Amazing Peru Anniversary Adventure
Anywhere Peru made our dream 38th-anniversary trip come true!
The best way to celebrate our anniversary...
If you're thinking about Peru (and with so many amazing places in a single country, why aren't you?), you may be wondering whether you should work through a travel agency, and who to go with. This was a 38th-anniversary trip, and our first time in Peru and South America; we wanted to see and do as much as we could in just under 3 weeks. We had previously had a great experience with Anywhere Costa Rica, so we were eager to see what Anywhere Peru could offer. They exceeded all of our expectations.
The highlights of this trip...
We visited Peru and the Sacred Valley at the height of tourist season, so there were definitely tourists about but it didn't feel jam-packed. With our guide Natalie, we toured archaeological sites at Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and we saw quite a bit of the countryside in between. This is pretty much a must-see for anyone visiting this area of the country — it puts Machu Picchu into a larger context.
What I’ll remember the most about this vacation...
We stayed at Tambo del Inka, which is a top-rated luxury resort in Urubamba. Its architecture and decor are reflective of the Andean culture. But if you're looking for something with truly local flavor, this would not be it, so it depends on what you like. That said, we loved it and would go back in a heartbeat. We spent a couple of days nestled in gorgeous surroundings relaxing and acclimating to the high altitude. The grounds, the room, the restaurant (fantastic food and by far the best and most varied breakfast I have ever experienced) were all wonderful. Thank you, Cesar, Percy, Rafael, Alexandra, Joel and others who made our trip so memorable. The level of service is unparalleled.
Places you'll stay
Lima
The coastal city of Lima is diverse, with colorful parks, friendly locals, tasty cuisine, vibrant markets, and ancient historical attractions. Travelers can tour world-class museums, wander through the colonial architecture of Miraflores, and eat seafood along the Pacific coast.
Iquitos
Iquitos is a city in Peru’s northeastern Amazon. It’s been on the tourism scene since the 1960s and has well-established services for travelers. You can also visit Iquitos year-round, which isn’t always possible in other parts of the Amazon.
Urubamba
The town of Urubamba is located in the middle of the Sacred Valley. Despite its central location, the town is mellow and relaxed. It makes for a good home base while exploring Peru’s most beautiful valley.
Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu. Staying here for a night or two will give you intimate access to this incredible Inca site.
Cusco
Nestling in the dip of the Watanay River Valley, from above the city of Cusco takes the shape of a puma, which some historians theorize was a purposeful design. As the city expands, its borders creep up the sides of the surrounding mountains, but puma statues, fountains, and signs keep the big cat’s status of unofficial city mascot.
Chivay
Chivay, a traditional market town set in a picturesque patchwork of agricultural farmlands, constitutes the main hub of the Colca Valley. Chivay acts as a gateway for exploring the beautiful Colca Canyon.
Arequipa
The name Arequipa comes from "Ari, Quepay," which means "Yes, you may stay" in the local Quechua language. Not surprisingly, Arequipa is very welcoming and well worth the visit with its amazing architecture, bustling city center, and friendly atmosphere.
The Sacred Valley
The first inhabitants of the Sacred Valley treasured this land not only for its dramatic landscapes and sweeping vistas—the Sacred Valley also offered ample opportunities for agriculture, and had plentiful water just beyond the reaches of the parched desert. Its fertility was the result of a sunny climate and the Río Urubamba coursing through the valley.
Puno
Puno is Lake Titicaca’s only major city, and most travelers will pass through here while heading towards other destinations around the lake. The city is only mildly attractive, but is surrounded by seriously spectacular scenery.
Moments to look forward to
Larco Museum
The Larco Museum is one of Lima's most interesting and fun museums. The museum hosts an exciting collection of ceramics, gold, silver, erotic art, and textiles.
Palomino Islands
With a fabulous show of marine wildlife, the Palamino Islands boat trip is one of the most exciting tours close to Lima. The full day trip amazes with interesting historical sites, a diverse array of sea birds, and you can even jump in and swim with sea lions!
Ollantaytambo Fortress
The staggeringly steep Inca ruins at the Ollantaytambo Fortress loom over the north side of the town of Ollantaytambo. They are famous for being one of the few places where the Incas defeated Spanish conquerors in a major battle.
Pisac Market
With both ancient and modern attractions, the charming colonial town of Písac has truly earned its place on the map. It lies 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Cusco on the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. It’s at the base of a mountain that houses the spectacular Inca Písac Fortress.
Inca Trail
Trek the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu at the end of a memorable journey. The Inca Trail covers 24 miles (39 km) through the mountains above the Sacred Valley. Much of the Inca Trail is paved with stones put in place by the Inca. This trail will take you through cloud forests – rare environments dense with jungle growth and mist. You’ll see many different types of delicate orchids, and experience the biodiversity that only a humid jungle can produce.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the bucket-list tourist attraction and the highlight of many peoples’ trip to Peru; the vastness, location and detail of the ruins make it unmissable. Without a doubt this is the crown jewel of Peruvian ruins.
Lake Titicaca
At a staggering 12,467 feet (3,800 m) above sea level, Lake Titicaca seems to nearly touch the sky. Maybe this is why the Inca believed that it was here that Viracocha, the creator god, created the sun. According to Inca legend, other Titicaca natives include the first Inca king, Manco Copac. One of the highest lakes in the world, surrounded by mountains on either side, Titicaca is an obvious candidate for the stuff of legends.
Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is beautiful and inspiring. A river courses through the valley, passing cute villages and tall mountains as it makes its way across the spectacular landscape. This is a great place to go hiking or explore the small traditional towns.
Larco Museum
The Lima Gourmet - Evening Tour
Palomino Islands Tour
Fountains of Lima
Astrid y Gaston: N° 7 Best Restaurant Latin America
Assistance at Lima Airport
Trekking Brief
Sacred Valley Excursion
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days/1Night
Aguas Calientes to Urubamba Vistadome Train #304
City Tour and Nearby Ruins
Cusco to Puno All Inclusive Bus
Lake Titicaca Full Day Tour
Condor of Colca Canyon 3 day, 2 night Trip
Arequipa City and Santa Catalina Monastery Tour
Assistance at Lima Airport
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
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Seamless Connections
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it’s about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team behind you every step of the way.
