When I speak to travelers about different places to visit or where they should go, I often use the saying: “A city is a city, no matter its country.” Let’s be honest, some people are city people, and some would rather live under a rock anywhere else in the world. To give you a brief insight into some of the different areas of Peru, here are some of my thoughts on some of the major cities Rachel and I visited.
Lima: This is where I honestly do believe a city is a city. The traffic was horrendous, the layout is extremely large and widespread, and there was always a lot of people. This does also mean easier access to grocery stores, lots of variety for restaurants and very well-done museums, etc.
Cusco: As the absolutely stunning entryway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, it’s no real surprise Cusco felt the most touristy. While Lima may be the capital and crowded, it wasn’t as obviously tourist-oriented as Cusco is.
Arequipa: I was pleasantly surprised by the town of Arequipa. While we had lunch at a super touristy spot and the standard tourist-trap places exist around the main square, it truly felt like we had escaped most of the tourists.
Hello Cusco (Karen DiGangi)Exploring Lima (Karen DiGangi)
Some things you can’t avoid when looking to travel to see specific sights, but setting the right expectations for yourself can completely change your experience. Be open and honest about the types of locations you hope to see and stay in.
