Visiting Peru

We planned an extended trip of roughly 3.5 weeks following what many refer to as the “gringo trail”. After years of (at times not so..) patiently waiting, travel restrictions allowed us to pull the trigger on this trip during June and July of 2022. After years of planning, Rosanna had created the ultimate Peru itinerary.

We used PeruHop for transportation between major outposts on the trip. We loved the simplicity and flexibility PeruHop provided. It gave us the peace of mind of not having to drive ourselves around the country while also providing the flexibility for us to completely customize our own itinerary, staying as many or as few days in a single location as we wanted. 

Why we loved visiting Peru

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, Peru should definitely be at the top of your list!

From its vibrant cities to its breathtaking landscapes, Peru has something to offer every traveler – especially the adventurous type. From the colorful streets of Cusco to the majestic Machu Picchu, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring attractions this South American country has to offer.

We were absolutely mesmerized by the stunning landscapes. From the beautiful Palcoyo Rainbow mountain to the breathtaking (literally) Lake Titicaca, Peru is truly a nature lover’s paradise whether you’re an avid hiker or more of a cusual explorer.

We were also blown away by the country’s rich culture and history. From the ancient Incan ruins to the colonial architecture, there’s no shortage of things to explore in Peru for the history buff. We’re huge fans of learning about ancient cultures and seeing the megalithic structures built by the Inca is wild!

Peruvians are such warm people, happy to share their culture, a warm smaile, a meal, their home or a story. They keep so many traditions and customs alive today, it’s nearly impossible not to be swept away by Peruvian culture. We made some lifelong friends on this trip. 

The food in Peru was another highlight of our trip. From traditional ceviche to hearty stews, Peruvian food is unlike any other. If you’ve never tried Peruvian food, give it a shot. It’s so different from many other South American cuisines.

Our trip to Peru was an incredible experience. If you’re considering a trip to Peru feel free to read about our trip. We hope some of our adventures will inspire you.

A very brief history of Peru

This is a super brief overview of Peru’s rich history. We’d recomend diving much deeper if you’re a history buff, but knowing at least some basics about a country before you visit is always nice.

Peru is a country located in South America, with a rich and fascinating history. The first evidence of human presence in Peru dates back to over 13,000 years ago, with the Caral-Supe civilization being the oldest known civilization in the Americas.

The number of amazing pre-inca civilizations in what is now Peru is pretty wild, and we really enjoyed being exposed to the history of these civilizations. However, the Inca Empire is perhaps the most well-known period in Peru’s history, having dominated the region in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Incas were skilled farmers, architects, and warriors, and their capital city of Cusco was renowned for its impressive architecture and engineering feats, which include so much more than the famous Machu Picchu. The size and sheer number of Inca ruins you can explore today is mind boggling.

However, the Inca Empire was short-lived, as Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro (a real dick) arrived in 1532 and quickly overthrew the Incas, leading to the colonization of Peru by Spain.

Over the next several centuries, the Spanish imposed their culture and language on Peru and exploited its resources, including gold and silver.

Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821, led by military general José de San Martín, but it was not until 1824 that the country achieved full independence following a decisive victory against Spanish forces at the Battle of Ayacucho.

Modern Peru is a fascinating country that blends ancient traditions with modern developments. Perhaps nowhere exhibits this mash-up more than Cusco.

One of the main drivers of tourism in modern Peru is the rediscovery of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel that was built in the 15th century and was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. The site was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham (at least he often get’s the credit), and it has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Machu Picchu attracts millions of visitors every year, and it is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

In addition to Machu Picchu, Peru is also home to many other ancient Inca sites, including the Sacred Valley, the Nazca Lines, and the city of Cusco. These sites offer a glimpse into the ancient Inca culture and provide a fascinating backdrop for modern travelers.

The modern economy of Peru has seen significant growth in recent years, thanks to its abundance of natural resources and a favorable business climate. The country has a diverse economy that includes mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Peru is also a leading producer of gold, silver, copper, and zinc, and it has become a key player in the global economy.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Inca traditions and religion in modern Peru, and we’re here for it! Many Peruvians have begun to embrace their Inca heritage, and there has been a renewed interest in traditional Inca ceremonies and rituals. We were super lucky to experience this first hand in Cusco as we were in the city during the Inti Raimi festival, which was one of the most powerful experiences either of us has had while traveling.

This resurgence has been fueled by a desire to reconnect with the country’s rich history and culture and to preserve it for future generations. One of our Peruvian friends, Chris, described it as “the final revenge on the Spanish colonizers” as modern Peruvians keep Inca traditions and religion alive. 

Despite the fact that a significant portion of the population has indigenous ancestry, the indigenous population in Peru continues to face challenges. Many indigenous communities are marginalized and face discrimination, and they often have limited access to education and healthcare. Additionally, there are significant economic disparities between indigenous and non-indigenous communities, with indigenous communities often facing poverty and limited economic opportunities.

Despite these challenges, there has been a resurgence of interest in Inca traditions and culture among modern Peruvians. Many Peruvians are proud of their indigenous heritage and are actively working to preserve and celebrate Inca traditions. This resurgence can be seen in the increased popularity of traditional Inca ceremonies and festivals, as well as in the promotion of indigenous languages and cultural practices.

In recent years, the government of Peru has also taken steps to recognize and promote indigenous rights. In 2011, Peru became the first country in Latin America to pass a law recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples to prior consultation on development projects that could affect their land and livelihoods. This law was seen as a significant step forward in recognizing the importance of indigenous rights and promoting greater inclusivity and equality in Peruvian society.

Overall, while modern Peruvians have a diverse range of backgrounds and heritages, the influence of the ancient Inca civilization is still very much present in modern Peruvian culture. The resurgence of interest in Inca traditions and culture among modern Peruvians is a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable civilization.

Our Peru itinerary

You can find an overview of our trip to Peru below with links out to more information and our experiences at each destination.

Visiting Peru Blogs