7 stunning places you can't miss when visiting Peru.

Machu Picchu

Nestled high in the mountains shrouded in mystical mist, Machu Picchu, the central city of the ancient Inca civilization, boasts a unique architectural style. Because of this, this natural wonder of the world is always one of Peru's top tourist destinations. The masterpiece, built in the classical Inca style, features dry-stone walls constructed without mortar, so perfectly that it's impossible to even fit a knife blade between the slabs. Whether you take a train from Cusco or challenge yourself by following the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you can feel the atmosphere of this place.

Machu Picchu

Cusco and the Sacred Valley

When visiting Peru, you can't miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cusco, nestled against the majestic Andes Mountains. This city is primarily used as a gateway to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Cusco is actually located at a higher altitude than Machu Picchu, with thinner air, and its cobblestone streets reveal a city rich in history.

Sacred Valley

This area boasts a unique blend of Spanish and Inca architecture, with famous landmarks such as the Santo Domingo church, Plaza de Armas, the Puca-pucara ruins, Tambomachay, and the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Visitors should also continue their journey to the Sacred Valley, a wild and beautiful place where mountains, valleys, and lakes intertwine with dense forests, transporting them back to prehistoric times.

Lake Titicaca

For many South American cultures, Lake Titicaca is considered a sacred site and a central location for Inca legends. Located on the border of Bolivia and Peru, in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 3,810 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest-lying lake in the world and also the largest freshwater lake in South America by volume.

Lake Titicaca

The Andean Explorer – a train traveling between Cusco (the former capital of the Inca Empire) and Puno – situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, is considered one of the world's longest train journeys, with a travel time of 10 hours or more. However, exploring Lake Titicaca offers you the opportunity not only to admire the spectacular natural scenery of South America but also to discover the mysterious legends surrounding the lake.

Arequipa

Arequipa is known as the "white city" because of its unique architecture. Most of the buildings are constructed from white stone quarried from the volcanoes surrounding the city, which is why it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the second largest city in Peru after the capital Lima, Arequipa, viewed from above, appears as a magnificent and majestic natural landscape, nestled between three towering volcanoes: Chachani, Misti, and Pichu Pichu.

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon, a canyon on the Colca River in the Andes Mountains of southern Peru, located 160 km north of Arequira, is one of Peru's most popular tourist destinations. With a depth of 4,160 meters, significantly deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona (1,600 meters), Colca Canyon is considered the deepest canyon in the world. Colca Canyon attracts visitors not only with its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and the Andean Condor bird, but also with its historical significance stemming from the Inca and Spanish rule.

Colca Canyon

Amazon River

Exploring the rainforest is one of the most memorable experiences you should have on your trip to Peru. The Amazon River originates in the Andes Mountains of Peru, flowing eastward before turning north to reach the South American continent. It's an incredibly peaceful place where, every evening, you can gaze at the stars, listen to the croaking of frogs, watch lively herds of crocodiles swimming through the rainforests, or even encounter indigenous tribes calling to their monkey troops. The river meanders through dense forests, leading visitors on a journey to discover the beauty of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, seemingly endless explorations of forest and sea.

Huacachina

Huacachina

If you're looking for unique and exciting experiences, Huacachina is an ideal choice. Located in southern Peru near the Inca Mountains, Huacachina is a small oasis town built around a natural lake and surrounded by towering sand dunes. In Huacachina, you can enjoy fun activities including sandboarding and exploring the dunes in small vehicles. From here, you can also easily travel to the Nazca and Paracas or other popular tourist destinations.

Some travel tips for Peru:

- Weather:Summer in Peru typically lasts from January to April, and winter from June to October. The rainy season usually begins in October and lasts until April of the following year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from January to March. While Peru can be visited year-round, the best time is from May to August. The weather during this period is pleasant, with moderate daytime temperatures and nighttime temperatures, and minimal rain.

- Vehicle:Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Peru; you have to make several layovers with a relatively long flight time. Therefore, it's recommended to combine your visit to Peru with other South American countries.

ButCuisine:Popular dishes include Causa, Ceviche, Quinoa Salad, and two signature drinks: Pisco Sour and Algarrobina. Additionally, there is now a Vietnamese restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine in Peru.

- Currency:Although Peru still accepts Mastercard, in practice, people still prefer using cash for transactions, and it's best to exchange it for small 20 USD bills.

ButHealth:Because Cusco is located at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, visitors may experience altitude sickness. To minimize this, on the first day in Cusco, visitors should rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

- Fun and Entertainment: Tourists visiting Peru in June can combine their trip with exploring the Inti Raymi festival. Held annually on June 24th in Cusco to honor the sun god, the festival lasts for a week. During the day, there are many exhibitions, displays, dancing, and singing in the streets. In the evening, many free live music performances are held in Plaza de Armas for the local people.

ButWhen entering Peru, tourists are NOT allowed to bring vegetables or food into the country. Violators will face severe penalties.

PV (Compiled)

The Thanh