Peru Travel Guide: Must-Visit Cities Across the Country
Lima
Lima is the national capital of Peru. The city is also the country’s commercial and industrial center. When visiting Lima, you’ll see how large the metropolitan area really is. It accounts for one-fourth of the total population of Peru, this is due to the concentration of people, capital, political influence, and social innovations.
Gate 1’s 14 Day Peruvian Legends Tour will have travelers start their journey by arriving in Lima. After transferring to your hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. The next day, start with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the fascinating journey of Peru that awaits you. Afterward, walk to a local restaurant. Here, attend a ceviche cooking demonstration where you’ll learn about the history of the dish and how to prepare this signature Peruvian specialty. Demonstration will be followed by lunch, then to downtown Lima and walk from San Francisco Basilica to the splendid Plaza Mayor, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and surrounded by historical buildings. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, the official residence of the President, and the 16th-century Cathedral of Lima, whose first stone was laid by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Later, journey back to Miraflores for a walk along the coastline from the “Parque del Amor” (Love Park) to Larcomar, offering spectacular views of the coast and Pacific Ocean. That night, enjoy a festive dinner that celebrates your arrival in Peru.
Cuzco
Cuzco resides in the Inca region, the south-central part of Peru. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere. Formerly the capital of the Inca empire, the city still has much of its highly crafted early stone architecture. This type of architecture is typically preserved in the foundations and lower stories of Spanish colonial structures. As of 1983, Cuzco was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s location makes it unique as it is an average elevation of 11,150 feet at the west end of the Huatanay valley.
To visit Cuzco, travelers can book Gate 1’s 12 Day Kaleidoscope of Peru Tour. When visiting the city with Gate 1, travelers will embark on a tour. Get ready to view the Colonial Cathedral, which contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School in addition to colonial art. Next, visit the Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important religious site of the Incas, whose walls and floors were allegedly covered by sheets of solid gold.
Later into the trip travelers will have an entire day to explore the “Imperial City”. Take time to explore the city’s stunning sights or shop for fine handicrafts and textiles. Perhaps, participate in the optional Cuzco Behind the Scenes Tour, offering a glimpse of the other side of life in Cuzco. On this tour, visit a local market and taste fresh-baked Chuta bread. Stop at the Cuzco cemetery to learn more about Andean life and death and meet with a local “shaman” (holy man). After the cooking demonstration, savor a delicious meal. In the afternoon, attend the optional Half Day Cuzco Ruins tour, which explores some of Cuzco’s most unique Inca ruins. That night, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Arequipa
Arequipa resides in southern Peru in the Chili River valley of the Andes Mountains. It lies at more than 7,550 feet above sea level, at the foot of the dormant Misti Volcano. The air is dry and the climate is enjoyable. The average temperature is 58 °F and the annual precipitation is about 4 inches. Rain mainly falls in December and January, so make a note of that if you’re not interested in getting wet. Another interesting fact, the city’s supply of drinking water comes largely from glacier-fed reservoirs and aqueducts.
As mentioned previously, travelers can visit Arequipa on Gate 1’s 14 Day Peruvian Legends Tour. After departing Lima, travelers will take a morning flight to Arequipa. The city’s remote location has allowed its Spanish-based culture to thrive with little outside influence. Superb examples of Spanish colonial architecture can be found throughout the center of the city with some of the ancient houses now completely refurbished, serving as living museums. After lunch on the way to the hotel, embark on a tour that takes you through this city glowing with sillar, a white volcanic rock used in the construction of most of the buildings. The shimmering stone lends bright air to the streets, earning the city its nickname of “La Ciudad Blanca,” (the White City). Visit 16th-century structures in the historic Plaza de Armas including La Iglesia de la Compañía, known for its beautiful wooden altarpieces covered in gold leaf, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, beloved for its vividly painted facades, once housing the largest convent in the world. The view of this gigantic cathedral with its dramatic walls, coupled with the ethereal image of the El Misti volcano behind it is indeed a spectacular sight. Later visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum. It houses the archaeological collection of the ancient Inka Capac Cocha ritual and the body of Juanita, one of the most well-preserved mummies in Peru. That evening, savor a delectable dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Puno
Puno is the last city on this list, it resides in southern Peru. It lies on the western shore of Lake Titicaca at 12,549 feet above sea level. Puno was originally founded in 1668 as San Carlos de Puno, in honor of Charles (Carlos) II of Spain, the city has retained a colonial flavor, specifically in its churches and cathedral (built in 1754). Puno is a very important part of the southern Peruvian Andes as the city serves as a commercial and communications center. It’s trading of llama and alpaca wool is key as well. Puno is also the terminus of rail lines from Cuzco and Arequipa. The city is accessible by road and air, which helps aid in tourism as it is an economic asset.
On Gate 1’s 14 Day Peruvian Legends Tour, travelers will first see the pristine Lake Titicaca. This is the world’s highest navigable lake, backed by the snowcapped peaks of Bolivia’s Cordillera Real range. The next day after arriving in Puno, take an orientation walking tour of the city. Leisure time for lunch on your own before visiting the pre-Incan burial ground of Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs on this site are built above ground in tower-like stone structures, which house the remains of nobles and complete family groups. These chullpas, sometimes more than 35 feet tall, are the vestiges of the Colla people, conquered by the Incas in the 15th century.
Exploring Peru Through Its Cities
What makes Peru truly special is the diversity found across its cities. From Lima’s coastal energy, Cuzco’s ancient roots, the charm of the “White City” Arequipa, and Puno’s unique location, each city adds a distinct chapter to your tour of Peru. To see Gate 1’s full Peru itinerary, click here. To view the rest of Gate 1’s Latin American itinerary, click here.