Perù has been one of my favourite destination ever.
I have to admit I never expected so much from this country and I was happily surprised to find that out!
As long as you know a bit of spanish (or in case you are italian you can simply communicate with your native language) it is very easy to go around and plan your trip step by step.
Wild and untouched landscapes alternate with historical sites and characteristic cities.
First class bus provide a very safe high quality service across the country and it is probably the best way to travel. I would suggest to book your seats with one of max two days in advance to be sure to find place on the bus. To welcome you on the vehicle, they will give you blankets and pillows and they will provide you free snaks and free drinks.
People are very friendly and they always try to help you in case you got lost or you need informations.
The season I chosen to travel to Peru was probably one of the best ones because it never rained and it was always very dry and sunny (even if a bit cold but because of that you have the right excuse to do some shopping: they have amazing baby alpacas clothing that will certainly keep you warm!!and don't forget to shop their super colourful traditional chullos: a must to have and to bring back home!)
Another aspect that totally surprised me in a positive way has been peruvian cuisine: one of the most exciting I ever tried!!Lima is absolutely there right place where to experience peruvian food in the most high quality: there are a lot of restaurants where to try typical dishes as cheviche (
raw fish and seafood marinated in citrus juice: absolutely one of my favourite!!); cuy (personally I didn't like it that much), lomo saltado (a real experience to have!!), rocotos rellenos (super good!!) and papas and arroz made in thousand different ways!!
journey step by step
LIMA:
Flying from Milano Malpensa, I decided to spend one day in the capital at my arrival and two days before leaving. The main and real interest of this city is the food therefore enjoy and try all typical dishes you find :) and don't forget to visit the Museo Larco where you find ancient treasures placed in a very pleasant location enriched by colourful bouganville flowers. The restaurant inside the museum is absolutely a great way to start with peruvian cuisine!
If you are a sushi lover as I am, you should try in what was the super famous Nobu's first restaurant: Matsuei (a must!!)
PARACAS:
A nice stop to visit an unusual desert surrounded by the ocean!
NASCA:
Don't forget to take a private flight (maximum 4 seats) to have a bird view of the most mysterious lines ever drawn in a desert!
The air company will give you a certification with our name written on it, right after your flight ;)
AREQUIPA:
Probably one of the nicest cities of Peru!I decided to spend here few days to have enough time to enjoy walking around and sitting in nice cafes and I have to admit it was a great idea!
The Monastery of Santa Catalina is something mandatory to visit: a combination of blue and red to enrich and extraordinary architecture!
PUNO:
Approaching the city from far away it looks like a slum city but it is absolutely worth it to visit it and to stop before taking a private cruise to one of the most untouched and wild islands of Titicaca Lake
ISLA SUASI
This island is own by the owner of the only one resort placed in it that will send a private boat to come and pick you up. On your way to the island you will have the chance to stop and visit one of the most incredible local island of Titicaca Lake: Uros Village!
It is a unique experience to spend at least on night here, right in the middle of nature in an island located on the highest lake on hearth! there are a lot of outside activities organised by the resort's staff as, for example, a walk to the natural reserve they have with a stop at alpacas ranch; a stars watching with the explanation of a guide that will make sure you will see all the constellations!
CUSCO:
Probably the most known city in Peru. Spend here few days to have enough time to walk around the streets of the city, both by day and by night!
Braza Brava Rodizio Restaurant located in Plaza de Armas is a very nice place where to have a typical lunch based on all the different types of meats!!
MACHU PICCHU
To visit Machu Picchu, the most amazing archeological site of Peru, you will probably have to spend one night in Aguas Calientes (a village from where you will take a 15 minutes bus to reach the top of the site). Unfortunately Aguas Calientes was basically transformed in a sort of disneyland decorated by bright restaurants lights that shine everywhere and full of tourist attractions!
If you can, I would highly suggest you to skip this place but it will depend if you can find an agency that can bring you directly to Machu Picchu. If not, make sure to wake up as early as you can to be the first ones to reach Machu Picchu, early in the morning. Keep in mind there will be a huge queue to buy the bus ticket even early in the morning so be aware to arrive at the bus station as early as you can! Be able to see the sunrise in Machu Picchu is absolutely one of the greatest experience in life!!
I have to admit I never expected so much from this country and I was happily surprised to find that out!
As long as you know a bit of spanish (or in case you are italian you can simply communicate with your native language) it is very easy to go around and plan your trip step by step.
Wild and untouched landscapes alternate with historical sites and characteristic cities.
First class bus provide a very safe high quality service across the country and it is probably the best way to travel. I would suggest to book your seats with one of max two days in advance to be sure to find place on the bus. To welcome you on the vehicle, they will give you blankets and pillows and they will provide you free snaks and free drinks.
People are very friendly and they always try to help you in case you got lost or you need informations.
The season I chosen to travel to Peru was probably one of the best ones because it never rained and it was always very dry and sunny (even if a bit cold but because of that you have the right excuse to do some shopping: they have amazing baby alpacas clothing that will certainly keep you warm!!and don't forget to shop their super colourful traditional chullos: a must to have and to bring back home!)
Another aspect that totally surprised me in a positive way has been peruvian cuisine: one of the most exciting I ever tried!!Lima is absolutely there right place where to experience peruvian food in the most high quality: there are a lot of restaurants where to try typical dishes as cheviche (
raw fish and seafood marinated in citrus juice: absolutely one of my favourite!!); cuy (personally I didn't like it that much), lomo saltado (a real experience to have!!), rocotos rellenos (super good!!) and papas and arroz made in thousand different ways!!
journey step by step
LIMA:
Flying from Milano Malpensa, I decided to spend one day in the capital at my arrival and two days before leaving. The main and real interest of this city is the food therefore enjoy and try all typical dishes you find :) and don't forget to visit the Museo Larco where you find ancient treasures placed in a very pleasant location enriched by colourful bouganville flowers. The restaurant inside the museum is absolutely a great way to start with peruvian cuisine!
If you are a sushi lover as I am, you should try in what was the super famous Nobu's first restaurant: Matsuei (a must!!)
PARACAS:
A nice stop to visit an unusual desert surrounded by the ocean!
NASCA:
Don't forget to take a private flight (maximum 4 seats) to have a bird view of the most mysterious lines ever drawn in a desert!
The air company will give you a certification with our name written on it, right after your flight ;)
AREQUIPA:
Probably one of the nicest cities of Peru!I decided to spend here few days to have enough time to enjoy walking around and sitting in nice cafes and I have to admit it was a great idea!
The Monastery of Santa Catalina is something mandatory to visit: a combination of blue and red to enrich and extraordinary architecture!
PUNO:
Approaching the city from far away it looks like a slum city but it is absolutely worth it to visit it and to stop before taking a private cruise to one of the most untouched and wild islands of Titicaca Lake
ISLA SUASI
This island is own by the owner of the only one resort placed in it that will send a private boat to come and pick you up. On your way to the island you will have the chance to stop and visit one of the most incredible local island of Titicaca Lake: Uros Village!
It is a unique experience to spend at least on night here, right in the middle of nature in an island located on the highest lake on hearth! there are a lot of outside activities organised by the resort's staff as, for example, a walk to the natural reserve they have with a stop at alpacas ranch; a stars watching with the explanation of a guide that will make sure you will see all the constellations!
CUSCO:
Probably the most known city in Peru. Spend here few days to have enough time to walk around the streets of the city, both by day and by night!
Braza Brava Rodizio Restaurant located in Plaza de Armas is a very nice place where to have a typical lunch based on all the different types of meats!!
MACHU PICCHU
To visit Machu Picchu, the most amazing archeological site of Peru, you will probably have to spend one night in Aguas Calientes (a village from where you will take a 15 minutes bus to reach the top of the site). Unfortunately Aguas Calientes was basically transformed in a sort of disneyland decorated by bright restaurants lights that shine everywhere and full of tourist attractions!
If you can, I would highly suggest you to skip this place but it will depend if you can find an agency that can bring you directly to Machu Picchu. If not, make sure to wake up as early as you can to be the first ones to reach Machu Picchu, early in the morning. Keep in mind there will be a huge queue to buy the bus ticket even early in the morning so be aware to arrive at the bus station as early as you can! Be able to see the sunrise in Machu Picchu is absolutely one of the greatest experience in life!!