Peru

“But I don’t want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness, I want sin.”
Aldous Huxley

Peru is raw unadulterated adventure. Or it can be if you do it right. The dramatic landscapes of the Andes, the vast Amazon Rainforest, the sweeping hillsides around Cusco, and the rugged cliffside of Paracas are all begging for exploration. Sure, the cities in Peru are beautiful picturesque combinations of terra cotta brick and cobblestone and Spanish architecture but the real draw is in Peru’s wilderness.

Travelers often lose themselves in it. Mentally, not physically. Coming home with a fresh perspective on life or extending their stay to draw just a little more inspiration.

Peru Travel Guide

Recommended Cities: Lima, Huacachina, Nazca, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, The Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Puno, Huaraz, Paracas, Chachapoyas, Mancora

Recommended Minimum Trip Length: 6 weeks to see everything from the Amazon to the mountains of Huaraz. 3 weeks for just Lima-Cuzco with everything in between.

One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: The Inca Trail. I know it’s expensive. Go with Alpaca Expeditions, they are worth every penny. Machu Picchu just isn’t the same without it.

Things to Consider Before You Go: Most of Peru is at altitude. Even the city of Cusco sits at a daunting 11,200 ft above sea level. If you struggle with altitude it would be in your best interest to bring along some acclimatization medication. There are also hundreds of potential treks in Peru. You can’t do them all. Prioritize what you really want to see.

Expected Backpacker Budget

On a Shoestring: $30/day

Flashpacker: $60/day

Backpacker Luxury: $75/day

Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.