Exploring the Natural Wonders and Historical Sites of Peru

Peru is a country filled with stunning landscapes and a rich tapestry of history. With ancient ruins and vibrant cultures, exploring Peru offers travelers a chance to experience an extraordinary blend of nature and history. During our recent journey, we embraced the varied terrains and connected deeply with its culture.

The Modern Beauty of Lima

We began our trip in Lima, the current capital of Peru, and then made our way to Cusco. With just a couple of days in Lima, we were able to make the most of our time with a city tour and a day trip to the desert.

Lima is broken up into districts, each offering a unique vibe and each with their own story to tell. No matter where you go though, the architecture is beautiful. Most buildings in the central business district have stunning balconies and there is artwork everywhere.

From Lima, we took a (very long) day trip to Huacachina and Paracas. In Paracas, we boarded a boat out to Ballestas Islands to see seals and beautiful rock formations seemingly in the middle of the ocean. Huacachina is a desert oasis with rich history where we rode dune buggies, sandboarded, and watched the sunset over the huge sand dunes..

The Magnificence of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, known as the "Lost City of the Incas," is one of Peru's most famous historical sites. Nestled high in the Andes mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site is also recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

As we made the trek to this awe-inspiring citadel via buses and a train, we got views of the Peruvian countryside and a taste of Peruvian culture through song and dance. The site, built over 500 years ago, showcases the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilization. Walking through these ancient ruins made history come alive. Our guide provided details on how each section of the ruins was used - where the royalty and servants lived, where they would worship their gods, where they made sacrifices, and where they studied the sky.

Aguas Calientes

The Historical Significance of Cusco

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is filled with rich history and diverse culture. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city beautifully combines Inca and colonial architecture.

We took a city tour to learn more about different historical sites around Cusco. The Sacsayhuamán fortress offers sweeping views of the city and is an architectural marvel. Meanwhile, the Qorikancha temple, originally a major Inca religious site, showcases the spiritual significance of the sun to the Incas. We met llamas and alpacas, enjoyed local cuisine, and marveled in the beauty of the city and its architecture.

The Enchanting Rainbow Mountain

Arguably our most exhausting day in Peru, this journey was unforgettable. After we had a couple of days in Cusco to adjust to some altitude (Cusco sits at just over 11,000 feet), we were ready to make the trek to Rainbow Mountain, which sits at just over 17,000 feet above sea level. Of course, we have some experience with altitude but this is the second highest hike we've taken after Kilimanjaro.

According to our guide, Rainbow Mountain only recently became an attraction, maybe 10 to 15 years ago. Before that, local farmers really didn't think it was anything special (LOL). Now it is the second-most visited attraction in Peru. The colors of the mountain were a site to see and the surrounding landscape provided 360º views.

Final Thoughts

Our exploration of Peru continually amazed me with its natural wonders and historical sites that reveal a rich culture. Whether trekking through Machu Picchu, wandering through Huacachina, or hiking to Rainbow Mountain, each moment offered awe and inspiration.

If you are considering a journey to Peru, don’t hesitate. Immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes and rich history. It is a country that delivers not just breathtaking sights but also a profound connection to a culture that has thrived for centuries.