Tales from TravelLocal: Cliff’s trip to Peru

Peru conjures up images of ancient cities, lonely mountains, and all the drama of a once-mighty civilization. From the ever-iconic Machu Picchu to the lesser-known Chan Chan, the huge swathe of Amazon rainforest to Vinicunca’s otherworldly peaks, it’s a land and experience that will stay with you forever—whether you’re making your first or hundredth trip. Our Product Manager Cliff diarizes his own TravelLocal trip to Peru, taken after a stint working with our local partners in Costa Rica. Read on to feel inspired to plan your tailor-made South American journey…

My trip to Peru: from Lima to Machu Picchu

Days 1-5: San José to Lima

From San José, a capital city of one million people, to Lima with over 10 million… I’ve been here for four days which has provided ample time to explore. I can recommend staying in the Barranco and Miraflores areas!

Day 6: Heading south to Ica via the Ballestas Islands

Now it gets going! With a stinging 3am wake-up, I start to head south to Ica. But first, a tour of the Ballestas Islands, famous for guano (which is actually a Quechua word) and the million-plus birds that produce it.

Next, we continue onwards by fairly comfy long-distance coach to Ica, home to pisco distilleries and tuk tuk taxi wars. It’s surrounded by massive sand dunes and is just minutes from Huacachina, the “oasis of America”.

Day 7: Top Gun, eat your heart out

In my second Top Gun (or perhaps more Hot Shots…) episode of recent times, I took to the sky to see the Nazca Lines. To clarify, I did not pilot the plane. It was a bit turbulent (apparently it’s best to go earlier in the day before the earth heats up, creating some bumpy skies) but an incredibly cool experience. Even though the lizard was sadly run over by the Pan-American highway.

Day 8: Journey to Arequipa

Some say this is Peru’s second city and, with a well-kept historic center, it is definitely my favorite city so far. The Monasterio de Santa Catalina is a must-visit! I finished the day with a beer and a fantastic view of the volcano Misti from a rooftop bar.

Read more: Our top 10 best things to do in Peru

Day 9: Across high plains to Chivay

From Arequipa at 2,335m, the (blissfully asphalted) road winds up into the high plains towards Chivay, reaching a maximum height of around 4,910m at the Patapampa Pass. As a national reserve there is wildlife to be seen as well as vast landscapes – including the adorable viscacha!

Day 10: Into the Colca Canyon

This morning I was awoken by a bow-tied alpaca and treated to a truly stunning view over breakfast. I did indeed see a condor or two (although at a fair distance). I even managed to fit time in to go hot spring bathing, pisco sours in hand, with the British couple on tour with me.

Read more: Hiking in Peru

Day 11: Reaching the shores of Lake Titicaca

Amazingly lucky with the weather for Lake Titicaca today! First we visited the Uros community who live on floating reed islands – beware… it’s fascinating but touristy (the other communities stay sensibly hidden in the reeds). Then we set off to Taquile Island with its Inca terraces and stunning views towards Bolivia.

Day 12: From Puno to Cusco

Road trip time! Puno to Cusco on a tourist bus – a good way to get around Peru fairly cheaply. We drove past Pucara – the oldest urban center in the region – though I didn’t see it up close. Also glimpsed the railway (for those who travel in style) at La Raya Pass (4,335m).

Day 13: Captivated by Cusco

Cusco is absolutely packed with Spanish colonial architecture sitting right on top of the famous Inca stonework. The citadel of Saksaywaman overlooking Cusco is hugely imposing, even now with only foundations remaining. I also finally saw some ingenious Inca irrigation.

I met up with some of our Peruvian local experts and learned about some Christmas traditions. Apparently panettone with unsweetened hot chocolate is the order of the day! I also tried chicha de jora, tangy fermented corn beer (mine was strawberry-flavored) served in gigantic glasses.

Day 14: Into the Sacred Valley

Apparently the Sacred Valley was named so because the microclimate allows for an incredible three harvests a year. Inca ruins and terraces litter the place in the best way possible.

Read more: Exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley: top sites, activities and tips

Day 15: Arriving at Machu Picchu

I always thought of Machu Picchu as one of those places people go to because other people go there, however the views of mountain spires from the winding road up through tropical forest felt adventurous after Cusco’s altiplano setting. It was all a bit Indiana Jones.

Even the weather conspired to make the experience feel mysterious; wispy clouds teasing glimpses of ruins and isolated peaks. Then, around a corner, the main event – the clouds pulled away at exactly the right moment, revealing the eyrie in all its glory. Which meant one thing…

Selfie time. The art of getting one’s self in the way of fantastic landscapes to prove how much fun you are having. To be fair, this was a breathtaking view to get in the way of! I have no regrets.

Day 16: Homeward-bound

Time to go, and what better way to say goodbye than with a pisco sour or two and a live band. I attempted a salsa shuffle… and tried half a guinea pig for dinner. It’s a local delicacy but there’s very little meat on it. When in Rome…

Hasta la prózima!

Make it happen

If you’re feeling inspired by Cliff’s tales of his trip to Peru, browse our collection of trip ideas or reach out to one of our local experts today. They’re based on the ground, and have been carefully handpicked to help you plan a truly unique, magical and stress-free journey.