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An update from Evaneos

Best places to visit in Peru

A trip to Peru is an opportunity to immerse yourself in indigenous South American culture by visiting legendary sites such as Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Sample guinea pig meat, stay on floating islands, follow in the footsteps of the Incas, go for dune buggy rides in the sand dunes or horse rides through the canyons: there are lots of surprises waiting for you in the land of Pachamama, a popular tourist destination that is fully deserving of the enthusiasm it generates.

Though it is possible to race round and see all the essential things the country has to offer in the space of two weeks, you will undoubtedly want to get off the beaten track as well. Read what Evaneos' experts have to say for advice on how to do this. They have each spent a lot of time in the country and are able to provide personal anecdotes and practical tips in support of their reviews.

When you arrive in Lima, head first of all to the Pacific Coast to see and admire the famous Candelabra at Pisco, go sandboarding in Ica, and take a flight tour over the Nazca Lines. From there you can easily get to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the highlight of which is of course Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. To reach it, either trek the Inca Trail or get from one archaeological site to the next using first the buses then the trains.

When visiting the city of Puno, spend some time on the islands of Isla Amantani and Isla Tauquile in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Then head on to Arequipa, the White City, and go trekking in the Colca Canyon.

A visit to Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon region of the north of the country, offers the opportunity to meet and encounter native indigenous people and Peruvian shamans, and for mountain climbing afficionados there are the ascents of some of the highest summits in the Andes to tackle.

As you have no doubt now realised, visiting Peru is not at all about taking things easy and relaxing, and you will return from the country with a head full of amazing memories. Don't waste another second and start planning your itinerary right away by browsing the Evaneos website.

Julie Olagnol
A town south of Lima known mainly for its huge and mysterious geoglyphs.
An impressive Inca site constructed by the Emporero Pachacuti and lying just two kilometres from Cusco.
Peru's second largest town, in the south, on the Chilean border, it is 2,300 metres above sea level, in the Andes. It merits its nickname, the "White city". A must see...
Cachinapampa is a tiny settlement in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range that serves as a base camp for trekkers.
Lying just a stone's throw from Arequipa, Cayma is a city brimming with history, as the numerous impressive old buildings in its colonial quarter testify.
An unmissable archaeological site in the Ancash region and the astronomical and religious centre of the Chavin civilisation.
150km from Arequipa, Chivay is a little village situated at the entrance to the Canyon de Colca.
180km from Arequipa, the Canyon de Colca is the second deepest canyon in the world. It's time for beautiful walks at the heart of marvellous landscapes.
50 kilometres from Chivay the buses stop at Condor's Cross to admire the graceful flight of the Andrean raptors.
An oasis that seems almost lost in the middle of one of the most arid deserts in the world that in reality is just 5 km from Ica.
Seaside resort a few miles from Trujillo, north of Lima
A few kilometres from Chinchero, Huayllabamba is a small Andean hamlet situated in the Sacred Valley.
The Island of Amantani is one of two islands on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. It is very small, only 9 km2, and you see it gradually appear from the blue background of the lake as the boat approaches. It has 4,000 inhabitants.
A wonderful lake in the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range (located in the Ancash region), and often the first camping stop for those doing the trek.
A pretty lake in the Cordillera Blanca (Ancash region) and camping on the Cedros trek / Alpamayo circuit.
An archipeligo located off Paracas, (south of Lima) often nicknamed the poor man's Galapagos.
A campsite located along the most famous hiking route through the Cordillera Blanca mountain range (Ancash region), the Santa Cruz trek.
One of the starting points of the most beautiful treks in Peru, the Huayhuash, in the Ancash region.
Ollantaytombo is a little village in Peru and was once an ancient Inca city. The town makes a very interesting stop for all travellers making a trip to Peru.
Not far from the Runkurakay ruins is Pakaymayu, a valley that is crossed during the famous Inca Trail trek.
Three hours drive from Cusco, Pacchanta village is situated at an altitude of 13 779 feet , at the foot of Ausangate.
At 3,800m altitude, at the heart of the Sacred Valley, Patabamba is a village of weavers.
Pisac is the first archaeological site in the Sacred Valley, and it is worth spending a few days visiting all around Cusco.
Sangalle is an oasis situated at the bottom of the Cañon del Colca (3,400m deep!). It is a must-see for all trekking lovers, and it's a well-deserved stop!
Taquile, the island where men knit! This quiet, peaceful island is now well-known and is included as part of most Lake Titicaca tourist circuits. 
Campsite located along the very famous Santa Cruz trek in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range (Ancash region).
Tinqui is a small Andean village in the Vilcanota Mountains.
The road that takes you to Yanque is worth the trip in itself. Though this is quite a tiny backwoods village, it does offer a warm welcome to visitors.
Trujillo is an interesting place to visit for anyone touring northern Peru in order to see and explore ancient buildings and ruins.
A large town located in the north of the country and at the strategic meeting point of the coast and the Amazon.

Best time to visit Peru

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