Noah's Trip to Peru: Lima, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and Chicama
A Small Journey Through South America: Noah's Peru Adventure
From Lima to Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puerto Maldonado, Chicama, and Máncora: a personal travelogue through many faces of Peru.
Type of TripPersonal travelogue through Peru
RouteLima, South Coast, Andes, Amazon region, and North Coast
ThemesNature, culture, trekking, surfing, cities, and encounters
HighlightsMachu Picchu, Colca Canyon, Salkantay Trek, and Chicama
Travel VibeContrasts, long journeys, strong impressions, and lots of movement
NoteAn experience report with additional context for travelers
A sun-drenched day in the Andes, the vibrant bustle of the streets of Lima, and the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu: Noah H. takes us on a small journey through South America and especially through Peru in his travelogue.
The report leads through the coast, highlands, rainforest, and surf spots. This is precisely where its strength lies. Peru appears here not as a single sight, but as a land full of changes: desert and Pacific, volcanoes and canyons, historic cities, trekking routes, Amazon air, and long bus rides.
The old banners have been removed. Noah's authentic travel pictures remain in the post.
Lima: Arrival, Miraflores, and First Contrasts
Landing in Lima on October 11 marked the start of the journey. Friends were already waiting at the airport, after which the group headed directly to the hostel. Peru greeted them with a mix of impressions, movement, and big-city energy.
In Miraflores, Lima revealed itself as a city of contrasts. Modern neighborhoods, a coastal location, traffic, street life, and the first encounter with Peruvian daily life were all close together. For many travelers, Lima is precisely that: not just a starting point, but a powerful first impression of the country.
The next day, a city tour led through Lima's streets. The evening ended with a Pisco tasting and a new travel acquaintance: Martin from Lille, who spontaneously joined them.
Paracas: Desert, Pacific, and Ballestas Islands
From Lima, the journey continued to Pisco and then to Paracas. The coastal town feels different from the capital: drier, smaller, dustier, and at the same time directly connected to the Pacific.
The next morning, a boat tour led to the Ballestas Islands. There, you can observe pelicans, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and numerous seabirds. The islands are among the most famous natural attractions in the Ica region.
Afterward, the group explored the landscape around Paracas by bicycle. La Catedral, Playa Roja, and the barren coastal desert show why the area is so impressive for travelers: here, the sea, rocks, wind, and desert meet directly.
ClassificationParacas is particularly known for its National Reserve, coastal landscape, and excursions to the Ballestas Islands.
Huacachina: Oasis, Dunes, and the Cañón de los Perdidos
The journey continued to Ica and Huacachina. The oasis is nestled among high sand dunes and is one of Peru's most famous desert destinations. In the evening, dunes, sunset, and sand adventures were on the agenda.
The next morning, an early excursion led to the Cañón de los Perdidos. The dry canyon is located in the Ica region and feels like another world: dust, rock formations, heat, and a landscape that demands patience when traveling.
Back in Ica, Pisco and wine tastings were included. This fits the region, as Ica is closely associated with viticulture, Pisco, and desert landscapes.
Arequipa: Volcanoes, Old Town, and Long Bus Rides
After a day of rest in Huacachina, the long bus journey to Arequipa began. Instead of the planned 13 hours, it took about 16 hours. Such delays are unfortunately sometimes part of traveling in Peru.
Arequipa is located at an altitude of about 2,300 meters and is characterized by volcanoes such as Misti and Chachani. The city is known for its bright architecture made of sillar stone, its colonial old town, and its strong regional identity.
A walking tour led through the city. Afterwards, there was time for smaller everyday adventures, including a haircut in a city that already has enough character with its volcanic views and high altitude.
Travel TipIf you're coming from the coastal desert, you should take the altitude, sun, and dry air in Arequipa seriously.
Colca Canyon: Condors, Hot Springs, and Altitude Gain
From early morning, the journey went to the Colca Canyon. The route leads through high altitudes and impressive Andean landscapes. At Cruz del Cóndor, with a bit of luck, Andean condors can be observed gliding over the canyon.
The hike down into the canyon was hot and strenuous. After several hours, the group reached a simple accommodation in the valley, where hot springs provided relaxation.
The next morning, the ascent began before sunrise. The approximately 1,200 meters of altitude gain were clearly felt physically. Headaches, thinner air, and the effort of the ascent are part of such tours and should not be underestimated.
The Colca Canyon is not a short stroll. Hikers should start early, bring water, take the altitude seriously, and not just plan for pretty pictures.
Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu
At 3:30 AM, the next chapter began: the five-day Salkantay Trek. This route is considered a popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail and leads through very diverse landscapes.
The first section brought the group to Soraypampa and further to Humantay Lake. Then it went towards Salkantay Pass. At about 4,650 meters, views of snow-capped peaks opened up, before the landscape transitioned into warmer, more humid zones.
Later followed rainforest, coffee preparation, hot springs, Llaqtapata, and finally Machu Picchu. The end was a visit to the famous Inca site and the ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain.
ImportantCurrent access rules, time slots, and route specifications apply to Machu Picchu. Tickets should be checked early.
RouteThe Salkantay Trek connects the High Andes, cloud forest, coffee zones, and access to Aguas Calientes.
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To the WhatsApp ChannelCusco, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley
After returning to Cusco, a quiet evening, a late start, and another walking tour followed. Cusco remains a city that impresses not only with its sights, but also with its alleys, squares, altitude, and history.
On the next big excursion day, the drive to Rainbow Mountain started very early. Vinicunca is located at over 5,000 meters above sea level. The colors are created by different mineral layers and oxidation processes.
The Red Valley also impressed with its intense colors and views of the surrounding Andean landscape. On such excursions, not only the route counts, but above all the preparation: altitude, cold, sun, and fitness play a major role.
Puerto Maldonado: Amazon Air and Jungle Adventures
The journey to Puerto Maldonado took significantly longer than planned due to landslides. Such delays show how challenging travel between the Andes and the Amazon region can be.
In Puerto Maldonado, a multi-day jungle tour began. By car and boat, the group traveled to the lodge, later through the rainforest, to viewpoints, on night hikes, and for animal observations.
The Madre de Dios region is known for its biodiversity. Monkeys, birds, capybaras, caimans, and many plant species make the Amazon region a strong contrast to the coast and highlands.
Chicama and Máncora: Surfing on the North Coast
After long journeys back via Cusco and Lima, the trip continued north. Via Trujillo, they went to Puerto Malabrigo, better known as Chicama. The Chicama wave is considered by the surfing community to be one of the longest, if not the longest, left-hand wave in the world.
Surfing there was a special experience: long rides, strong currents, and a point break where timing is crucial. Puerto Malabrigo appears more functional and quiet than gleamingly touristy. That's exactly what makes the place interesting for surfers.
The trip concluded in Máncora. This coastal town in northern Peru is known for sun, beach, surfing, and a relaxed atmosphere. For Noah's trip, it was the last stop in Peru before continuing towards Ecuador.
ClassificationChicama is particularly known for long surf rides, but it is not a classic beach resort for all travelers.
Travel VibeAfter the Andes, the Amazon, and long bus rides, the North Coast feels like a soft winding down.
Final thoughts on Noah's trip to Peru
Peru proved to be a country full of contrasts on this trip: majestic Andes, dry coastal desert, historic cities, rainforest, and surf towns on the Pacific.
The hikes through the Colca Canyon and on the Salkantay Trek made the physical side of travel palpable. Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima gave the trip cultural depth. Puerto Maldonado opened up views into the Amazon region, while Chicama and Máncora provided a finish at the sea.
This report is based on personal impressions. It is not a dry travel guide, but a remembrance of paths, encounters, heat, altitude, fatigue, awe, and the special rhythm of Peru.
Images and texts: Noah H.
Related PeruMagazin topics
These pages are a good fit for the route and help with further planning a trip to Peru.
Frequently asked questions about a round trip through Peru
How versatile is a trip through Peru?
Very versatile. Coast, Andes, rainforest, cities, trekking routes and surf destinations are all in one country, but require good planning and sufficient time.
Is the Salkantay Trek an alternative to the Inca Trail?
Yes. The Salkantay Trek is a popular trekking route towards Machu Picchu and leads through the high Andes, cloud forest, and warmer valleys.
Why is acclimatization important?
Many destinations are at high altitudes. Cusco, Colca Canyon, Salkantay and Rainbow Mountain can be very demanding on the body.
Is Paracas worth it?
Yes, especially because of the coastal desert, the national reserve, and boat trips to the Ballestas Islands.
Is Chicama only interesting for surfers?
Primarily yes. The place is especially known for its long wave. Those who don't surf will experience a rather quiet coastal town there.
How much time should you plan for such a route?
For a route with coast, Andes, Machu Picchu, Amazon region and North Coast, you should plan several weeks. The distances in Peru are large.
Sources
Noah H. – Travel report, texts and images
PromPerú – Information on Paracas, Ica, Cusco, Madre de Dios and Peru trips
SERNANP – Information on the Paracas National Reserve
Ministerio de Cultura del Perú – Information on Machu Picchu
UNESCO – Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Guinness World Records – Information on protected waves in Peru and Chicama
Regional tourism information for Arequipa, Colca, Cusco, Madre de Dios and North Coast
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