Latin America Blog

Peru is far more than just Machu Picchu – it’s a country full of incredible diversity and hidden treasures. From vibrant coastal towns to vast desert landscapes, and remote mountain villages, Peru offers an endless array of experiences. While the iconic Machu Picchu is a must-see, there’s so much more to uncover. Exploring Peru is a journey through history, culture, and stunning natural beauty, from the bustling streets of Lima to the serene Sacred Valley. Every moment in Peru is unforgettable, and here are twenty places you should visit and activities you should try when travelling in Peru according to Llama Travel, a Peru holidays specialist sending people to Peru since 2002.

The Cusco region is home to many, many Inca sites, most of which get few, if any, visitors. Huchuy Qosqo, means ‘Little Cusco’ in Quechua and is an impressive complex, with some fine stone structures, beautiful terracing and some of the most amazing views of anywhere in the area. Said to be a royal estate founded by the Inca Viracocha in the early 15th century, the site sits at over 3,650 metres, with the town of Lamay in the Sacred Valley almost 800 metres directly below, and facing the snow-capped peaks of the mountains on the other side of the valley. Despite being such an important and beautiful site, it receives hardly any visitors, mainly by dint of being only accessible by a fairly tough hike.

I was floored by the Amazon before I’d even got on the boat. Fluttering around the dock was an enormous cloud of butterflies of every shape and colour. They were everywhere. I’d never experienced so many of them in one place. The mineral-rich mud of the river attracts them in flocks, and I was to discover that it is entirely normal to come across fairytale scenes such as this one when walking through the jungle. The guides were completely unfazed. Only when one of them called me over to the boat did I realise how long I’d been staring.

Exploring Peru felt like stepping into a world where history, culture, and nature blend in amazing ways. From the busy streets of Lima to the quiet Sacred Valley, everything felt  unique. I was constantly amazed by the diversity and richness of the country. Whether wandering through ancient ruins, tasting local cuisine, or enjoying the scenery, visiting Peru was an amazing experience.

Choosing the right book that can be the difference between a great holiday and a truly memorable one. A good travel book provides context for the things you see, and knits your experience into a wider story about the country. And it’s a reciprocal relationship. A book is so much better when you have a reference point for what author is describing – such as the comforting smell of palo santo wood, or the turquoise glow of Pacific reefs.

When researching books for my recent trip to the Galapagos, I had two criteria. Firstly, I wanted something that made me feel like an explorer: the best travel books haven’t just taught me things; they’ve given me tools to discover new things for myself. Secondly, they had to be short, or easy to read. I’m not a fast reader and I pack light, so I didn’t want any thousand-page tomes. 

Of the titles I settled on; one is fiction, one historical and one scientific, giving three very different view of the country. Ecuador is a diverse and wonderful place, with plenty of history, culture and personal stories to discover. These books helped me to dive into that world; I hope they do the same for you.

Costa Rica is one of the world's great ecological wonders, home to all colours of birds, reptiles and mammals. The country's verdant jungles house hidden waterfalls, smoking volcanoes and secluded thermal hotsprings, which you can bathe in whilst surrounded by nature. Here's what Otto, our Senior Travel Consultant, thought of his time in Costa Rica.

(17/10/2022) Update: face masks no longer required indoors, on trains, or on flights. The only times you'll need a face mask are if you're experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, taking public transport, or visiting a hospital. Additionally, you no longer have to fill out an online health form before departure.

In summer I made my first trip to Peru since 2019, and I thought it would be useful to share my experience of travelling post-covid. I've gone into some detail regarding covid requirements for flights, visits, and hotel stays within Peru, and in particular mask wearing, as I know that many people have questions about this. As an overview, the experience was pretty similar to travelling pre-pandemic, but with the requirement to wear face masks when indoors. Overall, it was great to be travelling in Peru again and Peruvians were as welcoming as ever.

Perhaps one of the most famous and iconic of all sites in Latin America is the fabled Lost City of the Incas Machu Picchu. The citadel which was the final bastion of the Incas and remained hidden atop an Andean peak shrouded in dense jungle foliage from the ground and thick clouds from above. Because of the tactical positioning of the city it was never discovered by the invading European conquistadors and, as such, remained intact for centuries until its ‘rediscovery’ by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Unsurprisingly, the ancient city of the Incas has become a key focal point for those travelling to Peru with various possibilities of reaching the site open to tourists ranging from luxurious train journeys to five day trekking options. Arguably the most adventurous way of visiting Machu Picchu is by foot and this blog will discuss the differences between two options; the famous Inca Trail and the alternative Salkantay Trail.