I waited too long to travel peruI don’t have any real solid reason why I didn’t get there sooner. This country was on my “must visit” list for years, but there was always some reason why I couldn’t go. “It’s the wrong season,” “I don’t want to go alone,” “This isn’t a good time,” yada, yada, yada. I always had an excuse, when in reality, I could have gone if I really wanted to.
But last November, I finally took the risk and went. It was now or never, I told myself. Yes, it was hiking offseason; Yes, I was still feeling weak for high altitude trekking; And yes, there wasn’t as much time as I wanted.
But as I always say, There is no right time to visitOnly the time that is best for you.
And let me tell you: Peru lives up to all expectations.
The moment I arrived there, I knew that Peru and I were about to begin a lifelong love affair. There are few places whose cosmic waves match yours, like two perfectly interconnected locks. The ones who reach out to you and say, “It’s okay, you’re home now.”
That’s what Peru was for me. I spent two weeks eating in the gastronomic capital of Lima, seeing the famous Nazca Lines, the colonial city of Arequipa and its beautiful architecture, hiking Machu Picchu, and falling deeply in love with the city of Cuzco and its art, museums Spent more time than. and food.
First of all there was food. I knew Peru was a favorite foodie destination, so I had high expectations. Many of the world’s top restaurants are located in Lima, and everyone I know who has been there has always raved about the local cuisine.
But still, I was surprised by how good the food was. Peruvian gastronomy is a mix of cultures: Andean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and West African. You get lots of incredibly fresh produce, seafood and meat. There is innovative cuisine that is a fusion of all cultures and there is a reverence for not only quality but also presentation.
From Lima’s famous high-end restaurants to holes-in-the-wall, the food was always delicious, well-portioned, and very tasty (the only bad meal I ate the entire time was at a hostel). Heck, normally I don’t make dessert, and I was ordering chocolates left and right. It was too good to pass up. ,Here is a list of some of my favorite places,
Second, the people were unbelievable. People make destinations worthwhile, and while there are friendly people everywhere, some cultures are much more friendly and hospitable than others. I found the Peruvians to be very welcoming. Whether through social media or during my hiking trips or just through daily interactions, everyone was truly amazing.
For example, in Arequipa, I went to a breakfast place that had just opened (Isidro – go there, the food is great!). The owners worked in the restaurant nycSo we spent a lot of time connecting with him.
Third, the landscape! From arid deserts to the Amazon jungle, from cloud forests to canyons that made me feel like I was in Arizona, and mountains that remind me new zealandThe sheer variety was not something I expected. From planning my trips and from photographs I knew there was a variety of geographical conditions, but when I finally started exploring the country and seeing it firsthand, I was very surprised at all the microclimates.
Peru is an amazing country. ,And that hike is definitely tough If you’re not used to heights, it wasn’t as bad as I thought!)
I haven’t fallen so hard for a destination since I’ve been traveling Mexico At the end of 2020. Peru really lived up to the expectations that my friends and research had set.
I know I’m late to the party and not saying anything people don’t already know. But consider me another voice in the choir, one that echoes the conventional wisdom that Peru is a special place. Don’t make my mistake and put it off. Get there as soon as possible.
Book Your Trip to Peru: Logistical Tips and Tricks
book your flight
Use skyscanner To find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines from all over the world so you always know no stone has been left unturned.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use booking.com Because they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellation. This is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Are you looking for the best companies to save money?
check out my resource page Use the best companies when you travel. I made a list of all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will also save you money when you travel.
Want more information about Peru?
please visit me Strong Destination Guide on Peru For even more planning tips!
