Peru had long been on my bucket list—home to ancient civilizations, vibrant cities, and jaw-dropping landscapes. I wanted to walk among the ruins of Machu Picchu, experience the food scene in Lima, and witness the mysterious Nazca Lines from above. But as I started mapping out the trip, I quickly realized something: this wasn’t going to be a plug-and-play kind of vacation. Planning a journey through Peru is like solving a beautiful, complex puzzle—and it’s exactly the kind of adventure where having a travel advisor makes all the difference.
Let me take you through the highlights—and the logistical hurdles we navigated along the way.
Lima: A Culinary Gateway
Our adventure began in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. We explored the colonial heart of the city, wandered through the bohemian Barranco district, petted kitties in Kennedy Park, and enjoyed delicious meals. Lima is relatively straightforward to navigate, but even here, timing matters. I made sure we had reservations secured weeks in advance—and transfers arranged to avoid the stress of early-morning airport arrivals and busy city traffic.
The Nazca Lines: Ancient Mysteries from the Sky
From Lima, we headed south to view the Nazca Lines, those vast geoglyphs carved into the desert. Here’s where the planning really kicked into high gear.
The logistics of this leg were intricate: we needed to get from Lima to the coastal town of Paracas, then take a small aircraft to fly over the lines. Coordinating ground transfers and flight availability (especially considering how weather can ground small planes) required serious attention to detail. Missing a window here could mean missing the whole experience. We were lucky—but luck had nothing to do with it. It was all in the planning.
Ballestas Islands: Peru’s Mini Galápagos
While in Paracas, we also took a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called “the poor man’s Galápagos.” The wildlife—penguins, sea lions, and thousands of seabirds—was extraordinary. But again, this wasn’t something we could just “show up” for. Boats leave early in the morning, and tours fill quickly. With help, we booked our boat in advance and ensured we had time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Altitude, Culture, and Coordination
Next stop: Cusco. Flying from the coast up to 11,000 feet is no joke, and altitude adjustment is real. We planned a stay in the Sacred Valley first—at a lower elevation—before tackling Cusco head-on. This not only helped us acclimate but also allowed us to explore charming villages like Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, where ancient Incan terraces stretch toward the sky.
Coordinating this portion involved booking domestic flights, arranging airport pickups, selecting hotels that provide oxygen-enriched rooms, and scheduling cultural tours that didn’t overwhelm us while adjusting to the altitude. Every detail had to align perfectly.
Machu Picchu: The Crown Jewel
No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, but getting there is far from simple. From Ollantaytambo, we took a train to Aguas Calientes, and from there, a bus up the mountain to the ruins. Tickets for entry, buses, and trains are all timed and limited—and they sell out well in advance.
There are also various routes and train classes, and the timing is crucial, especially if you’re planning to hike one of the trails or catch sunrise over the ruins. With everything carefully arranged ahead of time, we were able to focus on the wonder of it all—without worrying about missing a connection.
Why a Travel Advisor Makes All the Difference
After experiencing Peru firsthand, I can say this with confidence: this is not a DIY destination. The variety of transportation modes—planes, trains, boats, buses—and the complexity of local regulations, entry times, and altitude considerations make Peru a dream trip that demands expert planning.
As a travel advisor, I help clients design seamless journeys like this every day. I work with trusted in-country partners who keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. I ensure that flights align, transfers are waiting, and experiences unfold effortlessly—even in places where nothing is quite straightforward.
If you’re dreaming of Peru, let’s talk. I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the magic.
Ready to plan your unforgettable trip to Peru? Schedule a 15-minute call today and let’s start designing your adventure.