A sun-drenched day in the Andes, the colorful hustle and bustle on the streets of Lima, and the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu: in his travelogue, Noah H. takes us on a short journey through South America, and specifically through Peru.
The report covers the coast, highlands, rainforest, and surf spots. That is precisely its strength. Peru is not presented here as a single tourist attraction, but as a country full of change: desert and Pacific, volcanoes and canyons, historic cities, trekking routes, Amazon air, and long bus rides.
The old banners have been removed. The original travel photos from Noah remain in the post.
Lima: Arrival, Miraflores, and initial contrasts
The landing in Lima on October 11th marked the start of the trip. Friends were already waiting at the airport, and then it was straight to the hostel. Peru welcomed the group with a mixture of impressions, movement, and big-city energy.
In Miraflores, Lima revealed itself as a city of contrasts. Modern districts, a coastal location, traffic, street life, and the first encounter with Peruvian everyday life were all packed together. For many travelers, Lima is exactly that: not just a starting point, but a first powerful impression of the country.
The next day, a city tour led through the streets of Lima. The evening ended with a Pisco tasting and a new travel acquaintance: Martin from Lille, who joined spontaneously.
Paracas: Desert, Pacific, and Ballestas Islands
From Lima, the journey continued to Pisco and from there to Paracas. The coastal town feels different from the capital: drier, smaller, dustier, and at the same time directly linked to the Pacific.
The next morning, a boat tour went to the Ballestas Islands. There, you can observe pelicans, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and numerous seabirds. The islands are among the best-known natural destinations in the Ica region.
Afterwards, the group explored the landscape around Paracas by bike. La Catedral, Playa Roja, and the barren coastal desert show why the area is so impressive for travelers: here, the ocean, rocks, wind, and desert meet directly.
Huacachina: Oasis, dunes, and the Cañón de los Perdidos
The journey continued to Ica and Huacachina. The oasis is situated between high sand dunes and is one of the most famous desert destinations in Peru. In the evening, dunes, sunset, and sand adventures were on the program.
The next morning, an early excursion led to the Cañón de los Perdidos (Canyon of the Lost). The arid canyon lies 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 a must. It fits the region, as Ica is closely linked to viticulture, Pisco, and desert landscapes.
Sights in Peru
All sightsYou can find more information via "All sights".
Arequipa: Volcanoes, old town, and long bus rides
After a rest day in Huacachina, the long bus ride to Arequipa began. Instead of the planned 13 hours, it took about 16 hours. Unfortunately, such delays are sometimes just part of traveling in Peru.
Arequipa lies at an altitude of around 2,300 meters and is characterized by volcanoes like 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 adventures of everyday life, including a visit to a barber in a city that already has enough character with its view of the volcanoes and high altitude.
Colca Canyon: Condors, hot springs, and elevation gain
From early in the morning, the journey went to the Colca Canyon. The route leads through high altitudes and impressive Andean landscapes. At Cruz del Cóndor, if you are lucky, you can observe Andean condors gliding over the canyon.
The hike down into the canyon was hot and strenuous. After several hours, the group reached simple accommodation in the valley, where hot springs provided relaxation.
The next morning, the ascent began before sunrise. The approximately 1,200 meters of elevation gain were clearly physically noticeable. Headaches, thinner air, and the effort of the climb are part of such tours and should not be underestimated.
The Colca Canyon is not a short walk. If you are hiking, you should start early, take water, take the altitude seriously, and not just plan based on beautiful 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 on to Humantay Lake. Then it went towards the Salkantay Pass. At about 4,650 meters, the view opened up to snow-capped peaks before the landscape transitioned into warmer, more humid zones.
Later followed rainforest, coffee processing, hot springs, Llaqtapata, and finally Machu Picchu. At the end was the visit to the famous Inca site and the ascent of Machu Picchu Mountain.
Latest news from Peru
All newsYou can find more information via "All news".
Cusco, 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 just through its sights, but through its alleys, squares, altitude, and history.
On the next big excursion day, the drive to the Rainbow Mountain began very early. Vinicunca lies at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. The colors are created by different mineral layers and oxidation processes.
The Red Valley also impressed with intense colors and views of the surrounding Andean landscape. With such excursions, it is not just the distance that counts, but above all the preparation: altitude, cold, sun, and stamina play a major role.
Puerto Maldonado: Amazon air and jungle adventure
The drive to Puerto Maldonado took significantly longer than planned due to landslides. Such delays show how challenging traveling between the Andes and the Amazon region can be.
In Puerto Maldonado, a multi-day jungle tour began. By car and boat, the group went to the lodge, and later through the rainforest, to viewpoints, night walks, and 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 further north. Via Trujillo, they went to Puerto Malabrigo, better known for Chicama. The wave at Chicama is considered in the surfing scene to be one of the longest, or indeed the longest, left-breaking wave in the world.
Surfing there was a special experience: long rides, strong currents, and a point break where timing is important. Puerto Malabrigo seems more functional and quiet than glitzily touristy. That is exactly what makes the place interesting for surfers.
Máncora marked the end of the trip. This coastal town in northern Peru is known for its sun, beach, surfing, and relaxed atmosphere. For Noah's journey, it was the final stop in Peru before continuing toward Ecuador.
Events in Peru
To the calendarYou can find further information via "To the calendar".
Closing thoughts on Noah's Peru trip
On this journey, Peru revealed itself as a land full of contrasts: majestic Andes, dry coastal desert, historical cities, rainforest, and surfing spots on the Pacific.
The hikes through the Colca Canyon and on the Salkantay Trek made the physical side of traveling tangible. Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima gave the trip cultural depth. Puerto Maldonado opened a view into the Amazon region, while Chicama and Máncora provided a finale by the sea.
This report lives from personal impressions. It is not a dry travel guide, but rather a recollection of paths, encounters, heat, altitude, fatigue, wonder, and the unique rhythm of Peru.
Photos and texts: Noah H.
Relevant PeruMagazin Topics
These pages fit well with the route and help with further planning for a trip to Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Peru Round Trip
How versatile is a trip through Peru?
Very versatile. Coast, Andes, rainforest, cities, trekking routes, and surf destinations are all in one country, but they 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 toward Machu Picchu and leads through the high Andes, cloud forest, and warmer valleys.
Why is acclimatization important?
Many destinations are located at high altitudes. Cusco, the Colca Canyon, Salkantay, and Rainbow Mountain can be very demanding on the body.
Is Paracas worth visiting?
Yes, especially because of the coastal desert, the national reserve, and the boat excursions to the Ballestas Islands.
Is Chicama only interesting for surfers?
Primarily, yes. The town is famous especially for its long wave. Those who do not surf will experience more of a quiet coastal town there.
How much time should one plan for such a route?
For a route covering the coast, Andes, Machu Picchu, Amazon region, and north coast, you should plan for several weeks. Distances in Peru are vast.
Noah H. – Travel report, texts, and images
PromPerú – Information on Paracas, Ica, Cusco, Madre de Dios, and Peru travel
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 the north coast
