Our report
Peru is a breathtaking beautiful country and utmost interesting because of its enormous geological variation.
The cool climate in Puno ( Lake Titicaca ), the moist warmth in the jungle of Iquitos, the Andes…
History is everywhere, thanks to the Indigenous people in the rainforest, Inca’s in Macchu Picchu, the Spanish conquerers in Cusco and Arequipa.
We tried to gather as many impressions as possible in a relatively short period of time (two weeks). Therefore we covered longer distances by plane rather than by public transport.
TACA and LAN are great companies for continental flights.
You haven't had ceviche until you tasted ceviche peruano!
INKANATURA TRAVEL is a local travelagency that can book flights and plan transfers on request. They are correct and punctual, not at all common in this region.
Lima was not our cup of tea. It is an ugly, smoggy city. There is a historical center with some churches and monasteries but honestly, not much to get excited about.
Most part of the year, the capital of Peru is overcast…
But after a long flight, it can be pleasant to have a one-night-stop here.
Miraflores is by far the most beautiful district in town.The surroundings are lush green and upscale.
We stay at the Miraflores Park Hotel. It’s a beautiful place. The terrace on the ground floor is the ideal setting for your first ceviche of the trip ( there’ll be much more opportunities along the way ). Another restaurant that radiates ‘old grandeur’ is Rosa Del Mar, build on a wave breaker. The atmosphere is fifty-ish chique and busy.
Next morning we take a flight to Arequipa, magnificent town, at 2000 m height. Temperature drops. Nights here are freezing cold but during the day, the sun can be vicious ( Hotel Casa Andina ).
The Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina Convent are worth visiting.
You should stop for a drink or a snack at one of the many cosy terraces and fine restaurants, scattered around town.
Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanoes.This is the ideal scenery for mountain biking and horseback riding.
We get involved in a conversation with a cab driver, who happens to tend horses.He invites us on a walk through less known archeological sites, outside town. But no doubt you can book this activity through a travel agent.
Our next stopover is Puno, at Lake Titicaca ( Hotel Libertador ).
Colours are moving rapidly, changing from deep blue to green and even purple. This hits the G spot of every photographer. The only discomfort is the amazing altitude, giving us headaches and nausea.
Maybe you need more time in Arequipa to get used to the height.
Cruising on Lago Titicaca is an absolute must-do. Of course you will meet the Ouros Indians, living on floating islands made out of reed in the middle of nowhere, way to far offshore to be a tourist trap. But the scilly boat trips they organise are definitely a trap.
Then we’re off to Cusco ( Hotel Monasterio ).
Another beautiful location ! The hotel is very ancient. Old Spanish grandeur is to be found in the small city streets with lots of friendly people.
We feel honored to be on the Hiram Bingham train to Aguas Calientes ( Machu Picchu ).
This journey will take you in 4 hours to the Sanctuary, in case you don’t want to walk the IncaTrail.
Champagne is waiting for you at the open-air bar at the rear of the train. The train travels at slow speed through villages and valleys, crossing rivers at handshake proximity of the indigenous people. Having a great lunch you’ll see the changes in landscape as you approach the Sanctuary, to end up at Aguas Calientes.
Plenty of hotels , one more appropriate than the other.
We stay overnight at Ecohotel Inkaterra.
Plenty of time to visit the ruins and the surroundings.
It’s impossible to describe the feeling when you turn around the corner after the climb to the holy grounds. Those glimpses of the ruins, the light, the surrounding mountains…
Back in Cusco, we flew to Iquitos for yet another unforgettable experience on the Amazone. Probably the most amazing way to get into contact with this magnificent river.
There are eight cabins with floor to ceiling windows, leaving you with breathtaking views on the tropical surroundings and the river from your bed ! One of Lima’s best chefs serves his signature dishes accompanied by terrific Chilean wines.
Certified guides kindly provide you daily with lots of information concerning the rain forest and its inhabitants. All this in a very pleasant way, while sipping on a magnificent fruit cocktail. They will become your best friends throughout the week and teach you how to catch piranhas and join you in the water with pink dolphins. We all feel a bit like David Attenborough on one of his great journeys.
It’s very hard to get ashore after such an experience.
Once again we were honored to explore a bit of this incredible country, their people and the extravaganza of nature ! Let this never be spoiled by any means.
