P
eru is a land of lost cities, pre-Columbian ruins, Amazon jungle, and Andes Mountains. Numerous first- time travelers know little about it beyond the renowned Machu Picchu. If you wish to see a nation and its sights at their best, it's important you do some planning before you travel.
This way, you can have an itinerary and budget for the best vacation. Here's how to plan a vacation to Peru.
When to Visit
Peru has two seasons: the dry season (May-October), which is the peak season for tourists and best for climbing, trekking, and biking. Bear in mind that July and August are the busiest months, so you'd rather travel on the season's edges. You can visit the highland throughout the year but it's quite muddy from December-March.
Budget
Depending on your needs, you could spend from $25-100 daily in Peru. Hostels range from approximately $7-10 in cities while basic private rooms are from $12-16. You'll discover prices are somewhat cheaper in smaller towns.
If you're traveling as a group or couple, shared rooms are the most effective option. Meals can cost from a couple of dollars to $20. When it comes to transport, it's generally not costly apart from the train to Machu Picchu.
Things to See
It will take a lifetime to explore Peru and ideally, 3-4 weeks is enough to cover a decent part of Peru. When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that distances in Peru are comparatively huge and you'll require time to adjust to higher altitudes.
If you want to see Machu Picchu, you should allow at least a week. Obviously, if you intend to hike Machu Picchu, you require another three days and you'll have to join a tour outfit. Other places where a guided tour is necessary are Lake Titicaca and Arequipa.
Where to Stay
You'll find a wide array of accommodations including first-rate luxury hotels in contemporary high-rise buildings and 16th-century monasteries. You'll also find affordable budget inns. The majority of Peru hotels are midsize and small independent inns.
It's advisable you make advance reservations throughout the high season (June-October) and during significant festivals and national holidays. Numerous hotels quote their rates in U.S. dollars and numerous midrange and budget hotels don't accept credit cards.
Peru is as intricate as its most exquisite and complex weavings. Remember, there's more to it than Machu Picchu, so be prepared to visit various attractions.
