Peru [Best Bets]

adventure awaits | in the food | bucket list ticked | in living culture

Peru

A vacation to Peru is the thing bucket lists are made of. Sky-high ancient archaeological sites, rainforests filled with wildlife and even desert landscapes abound in this culturally and geographically diverse South American country. The Incan trail and Machupicchu inevitably attract tourists and adventure-seekers from all over the world, but the vibrant indigenous culture, world-class cuisine and alpaca-everything are what contribute to memorable vacations that are truly once-in-a-lifetime. For Canadians wanting to swap those harsh winter winds for warm South American breezes, Air Transat has recently announced the launch of direct flights to Lima, which are the only direct flights from Canada to Peru. Direct flights from Toronto to Lima depart weekly on Wednesday and Saturday, while flights from Montreal to the Peruvian capital depart every Friday, cutting travel time to this South American jewel almost in half.

The sky isn’t the limit when it comes to outdoor adventure in Peru. From trekking the Cordillera Huayhuash and climbing the peaks of the white mountain range, to cruising the Amazon and sandboarding in the desert, there’s something for every kind of traveller in search of that adrenalin rush.

The archaelogical site at Machupicchu high atop the Andes mountains are shrouded in mist and mysticism. It sits at number one of the Seven Wonders of the World and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983 which has attracted adventurers and hikers from around the world. It was also the first Wonder of the World to become carbon-neutral certfied. Ascend the mountains via train with Transat on their one-day excursion package to explore the ruins of the-century citadel and learn about the “lost city of the Incans.”

Multifaceted landscapes rife with escapades

Sky-high endeavours

Trekking in Peru varies greatly depending on where you choose to hike—with three different topographical regions (the coast, the mountains or the Amazon) there’s a myriad of pathways to choose from. Set off on the Inca Trail and take in the view of Machupicchu as you pass through the Sun Gate or choose the Salkantay trek that takes you high up in the mountains.

The star treks

The spellbinding country brimming with adventure

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In the southern regions of Peru, you’ll find centuries-old vineyards and Pisco, the famous spirit of Peru, a brandy-like liquor which is the main ingredient of a Pisco Sour. Take a tour of the Ruta del Pisco (the Pisco Wine Route) in the Ica region for winery tours and Pisco tastings.

Vine country

Lima lunching

Peru’s capital city is a culinary capital in its own right. Lima attracts gourmands from all over the world for its variety of urban eateries mixing the new and the old. Transat’s Introduction to Peruvian Gastronomy excursion in Lima is a great amuse bouche for all the Peru dinner table has to offer—taste your way through the Barranco district, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Lima, with samples of ceviche, chocolate and Pisco cocktails. In fact, ceviche has just been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list for its meaningful preparation and expression of traditional Peruvian cuisine—yet another culinary accolade.

Peru’s famed culinary pleasures await

Peru has long been recognized for its unique gastronomic tradition, filled with international culinary influence and distinctive regional ingredients. The 2023 World Travel Awards confirmed this when announcing Peru as the World’s Leading Culinary Destination. Want more proof? Lima restaurants like Maido and Central took the number one spots on the lists of Latin America’s and the world’s 50 best restaurants of 2023.

Cruising the Amazon River is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip and there are plenty of options to choose from. Most cruises disembark from Iquitos, which is only reachable by boat or plane, and you can opt for multi-day cruises. Boaties will also enjoy gliding across the lakes of Madre de Dios, where you can keep an eye out for hoatzin, an ancient bird species. Madre de Dios is less than a two-hour flight from Lima.

The river and beyond

Flora and fauna

With more than 20,000 plant species, over 2,300 species of fish and and close to 1,900 species of birds it's no wonder Peru is one of the world’s 10 mega-diverse countries. With a vast diversity in its ecosystems, the options for experiencing wildlife abound. Explore the Amazon’s rainforests at Tambopata National Reserve, spot condors in the Andes at Colca Canyon or go birdwatching on Isla Ballestas, a haven for wildlife.

Once in a lifetime Peruvian experiences

There are more than 5,000 archaeological sites in Peru, many of them still shrouded in mystery, but there’s nothing mysterious about the plethora of experiences available across the country from the Pacific surf to the peaks of the Andes. Take a luxurious train ride through the colourful Andean villages, go boating on the lakes of Madres de Dios or spend the day in Huacachina, the only desert oasis in South America.

The best way to experience the Spanish colonial architecture and ancient ruins of Cusco, nestled in the Andean mountains, is by walking tour. Transat’s Cusco by Foot experience transports visitors throughout history from the main square, Plaza de Armas, past Catholic Cathedrals and ancient Incan palaces.

Cusco bound

Centred on Lima

The historic centre of Lima, known as the “City of Kings”, has been an important site since colonial times. Now, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is an exciting, eclectic mix of new and old—modern Peruvian restaurants and bars mingle with colonial mansions and historic churches. Wander through the library and passageways of the 16th century Catacombs of the Monastery of San Francisco and visit Basilica Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima, built in the 1600s with its impressive museum of religious art.

Soak up Peru’s unique arts and music

Peru's rich culture is diverse, ancient and is constantly evolving. With 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 60,000 artisans working in textiles, jewellery and ceramics and a distinct musical history, it’s Latin America’s cultural capital. Visit the Tupay Andean Textile Center in Chinchero to see live weaving demonstrations, take a Quechua experience with a Quechua family in the Andes or experience the Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas traditional dances in Chincha which are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Adventure awaits

In the food

Bucket list ticked

In living culture

Plan your trip

Comunidad Miraflores | credit: PromPerú

Amazon River cruise | credit: Jungle Experiences

Llamas at Machupicchu | credit: PromPerú

Ruta del Sillar, Arequipa | credit: PromPerú

Historic sanctuary of Machupicchu, Cusco | credit: Pexels Errin Casano

Ceviche | credit: PromPerú

Pisco Sour | credit: PromPerú

Machupicchu

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Basilica Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima | credit: PromPerú

Plaza de Armas, Cusco | credit: Gihan Tubbeh/PromPerú

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Water features

The lakes of Peru and its Pacific coastlines make for great water-themed adventures. The Ancash region spoils you with vast and vibrant lakes, while up north on the sandy desert coast you’ll find the world’s longest wave known as Chicama. At Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake, charter a sailboat, go rafting or explore the islands of Taquile, Uros and Amantani.

Amazon rainforest in Iquitos, Loreto (left); Cordillera Huayhuash trail, Ancash (right) Photo credit: Janine Costa (left) PromPerú

Japanese Peruvian fusion cuisine at Maido restaurant, Lima | credit: PromPerú

Amazon River, Loreto | credit: PromPerú

adventure central | in the food | bucket list ticked | in living culture

San Blas neighborhood, Cusco | credit: PromPerú

Contemporary Peruvian cuisine at Central restaurant, Lima | credit: PromPerú

credit: PromPerú

Basilica Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima | credit: PromPerú

credit: PromPerú

credit: IncaRail

credit: PromPerú

credit: IncaRail

credit: PromPerú

Japanese Peruvian fusion cuisine at Maido restaurant, Lima | credit: PromPerú

credit: PromPerú

credit: IncaRail

credit: PromPerú

Plaza de Armas, Cusco | credit: Gihan Tubbeh/PromPerú