Our Top Picks...
#5
Becky: Mancora
This small seaside town is almost as far north as you can go in Peru before you get to Ecuador. We didn't plan much time here (we opted for Trujilo and Huanchaco over Christmas instead) and were sad to leave after only one night. There isn't a lot going on, but that is the charm. Small colourful house, sand streets, seafood restaurants and beach all combine with a casual charm that make Mancora a great place to spend a few days of down time. |
Shane: Aguas Calientes & the train
The train to Aguas Calientes is an experience all in itself. With a glass roof and extra large windows the whole ride is a tour with constant information and spectacular views of the mountains and jungle as you approach Aguas Calientes. Nestled between the mountains and along a peaceful river, spending the night in Aguas Calientes was the perfect way to help build the excitement before heading to Machu Picchu. Although quite touristy and with lots of hard selling restaurants along the streets, it still seemed peaceful and we spent hours just walking the streets. |
#4
Shane: Huanchaco
The contrast of desert and ocean combining always seems surreal to me and it’s exactly what you get in Hunachaco. Known as one of the better surfing spots in Peru, Huanchaco houses plenty of tourists staying in one of many beach side hostels that spend their days surfing and beach bumming. Although not the prettiest beach, it still has sand, water and warm weather. Huanchaco is also the site of one of the most unique set of ruins you’ll ever see. Chan Chan is virtually an ancient city built out of hardened dirt and sand with massive city walls and artwork carved into the exterior. Completely surprising and in my opinion an underrated stop in Northern Peru. |
Becky: Colca Canyon
To be fair, most of my love for Colca Canyon comes from the fact that I got to see so many llamas and alpacas, but there are other positives too ;) The canyon itself is beautiful, and if you are lucky you might spot a condor or two floating on by (the ones we saw were quite far away, but they were there!). We drove through a number of small, interesting towns on the way to Cruz Del Condor, got to try some cactus ice cream, and even visited Uyo Uyo (an archaeological site near Yanque). The riverside thermal baths of Chacapi were also the perfect way to end a rainy day of exploring. |
#3
Becky: Lima
Lima is a great city to spend a couple days exploring by foot. Although it is on the coast, it isn't really the place to head if you want beach time (most of the city is perched high on a cliff overlooking the water and rocky shores, not easily accessible to white sand beaches). The city center offers history, architecture and churches, while the Barranco neighbourhood provides a more artistic, Bohemian feel to the city. Miraflores is a good area to base yourself between the two. |
Shane: Colca Canyon
Quaint would be the ideal word to describe Colca Canyon. Abandoned Inka ruins and terraces scatter the valley as well as postcard view points and natural hot springs. Watch the condors sore from the view points and marvel at one of the deepest canyons in the world. One of my favourite moments of the past 9 months was drinking a cold beer while sitting in the outdoor hot springs after a long hike in the afternoon rain. A true moment of peace. |
#2
Shane: Iquitos
It’s a guess but I’m sure Iquitos is slang for mosquitoes.-which would be fitting seeing as though mosquitoes in the Amazon are the size of small birds and have no trouble biting through layers of clothing. However, the largest city in the world not accessible via road sits in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon and has a truly unique experience to offer. Trips up and down the Amazon ranging from days to weeks spotting wildlife (such as river dolphins, sloths and monkeys), a manatee rescue centre and one of the craziest markets I’ve ever seen are but a few activities you can partake in. Also, if your feeling game and have done your research, Ayahuasca can be tried and you can trip balls just like locals have being doing for centuries. |
Becky: Iquitos & the Amazon
Iquitos is the largest city in the world that is inaccessible by road. It is also the starting point to exploring the Amazon from Peru. The city itself is an anomaly- a huge metropolis in the middle of nowhere. The Belen market is full of unusual items and isn't for the faint of heart- sadly the locals still catch the local wildlife for food and for pets, so it isn't uncommon to see turtle meat or small monkeys in cages. A relatively short drive will have you outside the city and back to nature, where you can catch a boat and head into the Amazon to explore the wildlife in its natural habitat. Beware of tours that offer guarantees of seeing/touching the animals, as they often keep them cages for tourists. It is much more rewarding to spot them (or try to spot them) in the wild. Also make sure you bring a lot of bug spray...the mosquitoes are next level! |
#1- Our Favourites
Becky: Machu Picchu
This was my second time visiting Machu Picchu, having travelled here in 2014 with my mom. Even having entered the site before, nothing can take away from that first moment that you cast your eyes across the expansive ruins, surrounded by mist covered mountains. We weren't able to climb Happy Mountain this time (apparently the ladders aren't well maintained anymore), so we opted to do the Wuayna Picchu hike. An extra ticket is required for this and I would recommend doing the 10am time slot so that the morning mist has time to clear before you get to the top. It is a tough one hour climb up constant stairs, but the view from the summit is pretty amazing. For obvious reasons, anyone visiting Peru should make time to visit Machu Picchu. |
Shane: Machu Picchu
To have Machu Picchu as the number one is predictable and boring but f*ck it’s INKAcredible. The site itself is breathtaking and awe inspiring. Your imagination runs wild while you try to imagine this city in its bustling prime and as you take in the shear contrast of nature and man at their most impressive. The mountains and jungle surrounding you are worth the trip itself. Do yourself a favour and get the ticket with the Wuayna Picchu hike included. A steep climb (believed to be made daily by the high priest) up the original Inka stair case is tough but well worth the differentiating view. |
And our least favourites...
Shane: Added charges
Although not everywhere, there are still plenty of places that use clever wording to try and trick you out of some extra dollars. For example: offering free coffee if you buy a piece of cake. Then charging you full price for the coffee because you got milk and it was only if you got black coffee. This can normally be resolved if you confront them......don’t let them bully you into paying. Also be careful when collecting your change as short changing and issuing fake currency are popular pastimes in Peru.
Although not everywhere, there are still plenty of places that use clever wording to try and trick you out of some extra dollars. For example: offering free coffee if you buy a piece of cake. Then charging you full price for the coffee because you got milk and it was only if you got black coffee. This can normally be resolved if you confront them......don’t let them bully you into paying. Also be careful when collecting your change as short changing and issuing fake currency are popular pastimes in Peru.
Becky: The hard sell
Peru has clearly been in the tourism business for awhile, and everyone is on board to try to sell you something. Walking through the main square in Cusco on our first day almost lost all enjoyment because you can't walk 5 feet without someone offering you a massage, tour or menu. |