"Is it possible to visit Peru and have a great experience in just a week?"
I would previously have been a little hesitant to answer that question with conviction, but I can categorically say that it is indeed very possible because I've done it and it was a truly sensational experience that I will never forget.
Obviously, if you are able to stay longer then I would highly recommend doing so but if, like I did, you have limited time, then it is viable to see some of the major tourism highlights and feel like you have gained a real insight into this diverse and enchanting country.
Here is my journal of an incredible week, courtesy of the wonderful people at Latin Routes...
Day 1: Journey from UK to Lima
Our small group of seven people flew with British Airways on the UK’s only direct option to Lima and with the time difference - six hours behind the UK - arrived early the same evening.
We were staying overnight in one of the highly regarded tourism areas, Miraflores.
After grabbing a quick bite and processing the excitement of the day, it was easy to crash out and wake up the following day in the right time zone!
Day 2: Explore Lima
Lima is Peru's capital and largest city, home to more than a quarter of Peru's 30 million people. It proudly sits on top of a cliff to the west of the Andes Mountains overlooking a Pacific Ocean bay.
There are plenty of museums and archaeological sites to visit along with beaches, boardwalks, nightlife and attractive squares, plus there are fantastic food options courtesy of some of Latin America’s top chefs setting up restaurants here.
It is well worth staying a couple of nights here if you have the time.
Day 3: Cusco
We flew from Lima to Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and the former capital of the Inca Empire. Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1983, it's full of historical buildings, character, cobbled streets and charm.
I loved Cusco. It is a mecca for travellers from all corners of the globe, has numerous restaurants and bars where you will find yourself sharing experiences with people of all nationalities.
It is safe, with most sights within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas in the historical centre.
Above it and giving fantastic views across the city are the Inca ruins waiting to be explored.
Day 4: Machu Picchu
From Cusco, we took one of the train options, a 3-hour journey through spectacular scenery to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we picked up a bus for the short final climb up the mountain.
Catching my first glimpse of one of the world’s most spectacular ancient citadels left me speechless and in total awe. It is simply indescribable to convey the feeling of being surrounded by the Andes mountains, looking down and across at Machu Picchu.
We were fortunate to also have an amazingly knowledgeable guide who said she loved seeing visitors’ expressions as they took in the view.
I can honestly say that this was the highlight of all my travel experiences which may never be beaten - had I not got the photos, I wouldn't have believed I was ever there.
Day 5: Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley was a key area for Inca settlement and consists of beautiful towns with individual Incan heritage and architecture. Each has its own draw - Pisaq for its handicraft market, Urubamba for its art and Ollantaytambo and Moray for their imposing forts.
We had a full day trip from Cusco - however, there are some lovely spa hotels in the area, so to stay a couple of nights after a visit to Machu Picchu is a great option.
Day 6: Journey to Puno
We took a comfortable bus transfer for the day of travel from Cusco to Puno, filled with enjoyable sightseeing. Although a lengthy journey, it is a fantastic way to travel and experience the country, driving through small villages, spectacular scenery, with plenty of historical stops as well as a buffet lunch.
We took in Andahuaylillas, “The Sistine Chapel of America”; Raqch'i, the Incan ruins at the “Temple of Wiracocha”; La Raya, a scenic overlook at 4,335m / 14,222ft; and the pre-Incan artifacts at Pucara Museum before our arrival in Puno.
An alternative and possibly more spectacular way to travel to Lake Titicaca is by train. Peru Rail operates the Titicaca Luxury train between Cusco and Puno four days a week with it frequently described as South America’s most beautiful train ride.
Day 7: Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, at nearly 4000m, is the world’s highest lake and the largest in South America, sitting on the borders between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes. A sacred place to the Incas, it is home to several natural and artificial islands, the most famous of which are the Uros, home to a community of pre-Incan people who reside on 42 floating islands made from reeds.
We took a full day boat trip on the lake, which is astonishingly 120 miles in length and 50 miles wide across its widest point; its vastness makes you feel more as if you are at sea.
The boat stopped at one of the Uros Islands, where we spent time with a lovely welcoming family - learning about their history, culture and what life is like living on a floating reed bed!
We engaged with their desire for us to dress up in local costume, although I looked considerably more like an 80’s Cyndi Lauper than an Ure. For the ultimate authentic experience, it is possible to arrange an overnight stay in one of the local huts.
We continued across the lake to visit one of the natural Islands - Taquile - home to 2,000 beautiful, peaceful people, living modestly in a traditional lifestyle on untouched land.
The setting is stunning; its highest point being 4,050 metres above sea level with the main village at 3,950 metres.
The locals were incredibly welcoming with plenty of singing and dancing for which we were eagerly encouraged to join in. It really felt like stepping back in time.
If you could choose just one country to visit in the world, I am certain Peru wouldn’t disappoint. It covers everything from fascinating Incan history to stunning scenery, welcoming people, amazing food and not forgetting its remarkable wildlife - the second largest area of the Amazon rainforest covers 60% of the country.
Thank you so much to Latin Routes for a memorable experience, one I hope to introduce and create for more of my own clients.
