In 2018, we went on an incredible custom-made trip to Peru. It was a 2-week tailor-made tour where we were able to visit historical sites as well as the Amazon.
We would like to thank everyone (our guide, our agency, our hotels...) who contributed to the success of our stay in this wonderful country. And above all, we would like to share some useful tips for anyone planning to organize a custom trip to the surprising land of the Incas.
Our visits
Although we had prepared a precise itinerary with our agency contact, we really appreciated the flexibility we had throughout our Peruvian circuit.
The night before each day, we would discuss the upcoming visits and their order with our guide, Martin. He always gave great advice, but at the same time, he never forced any visits on us, even if they were planned in the program.
Lima
We started our trip in Lima. We were a little tired after our flight (expect around 12.5 hours for a direct flight from Paris), but we had a great time in the evening at the Parque de la Reserva to see the illuminated fountain show.
The next day, already full of energy and enthusiasm, we did some sightseeing in the capital. Before catching our flight to the city of Arequipa, we took a stroll through the Barranco district. It’s the bohemian neighborhood of Lima, a district of contrasts that we really enjoyed.
We aren't huge fans of museums, so we skipped the Larco Museum that our guide recommended. But for those who want to learn a bit more about the pre-Inca era, this museum could be a great visit.
Arequipa
Our next stop was the colonial city of Arequipa. Here, we discovered the historic center (Plaza de Armas) with its Cathedral. From the bell tower, we were able to admire the beautiful view of the city. We highly recommend climbing up there as well.
The following day, we had a full day in Arequipa and explored the Santa Catalina Convent, a wonderful discovery with our guide, whose explanations were very helpful in better understanding this unique site.
Although we were trying to avoid museums, we did agree to visit the Santuarios Andinos Museum in Arequipa, where we learned about the mummy of the young girl Juanita and her story. It’s a fascinating experience, so don't miss this visit during your stay in Arequipa.
Cusco
After a short stay in Sicuani, which was essentially a stopover to break up the journey between Arequipa and Cusco (over 500km of tiring mountain roads, more than 9 hours of driving), we arrived in the capital of the Incas, the famous Cusco. This city is located at an altitude of 3400m. So, starting the trip in Lima and then going to Arequipa before arriving in Cusco was a good idea. Altitude sickness is quite common in Peru. So, don't start your trip in Cusco and plan for stopovers so your body can adapt gradually!
Cusco helped us better understand the different aspects of the Inca civilization. It is true that people often prefer to organize their trips without the help of a travel agency, but we must admit that we were lucky with the guide provided by our agency, as his presence was truly essential for certain visits. This was the case for Cusco, a city rich in history and archaeological sites, so a guided tour is highly recommended to make sure you don't miss anything. In Cusco, we explored its historic center, the San Blas neighborhood, a charming area we absolutely loved, and of course the Inca archaeological sites: Tambomachay, Qenko, Puka Pukara, and Sacsayhuaman. The rich Inca heritage is truly incredible…
Machu Picchu
The main highlight for us was, of course, discovering Machu Picchu, the famous lost city of the Incas. We wish there were fewer tourists, but we expected it, so it is what it is… We took the train from Cusco. The train booked by our agency was called Hiram Bingham, a very good choice. No complaints regarding the service and comfort.
We made the right decision not to spend the night in Aguas Calientes and to do a round trip from Cusco instead. Aguas Calientes is the starting point for the bus to Machu Picchu. It’s where the train stops, and from there, you have to get to Machu Picchu by bus. It’s true that there is practically nothing to do in Aguas Calientes. So, spending a night there isn't really worth it, unless you prefer to visit Machu Picchu early in the morning, which could be a good option for you.
Puerto Maldonado
And finally, discovering the Peruvian Amazon at the end of our circuit. Don't miss the chance to discover the incredible wildlife of the Amazon by heading to Puerto Maldonado for a 3-day tour. It’s an incredible and exciting immersion in the heart of the jungle, a great conclusion that would make your trip to Peru a more complete experience.
For our return to France, we took another domestic flight to get back to Lima, where our final plane was waiting.
Our guide
We really enjoyed the company of our private guide, Martin, from our arrival in Lima until our departure. He was professional and always attentive to our needs. Thanks to him, we were able to learn more about the hidden secrets of the famous Machu Picchu, as well as the culture, traditions, and rituals of the Incas. Martin’s car was very comfortable and always kept very clean. This allowed us to cover even the longer distances without any problems.
Our hotels
We also appreciated the selection of hotels made by our travel agency in Peru. First of all, we really liked the location of all our hotels, which is very important for enjoying the sights without being too far from the city center. The rooms were always very clean with all the necessary amenities.
To give you a better idea, we would like to mention the names of some hotels we particularly enjoyed. The El Andariego hotel in Cusco and the Picaflor Tambo hotel in Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, were among the best. They were authentic hotels full of charm.
Don't hesitate to choose Peru as the destination for your next trip. It is a magnificent country.
Wishing you an excellent trip!
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