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| Peru Travel Guide for backpackers |
| A country of spectacular scenic beauty and changing landscapes from the majestic Peruvian Andes to the vast, tropical rainforest of Peru's Amazon Basin, it has also seen the march of many different civilisations, and their legacies can still be seen in the architecture of this fascinating land. Although generally tourists are safe in Peru there are areas of conflict which should be avoided, and the Upper Huallaga Valley in the Amazon is one of these. |
Lima - This huge city has much to offer, even if it is polluted. Here the budget traveler can check out some brilliant architecture, an impressively restored colonial centre, and the food and accommodation is within reach.
Arequipa - Because of the pale volcanic rock out of which many of its buildings are created, Arequipa is known as the 'white city', and is encircled by spectacular mountains with one of the worlds deepest canyon nearby, The Colca Canyon.
Cuzco - Filled with evidence of its Inca heritage and close neighbour to Machu Picchu where the 'Lost City of the Incas' lies, Cuzco is a 'not-to-be-missed city when visiting Peru.
Huaraz Area - The Andes Mountain range surrounding the city is magnificent and backpackers gather here for climbing or trekking.
Iquitos - Connected to the outside world by river or plane only, Iquitos is the gateway to the Amazon. |
 DAILY BUDGET in PERU - US$50 a day in Peru will give the backpacker a reasonable vacation with meals at decent restaurants and staying in moderately priced hotels, but it is possible to scrape by on US$20-30 per day, with meals coming in the region of US$2-5 and bedding down around US$5-10. |
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The peak tourist season in Peru is over June to August, when the highlands are at their driest and hiking is at its best, but the greatest fiestas are held in January through to April when torrential downpours do nothing to quench the festive mood of the celebrants. The spectacular festival held in June at Inti Raymi features dances and parades, and is considered the greatest of Inca celebrations, and Puno Day on the 5 November brings street dancing and participants dressed in flamboyant costumes.
Many of the main festivals favor the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. These are often celebrated with great pageantry, especially in highland Indian villages, where the Catholic feast day is usually linked with a traditional agricultural festival.
Some of the major events include: Carnaval (February-March), which is particularly popular in the highlands and features numerous water fights; Inti Raymi (24 June), the greatest of the Inca festivals with spectacular dances and parades; Peru's Independence (28 July); All Souls Day (2 November), celebrated with gifts of food, drink and flowers which are taken to family graves; and Puno Day (5 November), which features flamboyant costumes and street dancing in Puno. |
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