Vacation in Peru: From Lima to Lake Titicaca

One country, three seasons - and 1,000 landscapes. Few countries in the world impress travelers as much as Peru.

Only a few kilometers separate dense rainforest from 6,000-meter-high Andean peaks. In the lowlands, modern cities await, while in the north of the South American country, untouched villages and Peruvian culture can be found.

Add to that torrential rains, tropical heat, and eternal ice. The best time to visit Peru is from May to September. Before and after, rain governs the country along the South Pacific. We provide you with essential information and useful tips for your vacation in Peru.

Between the Pacific, Ecuador, and Chile in the south lies one of the most versatile countries in South America, Peru.

Three different landscape zones define Peru's climate. While the Pacific coast experiences high humidity leading to fog and low temperatures, the Andes rise high above. The world's longest mountain range stretches 7,101 kilometers along the Peruvian coast. In the rainforest, tropical temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees Celsius.

In between, the source rivers of the Amazon carve their way through, Lake Titicaca attracts visitors with its biodiversity (though not with clear water), and the Lima metropolitan area offers local cuisine.

Almost nine million people live in Peru's capital, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total population. The reason for rural flight is the large job offers that no longer exist in the Peruvian countryside. On the outskirts of the metropolis, shantytowns line up next to slums, and even in downtown Lima, wealth and poverty alternate.

Since 1991, Lima's historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage site. Barranco and Miraflores are popular nightlife areas for locals and tourists alike. However, tourists are rarely encountered here, as most use the vibrant capital merely as a stopover on their way to the country's most famous attraction: Machu Picchu.

Tip: Every October, Lima hosts the Peruvian version of Oktoberfest. Instead of the renowned Bavarian beer, the local Cerveza Cusquena is served at the South American festival.

When thinking of Peru, images of the Inca city in the clouds immediately come to mind. Indeed, the centuries-old ruins are among the most sought-after destinations for any traveler in South America.

Green mountains and a breathtaking view of the Inca site rediscovered just under 100 years ago await adventurers near the city of Cusco. Here, for many, the adventure of Machu Picchu begins - nearly 3,500 meters above sea level. From May to September, there is a dry season, the ideal time for the challenging climbs.

Despite daytime temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius, visitors should prepare for frosty nights with temperatures below zero. Once, Cusco was the magnificent capital of the Inca Empire, which extended into Chile. Today, the gold- and silver-adorned buildings have long been replaced by mundane sacred structures. However, in some areas, the wealth of the indigenous inhabitants can still be sensed.

The tour to Machu Picchu leads up into the clouds. Buses twist along the serpentine roads and bring around 2,000 tourists daily to this magical place. Those who prefer a more active route can conquer the path on foot or by bike. The ascent along the Inca Trail 'Camino Inka' takes four to five days. But be careful: altitude sickness has shown many their limits.

Upon arrival, you overlook 3,000 steps, 300 terraces, with palaces, walls, and temple buildings all in between. Rediscovered only in 1911 by history professor Bingham, the Inca ruin city quickly became a tourist magnet and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983.

Why the Incas built this city in the mountains remains uncertain even today. Hundreds of theories are spun. However, whether Machu Picchu actually served as a fortress or its inhabitants perished because they rebelled against the government may never be clarified.

Scientists are certain, however, that Machu Picchu was built in 1471 and housed up to 1,000 people within its walls. By around 1500, the inhabitants left the 'old peak'.

With hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, Machu Picchu is the largest tourist attraction in all of South America. Since 2007, it has also been officially recognized as one of the 7 new wonders of the world. The best time of day to explore the Inca city is in the afternoon, when the large tourist crowds thin out, and the slowly setting sun bathes the city in warm light.

Tip: Less crowded than Machu Picchu is the Inca site of Choquequirao, not far from the world-famous ruins. The path is even harder to master than the one to its sister city, but here you can expect not to encounter large tourist crowds yet. Plus, the entrance fee is cheaper.

Whether it's a beach vacation, city trip, or hiking tour - Peru's landscapes offer diverse travel opportunities.

From the attraction Machu Picchu, many travelers head directly into the jungle. Around Iquitos, accommodations for backpackers and package tourists are booming.

Multi-day guided tours lead travelers through the magical and seemingly impenetrable rainforest. Here, in addition to ants, frogs, and spiders, anacondas also await the brave tourists. But there are also monkeys, anteaters, and exotic plants. In the Selva, temperatures don't drop below 25 degrees Celsius even in the Peruvian winter.

From the humid tropical rainforest, it's up to the snow-covered Andes. State-certified mountain guides show travelers the often challenging paths up to altitudes of up to 6,500 meters.

Many trekking tourists also experience the typical dizziness and headaches associated with altitude sickness. They are rewarded with breathtaking views of mountains and the glittering ice world amidst some of the world's most famous peaks.

The Artesonraju is famous as the logo of Paramount Pictures, and the Alpamayo is regarded as the most beautiful mountain in the world. For those who don't want to ascend quite so high, there are less strenuous climbs. After all, the Andes is the longest mountain range in the world.

Pure diversity: A vacation in Peru offers it all. Mountains, ancient ruins, and a magical rainforest await you in this South American country. No wonder Peru has been leading the lists of sought-after South American destinations for years. At this year's ITB, the country again presented itself at its best.

This is undoubtedly also contributed by the local cuisine. In addition to tenderly cooked guinea pig, beef and pork specialties, as well as potato variations and cured fish are part of Peruvian cuisine.

Served as sides are corn crepes and peppers. No authentic Peruvian meal is complete without the national drink Pisco, a fruity grape brandy. Experience the culinary and landscape diversity of Peru on your next vacation.

Did you know? That guinea pig is a delicacy in Peru is no legend. In fact, 'Cuy' is a firm part of the traditional cuisine. Around 65 million of these rodents are consumed each year.

For those who find that too exotic, Peru offers a wide range of well-known local specialties that will also appeal to Europeans.

Peru is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America. The country fascinates with its nature and the cultural heritage of the Incas. Both are definitely worth the long journey from Europe.