You think when people talk about Peru that they must be being hyperbolic, but they aren't. There are Inca cities surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Andes; charming high-altitude villages with cobblestone streets and laid-back vibes; and food that is discussed among the most discerning of palates as being some of the best in the world. When I think about traveling to Peru, I'm overwhelmed by the possibilities.
I was excited to talk with Angela Barnett who works with Elsewhere by Lonely Planet to design customized trips for travelers who want to cut through the staggering number of options and get right to the good stuff.
For example, Angela loves to send travelers on the Salkantay Trek instead of the sometimes overcrowded Inca Trail. This lesser-known hike takes you into the forest and allows you time in nature without nearly as many other walkers.
I also asked her about the food, partially because I'm deeply interested in what makes Peruvian cuisine so amazing, but also because Angela is a self-described foodie. She lives in Lima, a city with a high concentration of world-class restaurants (including Central, named The World's Best Restaurant 2023). And she loves living there. When I asked her on our Zoom what makes Lima so special, she ran to her kitchen to show me the peppers – red and yellow Peruvian peppers. You can't find them anywhere else. Guess I'll have to book my trip with Elsewhere so I can taste for myself what makes this cuisine so incredible.
This sample Elsewhere itinerary will give you memorable cultural experiences taking in all of Peru's beauty.
Get acclimated to the high altitude in Cuzco. A walking tour will help you adjust and prepare you for adventure. It'll be hard not to be tempted by souvenirs created by artisans in Cuzco's bohemian quarter, San Blas.
Explore the ruins and culture in the Sacred Valley. At a picnic-style lunch, learn about the Inca spirit of healing and connection to Mother Earth during a ceremony featuring music from pre-Hispanic instruments and traditional offerings.
Embark on the less-crowded Salkantay Trek. Camp under the stars in the shadow of Apu Salkantay, one of the tallest peaks in the Peruvian Andes.
Don't worry — you'll still join the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Stay at a peaceful hotel set on 12 acres of cloud forest within striking distance of Machu Picchu before waking up for a 2-hour private tour of the ancient Inca city.
See another side of Peru in the Amazon. A 2.5-hour boat journey along the Tambopata River brings you to the Tambopata Research Center, a boutique eco-lodge surrounded by nesting macaws and hooting monkeys.
Book a trip to Peru with Elsewhere
Trust Elsewhere to take the stress out of planning a trip to Peru, so you can focus on experiencing its history, culture, food and natural splendor.
Angela Barnett has been building custom trips in Peru for 15 years. I spoke to her about what makes the country such a special place to visit.
What's your favorite place to visit in Peru?
I love Cuzco. I like the vibes. Mostly I walk around and eat, but the food is great and it's just so lovely to be there.
I hear the food is amazing in Peru, where are your favorite places to eat?
In Lima, you can't go wrong; there are amazing places to eat. I recommend adding a couple days in Lima to any itinerary if you're into food. But Arequipa is also great.
" I recommend adding a couple days in Lima to any itinerary if you're into food." — Angela Barnett, Elsewhere expert
What makes the food so great in Peru?
Everything is fusion. There is Italian-Peruvian fusion, Japanese-Peruvian fusion. We have special ingredients the chefs use and it adds a particular flair. Peruvians love their food.
What are these special ingredients?
It all starts with our peppers. No other peppers are the same. Peruvian red and yellow peppers are the basis for everything.
Is there anything you wish people knew about Peru?
Peru is an amazing country. We have 28 of the world's 32 climates, so you can enjoy almost all of them, going from desert to high mountains to the jungle and everything in between! Our journeys are defined by experiences that provide the opportunity to discover Peru from within, celebrating its precious heritage and diverse cultural and natural traditions and riches. Whether it's a family vacation, an adventure with friends, a discovery trip or a spiritual solo journey, Peru is the perfect travel destination!
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