We all know Peru for its famous highlights like Machu Picchu, the mysterious Nazca lines, and Rainbow Mountain. These are places you definitely don’t want to miss when traveling to this South American country.
But Peru has so much more to discover! This dream destination reminds me of an exotic version of New Zealand with a touch of Mexican Mariachi.
Let yourself be captivated by the choreographic landscapes in the Andes mountains and deserts, dive into the ancient history and culture of quaint villages or bustling cities. Explore fragrant, colorful markets and wander through alleys and streets. During your tour of Peru, you’ll be continuously amazed. I never tire of Peru.
Flying to Peru
I can’t wait to tell you about the sights of Peru and how beautiful it is. But, first things first, you have to get there. Most tours start and end in Lima, as that’s where the main airport is.
From Belgium, you have two options. There’s a direct flight from Amsterdam to Lima, which takes 12.5 hours. You can book a flight from Brussels with a layover at Schiphol, or drive to Amsterdam first. From Brussels, including the layover, it takes 14 hours and 40 minutes, so this is probably the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Lima from Belgium.
Lima: Starting and Ending Point of Your Peru Itinerary
Lima might not be the highlight of your trip, but it’s quite enjoyable and a good place to recover from your long flight. It’s best to find accommodation in the Miraflores district. It’s one of the nicest areas in the city and is considered safe. It’s also worth visiting the historic center and the artistic district of Barranco with its colorful street art.
Transportation in Peru
Peru is about 42 times the size of Belgium: wow! The distances you’ll cover during your tour are enormous. To move between the highlights of Peru and from one location to another, it’s best to use buses or airplanes. Fortunately, buses are a very comfortable mode of transportation; they offer plenty of legroom, Wi-Fi, and entertainment screens, and you can enjoy the beautiful landscape along the way.
Tip: You can plan and book your bus trips via Bookaway.com. If the distance is too great or you’re heading to a difficult-to-reach area like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, book a domestic flight. In this vast country, that’s sometimes the best option.
What to Do in Peru
Three weeks in Peru simply isn’t enough. Ideally, you should go for three months or longer! But I understand you might not want to quit your job for a trip. Here’s what you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your trip to Peru, so you can see all your favorite spots in three weeks.
1. Machu Picchu
Of course, there are the standard highlights, such as Machu Picchu. Your tour or individual trip to Peru is simply not complete without visiting the 600-year-old Inca city. Machu Picchu sits atop a massive mountain, surrounded by jungle. To get there, you can participate in a multi-day trek, which is an adventure in itself. If that’s too challenging, you can take the train to the village of Aguas Calientes. The advantage of this option is that you can go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu early in the morning to see the sunrise: a unique experience!
2. Sand Dunes around the Huacachina Oasis
From your starting point in Lima, it’s best to first take a bus to Huacachina. You travel first to Ica and from there take a taxi to the picturesque oasis village. The oasis lies in the middle of sand dunes where you can enjoy an adrenaline rush while sandboarding and dune buggy riding. Afterwards, climb the sand dune next to the village to watch the breathtakingly beautiful sunset.
3. Day Trips: Nazca and Paracas
Are Nazca and Paracas already on your bucket list? Definitely go for it! But you don’t have to stay overnight here (to save time for something else fun) and can suffice with an excursion from Huacachina. For the Nazca lines, with gigantic depictions of animals, insects, spirals, and triangles, you step into a small plane. To spot sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and other birds, you board a boat that takes you to the unique Ballestas Islands in Paracas National Park. The boats depart at 08:00 and 10:00.
4. Must See: Arequipa
The colonial city of Arequipa is a gem. Literally almost, because the ‘white city’ is full of buildings made of silvery-white sillar. The sparkling white, volcanic rock comes from the Misti volcano, which towers above the city in the background.
5. Colca Canyon
A trek in the Colca Canyon is an unforgettable experience! The valley is a colorful area with picturesque villages and agricultural terraces where you get to know authentic Peruvian culture. Be enchanted by the beautiful landscape, relax in the hot springs at the bottom of the canyon, and stay in an idyllic cottage by the river. Also, keep an eye on the sky, because you might spot a condor!
6. Moray and the Salt Terraces of Maras
You shouldn’t miss Moray and Maras either. Both sights are ancient and created by the Incas. The enchanting salt terraces of Maras are fed by extremely salty water from a spring. The water flows into the 3,000 terraces and evaporates, leaving the salt behind. Moray is a mysterious Inca construction. The perfectly shaped circles might have been an agricultural experiment by the Incas. However, the true story behind it is unknown, leaving room for your imagination.
7. Huaraz
Is hiking in rugged nature your thing? Then you must visit Huaraz! In this stunning area with snow-capped peaks, icy blue glacial lakes, and breathtaking views, you can walk the most beautiful trails of varying levels. It reminds me of a vacation in Patagonia or, with a bit of imagination, a trip to the Dolomites!
Peru is a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with breathtaking landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the arid dunes of Huacachina, this country offers a rich tapestry of adventures for every traveler. Whether you’re marveling at the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu, feeling the rush of sandboarding down desert dunes, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Arequipa, each moment in Peru is a new discovery.
The highlights don’t end there. A visit to the Nazca Lines and the Ballestas Islands offers a glimpse into the natural and historical wonders that define Peru’s diverse landscape. In the Colca Canyon, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the sheer beauty of the scenery and the serenity of the hot springs, while the salt terraces of Maras and the mysterious circles of Moray will leave you pondering the ingenuity of the ancient Inca civilization.
For those who crave outdoor adventure, the rugged beauty of Huaraz awaits, where snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes provide a perfect backdrop for some of the world’s most spectacular hiking trails. Each step you take in this magical country is a step into a world where nature and history coexist in perfect harmony.
Peru is more than just a destination; it is an experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. It’s a place where every corner holds a story, every view takes your breath away, and every encounter leaves you richer for having experienced it. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone simply looking to be amazed, Peru offers something unique and unforgettable for everyone.
As you plan your journey to this enchanting country, remember that the true essence of travel lies not just in the places you visit, but in the memories you create and the stories you bring back. May your travels through Peru be filled with awe-inspiring moments, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the incredible beauty and culture that this country has to offer. Safe travels and happy exploring!
