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Peru

Crashing waves on the Pacific beach,
breathtaking Andean landscapes, enchanting mysticism of the Inca culture as far as the eye can see, never ending deserts, the highest navigable lake in the world and one of the most species-rich animal kingdoms in the endless jungle – no matter what your heart desires, you will find it in Peru. In addition, there are the colorful traditions of the lively people, which are still lived today. Let yourself be intoxicated by one of the world’s best cuisines – 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, this city has grown close to our hearts, as it is hard to beat in terms of versatility. Lima is lively, exciting and will surprise you every day. Already the coast is one of the highlights of the city and characterizes its charisma. The steep cliffs are reminiscent of the edge of the world. Lima is also called the city of contrasts, because of the contrasts between the colonial center and the modern neighborhoods on the coast.

Unique to 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 the reputation of being an innovative laboratory of culinary art, where the character of Peru’s national cuisine is combined with ingredients from the coastal, Andean and jungle landscape zones. Therefore, it is probably not 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 one yet, you will learn to appreciate Lima’s food.

When visiting Lima, you can’t miss the “Parque de las Aguas”, the largest water park in South America.

As an iconic metropolis right on the beach with its numerous leisure options, Lima is a perfect starting point for your adventure in Latin America. In the modern district of Miraflores, as well as in the bohemian Barranco, you will find warm little hostels as well as party places. Just 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

  • You can reach Lima from Germany via a stopover in a major European city.
    Lima’s airport is very well connected to Latin America, often you can reach your destination directly or with only one stopover.
  • From Lima you can reach Cusco in 1.5 hours by plane, the ticket price is between 120 and 200 euros. Alternatively, there is a night bus to Cusco. The trip takes about 20 hours and costs about 40 euros. 9 hours to Huancayo for only 10 euros.
  • You can get to Marcahuasi from Lima in about 2 hours by bus for a few euros.
    The city of Ica can also be reached by bus in only 4 hours for about 10 Euros.
  • Also in Lima’s closer surroundings there are countless possibilities for adventurers or for those who just want to escape the pulsating 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 only with a partner, because you can also learn to fly yourself. If you don’t feel like flying high, you can race through the endless expanses of the dunes on a quad bike.

When it’s winter in Lima, the Limeños go to the nearby mountains, where it’s cold at night but sunny and warm during the day. Here you can either relax by the pool or pursue adventure activities like rafting or quad biking in the small town of Lunahuana.

In Rupac, the Machu Picchu Limeño, you can experience not only admirable Inca ruins but also true natural wonders. After a 3-hour trek, you’ll reach the summit where you’ll set up camp and get ready for an unforgettable sunset. If you are lucky and there in season (from January to March) you will see a dense cloud bed here. Don’t miss the sunrise at dawn either.

Have you ever entered a “stone forest” (in Spanish “bosque de piedras”)? If not, this is your opportunity. The most famous one is in Marcahuasi. Here, too, you can either hike or drive up to the extraordinary stone creations and camp in the middle of the “forest”. A campfire in the evening is the perfect atmosphere to talk about your experiences and new travel ideas.

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

Lima Peru South America

Ica and the Huacachina Oasis

Four hours by car south of Lima, on the edge of the desert, lies the city of eternal summer, Ica. Only 10 km away you will find the only oasis in the Americas, the Huacachina. You should visit this idyllic place. It’s sunny and warm all year round, which is why it’s the refuge of many Limeños in winter; the perfect place for relaxation, partying by the pool and adventures in the dunes. If you like it racy, you should not miss a ride with the buggies through the meter-high sand dunes.

Around the city of Ica there are fertile areas where fruits, vegetables and table grapes are grown. Therefore, there are many wineries located here that produce Peru’s national drink, pisco, a distillate made from grape must. Visit different wineries and bodegas and convince yourself of the extraordinary taste of the delicious drop.

But the city itself also has a lot to offer. A real insider tip is the Museo Regional de Ica. It houses one of the most exciting and mysterious exhibits in Peru: a mummy from the Nazca period, perfectly preserved by 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.

  • To and from Ica
    You can reach Ica by bus in 4 hours from Lima and pay around 10 Euros.
  • From Cusco you need about 17 hours by night bus, the ticket costs between 10 – 25 euros.
  • From Ica, the Huacachina desert is easy to reach by cab or bus, you pay a few euros and reach your destination in about 15 minutes.
  • You can reach the coast in 2 hours, the bus will cost you between 2 and 7 euros.
    In about 1.5 hours you are in Pisco, 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, you can reach the town of Pisco, the birthplace of the national drink of the same name, after only about an hour and a half drive. From here you can directly start your overflight and save the drive to the city of Nazca, which is another two hours away. The famous flight over the Nazca lines is definitely a very special experience. From the plane, you’ll observe giant figures that were created with impressive precision about 1,500 years ago. Many theories exist about the origin of these lines and some even see them as the work of extraterrestrial beings. The only established fact is that the famous figures of the monkey, astronaut or whale can only be seen from the air. However, you can see some of the figures from a lookout tower.

Just outside the city are the ruins of Cahuachi. They were discovered only recently and the excavations are not yet completed. Some suspect that a larger and more significant cult site than Machu Picchu is hidden beneath the desert sands. So stay tuned to see what else the researchers find out.

To and from Pisco

  • From Pisco you can take day trips or a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines.
  • To get to Pisco from Lima it takes 4.5 hours and costs about 10 Euros.
  • From Ica you need about 1.5 hours by bus, the bus ticket costs between 2 and 10 euros.

Cusco

Have you ever seen a 12-cornered stone? Does that even make sense? Discover Inca intelligence 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 and stacked on top of each other like puzzle pieces without mortar can be found in Sacsayhuaman. Their stones interlock so perfectly that it’s unimaginable that they were made with simple tools.

When you are in Cusco, don’t miss the chance to climb the Rainbow Mountain. An absolute must-do on any Peru trip. The Rainbow Mountain is not a myth, but a real, unique natural wonder. It is amazing how in a natural way such a magnificence of strong colors can be created.

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

Cusco is the most important tourist highlight and a central point in Peru. Therefore, you will find numerous daily flights from Lima to Cusco (flight time a little more than one hour). From Cusco you can fly to different cities (Puno, Puerto Maldonado, Arequipa) or drive within 10 hours to the famous Lake Titicaca. This drive is scenically stunning and varied, making it 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. While it is the ideal starting point to visit the world wonder Machu Picchu, it is also one of the country’s highlights in itself. Cusco is the best place to experience and admire Inca history and architecture, and for this reason it is also the archaeological capital of South America.

Visiting the most important historical monuments of the city, 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 Renaissance style, and the Church of Santo Domingo, built on the foundation of the Inca temple Koricancha, dedicated to the Sun God.

In no case should you miss a visit to the San Blas neighborhood. The winding streets, 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 aspirations and disappointments in their work. They chisel in stone, carve wood, create sculptures and craft dolls, work with silver and gold leaf, and are experts in textile art, creating masks and a range of ceramic pieces in many different styles.

To and from Cusco

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

Machu Picchu

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

Have you ever dreamed of riding 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, take the train to Machu Picchu. Along the way, 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 town of Aguas Calientes. No cars drive here; everything is within easy walking distance within a few minutes. It’s a village that has so much charm that you fall in love at first sight. In Aguas Calientes you will spend the night, because this is where all the accommodations are located. But you haven’t arrived at your destination yet. From here you will take the bus that will take you to the citadel of Machu Picchu, or “The Lost City of the Incas”, after a 20-minute ride. Machu Picchu was built on the peak of the same name and is one of the most representative examples of Inca architecture. When you first catch a glimpse of the sacred mountain, your breath will be taken away. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe and will never fade from your memory. As llamas walk around you, you will feel like you are in another world. It’s a moment you must experience.

A guided tour of the citadel includes visits 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 top of “Machu Picchu” (ancient peak) overlooking the deep gorge of the Urubamba River, located 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 were naturally carved in the never-ending steep slopes of stone.

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

To and from Machu Picchu

  • With an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, the next day you can take the bus to the top, the trip takes less than an hour.
  • From Lima, it is best to take the plane first to Cusco, and then take a bus from there.
  • The trip from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes about 4.5 hours, the ticket will cost you around 20 euros or you can take the train for about 50 euros in 3.5 hours.
Train to Machu Picchu in Peru

Lake Titicaca

On the border between Peru and Bolivia lies Lake Titicaca; at an altitude of 3,812 meters, it is the highest navigable lake in the world. Visiting the floating islands of reeds that dot 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 alone is an unforgettable experience.

There are also “normal” islands on the lake, which are no less worth seeing. Visitors can stay there with villagers and experience the simple life on the island. The distribution of visitors among the villagers and their guest rooms is done according to 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.

To and from Lake Titicaca

  • Puno is the starting point to get to the lake. From Lima you can reach Puno by flying to Juliaca.
  • The flight takes about 1.5 hours and costs between 80 and 120 euros.
  • From Puno you can take a one-hour bus for about 10 euros.
  • From Cusco to Puno you can take either a bus or a train and pay between 40 and 80 euros for an 8-hour trip.

Arequipa and the Colca Volcanoes Valley

If you love pretty colonial cities, you should not miss the “white city” of Arequipa in the south of the country, because it is in our eyes the most beautiful in Peru. Surrounded by volcanoes, the houses built of Sillar rock shine in the sun – an unforgettable sight. The buildings, built in Latin American baroque style, are super preserved and the main square is one of the prettiest in Peru. From here you can walk to all the other sights or just take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets.

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

The city is also famous for the Santa Catalina monastery complex. Practically speaking, 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 back in 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 part of the convent.

Arequipa is the gateway to the Colca Valley, a canyon system twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Here you can make 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 fly very close over your head, however, you should avoid the large crowds of visitors that are avoided by the shy condors. Instead of a standard tourist tour from Arequipa, we recommend you to take a local bus. This way you are flexible and can fully enjoy not only the condors, but also the view. The viewpoint is not the lowest point of the Colca Valley, but at the Cross of the Condor you can experience all the splendor of the valley. With a little 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 to the valley you will pass by the towns of Yura and Pampa Cañahuas and the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, 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).

Arequipa erreichst du von Lima aus am besten mit einem kurzen Flug von etwa einer Stunde. Oder aber du bist zuerst in Puno und fährst von dort mit dem Bus weiter in Richtung Arequipa. Die Fahrt dauert etwa 4 Stunden bis zum Colca-Tal, was du auf dem Weg unbedingt mitnehmen solltest und anschließend weitere 4 Stunden bis nach Arequipa. Außerdem gibt es von der weißen Stadt aus auch Direktflüge nach Cusco.

To and from Arequpia

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

Puerto Maldonado

Let’s go to the jungle! Have you ever seen a jaguar in the wild? Probably not, so head out into the jungle. Of course, this is not guaranteed, but definitely possible. 60% of the country is covered with 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 River. Go fishing for pirañas, which you can prepare yourself for tonight’s dinner, or take a night hike and watch the caimans whose eyes will light up at you. But don’t worry, no one has ever been harmed 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 Manú National Park and Bahuaja Sonene National Park. These protected areas are among the few untouched primary forests of the rainforest belt of this planet. The nature reserves are accessed by a series of overnight tourist campsites, which can only be reached by boat. It is also a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of the jungle inhabitants by visiting local communities.

To and from Puerto Maldonado

  • The flight from Lima takes about 1.5 hours and will cost you between about 120 euros.
  • The flight from Cusco is similarly priced, but only takes 1 hour.
    From Juliaca you need about 12.5 hours by bus and pay between 15 and 30 euros.

Iquitos

In the heart of the Amazon region lies the jungle city of Iquitos. The population makes it the seventh largest city in the country and the most important city in Peru’s north. Those who want to come here must either fly or go by boat, because a road does not lead to Iquitos. Due to its location, it is the perfect starting point for a true jungle adventure and distinctive discovery tours. Right outside the city gates, the endless expanses of the jungle open up. Experience the fascination of the rainforest up close on a camping tour lasting several days 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 will feel like Tarzan and Jane. To crown the excursion, you will be able to observe pink dolphins, which are only at home in this region. An experience to dive into another world.

To and from 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 you will also need 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 lovers. Here you can get in tune with nature and do one-day or even multi-day hikes through the impressive mountain landscapes. A must is the hike to Laguna 69, which leads across green meadows, along rushing streams up to 4,600 meters. The crystal clear water and the 7,000 meter high mountains in the background will make you gasp for air, and not just because of the altitude. For this tour, however, you should acclimatize in Huaraz and, in case of need, always have a piece of chocolate and coca leaves with you, which are brewed into tea or simply chewed for altitude sickness.

From and to Huaraz

  • From Lima to Huaraz you need about 8 hours by bus. The ticket costs about 30 Euros.
  • There is no direct flight from Cusco, so you have to fly to Lima first.
    From Huaraz to Trujillo on the coast you need about 7.5 hours by bus.
Child Alpaca Huaraz
Huaraz Peru

country & people

Peru surprises with the variety of cultures and traditions that coexist in harmony. It is amazing how colorful and diverse the traditions are and that they are maintained and lived until today. Each community has different customs – although the people in the jungle cannot be compared to one in the Andes and certainly not to the modern way of life in Lima.
A true experience are the annual festivities that each community holds. Here people dance, sing and celebrate in the streets for a whole 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 the heart. It is a wonderful experience to spend some time with a Peruvian family and to get so close to the people so quickly.
The national language in Peru is Spanish. The second most spoken language is Quechua. In addition, there are several dialects. English is the most common language in the tourist areas.

Food & Drink

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

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

But even if you don’t want to dig deep into your pockets, you will find excellent restaurants on every street corner. From small dreamy “tiendas” serving fresh home cooking to modern restaurants directly at the sea, everything is offered 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 left out. Of course, the classic Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink, is a must.

But don’t worry, the kilos that you have too much on your hips after your time in Lima, you will quickly lose again with a few subsequent treks in the highlands!

Travel-Insider

Best time to travel

Of course, the climate plays an important role when planning your trip. In principle, you can travel to your dream country Peru all year round. You will meet the most tourists in the months from June to August.
From 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 trekking in Cusco like the Inca Trail. However, you will still find many backpackers at this time of year. In the dry months, it is wonderfully sunny and warm during the day, but for nights you should rather buy an alpaca scarf in the local markets.
When it rains in the Andes, the sun shines on the coast – because these months are considered the Peruvian summer. At this time Lima, at least on weekends, is almost deserted and life takes place on the beaches in the south of the city. The wild Pacific Ocean is a paradise for surfers. If you don’t know how to surf yet, don’t wait any longer and fulfill your dream.
In the winter months you will find a lot of fog in Lima. Even though the Peruvians themselves are wrapped up thickly at this time, the winter in Peru still has very mild temperatures for Europeans.
As the name suggests, it rains a lot in the rainforest. The time with the most rainfall is also here from December to April. Nevertheless, the jungle can be visited all year round. Usually it pours for a few hours and then it goes back to bright sunshine as if nothing had happened. Such a small shower can be quite good with the temperatures in the rainforest.

Transportation

In Peru you have two main means of transportation to get around the country: The airplane and the bus.
The airline network is well developed. Between the main destinations and all major cities, several flights are offered daily by different airlines.
Lima’s airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport, is part of Germany’s leading airport company Fraport, and has repeatedly been named the best airport in South America. In the next five years, there are plans to double the airport’s capacity as well as its domestic route network.
International connections are also very good. Lima is the central point of approach in Peru. Unfortunately, there is currently no direct connection from Germany. But the connections via either Madrid, Paris or Amsterdam work well. And to stretch your feet a bit in between is also quite pleasant during such a long flight.
Alternatively, you can easily get around 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 drinks. The country is very big and the distances are not to be underestimated. Therefore, it is recommended 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 the hostel and the next morning you have already arrived at your destination and have the whole day for the first activities at your disposal.
Within the cities you can get around comfortably either on foot or by bike for short distances. For longer distances, you can simply treat yourself to a cab, because cab travel is very cheap compared to Germany. There are various cab apps that you can use to order a trustworthy cab and not get ripped off.
Or you can “enjoy” yourself with a ride on the local bus. The buses within the city are nothing like 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. It’s a fun experience – after all, you don’t just want to drive around as a tourist, you also want to get to know the local life. You will get more detailed information about the local transportation in your preparation seminar after your arrival.
The bus prices are also acceptable. For a 9-hour bus ride you will pay between 9 and 20 euros depending on the category and bus company.
If you want to treat yourself to luxury and fly within Peru, you will have to dig a little deeper into your pocket. Good deals are also available during the Cyber Days. You can get a flight from 80 to 120 Euro one way. But it is also much nicer to travel by land and take special experiences with you this way.

Visa

For the volunteer project of your choice you enter Peru comfortably as a tourist. Upon entry, 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 will be checked and electronically documented upon entry. The passport is no longer stamped. If you want to stay longer than 90 days in the country, you have to pay a fee of 4,60 Soles (approx. 1,15 €) per day when leaving the country at the airport. If you have been in Peru longer than 90 days, you have to pay this fee. The total stay in Peru must not exceed 183 days within one year. After your booking we will discuss all visa matters with you personally.

Travel expenses

The national currency is the Peruvian Sol. In the capital Lima, however, you can pay in US dollars in many places, such as supermarkets. This also applies to better hotels in other tourist places. In the more upscale places, international credit cards are also accepted everywhere as a common means of payment. However, as soon as you travel to local markets or rural areas, “cash is king”. So it is best to always have enough cash with you.
If you want to exchange your Euro or USD, you will find an exchange office on every street corner, where you will get a better exchange rate than at the bank. ATMs that accept your German card can also be found everywhere.
The cost of living and traveling in Peru is on average cheaper than in Germany. However, it depends on where you are staying. In the capital Lima you definitely need more money than in the smaller cities or in the countryside.
When you eat out, you’ll spend between 5 and 12 euros for a very sumptuous meal, depending on the region or district. And no one will starve here – Peruvians like to eat a lot. And you can do it even cheaper by simply going to the local market and conjuring 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. For a cocktail you pay about 5 to 7 euros.
A night in a hostel in Lima costs about 9 euros in a shared room. And outside of Lima it will definitely be even more comfortable for your wallet.

History and culture

The beginning of Peruvian history lies far back. About 2000 years ago, the first immigrants from Panama came to the north of the country. Thus also first settlements and cultures developed. But it was not until 1200 to 1500 A.D. that the Incas, so well known today, ruled. Their center was Cusco and Machu Picchu. However, since the Inca language was not a written language, such archaeological cities remain the only thing that reminds us of them today. The decline of the Inca Empire began with the Spanish conquest in 1532, so for the time being Peru became the viceroyalty of Spain. In the 19th century, Peru gained its independence from Spain through the uprising started by Tupac Amaru. Unfortunately, the next war was waiting for Peru and they lost some provinces rich in raw materials to the neighboring country Chile. With the beginning of the 20th century, the long-awaited recovery of the Peruvian economy took place. The Peruvians owed this above all to their copper deposits as well as the trade with rubber, sugar and cotton, which achieved better and better prices on the world market. Unfortunately, there was no balance in politics for Peru, and elected governments continued to alternate with military dictators until the 1950s. A first ray of hope was the Union of South American Nations, founded in 2008 and modeled on the EU. Shortly thereafter, a trade agreement with the EU followed, and so things slowly but surely started to look up for Peru.
Today Peru is a destination for thousands of tourists from all over the world. Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of the Incas, try out a restaurant or explore the rainforest, no one will be disappointed here and hardly any other country has so much to offer. See for yourself!

WanderWorld Insider Tips from our founder Sophia

Sophia is passionate about traveling and has also made this her profession. It goes without saying that she has already seen and traveled to many places in this world. You could listen to Sophia’s stories about this fascinating country for hours. For you, she has summarized her highlights to take you to Peru for a short moment.

  1. My absolute highlight of my Peru trip was the Santa Cruz Trek near Huaraz. It is one of the most beautiful hikes on the American continent and impressed me very much. Here I could get to know the Andes and their inhabitants up close and admire the beauty of the over 6,000 meter high mountains.
  2. Cusco also inspired me very much. I felt especially comfortable in the artists’ quarter San Blas. The small alleys, great bars and restaurants and the beautiful little boutiques make the district something very special. There I have not become bored even after countless walks.
    My culinary highlight was the restaurant Green Point in Cusco. Here you can find excellent vegan dishes from Peru and all over the world.
  3. The ruins of Kuelap are not as famous as Machu Picchu, but no less impressive. Here, at an altitude of over 3000 meters, I escaped the masses of tourists and was able to marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site with only a few other people. It is always amazing what the Incas have put up so many years ago.