5 Best Things To Do When You Visit Peru
Peru offers numerous tourist possibilities: from marveling at the beauty and mystery of Machu Picchu to visiting the capital of the Latin American country. Here are some of the best plans to carry out when you visit Peru. Do you dare to meet them?
1. Climb to Machu Picchu, essential when you visit Peru
It is one of the most beautiful places on earth, so it is not surprising that it is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The origin of this citadel dates back to the 15th century, when it was built by the Incas in the middle of the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.
On the site you can see the ruins of beautiful stone-based constructions. You will see streets and houses, also walls or large ramps that give the impression of having been carved out of the rock itself.
And all this surrounded by a unique and spectacular natural environment. Machu Picchu is located at almost 2,500 meters of altitude, on the eastern slope of the Andes, in the upper Amazon basin.
To access this wonder, and departing from the city of Cuzco, you can hire an organized visit. It costs around two hundred euro per person and includes bus transportation to Ollantaytambo or the train ride to the town of Machu Picchu, where you can stay.
2. Visit Lima, the capital of Peru
Another essential place that you should keep in mind when you visit Peru is its capital: Lima. It offers endless possibilities, starting with the Plaza de Armas and its historic center. In it you can see buildings of great interest, such as the cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace or the Government Palace of Peru.
Leaving the center we find charming neighborhoods, such as the Miraflores neighborhood, where a large part of the tourists stay. Another is the Barranco neighborhood, full of shops where you can buy local products and crafts, as well as street art murals. In the latter you can also visit the Bridge of Sighs.
Somewhat further from the city is the Pachacámac Archaeological Complex. More specifically, in the district of Lurín. A place with the remains of various buildings, such as palaces and temples built between the 3rd and 15th centuries.
3. Navigate Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, located in the Andean highlands, is the highest and most navigable lake in the world. Its importance is such that it is considered a Natural Heritage of Peru. To discover its beauty first hand, it is enough to take a boat in the port of Puno. The experience also includes a visit to the islands of Uros and Taquile.
4. Get to know Cuzco, a World Heritage Site
One of the best things you can do when you visit Peru is to visit one of its most beautiful cities: Cuzco. In its day it was the capital of the Inca Empire, so it has a great historical and architectural legacy. Many consider it the Rome of America. Do you need more reasons to want to meet her?
Well, among its attractions, in addition to its proximity to Machu Picchu, we should mention the stone of the twelve angles, of Inca origin and part of the Archbishop’s Palace; the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral is; the artisan neighborhood of San Blas; the San Pedro market and, of course, the Inca ruins of Pukapukara or Qenqo.
5. Discover Arequipa and the Colca Valley
Arequipa is known as the white city due to its volcanic stone houses of that color. It is built in the desert mountains of the Andes, so it is located above two thousand meters of altitude.
In this city you cannot miss its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Special mention should be made of the Santa Catalina monastery, founded in the 16th century.
Also, from Arequipa you can take an excursion to the Colca Valley, where you can see the flight of its most famous bird: the condor. This can be done from the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. It is also recommended to enter the Colca canyon, one of the deepest in the world.
