprising place in Peru, after Machu Picchu.
The name 'Cusco' has great significance in Quechua, as it translates to 'center of the world.' This was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and there are countless Incan ruins and relics scattered throughout the area, providing a window into the fascinating history and culture of the Incas.
When exploring Cusco, some must-visit places include:
- Coricancha Temple: The most iconic landmark and religious center of the Incas during their time, said to be filled with gold during that period;
- Cathedral of Cusco: Another famous landmark in Cusco, featuring an impressive sculpture of the Last Supper;
- Inka Museum: Located near the Cathedral of Cusco, this museum showcases a range of Incan artifacts and provides insight into Incan culture and history;
- San Cristobal Church: Offers a stunning panoramic view of the ancient city.
If you're up for a challenging hike at high altitude, then Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is a must-see attraction in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain, located about 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco, lives up to its name with its vibrant colors and majestic peaks, creating a breathtaking spectacle when the weather is favorable.
However, with an elevation of roughly 5,200 meters, reaching the summit can be somewhat difficult.
Destination-Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the fabled 'Lost City of the Incas,' is a must-visit destination on any Peruvian adventure.
Machu Picchu was a major center of the Inca civilization, situated in the Andes mountains northwest of Cusco and overlooking the Urubamba Valley. The massive site is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Incas.
After the decline of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was left abandoned and forgotten, hiding in the mountains for centuries until its rediscovery by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Thanks to its excellent preservation, Machu Picchu has become one of the most complete and intact Inca sites, offering visitors an immersive experience into the mystical Inca culture.
There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco:
One option is to hike the Inca Trail, which takes 4 days and 3 nights and is more suitable for hiking enthusiasts. However, I recommend taking the other route, which is to take a train from Cusco City to Aguas Calientes, then transfer to a bus to reach Machu Picchu.
Additionally, Machu Picchu has a daily limit of 400 visitors, and tickets can be challenging to obtain, so it's essential to purchase them in advance.
Destination-Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, the sacred lake of the Incan culture, is also the highest navigable lake in South America.
The water of Lake Titicaca is bluer than the sky, and sailing on the lake allows you to see distant white snow-capped mountains, making the scene truly breathtaking.
The indigenous Uru people live on floating islands made of reeds in Lake Titicaca, speaking Quechua and surviving through fishing, using boats made of reeds called 'totora.' They almost live in isolation from the world.
To get to Lake Titicaca, I recommend reaching the city of Puno near the lake first, which can be done by train or bus from Cusco. For a more luxurious experience, consider taking the PeruRail Titicaca/Belmond train, offering breathtaking views of the Andean mountain range along the way.
Taking a boat ride on Lake Titicaca is one of the best ways to experience it. Half-day and full-day options are available in Puno.
If you have time, consider visiting other countries in South America and nearby regions, such as Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, etc., as they offer great experiences too.
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