Peru is divided geographically into 3 sections: the coast (la costa), the mountains (la siera) and jungle(la selva).

The coast:

• Peru has great waves all year along all along its coast and if you add the fact that in Chicama there is world’s longest waves, this country is a yet that known surfing paradise.
• The best time to go is any time except July – September when it’s winter, the waves are lower and the Pacific cold.
• Recommended places: all along Panamerica. south of Lima: Paracas, Ica, Huacaina, Nazca; North of Lima: Huanchaco, Mancora
• How to get there: bus from Lima to any of the places.

The mountains:

• Without any doubt, Peru has got one of the world’s most scenic mountains and if you are into alpinism or just hiking, this country has plenty of options for you.
• South: Arequipa area with Colca Canyon, Cuzco and its surroundings – Macchu Picchu with Inca trail or Salkantay, Puno.
• North: Huaraz area offers infinite options from one day hikes (Laguna 69), 4-5 days (Santa Cruz), +8 days (Huayhuash), to moutains (Huascaran, Pisco, etc).
• How to get there: bus from Lima  – 14-18hrs till Arequipa, 24 hrs till Cuzco, 12 hrs Arequipa – Cuzco, 8 hrs Cuzco – Puno; flight to Cuzco (2 hrs) and from there by bus.
• When to go there: winder time from May to end of September

The jungle:

• Backwaters, animals,
• Recommended places: Puerto Maldonado (south), Iquitos (north)
• How to get there: flight from Lima to Cuzco, and from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado by bus (8hrs), and to Iquitos you can get by flight from Lima or by boat (3 days).
• When to go there: from May to September

Recommended itineraries:

1. South, the classic:

• Lima -> Nazca -> Arequipa -> Puno -> Cuzco -> Lima
• Time required: 2-4 weeks
• What you can do:
  • visit Nazca lines (only by helicopter)
  • hike (2 days) or visit(1day) Colca Canyon
  • Cuzco area and Macchu Picchu
  • hike to Machu Picchu: Inca Trail or Salkantay
  • Hike to Choquequirao
  • Visit Uros floating islands over Titicaca Lake  ( the highest lake in the world)
• Best time to visit: any time if you don’t hike, if you hike – winter time from May to September

2. The hiking route:

• Lima -> Arequipa -> Cuzco -> Huaraz -> Lima
• Time required: 3 weeks – 2 months
• What you can do:
  • Colca Canyon,
  • Hike Salkantay,
  • Laguna 69,
  • Santa Cruz trek,
  • Huayhuash trek,
  • climb Pisco
• Best time to go: winter (May – September)

3. Machu Picchu and the Amazonian Jungle

• Route: Lima -> Nazca -> Cuzco -> Puno -> Lima – > Iquitos
• Time required: 2 weeks
• What you can do:
  • Visit Nazca lines (only by helicopter)
  • Cuzco area and Machu Picchu
  • Uros floating islands on Titicaca Lake ( the highest lake in the world)
  • Amazonian Jungle tour from Iquitos
• Best time to visit: winter time (May – September)

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Enjoy Peru as much as I did!