Many of us have vacations in January, so this is a great time to plan a trip. So where should you go? This is the question and there is much to consider. What do you want to see? Where do you want to go? You really should consider Peru, the country is one of the most biodiverse on the planet and there is much to see and do. Visiting Peru in January is a great idea for many different reasons.
When you arrive into Peru, you will land in Lima, the capital. Lima is a great place to spend a few days especially in January. This is summer in Peru and Lima, the skies are blue, and the beaches and the coast are the best places to be. In the seaside suburb of Miraflores there are many fine restaurants to experience and a great place to be outside on a balmy summers evening.
While in Lima in January, spend a night out at Barranco, another of Lima’s seaside suburbs. Here you will find Lima’s artist district. There are many bars and restaurants for a great night out, some with coastal views while listening to some funky jazz in one of the many bars.
The center of Lima offers some of the most beautiful buildings in South America and you can take a tour of the city, look out for the balconies that are a feature of the city center. At midday every day, you can witness the changing of the guard at the presidential palace. Not far from the Plaza de Armes is the San Francisco church, well worth a visit to see the catacombs and the wonderful ancient Spanish library.
Peru has 1200 miles of coastline so as you can imagine there are plenty of beaches from which to choose. Starting from the north, Huanchaco Beach is a great start, the beach features traditional reed boats used by the local people to fish, and the beach is just outside of Trujillo. Just north of Trujillo is Chicama Beach which has the world’s longest wave, then there is Chicama, which attracts many surfers with its large breaks. The beaches of the north of Peru are among the best in South America. The beach at the top of the country is Mancora, a popular spot for tourists and for Peruvians alike, always crowded in the summer months, be sure to book ahead.
Travel south of Lima to the desert town of Nazca. The main attraction in Nazca is of course the famous Nazca Lines. Said to be created between 200 BC and 100AD the figures that you will see on your flight will be spiders, monkeys, lizards and human figures. The dry desert climate help to preserve the lines. Make sure to take a flight over the lines to get the best view. As the climate is warm and dry, spend a few days lounging by the pool.
Travel further south and you will arrive at Peru’s second city, Arequipa, the city features many worthwhile attractions including the Santa Catalina Convent, a city itself, take a guided tour from one of the resident nuns. Arequipa is an attractive city and the climate is always warm and dry.
Moving inland you will leave the warm weather behind. One of the most popular Peru tourist places is the highlands of Peru the weather will change. The city of Cusco in the summer months is generally wet. Although it does not rain all day, it does rain. There are sunny breaks during the day so you can get out and about. Cusco is the home of the Inca Empire, which means that it is full of ruins and wonderful Inka treasures. Spend a few days here there is so much to see you will not be bored.
Not far from the city of Cusco is the Sacred Valley of the Inka’s a delightful place that features many large Inca Ruins, markets and is home to a large expat community. As the Sacred Valley is protected by the Andes Mountains is has a different climate to Cusco. Spend a few days discovering the lovely little towns of the valley and understand why some tourists never want to leave.
A tour to Peru in summer would not be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. The Inka citadel is on top of everyone’s list and a must see. Travel to Machu Picchu by train or do the famous Inka Trail, a four-day hike, walking up and down the ancient Inka pathway until you reach the ruins. The low season in Machu Picchu sees less people so you will have more time to explore this wonder of the world.
A visit to the Peruvian Amazon should be a part of your Peru family tour. Although the temperatures can be hot and humid, there is always relief with a downpour of rain. Go on the many jungle walks and see the animals and plant life. Cruise the rivers at night and catch a glimpse of the caiman sleeping on the riverbanks. Peru has two jungle regions to visit, in the north there is the Iquitos regions, which has many luxury river cruises. The second is the Puerto Maldonado region featuring some wonderful five star luxury jungle lodges for your comfort.
So visiting Peru in January this year and escape the cold of the Northern Hemisphere and be surprised at your Peru vacation cost.
Peru has many wonders waiting for you to be discovered. Here in Cusco Peru Travel, our speciality is to make your trip an outstanding experience, fill-in this form and let your tailor-made luxury Peru vacation begin.
USA / CANADA
1 (800) 980-0435
Ready to start your engines? Let us know your schedule and destination, and we’ll take care of the rest.
