Notable Sites in Peru Every History Buff Must Visit
There are times when the hunt for adventure will bring us to a trail of new places that have yet to be appreciated by everyone. Most will go to big cities in Europe and the United States, but what they don’t know is that there is more to explore in the Southern part of the Americas. One good example for this is Peru – a perfect mix of old cultures and new perspectives. Despite its modernization, it is gaining popularity because of the ancient ruins that once were the centers of civilization. If you are a history buff who wants to explore a new country, then this is the place to be! Let’s get to know some of these attractions that will surely keep you on your toes as your travel around the wonders of Peru.
Explore the City of Cusco
In the Southeastern part of Peru, there is a thriving city called Cusco. It was once the capital city of the powerful Inca Empire until they were conquered by the Spaniards during the 16th century. From then until now, the Spanish influence on the city is still quite evident, making it a very quaint but beautiful place. Last 1983, it was declared as a World Heritage Site, making it one of the most important tourist sites that all history buffs must visit during a trip to Peru. Imagine exploring the whole town while learning about each corner’s history and how they came to be the way they are now.
Machu Picchu
Everyone has heard about this historical site, but only a few have really set their sights on this majestic wonder. When you come to Peru, it is a must to include Machu Picchu in your itinerary. Built in the 15th century as a sacred hidden city in the mountainous areas near Urubamba River, it gives of a mystical sort of vice for those who visit for the first time. It was only discovered again in 1901 and ever since then, it has opened its doors to tourists. It is mostly compared to the mystical city of El Dorado. Marvel at the sight of clouds covering the valley on a good day – yet another feature which makes this place even more appealing.
Visit the Capital of Peru – Lima
The capital of Peru is the perfect blend of old and modern. The Spanish influence in the culture is still evident in today’s world because of the existing baroque structures like the famous Lima Cathedral. Mainly because of its Spanish roots, this is in the city’s Plaza Mayor, and beside it is the archbishop’s palace. It was originally completed in 1538 and renovated several times to the structure that you see now. Since it is a place of worship, there is no entrance fee for this place so make sure to include it in your itinerary.
Go to Chan Chan in La Libertad
Perfect for a day trip, take time to explore Chan Chan – once considered as the biggest cities in South America. It is located in the Northern part of Peru and was famous for being the capital of the Chimor Empire which lasted 900AD to 1470. Today, it is a vast archeological site that is being preserved by the Peruvian government. It was declared as a World Heritage Site as well on 1986. This makes it more exciting to visit. Not only will it be a beautiful sight to behold, but each corner will also have its own history to share.
Urubamba Valley
Also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this tourist attraction is one of the biggest hits for those who are visiting Peru. Millions of tourists come here as a side trip after visiting the city of Cusco because of its near proximity. The Incas were quite particular about their locations when it comes to different aspects in life, and this was no exception. This place was their heartland because of the fertile soil which allowed them to plant and harvest Maize – one of their most important crops. From then until now, it has retained its natural beauty so take a step to veer off from your gadgets during your visit and enjoy the view!
Arequipa’s Historical City Center
There is definitely no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Peru. Arequipa is the perfect product when local masons work together with European designs. It’s no wonder the city is well-planned and looks breathtaking from every angle. Most buildings are made from sillar (pink volcanic rock), and this uniformity adds a bit of charm to ambience of the whole city. Visitors can take a walk and visit famous spots like the Plaza Mayor and the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. You’ll definitely see the heavy influence of Spain in the architecture, culture, and also the local hospitality.
An oasis in the Sand Dunes – Huacachina
For those seeking out a unique experience without sacrificing the quality of their trip, then it’s time to head to Huacachina. It is literally an oasis surrounded by sand dunes. Located in the Southwestern part of Peru in Ica Province, many tourists come to this place to see and enjoy the activities that it has to offer. Huacachina was built to surround a tiny natural lake in the sand dunes, and this gamble has paid off because it is a sight to behold amidst the brown surroundings. Try out sandboarding or take a ride on one of the dune buggy rides – better known locally as areneros.
Is there any doubt with regards to the legitimacy of Peru as a great travel destination? Some might not have discovered the attractions here yet, but it’s about time to immerse yourself into the time of ancient civilizations and how they their relics have survived throughout the millennia. By visiting the cities in Peru, you will get a glimpse of how people of long ago have flourished. If you are on a mission to tick off some things on their bucket list, then Peru should be considered as your next destination!
Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
World Travel Awards
Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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Hotel to Hotel service
Regarding the transportation provided by Alpaca Expeditions, we are committed to delivering a quality service. We strive to ensure that passengers feel supported throughout their journey. To achieve this, we coordinate closely with our guides and representatives to ensure timely pick-up at the start of their tours. Additionally, we have representatives responsible for escorting our passengers to their hotels at the conclusion of any tour.
Our drivers are not only trained in customer service but also come properly uniformed, and many are fluent in English.
Typically, all transportation types are included in each of our services. For instance, if you have booked a trekking tour, we will pick you up early, typically between 4 AM and 5 AM.
When visiting Cusco, it's important to note that traffic here is generally moderate. However, there are peak traffic times, such as between 7 AM and 8 AM, which coincide with school hours, and in the evening between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Therefore, if you have a flight during these times, it's crucial to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. The drivers of Alpaca Expeditions ensure their vehicles are prepared with all necessities before each service. They are acutely aware that delays can lead to missed trains, flights, or other connections. Consequently, they are always more than punctual, arriving at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time for any service, understanding the responsibility they carry in executing these tasks.
Personal Porter of 7KG
Remember that Alpaca Expeditions offers an extra 7 kg allowance for your personal belongings on any of our tours. We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag without any additional fee. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you reach your evening campsite. The bag should not exceed 7 kg, which includes 4 kg for clothes and 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
When you visit our Alpaca Expeditions office, you will receive your duffel bags at your briefing. The porters will carry them and return them to you at each campsite. The bags measure 66 cm in length and 36 cm in width (approximately 2 ft long by 1 ft wide). Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items, which must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From us, these two items weigh a combined total of 3.5 kg.
Each Alpaca Expeditions porter is paid directly after each trek, allowing them to return home more quickly. They receive better wages than our competitors, health insurance, and all their equipment free of charge, including hiking boots, pants, jerseys, fleeces, jackets, hats, flashlights, sleeping bags, and high-quality food. We ensure each of our porters has a comfortable bed in a pleasant room to sleep in before and after each trek. We also visit the communities they live in, providing toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and other necessary supplies to their families, along with books for their children.
This is just the beginning for us, and we are always looking for ways to do more.
While the government allows each porter to carry up to 25 kg, we limit this to 20 kg to prioritize their health and safety. Each porter carries up to 15 kg of company equipment and 5 kg of personal items. This is why it is crucial to keep your personal duffel bag weight under our 7 kg limit. You might see other companies allowing their porters to carry more than the allotted weight, but at Alpaca Expeditions, we strictly adhere to these limits to ensure our porters' well-being.
Clases de Cocina
Alpaca Expeditions offers its passengers the chance to experience local cooking. We aim to immerse trekkers in Inca life by walking them through the original Inca paths and teaching them about Inca culture. Food is a significant part of Inca life, making it a special element in any tour or trek with Alpaca Expeditions.
In 2022, Alpaca Expeditions introduced a cooking class as part of each of our treks, conducted by our amazing trekking chefs and interpreted by our guides.
We will transform your dining tent into a makeshift kitchen, providing all the necessary supplies to prepare a Peruvian specialty. Your chef will guide you step by step through the process of making a traditional Peruvian meal, such as Lomo Saltado, and share some essential mountain cooking tips.
Peru is recognized as a top culinary destination, largely thanks to the popularity of our renowned beef dish, Lomo Saltado. This is most often the meal you will learn to cook, but there is also the opportunity to learn how to prepare other dishes like traditional Peruvian ceviche or even our signature drink, the pisco sour.
Cooking Class on the Inca Trail: These classes are voluntary and designed to be a fun, educational experience. Our clients consistently marvel at the amazing ability of our chefs to create culinary magic on a mountaintop. As you learn to prepare and cook Peruvian specialties, you will also see firsthand how such elaborate meals can be created on a small campsite stove.
Enjoy a cooking class in the mountains and be sure to take plenty of photos, just in case your friends won't believe your incredible experience.
Satellite Phones
The best way to hike in the mountains of Peru is to completely disconnect from technology, especially the internet and cell phones. The most impressive and exciting aspect is the opportunity to experience the true and wonderful nature that we often miss when we are at home, watching TV or absorbed in our cell phones during our leisure time. The feeling of being disconnected from work and the daily routine left at home is incredible.
However, this remoteness means limited access to emergency resources. That's why Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones for every trek.
We are prepared to assist you in case of any emergency, particularly health-related issues. For this reason, Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones, as they are one of the most crucial tools for any operator trekking in remote areas where telephone or television signals are absent. This means that every guide on our treks will be equipped with a fully charged satellite phone as well as radios. While these are primarily for emergencies, we allow our clients to use them at any time.
We ask that you cover the cost, which is $2.50 per minute. This fee can be paid in cash at our office or via PayPal once you have completed the trek.
Being just a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured of their safety. Radios, which all our guides carry, have limited reach, so Alpaca Expeditions includes satellite phones to ensure that we can connect no matter where we are on the mountain.
Portable private toilet
We understand that our clients will need restroom facilities at various times and locations during their journey. Along the Inca Trail, there are restrooms available, particularly those belonging to the communities near the trail. Alpaca Expeditions provides portable toilets to enhance this service, which will be set up at each meal site or campsite.
As with any mountain trip where we are exposed to nature, it is possible to use natural areas as restrooms. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the waste we generate, such as toilet paper or wet wipes used for cleaning. These should be carried with us and not discarded on the ground or left along the trail. Remember, the Inca Trail is a protected area overseen by a government institution. In places where garbage bins are unavailable, particularly at our camps, we provide special plastic bags for waste. Our porter team will be responsible for carrying out our waste.
Please be aware that although there are designated bathrooms for men and women, in practice, both genders often use the same facilities. Functionally, there is no significant difference between men's and women's bathrooms. Therefore, it is common for people of all genders to use whichever bathroom is available.
