Lima and Machu Picchu at a Glance
You should consider these easy-to-use travel tips to make the most of your Peruvian adventure.
Lima
Peru's capital city of Lima is bustling with activity at all hours of the day. Not only can you get lost in the fervor of downtown markets, high-end shopping centers, and fine dining establishments, but you can also venture to Peru's historic downtown for a peek into the city's captivating past.
Miraflores: Miraflores A coastal neighborhood that is regarded as the most prestigious in all of Peru. It's marked by stark white skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and five-star restaurants that overlook the Pacific coast. Here, you can stroll through Parque del Amor and visit La Marina Lighthouse.
Plaza de Armas: Lima's main square is the city’s center of historical intrigue. Cobblestone streets line the downtown area, and elaborate church facades are decorated with Spanish colonial aesthetics. Here, you can visit Lima's basilica and get an up-close look at the Huaca Pucllana pyramid, which was constructed by the Lima Culture between 200 and 700 AD.
Barranco District: The Barranco District is known as an artistic and trendy neighborhood of Lima. Street Art lines every corner, and vibrant facades form the skyline. Hip bars and restaurants offer a relaxing place to unwind inside former mansions of Spanish nobility. Here, you can cross the Puente de los Suspiros bridge for impeccable views of the city.
Machu Picchu
Every year, the recently coined New Wonder of the World attracts millions of visitors. Machu Picchu is emblematic of expert Inca engineering and flawless innovation. Due to its secluded positioning in the Andes Mountains, the ruins have remained in excellent condition.
UNESCO Ruins: The ruins are home to incredible remnants of the Inca Empire that were first constructed in the year 1450. These ruins are nestled amongst the Andes Mountains and cloud forest just beyond Cusco and the Sacred Valley. You can reach the ruins via a luxury train ride or on foot on the Inca Trail. You can ascend to the ruins alongside your expert guide to visit remarkable features, such as the Sacred Rock, Temple of Three Windows, and Principal Palace.
Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the majestic mountain peak that is often photographed to the rear of Machu Picchu. You can admire it from afar or climb to the top alongside your guide. At the summit, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the ruins and a panoramic view of the Andes.
Aguas Calientes: Aguas Calientes is the sleepy mountain town at the base of Machu Picchu. The town is marked by picturesque valleys, rugged mountainsides, and sparkling rivers that flow through the downtown area. After a day of adventure at the ruins, you can indulge in the thermal baths for which Aguas Calientes gets its name.