Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Four Weeks
The Best of Peru
If you're set on getting a taste of everything, this whirlwind tour hits Peru's top must-see
attractions. Give yourself a full month to fully take it all in.
Conquer your jet lag by becoming acquainted with the exquisite tastes of Peru in the
restaurants of
Lima
, strolling parks and museums between meals. Head south through the
coastal desert for a flyover of the
Nazca Lines
before arriving in stylish, cosmopolitan
Arequipa
, with its mysterious monasteries, deep canyons and smoking volcanoes.
Fly high into the Andes to reach the ancient Inca capital of
Cuzco
for a few days of ac-
climatization, exploring the cobblestone city and visiting
Sacred Valley
villages to check
out colorful markets selling textiles, talismans and dozens of types of tubers. Then board
the train to
Machu Picchu
, the most visited archaeological site in South America.
From Cuzco, fly to
Puerto Maldonado
(or brave the 10-hour bus ride) where you can
kick back at a wildlife lodge along one of the mighty rivers of the Amazon Basin. Altern-
atively, you can take an overland tour from Cuzco to the
Manu area
, with remote tracts
of virgin forest holding diverse animals from kinkajous to caimans, it's one of the most
biodiverse areas of the planet. Another option for exploring the Amazonian
selva
(jungle)
is to first fly back to Lima, then onward to
Iquitos
, a bustling port that will launch you
deeper into the jungle.
Back in Lima, take a bus or fly north to the adventurers' base camp of
Huaraz
, where
a short trek will take you to the precipitous peaks of the
Cordillera Blanca
. A day trip to
Chavín de Huántar will lead you to one of Peru's oldest ancient sites. Rumble back down
to the coast at
Chimbote
, then dash north to historic
Trujillo
, which offers spicy north-
ern dishes, surrounded by a cornucopia of archaeological sites. These include the ruins of
the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, Chan Chan, and the fascinating Huacas
del Sol y de la Luna. Finish up the journey by taking a seaside break at the bustling surf
town of
Máncora
.
