dreamland peru

Breaking waves on the Pacific beachbreathtaking Andean landscapesenchanting mysticism of the Inca culture as far as the eye can see, never ending Desertsthe highest navigable lake in the world and one of the most species-rich animal worlds in the endless Jungle - no matter what your heart desires, you'll find it in Peru. Add to that the colorful traditions of the lively people who are still alive today. Let yourself be inspired by one of the world's best kitchens intoxicate - in Peru you will definitely become a gourmet expert. Due to its diversity, Peru is made for an extraordinary and varied adventure and the perfect place for the project of your choice.

FAVORITE PLACES

LIMA

Since our first visit to Lima, we have grown fond of this city, as its diversity is hard to beat. Lima is vibrant, exciting, exciting and will surprise you anew every day. The coast alone is one of the city's highlights and characterizes its charisma. The steep cliffs are reminiscent of the edge of the world. Lima is also known as the city of contrasts, due to the contrasts between the colonial center and the modern districts on the coast.

A unique feature of Lima is that the ruins of the Inca and pre-Inca culture are located in the middle of the city. A visit to the Huaca Pucllana pyramid is not to be missed. Many other colonial and pre-colonial treasures can be found around the famous Plaza de Armas in the center of Lima, such as the underground catacombs, where you will find a mystical library reminiscent of that of Harry Potter.

Lima has a reputation as an innovative culinary laboratory, where the character of Peru's national cuisine is combined with ingredients from the coastal, Andean and jungle landscapes. It is therefore hardly surprising that Lima is home to three of the world's 50 best restaurants. If you are a gourmet lover, you will get your money's worth here and if you are not yet one, you will learn to appreciate the food in Lima.

When visiting Lima, don't miss the "Parque de las Aguas", the largest water park in South America.

As an iconic metropolis right on the beach with numerous leisure options, Lima is the perfect starting point for your adventure in Latin America. In the modern district of Miraflores, as well as in the bohemian Barranco district, you'll find warm, small hostels as well as party locations. Simply choose what suits you best.

With its international airport, Lima is easy to reach from Europe. Unfortunately not directly from Germany. Here you have to make a short stopover in Madrid, Amsterdam or Paris. From Lima, you have connections to the rest of the country - both by plane and by bus.

From and to Lima

Accessible from Germany via a stopover in a major European city.
Lima's airport is very well connected to Latin America, and you can often reach your destination directly or with just one stopover.
You can reach Cusco from Lima in 1.5 hours by plane, with tickets costing between 120 and 200 euros. Alternatively, there is a night bus to Cusco. The journey takes around 20 hours and costs around 40 euros.
You can get to Huancayo in around 9 hours for just 10 euros.
You can get to Marcahuasi from Lima in around 2 hours by bus for just a few euros.
You can also reach the city of Ica by bus in just 4 hours and pay around 10 euros.

There are also countless opportunities in Lima's immediate surroundings for adventurers or for those who simply want to escape the vibrant city life and enjoy the idyllic landscape.

In the south you will find a breathtaking desert landscape with heavenly beaches. This region is ideal for a paragliding flight. And not just with a partner, as you can also learn to fly yourself. If you don't feel like flying, you can race through the endless expanses of the dunes on a quad bike.

When it is winter in Lima, the Limeños travel to the nearby mountains, where it is cold at night but sunny and pleasantly warm during the day. Here you can either relax by the pool or enjoy adventure activities such as rafting or quad biking in the small town of Lunahuana.

In Rupac, the Machu Picchu Limeño, you can experience true natural wonders as well as admirable Inca ruins. After a 3-hour trek, you will reach the summit where you can set up camp and get ready for an unforgettable sunset. If you are lucky and are there in season (from January to March), you will see a dense bed of clouds. You shouldn't miss the sunrise at dawn either.

Have you ever entered a "stone forest" (in Spanish "bosque de piedras")? If not, then this is your chance. The most famous one is in Marcahuasi. Here, too, you can either go on a hike or drive up to the extraordinary stone creations and camp in the middle of the "forest". A campfire in the evening creates the perfect atmosphere for discussing previous experiences and new travel ideas.

Or you can hire a car or take a tour into the mountains towards Canta in search of hidden turquoise lagoons, of which there are quite a few in Peru.

ICA AND THE HUACACHINA OASIS

Four hours' drive south of Lima on the edge of the desert lies the city of eternal summer, Ica. Just 10 km away you will find the only oasis in America, Huacachina. You should definitely visit this idyllic place. It is sunny and warm here all year round, making it the winter refuge of many Limeños; the perfect place for relaxation, partying by the pool and adventures in the dunes. If you like it fast, you shouldn't miss a ride on the buggies through the meter-high sand dunes.

There are fertile areas around the city of Ica where fruit, vegetables and table grapes are grown. This is why there are many wineries here that produce the Peruvian national drink pisco, a distillate made from grape must. Visit various wineries and bodegas and convince yourself of the exceptional taste of this delicious drop.

But the city itself also has a lot to offer. The Museo regional de Ica is a real insider tip. It is home to one of Peru's most exciting and mysterious exhibits: a mummy from the Nazca period that has been perfectly preserved in the desert sand. The sight of it, including the completely preserved hair and tattoos, can send shivers down your spine. Anyone who dares to enter this museum will never forget the sight.

From and to Ica

You can reach Ica by bus in 4 hours from Lima and pay around 10 euros.
From Cusco, it takes around 17 hours by night bus, and the ticket costs between 10 and 25 euros.
From Ica, the Huacachina desert is easy to reach by cab or bus, you pay a few euros and arrive at your destination in about 15 minutes.
You can get to the coast in 2 hours and the bus costs between 2 and 7 euros.
In around 1.5 hours you will be in Pisco, the birthplace of the national drink.

NAZCA LINES

To fly over the famous Nazca Lines, you don't have to go all the way to Nazca. From Ica, it's just an hour and a half drive to the town of Pisco, the birthplace of the national drink of the same name. From here, you can start your flight directly and save yourself the trip to Nazca, another two hours away. The famous flight over the Nazca Lines is definitely a very special experience. From the plane, you can observe huge figures that were created with impressive precision around 1,500 years ago. There are many theories about the origin of these lines and some even see them as the work of extraterrestrial beings. The only certain fact is that the famous figures of the monkey, astronaut or whale can only be recognized from the air. However, you can also get a great view of some of the figures from an observation tower.

Just outside the city are the ruins of Cahuachi. They were only recently discovered and the excavations have not yet been completed. Some people suspect that a larger and more important cult site than Machu Picchu is hidden beneath the desert sand. So it will be interesting to see what else the researchers discover.

From and to Pisco

From Pisco you can take day trips or a sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines.
You can get to Pisco from Lima in 4.5 hours and pay around 10 euros.
From Ica it takes about 1.5 hours by bus, the bus ticket costs between 2 and 10 euros.

CUSCO

Have you ever seen a 12-sided stone? Does that even make sense? Discover the intelligence of the Incas in the middle of the city. Perhaps the most famous example of the Inca's unique ability to cut stones so perfectly that they could be lined up like puzzle pieces without mortar can be found in Sacsayhuaman. Their stones interlock so perfectly that it is unimaginable that they were made with simple tools.

If you are in Cusco, you should definitely not miss out on climbing the so-called Rainbow Mountain. An absolute must-do on any trip to Peru. Rainbow Mountain is not a myth, but a real, unique natural wonder. It's amazing how such a splendid display of vibrant colors can be created naturally.

Cusco is the right place for all active and outgoing travelers looking for adventure and variety. But even those looking for idyll and a connection to nature will not miss out in Cusco. Because around Cusco and the Sacred Valley you will find a wide variety of trekking tours or relaxed excursions into the countryside.

As the most important tourist highlight, Cusco is a central point in Peru. This is why there are countless daily flights from Lima to Cusco (flight time just over an hour). From Cusco, you can fly on to various cities (Puno, Puerto Maldonado, Arequipa) or take a 10-hour drive to the famous Lake Titicaca. The scenery on this journey is breathtaking and varied, so it is well worth the effort.

In the heart of the former Inca empire lies the city of Cusco in the highlands of the Andes at 3,416 meters. Although it is the ideal starting point for visiting the wonder of the world Machu Picchu, it is also one of the country's highlights in its own right. Cusco is the best place to experience and admire the history and architecture of the Incas and for this reason is also the archaeological capital of South America.

When visiting the city's most important historical monuments, you will experience the influence of different cultures: the Plaza de Armas (main square), the cathedral from the times of the Spanish viceroyalty, built with large slabs of red granite in the Renaissance style, and the church of Santo Domingo, which was built on the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, dedicated to the sun god.

Under no circumstances should you miss out on a visit to the San Blas district. The winding alleyways, the whitewashed houses, the blue balconies with flower pots filled with geraniums, the tiled roofs and the endless staircases promise an unforgettable experience. The neighborhood is home to Cusco's artists, who for centuries have used their hands to tell the stories of their longings and disappointments in their work. They carve stone, carve wood, create sculptures and make dolls, work with silver and gold leaf and are experts in textile art, designing masks and a range of ceramic pieces in many different styles.

From and to Cusco

From Lima, you can reach Cusco in 1.5 hours by plane and pay between 120 and 200 euros. Alternatively, there is a night bus to Cusco. The journey takes around 20 hours and costs around 40 euros.
From Cusco, you can reach most major Peruvian cities such as Arequipa or Puerto Maldonado by plane, the flight time is 1 hour in each case and the ticket price is around 120 euros.
Cusco is a good starting point for Machu Picchu, from here there are several organized tours with local agencies. Or you can take a bus on your own.

MACHU PICCHU

Let's go to the highlight for many visitors to Peru: the legendary "Lost City" of the Incas is without doubt one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world and will remain in your memory forever.

Have you ever dreamed of traveling through the Peruvian Andes on a train modeled after the Pullman cars of the 1920s? Make a magical journey an unforgettable experience!

From the Sacred Valley, you take the train to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will enjoy the changing landscape as you travel from the highlands in the Andes to the beginnings of the jungle before finally arriving in the small village of Aguas Calientes. There are no cars here; everything is easily accessible on foot within a few minutes. A village with so much charm that you will fall in love at first sight. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, as this is where all the accommodation is located. But you haven't arrived at your destination yet. From here, take the bus, which will take you on a 20-minute ride to the citadel of Machu Picchu, or "The Lost City of the Incas". Machu Picchu was built on the peak of the same name and is one of the most representative examples of Inca architecture. The first time you catch a glimpse of the sacred mountain, you will be left breathless. A feeling that is difficult to describe and will never fade from your memory. As lamas walk around you, you feel like you are in another world. A moment you absolutely must experience.

A guided tour of the citadel includes a visit to the main square, the round tower, the sacred sundial, the royal quarters, the temple with the three windows and various tombs.

The city was built by the Incas on the summit of "Machu Picchu" (ancient peak) overlooking the deep gorge of the Urubamba River, in a subtropical area 120 km from the city of Cusco, at an altitude of 3,400 meters.

It is located on a mountain of extraordinary beauty, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest. Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire during its heyday, with its huge walls, terraces and ramps that look as if they have been naturally carved into the never-ending steep stone slopes.

Machu Picchu is also one of the best-kept secrets of the Incas, as neither they nor the Spanish chroniclers recorded its existence in writing.

To and from Machu Picchu

With an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, you can take the bus to the summit the next day, the journey takes less than an hour.
From Lima, it is best to fly to Cusco first and then take a bus from there.
The journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes around 4.5 hours, the ticket costs around 20 euros or you can take the train for around 50 euros in 3.5 hours.

TITICACASEE

Lake Titicaca lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia; at an altitude of 3,812 meters, it is the highest navigable lake in the world. A visit to the floating islands made of reeds spread across the lake is an absolute must. The Urus, the indigenous inhabitants of the islands, are open and welcome their visitors with warmth. A boat trip to the islands is an experience in itself, because walking on floating reeds is an unforgettable experience.

There are also "normal" islands on the lake, which are no less worth seeing. Visitors can stay with villagers and get to know the simple life on the island. The distribution of visitors among the villagers and their guest rooms is based on a fair principle so that all inhabitants of the island can benefit equally from tourism. The atmosphere on the islands, with their special location and sacred sites, is simply magical.

From and to Lake Titicaca

Puno is the starting point to get to the lake. You can reach Puno from Lima by flying to Juliaca. The flight takes around 1.5 hours and costs between 20 and 80 euros.
From Puno you take a one-hour bus for around 10 euros.
You can get from Cusco to Puno either by bus or train and pay between 40 and 80 euros for an 8-hour journey.

AREQUIPA AND THE VALLEY OF THE COLCA VOLCANOES

If you love pretty colonial towns, you should definitely not miss the "white city" of Arequipa in the south of the country, because we think it is the most beautiful in Peru. Surrounded by volcanoes, the houses built from sillar rock shine in the sun - an unforgettable sight. The buildings, built in the Latin American baroque style, are beautifully preserved and the main square is one of the prettiest in Peru. From here, you can reach all the other sights on foot or simply take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets.

The cathedral is a prime example of 19th century Peruvian architecture and houses fantastic treasures made of gold and silver. You should also not miss the Jesuit church La Compañia.

The town is also famous for the Santa Catalina monastery complex. In practical terms, it is almost "a small town", built in the 16th century and opened to the public in 1970, 400 years later. Today, it is a true journey through time to walk through the numerous, spacious courtyards and gardens as well as the kitchen, the slaves' quarters and the stone baths. Of the former 500 nuns, 20 still live in one part of the monastery.

Arequipa is the gateway to the Colca Valley, a canyon system twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Here you can go on excellent hikes and visit hot springs.

The absolute highlight of the Colca, however, is a visit to the Cross of the Condor. To see these gigantic creatures flying very close over your head, however, you should avoid the large crowds of visitors, which are avoided by the shy condors. Instead of a standard tourist tour from Arequipa, we recommend taking a local bus. This gives you flexibility and allows you to fully enjoy not only the condors but also the view. The viewpoint may not be the lowest point in the Colca Valley, but at the Cross of the Condor you can experience the full splendor of the valley. With a bit of luck, you will see the true king of the valley and largest flying bird in the world, the condor, in its impressive flight over the plateau.

On the way into the valley, you will pass the towns of Yura and Pampa Cañahuas and the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, which is inhabited by herds of vicuñas and alpacas. The latter is also the perfect place to admire a number of bird species and South American camels in their natural habitat. Also make a stop in Patahuasy to fortify yourself with a mate de coca (coca tea).

The best way to reach Arequipa from Lima is by taking a short flight of around an hour. Alternatively, you can first go to Puno and then take the bus from there to Arequipa. The journey takes around 4 hours to the Colca Valley, which you should definitely take on the way, and then another 4 hours to Arequipa. There are also direct flights from the white city to Cusco.

From and to Arequpia

You can reach Arequipa from Lima within 1.5 hours flying time and pay between around 120 euros.
The flight from Cusco only takes 1 hour and will cost you around 120 euros. There is also a bus, which takes about 8 hours and a ticket costs between 15 and 25 euros.
From Puno, you only need 4.5 hours by bus and pay between 20 and 30 euros.
On the way, it is a good idea to make a stopover in the Colca Valley, even if this adds 4 hours to your journey.

PUERTO MALDONADO

Let's go into the jungle! Have you ever seen a jaguar in the wild? Probably not, so make your way into the jungle. Of course, this is not guaranteed, but it is definitely possible. 60 % of the country is covered in jungle, so you have the perfect conditions to admire a variety of flora and fauna, expand your knowledge and go on excursions on land or by boat on the Amazon. Go fishing for pirañas, which you can prepare yourself for tonight's dinner, or go on a night hike and watch the caimans, whose eyes will light up at you. But don't worry, nothing has ever happened here.

Puerto Maldonado itself doesn't have much to offer in terms of tourism, but it is the starting point for your jungle experience. From here, you can drive to the nearby national parks. The most accessible is the Tambopata National Reserve with its great biodiversity around Lake Sandoval. You can also reach the Manú National Park and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park. These nature reserves are among the few remaining untouched primary forests in the world's rainforest belt. The nature reserves are made accessible to tourists through a series of overnight campsites that can only be reached by boat. This is also a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of the jungle dwellers by visiting local communities.

From and to Puerto Maldonado

The flight from Lima takes around 1.5 hours and will cost you between around 120 euros.
The flight from Cusco is similar in price, but only takes 1 hour.
From Juliaca it takes about 12.5 hours by bus and you pay between 15 and 30 euros.

IQUITOS

In the heart of the Amazon region lies the jungle city of Iquitos. Its population makes it the seventh largest city in the country and the most important city in northern Peru. If you want to get here, you either have to fly or travel by boat, as there is no road to Iquitos. Its location makes it the perfect starting point for a true jungle adventure and extensive discovery tours. The endless expanses of the jungle open up right outside the city gates. Experience the fascination of the rainforest up close on a multi-day camping tour into the depths of the breathtaking Amazon region. Travel by boat through the many side rivers, swim in the waters of the Amazon and swing on lianas: You'll feel like Tarzan and Jane. To top off the excursion, you can watch pink dolphins, which are only at home in this region. An experience of diving into another world.

From and to Iquitos

You can reach Iquitos within 2 hours by plane from Lima, the ticket costs between 80 and 120 euros.
You can also take the ferry from Pucallpa and pay only 30 euros, but it will take between 3 and 6 days, depending on how often you want to get off.

HUARAZ

Huaraz is the Peruvian Switzerland. The perfect place for all mountain and trekking enthusiasts. Here you can get in tune with nature and go on one-day or multi-day hikes through the impressive mountain landscapes. A must is the hike to Laguna 69, which leads across green meadows and along rushing streams up to 4,600 meters. The crystal-clear water and the 7,000-metre-high mountains in the background will leave you gasping for air, and not just because of the altitude. For this tour, however, you should acclimatize in Huaraz and, if necessary, always have a piece of chocolate and coca leaves with you, which can be brewed into tea or chewed just like that to combat altitude sickness.

From and to Huaraz

It takes about 8 hours by bus from Lima to Huaraz. The ticket costs around 30 euros.
There is no direct flight from Cusco, so you have to fly to Lima first.
It takes about 7.5 hours by bus from Huaraz to Trujillo on the coast.

do you want to experience a special adventure in peru?

We offer a wide range of exciting projects in Peru. Whether a Work & Travel Program or Volunteer projectThere are countless ways to make your stay in Peru unforgettable. We have programs in different areas to get involved in the country and give something back.

LAND AND PEOPLE

Peru surprises with the multitude of cultures and traditions that coexist in harmony. It is amazing how colorful and diverse the traditions are and that they are still maintained and lived to this day. Each community has different customs - although the people in the jungle cannot be compared with those in the Andes and certainly not with the modern way of life in Lima.
The annual festivities organized by each community are a real experience. Here, people dance, sing and celebrate in the streets for a week. Something that does not exist in this form in Europe.
Family is very important in Peru and is the most important thing for a Peruvian. The hospitality of the Peruvians is also surprising and makes you feel right at home. Foreigners are always warmly welcomed, generously fed and taken into their hearts. It is a wonderful experience to spend time with a Peruvian family and get so close to the people so quickly.
The national language in Peru is Spanish. The second most spoken language is Quechua. There are also various dialects. English is largely sufficient in the tourist areas.

EAT AND DRINK

If Peruvians rave about Peruvian cuisine with pride from morning to night, there is a reason for this. Peruvian cuisine has been named South America's best culinary destination by the World Travel Awards for the third time in a row. And you shouldn't miss out on this unique culinary experience either.

In Lima you have the opportunity to dine in 3 of the world's 50 best restaurants: Restaurant Central, Astrid & Gaston and Maido. Every penny is worth its weight in gold here.

But even if you don't want to dig too deep into your pockets, you will find excellent restaurants on every street corner. From small, dreamy "tiendas" serving fresh home cooking to modern restaurants right by the sea, everything is on offer here.

Whether it's the world's best ceviche or a tasty lomo saltado - there's something here for both fish and meat lovers. And of course, vegetarians are not neglected either. Of course, the classic pisco sour, Peru's national drink, is a must.

But don't worry, you'll quickly lose the extra kilos you've put on after your time in Lima on a few subsequent treks in the highlands!

TRAVEL INSIDER

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Best time to travel

Of course, the climate plays an important role when planning your trip. You can travel to your dream country Peru all year round. You will find the most tourists in the months from June to August.

December to April is the rainy season in the Andes region. If you are afraid of rain and mud, you should avoid the region during these months, especially for the famous treks in Cusco, such as the Inca Trail. Nevertheless, you will still meet many backpackers at this time. In the dry months, it is wonderfully sunny and warm during the day, but you should buy an alpaca scarf from the local markets for the night.

When it rains in the Andes, the sun shines on the coast - because these months are considered the Peruvian summer. At this time of year, Lima is deserted, at least at weekends, and life takes place on the beaches in the south of the city. The wild Pacific Ocean is a paradise for surfers. If you can't surf yet, don't wait any longer and fulfill your dream.

You will find a lot of fog in Lima during the winter months. Even if the Peruvians themselves are thickly wrapped up at this time, winter in Peru still has very mild temperatures for Europeans.

As the name suggests, it naturally rains a lot in the rainforest. The wettest period here is also from December to April. Nevertheless, the jungle can be visited all year round. It usually pours for a few hours and then returns to bright sunshine as if nothing had happened. A little shower like this can be quite good for the temperatures in the rainforest.

MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

means of transportation

In Peru, you have two main means of transportation to get around the country: the plane and the bus.

The flight network is well developed. Several flights are offered daily by various airlines between the main destinations and all major cities.

Lima's airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport, is part of the leading German airport company Fraport, and has repeatedly been named the best airport in South America. There are plans to double the size of the airport and the domestic route network over the next five years.

The international connections are also very good. Lima is the central starting point in Peru. Unfortunately, there is currently no direct connection from Germany. But the connections via either Madrid, Paris or Amsterdam work well. And stretching your legs a little in between is also quite pleasant on such a long flight.

Alternatively, you can travel comfortably within the country by bus. There are numerous travel companies to choose from. You can find everything from the cheapest option to the top-equipped first-class bus, which also includes food and drink. The country is very large and the distances are not to be underestimated. It is therefore advisable to take a night bus on the long routes, which is absolutely no problem in terms of safety. The big advantage: you get on in the evening, save the money for a night in a hostel and the next morning you have already arrived at your destination and have the whole day at your disposal for your first activities.

Within the cities, you can travel short distances either on foot or by bike. For longer distances, simply treat yourself to a cab, as cabs are very cheap compared to Germany. There are various cab apps that you can use to order a cab with confidence and you won't be ripped off in terms of price.

Or you can "enjoy" yourself on a local bus. The buses within the city cannot be compared with the long-distance buses. In Lima, you will find old American school buses speeding through the streets. And of course, you can't miss the loud reggeaton music. An amusing experience - because you don't just want to travel around as a tourist, you also want to get to know local life. You will receive more detailed information about local transportation in your preparation seminar after your arrival.

The bus prices are also acceptable. For a 9-hour bus trip, you pay between 9 and 20 euros depending on the category and bus company.

If you want to treat yourself to the luxury of flying within Peru, you will have to dig a little deeper into your pockets. Good offers are always available during Cyber Days. You can get a one-way flight from 80 to 120 euros. But it's also much nicer to travel by land and enjoy special experiences this way.

VISA

visa

For the volunteer project of your choice, you can easily enter Peru as a tourist. When you enter the country, you will receive a tourist visa that allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. Currently, all travelers must register electronically before entering the country. This data is checked upon entry and documented electronically. The passport is therefore no longer stamped. If you want to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, you must pay a fee of 4.60 soles (approx. €1.15) per day at the airport when you leave the country if you have been in Peru for longer than 90 days. The stay in Peru must not exceed a total of 183 days within one year. After your booking we will discuss all visa matters with you personally.

TRAVEL COSTS

Travel expenses

The local currency is the Peruvian sol. In the capital Lima, however, you can also pay in US dollars in many places such as supermarkets. This also applies to better hotels in other tourist destinations. International credit cards are also accepted as a common means of payment in upmarket locations. However, as soon as you travel to local markets or rural regions, it's "cash is king". So it's best to always have enough cash with you.

If you want to exchange your euros or USD, you will find an exchange office on every street corner where you can get a better exchange rate than at the bank. You will also find ATMs that accept your German card everywhere.

On average, living and travel costs in Peru are cheaper than in Germany. However, this depends very much on where you are staying. You will definitely need more money in the capital Lima than in the smaller cities or in the countryside.

If you eat out, you will spend between 5 and 12 euros for a very sumptuous meal, depending on the region or district. And nobody will starve here - Peruvians like to eat a lot. And it's even cheaper if you simply go to the local market and conjure up your own dish from fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.

Going out, on the other hand, has almost European prices, at least in the trendy areas. You pay around 5 to 7 euros for a cocktail.

A night in a hostel in Lima costs around 9 euros in a shared room. And outside of Lima, it's definitely even better for your wallet.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

History and culture

Peruvian history began a long time ago. Around 2000 years ago, the first immigrants from Panama came to the north of the country. This is how the first settlements and cultures emerged. However, it was not until 1200 to 1500 AD that the Incas, as we know them today, ruled. Their center was Cusco and Machu Picchu. However, as the Inca language was not a written language, archaeological sites such as these are the only reminders we have of them today. The fall of the Inca Empire began with the Spanish conquest in 1532, and Peru initially became the viceroyalty of Spain. Peru gained its independence from Spain in the 19th century through the uprising triggered by Tupac Amaru. Unfortunately, the next war awaited Peru and they lost several provinces rich in natural resources to neighboring Chile. The beginning of the 20th century saw the long-awaited recovery of the Peruvian economy. The Peruvians owed this above all to their copper deposits and trade in rubber, sugar and cotton, which fetched ever better prices on the world market. Unfortunately, there was no balance in politics for Peru and so elected governments alternated with military dictators until the 1950s. The first ray of hope was the Union of South American Nations, founded in 2008 and modeled on the EU. A trade agreement with the EU followed shortly afterwards and things slowly but surely began to look up for Peru.

Today, Peru is a destination for thousands of tourists from all over the world. Whether following in the footsteps of the Incas, trying out restaurants or exploring the rainforest, no one is disappointed here and hardly any other country has so much to offer. See for yourself!

WANDERWORLD INSIDER TIPS

Sophia is passionate about traveling and has made it her profession. It goes without saying that she has already seen and traveled to many places around the world. You could listen to Sophia's stories about this fascinating country for hours. She has summarized her highlights for you to transport you to Peru for a brief moment.

My absolute highlight of my trip to Peru was the "Santa Cruz Trek" near Huaraz. It is one of the most beautiful hikes on the American continent and made a huge impression on me. Here I was able to get to know the Andes and their inhabitants up close and admire the beauty of the mountains over 6,000 meters high.
Cusco was also very exciting. I felt particularly at home in the artists' quarter of San Blas. The small alleyways, great bars and restaurants and the beautiful little boutiques make the district something very special. Even after countless walks, I never got bored.
My culinary highlight was the Restaurant Green Point in Cusco. Here you can enjoy excellent vegan dishes from Peru and all over the world.
The Ruins of Kuelap are not as famous as Machu Picchu, but no less impressive. Here, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, I escaped the crowds of tourists and was able to marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site with just a few other people. It is always amazing to see what the Incas managed to build so many years ago.

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