Peru is a country full of opposites. On almost every corner there’s another Inca ruin, and in the towns, the colonial influence on architecture is clearly visible. Here, nature has many different facets, which you’d not expect to find in just one country. When traveling from west to east, you’ll start at the coast with its wonderful, deserted sandy beaches with a view of the desert and its impressive, endless dunes. A bit further to the east lies the Andes, with its snowy summits and immense height differences, and the rain forest spread out in the East.

On account of the size of the country, the different climate zones and long distances, Peru is not a country for a short trip. So, instead of scouring the “highlights” in one week, it is worthwhile to find the time and dive deeper into the culture, marvel at the constantly changing nature, and return with a suitcase full of impressions and memories.

What Awaits in Peru?

Fascinating rain forests

Peru: A Journey Through the Land of Diversity — ©Green Pearls

If you come from a different latitude, prepare to be captivated by the rain forests; a completely different and diverse flora and fauna in the Amazon region and Puerto Maldonado. The Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica offers wonderful cabañas with a river view, own hammock, a newly built spa, and tasty, regional food. The highlight is, however, the guided tours in the surroundings. The guides are well trained and have answers to (almost) all your questions. Whether you’re on a boat tour along the Lake Sandoval, a tour to the ecological fruit farm (of course including degustation) or visiting an animal sanctuary, the tours are endless. Regardless of which one you decide on; the guides will share exciting knowledge inviting you to take part in their love of nature.

Aguas Calientes and the world cultural heritage

Most visitors spend only one night or two at most in Aguas Calientes – just enough to be able to explore the world cultural heritage – Machu Picchu, which is one of the biggest highlights of Peru. Therefore, it is absolutely worthwhile to include more time for the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Here you are near enough and yet far away from the hustle and bustle of the small touristic village and can enjoy relaxation surrounded by nature, which can be discovered by joining various tours. You’ll get to experience 372 different kinds of orchids, some of which can only be seen with a magnifying glass, hummingbirds, and the special Andes bear’s protection project are just some of the examples. By the way, you can book a tour to the Machu Picchu in the hotel and visit the ruins with the guides.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

From Cuzco, it takes approximately one hour to reach Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley with its wonderful mountains, Inca ruins, mountain lakes, and small villages waits to be discovered. The ruins of Moray and the endless salt-mining terraces of Maras can be explored with combined excursions. A specific highlight is a visit to Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco: an organization where the local women have a secure job and through which they have improved their livelihoods. These lovely mamas will show you how the wool is spun, naturally colored and then woven into different textiles. Did you know the production of a single poncho can take up to three months? Everything, from wool to product is produced by a single worker. Hence, every product gets a label with the picture of the producer and the price at the end.

Besides all the excursions, the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is also a Peru highlight. From the generous Cabañas with a terrace, you can enjoy an impressive view of the mountains. The restaurant serves its dishes according to the Earth-to-Table-Concept by using food from their own organic garden. At the Maya Spa, you can select herbs for a massage and afterward take a relaxing bath in the jacuzzi with a view.

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An oasis in the lively town

The former capital of the Inca’s empire is quite popular because it is visited as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu. However, the town has more to offer. Ecologically friendly, you can spend the night at the small boutique hotel Inkaterra La Casona. Here, when the heavy wooden front door shuts, you’ll feel as if you’re in a quiet oasis in the middle of the lively town. The historical building from the 16th century was ecologically renovated and offers eleven suites. The nicely preserved wooden carvings on the doors and the balcony railing, as well as some antique pieces of furniture, are relics from a long-gone era, which characterizes the charm of the La Casona.

Have you ever been to Peru? What was the highlight of your visit?