Okay, so, let me tell you about this trip I took to Peru. It was a real eye-opener, a totally different world out there. I’d been wanting to go for ages, and 2025 seemed like the perfect time to finally do it. I started planning a few months in advance, which is key if you want to hit all the big spots without rushing around like a headless chicken.
Getting Started
First things first, I started to booked the flights and accommodation. I mean, you can’t really go to Peru without seeing Machu Picchu, right? That was a non-negotiable. I also booked a guided tour ’cause, honestly, I wanted to get the most out of it, learn all the history and stuff. But I didn’t stop there. I’d heard so much about the Amazon rainforest, and I thought, “When am I ever going to be this close to the Amazon again?” So, I booked a few days in a jungle lodge. That was an experience in itself, let me tell you.
The Journey Begins
When I finally landed in Lima, the capital, I was buzzing. I spent a couple of days there, just wandering around, taking in the sights, eating the food – oh man, the food! Ceviche is a must-try. Trust me. The city’s got this cool mix of old and new, historical buildings right next to modern skyscrapers. It’s wild.
Machu Picchu and Beyond
After Lima, I flew to Cusco, which is the gateway to Machu Picchu. Cusco itself is pretty high up in the mountains, so I made sure to take it easy the first day to get used to the altitude. Then, it was time for the main event. I took the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, and then a bus up to the site. Seeing Machu Picchu in person, it’s just… wow. Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s incredible to think how the Incas built this whole city up in the mountains so long ago. I spent hours there, just soaking it all in.
- Flight and Accommodation: Book in advance to secure spots.
- Machu Picchu Tour: Book a guided tour.
- Amazon Rainforest: Consider booking a stay in a jungle lodge.
- Lima: Spend time exploring the capital.
- Cusco: Gateway to Machu Picchu, take it easy on the first day due to altitude.
Into the Jungle
Next up was the Amazon. I flew from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and then took a boat to the lodge. Being in the rainforest is like stepping into another world. The sounds, the smells, the sheer amount of green – it’s overwhelming in the best way. I went on hikes, saw all sorts of wildlife (monkeys, birds, even a tarantula!), and learned about the plants and how the locals use them. Sleeping in the jungle, with all the sounds of nature around you, it’s something else.
Unexpected Surprises
But it wasn’t just about the big-name places. I also made time to visit the Nazca Lines, these massive drawings in the desert that you can only really see from the air. Nobody knows for sure how or why they were made, which makes them even more fascinating. I took a small plane flight over them, and it was mind-blowing.
Coastal Wonders
And you know what? I decided to add in a little beach time as well. Heard great things about the coastal towns. So I headed to Paracas and did a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands – they call them the “Poor Man’s Galapagos”. Tons of birds, sea lions, even penguins! Then I chilled out in Huacachina, this little oasis town in the middle of the desert. I even tried sandboarding down the dunes, which was a blast, even though I wiped out a couple of times,haha.
Reflections
Looking back, it was a real adventure. I packed a lot in, but it never felt too rushed. I saw ancient ruins, explored the rainforest, flew over mysterious lines in the desert, and even got some beach time. But more than that, I got a taste of the culture, the food, the people. Everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming. It’s one of those trips that stays with you, you know? It changes your perspective on things.
So, if you’re thinking about a trip to Peru, I’d say go for it. Just do a bit of planning, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path a little. You won’t regret it. And seriously, try the ceviche.
