22 Jul Become a true backpacker in Peru
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Are you ready to be a true Coverontrip backpacker in Peru?
Do you love throwing your backpack over your shoulder and travelling the world, or have you always dreamed of going on an adventure but are still yet to do it?
Well whichever category you fall into, all you need for an unforgettable experience is a backpack and travel insurance (as you’ll probably be on the road for a while!). And where better to start your adventure than Peru.
One of the reasons we love Peru so much is its incredible South American indigenous culture and traditions. While the official language is Spanish, there are many communities within Peru that speak native languages such as Aymara or Quechua. And accompanying these languages are the indigenous mysticisms and shamanisms.
And the scenery isn’t bad either! Andean mountain ranges, world-famous archaeological sites, jungles, waterfalls, and that’s just for starters. So we had to pick our top Backpacker tips for Peru, it would be the following:
1. The Gocta waterfall
If you’re a nature lover, then this is the place for you. Take a trek through the jungle and discover the Cocahuayco River, which leads to the falls. Along the way, you’ll encounter the famous cock-of-the-rocks bird and the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, among other exotic wildlife.
The waterfall is considered one of the most impressive in the world and at 771 this makes it the third tallest, although there is some dispute over the exact height. And incredibly, the waterfall wasn’t discovered by the outside world until 2005 when a German economist stumbled upon it during a trek through the jungle!
2. The city of Lima
This is the capital of Peru and is the most cosmopolitan part of the country. It was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and has some great history attached to it.
There’s plenty of sights on offer here, including remnants of Inca culture that can be found in archaeological monuments, as well as enough Spanish colonial architecture to shake a stick at. Areas of Lima you should visit include Barranco District, which is considered the bohemian quarter, and the coastal areas where you’ll find a great party scene, especially on the weekends.
3. Cajamarca
Famed as the resting place of the last Inca emperor Atahualpa, the city is located in a valley that’s surrounded by rugged Andean mountains. The residents of Cajamarca are an eclectic mix of traditional Andean peasants and hipster city-dwellers, with bars, restaurants and shops catering to both; although life definitely moves at a slower pace here compared to Lima.
Tourism hasn’t kicked off in a big way yet, so the city is the perfect place to be an authentic backpacker, where you can explore the colonial architecture, the Inca Baths and the surrounding countryside.
4. Iquitos
One of the largest settlements in the world without a road connection, this is the perfect base for exploring the Amazon, seeing as the rainforest borders the town. However, before jumping into the Amazon, you need to get to Iquitos, which can be an adventure in itself.
The easy option is flying (it has its own airport), but the more intrepid backpacker option is travelling along the Amazon River. You can catch a boat from Yurimaguas, which takes 3 days, or alternatively, you can travel down the river from Leticia in Colombia or from further afield in Brazil.
Once you arrive, there are plenty of routes and tours into the Amazon rainforest, as well as jungle hut accommodation available. Just keep a lookout for snakes!
5. The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The sacred valley is the name given to the stretch of the valley that runs alongside the Urubamba River, which is close to the Inca capital of Cusco. The valley has many beautiful colonial towns and remote villages, as well as the Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, amongst other Inca treasures.
The markets are also definitely worth a visit, as you can pick up quality alpaca clothing for good prices. And if you’re into trekking, then there are plenty of options here too.
6. Machu Picchu
Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World (depending on which list you look at), and often thought of as the holy grail of the backpacker community, Machu Picchu is bound to have an effect on you. It was built in the 15th Century by the Incas; with most believing it was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
The Inca ruins appear each morning hidden under a blanket of mountain mist, then once the mist clears you can see the rock of Huayna Picchu, offering a panorama that’s only possible to capture in its entirety with the eyes.
So whether you’re a seasoned traveller yet to tick off this country or a first-timer wanting to kick off your travels, Peru is the perfect destination. And remember, when travelling to such a faraway country, travel insurance is your perfect backpacker companion.
Whether you fall ill abroad, need to cancel or cut short your trip or have your baggage and money stolen, backpacker travel insurance for Peru will be there to pick up the pieces.