Travel To Peru

From the dizzying heights of the Andes to the depths of Canyon del Colca, one thing is clear: Peru is a country of contrasts. There’s no shortage of Peru landmarks, many of which are among the world’s seminal sights and it means your Peru travel exploits will be amazingly varied. Whether you fancy a stirring trip back in time at the Chachapoyan site of Kuelap, feel like hitting a few Cusco restaurants to sample true Incan flavours, or are set on taking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help plan your Peru travel 2016.

FAST FACTS

Language: Spanish
Currency: Peruvian neuvo sol
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Peru.
Dialing Code: +51
Time Zone: (GMT -05:00)

ABOUT CONTIKI

From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.

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THINGS TO DO IN PERU

Peru hums with monuments, history and a culture so rich and colourful it’s impossible to take everything in in one go. Many Peru attractions are world-famous and need little introduction, but to help you keep things simple we’ve selected our favourites from a generous list of must-dos.

MACHU PICCHU

Of all the places to visit in Peru, the incredible Inca city of Machu Picchu has to be first on your list. An ancient settlement that managed to escape invasion from the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century, this awe-inspiring site retains its humbling glory despite being the most popular of the tourist attractions in Peru. To book an Inca trail trek to the citadel, make sure you do so well in advance – places fill up fast.

See all trips that visit Machu Picchu

NAZCA LINES

One of the world’s biggest mysteries, some believe extra terrestrials created the Nazca Lines. The more likely answer is that the Nazca tribe made the shallow tracks, which range from simple geometric formations to enormous depictions of lizards and fish, over a thousand year period from 500BC. Either way, one of the most famous places of interest in Peru does feel like something from another planet.

COLCA CANYON

Thousands of travellers visit this vast canyon every year, and given its status as one of the world’s deepest it’s no surprise why. Another of the famous landmarks in Peru, The Colca Canyon epitomises its vigorous landscape, measuring in over 3250m at its inmost section, and is home to abundant wildlife. In particular, catching sight of the Andean condor is as much worth a visit as the canyon itself.

See all trips that visit Colca Canyon

CORDILLERA BLANCA

Balance out the depths of the Colca Canyons by taking in some height at Peru’s Cordillera Blanca (or White Range in English). This magnificent mountain range makes up the larger end of the Andes in the Ancash region and is a paradise for climbers and hikers. Better suited to those looking for an immersive experience over several days, you can take a mountaineering course or head up to the Laguna de Llanganuco to enjoy some seriously beautiful mountain lakes.

PISAC MARKET

The traditional Peruvian village of Pisac is home to the haunting Incan Pisac Ruins - and a legendary Sunday market. Now one of the biggest attractions in Peru among travellers, it’s a great place to pick up a few traditional mementos and gifts before heading home.

TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN PERU

There are dozens of Peruvian festivals to choose from, with most emphasising the country’s pre-Colombian and Incan roots. Whatever the occasion, Peruvian festivals tend to be colourful and reflect the country’s welcoming spirit.

FIESTA INTI RAYMI

One of the top 10 things to do in Peru, The Festival of the Sun is held every June in Sacsayhuaman to the north of Cusco and locals invite visitors to join them to celebrate the winter solstice while practising Incan traditions and rituals. Possibly the most famous of the festivals in Peru, it’s a magical insight into this fascinating culture.

For more information on Fiesta Inti Raymi, click here.

PUNO WEEK

As the name suggests, this is a weeklong succession of fiestas at the start of November, kicking off with Peru’s version of Day of the Dead. Processions and re-enactments of Puno’s occupation by the Spanish make for varied – and sometimes quite rowdy – celebrations.

For more information on Puno, click here.

FIESTA DE LA CRUZ

‘The Festival of the Cross’ is celebrated throughout the country at the start of May, and features hundreds of crosses carried from village to village. Expect locals in eye-popping colours, fabulous firework displays and a country-wide knees up.

For more information on Fiesta de la Cruz, click here.

Q’OYORITI

Each winter the Andean people hold a four-day pilgrimage in honour of their ancestors. It’s a wild affair that see dancers from the highlands troop down to the base of Sinkara Mountain. Grab a tent and join them at base camp.

For more information on Q’Oyoriti, click here.

THE NATIONAL PASO HORSE TOURNAMENT

This is one event to tick off your list, and sees the Peruvian capital celebrate their world-famous indigenous Paso horse. Expect racing, pageants and traditional Peruvian feasts.

For more information on The National Paso Horse Tournament, click here.

TOP 5 MUSEUMS IN PERU

The majority of its museums can be found in Lima, but Peru itself is pretty much one big heritage centre. You’ll find plenty of Incan ruins and enduring traditions village by village, but if it’s a gallery setting you’re looking for, we’ve picked out a few to get your started.

LARCO MUSEUM

There’ll be plenty of things to do in Lima during your visit, but make sure you make time to visit Museo Larco for a condensed journey through Peru’s history. It is packed with artefacts from pre-Colombian days.

For more information on the the Larco Museum Lima, click here.

THE MUSEUM OF ITALIAN ART LIMA

This museum does exactly what it says on the tin. Around 125 Italian artists’ work sits on display in this Lima museum as a tribute to the country’s generous Italian community.

For more information on the the Museum of Italian Art, click here.

ANDEAN SANCTUARIES

More of a research centre that welcomes visitors, this is home to the Ice Maiden of Ampato – or Mummy Juanita – who was discovered preserved in ice in 1995. If you’re in the south around Arequipa, don’t miss a visit to one of the most fascinating museums in Peru.

For more information on the the Andean Sanctuaries, click here.

CONJUNTO MONUMENTAL DE BELEN

Head north to Cajamara to see one of the more remote Peru museums. Belen’s architecture is the main draw, particularly two old hospitals and an unusual colonial church. Within the buildings, archaeological exhibits offer a sharp insight into the region’s colonial history.

For more information on the Conjunto Monumental de Belen, click here.

BRÜNING MUSEUM

This stark modernist building was founded in 1924 in honour of the German researcher and archaeologist Hans Heinrich Brüning. A keen excavator, Brüning amassed hundreds of Peruvian artefacts during the late 19th century. Thousands of glimpses into Peru’s cultural evolution can be found here.

For more information on the Brüning Museums, click here.

FOOD IN PERU

CHIFA

This exotic style of fusion cooking was born thanks to a wave of Chinese immigration in the late 19th century. ‘Chifa’ is a Peruvian term to describe Chinese cooking and is a popular food in Peru. We love Arroz Chaufa and Pato Cuarto Tiempos.

Best eaten at –Madam Tusan, Av. Santa Cruz, Miraflores, Lima

ANTICUCHOS

These unassuming meat skewers aren’t dissimilar from your regular shish kebabs and are a well-loved food of Peru. They’re often served as starters, and while most places don’t discriminate over which meat they use to make them, the traditional recipe uses quality beef heart.

Best eaten at Grimanese Vargas Anticuchos, 466 Ca. Ignacio Merino, Lima

CAUSA RELLENA

Think posh mashed potato made from a variety of yellow potato. Layers of mash, chicken, tuna, avocado and hard-boiled egg make this dish one of the classic Peru foods.

Best eaten at -Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Carretera Hiram Bingham KM 7.5, Machu Picchu, Cusco

CEVICHE

This method of preparing fish – raw, ‘cooked’ in citrus juice - isn’t exclusive to South America. But with its long Pacific coastline, world-class seafood is everyone and means this is one of the finest foods in Peru.

Best eaten at -Al Frio y Al Fuego, Avenida La Marina N 134-B, Iquitos

PICARONES

These sweet treats are usually served with a syrup dip and are similar to Mexican churros. The difference is that they’re made from pumpkin, chia or quinoa instead of flour making them a signature among the foods of Peru. Great for vegans.

Best eaten at –Picarones Victoria, Jr 9 de Diciembre, #211, Ayachuco

WHAT TO PACK

Lightweight clothes - … and layers are key. It might be a hot country, but altitudes vary and if you’re going to walk the Inca trail, temperatures can drop drastically.

An eBook device - The best Peru activities come with long distances to travel in between destinations. Leave the heavy books at home and queue up a few good reads on a digital device. Just don’t forget its charger!

A head torch - Peru’s electrical infrastructure has improved in recent years, but access to reliable sources are touch and go in rural areas. So even if you’re not trekking, a torch will could come in handy.

Camera - Believe us. You’ll be taking some seriously breath-taking photos.

Sensibility - There’s no need to skimp on your sense of adventure, but keep in mind that Peru is home to some of the deadliest insects and arachnids in the world.

PLACES WE VISIT IN PERU

LIMA

MACHU PICCHU

OTHER COUNTRIES WE VISIT IN LATIN AMERICA

ARGENTINA BOLIVIA BRAZIL

CARIBBEAN COLOMBIA COSTA RICA

ECUADOR GALAPAGOS GUATEMALA

INCA TRAIL MEXICO PERU

REGIONS WE VISIT

ASIA AUSTRALIA

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST EUROPE

LATIN AMERICA NEW ZEALAND

THE USA & CANADA

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