ROAD TRIP TO PERU

In July 2017, my family and I decided to go to Peru for one month to visit my older sister.  

Given the economic situation of the country we could have afforded to spend our stay in nice hotels, rent a nice car, etc... but we preferred to live our experience in a different way. So our trip took the form of a road trip. In the end, the most expensive part of the trip was the plane ticket. Once there, we were able to live a magical experience without spending a lot of money. 

1. Arequipa 

Our first day on Peruvian territory was in Arequipa. We stay in a youth hostel in the city center for a few days before we really start our road trip. Arequipa is a small Peruvian city very pleasant to visit. 

Not very far from Arequipa, if you are lucky enough to go there is the Sogay waterfall: a very quiet, pleasant and relaxing place.

Arequipa is also a good place to try the culinary specialty of Peru, the Cuy (guinea pig).

2. The Colca Canyon 

The Colca Canyon is a beautiful place and in my opinion, INCONTOURNABLE when you go to Peru. Magnificent hikes are waiting for you. You will be able to stay in magnificent inns in the middle of nature and discover the life of the Peruvians who live in this canyon. Some hostels have natural swimming pools so that you can relax after your hike and contemplate the BEAUTIFUL landscape!

What you need to know when you go to Peru is that you will have to get up very early. Indeed, it is quickly very hot and the hikes become impossible to do. Leaving early will allow you to arrive on the sites for lunch and will give you the opportunity to enjoy your afternoons. 

Hiking in the Colca is not very complicated. However, if you don't feel up to it, you have the possibility to do the last donkey ride. In terms of altitude, the Colca is not the highest point in Peru, but we still climb to over 3,000 meters. If you are prone to altitude sickness it is therefore essential to take your precautions if you do not want to get sick. The typical Peruvian remedy for this is Coca-Cola mate. This Colca getaway is a completely affordable experience in terms of price. In the canyon, you will only be able to stay in small inns. 

3. Cuzco 

For the rest of our trip, we then opted for a private guide. We were traveling with 15 people and it was much easier for us to travel together. 

The first place to see when you go to Cusco is the Archaeological Site of Pisac. You will be able to admire the Andean terraces, something very impressive. 

If you go around Cuzco, you must absolutely go and see the seven-colored mountain. This is the most impressive landscape I've seen in Peru. However, it's not an easy hike and people who are altitude-sensitive should refrain from hiking as you'll have to climb to over 5,000 meters. I strongly advise you to leave very early (6 am) to do this hike if you don't want to end up with millions of tourists. Also very important and highly recommended: chew coca leaves before starting the hike. This will help you not to get altitude sickness. Once you arrive at the top of the mountain you'll have a splendid view. On one side, the mountain and its beautiful colors and on the other side a magnificent Glacier. This is an UNFORGETTABLE place !!! 

At the top of the seven-colored mountain !! 💪

4. The Maras Saltworks

On the road to Machu Picchu, if you have the opportunity to stop there, it is magnificent: hundreds of saltworks in terraces. 

5. Machu Picchu

To get to Machu Picchu you will have to take a beautiful jungle passage. You will also have to walk along the rails of a train which is not always reassuring especially when there are tunnels! What we did is that we spent one night in a hotel in the small town of Machu Picchu so that we could be in front of Machu first thing the next day. 

For Machu Picchu, you have to leave very early. At 4:30 am we went to the place of the departure of the buses and there was already an interminable queue, it is thus necessary to plan to get up very early! Moreover, I strongly advise you to take the pass to go up the Wayna Picchu. Arrived at the top of this one you will be able to completely dominate Machu Picchu and it is more impressive! 

At the top of Wayna Picchu !! 😍

6. Lake Titicaca 

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. We chose to sleep on the island of Amantani in families. Doing it this way is really great. You will be able to eat with the families and they will make you try on the costumes they are wearing. It's really a great experience. 

To contemplate Lake Titicaca, it is best to go there at least once a week. You will be able to admire the lake, but also the Andes Cordillera as well as Glaciers: it is really magnificent. 

7. The Huacachina Desert 

An INOUBLIABLE experience. A truly magnificent desert that you will be able to explore in a buggy. I highly recommend this activity. You will be able to stop at different places and you will even be able to surf on the sand. This is really a fantastic experience that I recommend to do! 

One should not believe that a buggy excursion in the desert is very expensive. It is extremely affordable and allows us to live an extraordinary experience!

8. Paracas 

If you want to admire the Pacific Ocean you have to go there. It is a huge and wonderful nature reserve. You will also have the opportunity to admire the wonderful cliffs that line the Pacific Ocean.

This is the end of a wonderful road trip. Peru is a destination that I strongly recommend to all those who are looking for a change of scenery.
I hope that all these little tips and recommendations will help you in the preparation of your trip! 😄

See you next Sunday for an article on Croatia!