Just Back From: Peru with Jim and Paul

How did you get there?

We flew with LATAM airlines via Madrid. The flight home was with Iberia, but these airlines can be combined as they are part of the same alliance.

How long was the trip?

With the overnight flights, we were away 16 days in total.

Where in Peru did you go?

We began the trip in the capital Lima before flying to Cusco. From there, we visited the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu as well as the city itself. Next, we visited the Amazon rainforest around Puerto Maldonado before one more night in Lima.

What was your overall impression of the country?

Peru is a must-see in Latin America. Not only does it have some of the continent's most famous sites such as Machu Picchu, but also so many contrasting landscapes and history. Peru is easy to get around with short flights and great transport links.

Have you been before? If so, any notable differences?

We had both backpacked separately there over a decade ago. The food has certainly improved and now there are fantastic restaurants on every corner. Peru is still great value for money though, and has the buzz that all brilliant travel destinations should have.

Which was your favourite…

Place: We loved exploring Barranco in Lima and San Blas in Cusco. These were neighbourhoods we hadn’t seen before, but both have plenty of lovely hotels to use as bases when visiting these cities.

Hotel: We saw plenty of amazing properties, but we recommend making time in your itinerary to stay at one of the beautiful hotels  in the Sacred Valley such as Sol y Luna, Tambo del Inka or Belmond Rio Sagrado.

Excursion: We went whitewater rafting down the Apurimac River, spending the night camping on a beach alongside its flowing waters. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for those that don’t like camping it can also be done on a day trip!

What were your most memorable moments?

We hiked the Mini-Inca Trail (Kilometre 104 trek) which allows you to enter Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate with its famous vistas of the complex. Paul never made it to the famous Inca citadel last time he visited Peru, so it was particularly memorable way for him to finally glimpse it!

Were there any surprises along the way?

The internal flights are very short. Even on a 1.5-hour flight, you’re often only in the air for 45 minutes but views can be spectacular.

What tips do you have for travellers wanting to visit the same destinations?

Less is more, while a cliché, is usually good advice when touring large countries. Consider slightly longer stays in each place to acclimatise to the altitude and get deeper underneath the skin. After all, no one wants to spend all their trip on the road or in airports.

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?

A lightweight, foldable poncho or rain jacket. Even in the dry season, rain showers are common in areas like Machu Picchu and the Amazon.

Any local snacks, dishes or drinks that should be sampled?

Peru is of course famous for its Pisco Sours but doing a Pisco-tasting session is a great way to find out more about the spirit. There are also some Peruvian wines which are worth sampling now. See if you can find an Intipalka Gran Reserva!

Any restaurant or bar recommendations?

We did the gourmet city tour of Lima, which visits local markets to sample native fruit, cafés for organic Peruvian coffee and restaurants such as Limaná, known for its fresh, sustainable, and plant-forward cuisine. This is also a great way to get a feel for the districts of Miraflores and Barranco.

Sum up your trip in a sentence?

It was lovely to be back in a country we both knew but to explore it in more depth and certainly more comfort!