Peru is a wonder; wonder in its people; in its sites; in its culture and history; in its landscapes, beaches, mountains … in everything. How can I tell you that Peru is magic? Peru is one of the world’s most varied countries. It is a multicultural nation, filled with traditions, unique gastronomy, and vast nature reserves.
“I think Peru and the mountains and the Incas, everybody is aware of those, but Lima is something that people should discover—especially our food”. These are the words of Mario Testino, the photographer synonymous with the glitz and glamor of some of the world’s most iconic fashion shoots.
Either way and depending on your tastes and needs, Peru can be expensive or not so much. whilst this beautiful country itself is not an expensive country, its popularity as a tourist destination means that a trip here can be the trip of your life unintentionally. Also, Peru could be on the modest side in the way of costs. This is exciting because that means you can fit more in for less. cheap a destination is perceived to depend greatly on what are you looking for as well as your budget.
Once you have decided the length of stay you will have in Peru and your needs, it is best to put yourself in the hands of professional experts in the organization and definition of your trip.
To take in mind, Cusco embodies European classiness while Lima is bustling and vibrant. Machu Picchu is full of enchantment while Huacachina is mysterious and rare. Colca Canyon is stunningly vast while Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes. But there is one characteristic each Peruvian destination has in common: heart. The Peruvian heart beats loudly and proudly, and I dare you not to fall in love with it, too.
In Peru, there’s something for everyone, no matter the type of adventure you might be craving.
The most recognizable Peruvian destination is Machu Picchu and lets me just start by saying, yes, it’s worth it. But there is so much to see in this bountiful country, so it would be worth your time and money to explore more than just one corner. I found getting around the country easy and cheap to do as Never-Ending Footsteps says.
As Lima Easy says: Until 10 or 15 years ago, Peru was an absolute insider tip and travelling on a low budget even to the most famous tourist destinations the country has to offer, was easy and doable without a problem. With the increasing popularity of Peru over the past years however came a better infrastructure, more professionalism, wider choices and more people wanting to have a piece of the lucrative tourism cake. While the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu is on the bucket list of nearly every Peru visitor, there are more cost-effective, but surely no less impressive alternatives. Instead of trekking the Inca Trail, that is often booked for months in advance and getting more expensive every season, you might hike the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek, both still off the beaten tourist tracks leading to Machu Picchu and both offering impressive, authentic experiences and adventures, spectacular landscapes and breathtaking views.
Nevertheless, the costs for Machu Picchu remain. If you are happy with skipping the famous Inka citadels altogether, Machu Picchu’s “sister city” Choquequirao is similar in structure and architecture, but undeveloped and without hordes of tourists, is a great option to still wander on the Inka’s paths. There are no busses or trains up there, so to get there a truly amazing and spectacular 2 to 5 days hiking adventure awaits visitors.
Either way, visiting Peru is definitely worth it. Just you have to be aware of your expectations, number of people who are going to travel together, category of hotels and services, date of the year you plan your trip and as always, to be in the very expert hands
