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From the Amazon to the Andes – a Trip of a Lifetime

G turns 13 next year so we are researching family trips.  I am dying to go to the Amazon, so I researched and put together pointers for the family.

Peru, Here We Come?

A holiday in Peru offers a huge variety of destinations, whether you wish to explore the rainforest, wander round ancient cities or relax on the beach – or a combination of all three!

If you’re not sure of what route to take through this magnificent country, try checking out the various luxury South America tours on offer to see the different tried-and-tested route options.

Researching popular routes is a great way to help draw up an itinerary and make sure that you don’t miss out on any must-see destinations in this awe-inspiring country.

The Amazon Rainforest

If you’re planning on visiting the Amazon jungle it’s important to go at the right time of year. Rainy season is generally from November to June and dry season July to November. The best time to plan your trip, though, is May or June – midway between the two seasons.

amazon rainforest

Wondering how long to stay in the jungle? Most people will dedicate a week or so to their Amazon adventure. Between transfers to and from the jungle you will end up with 5 full days in the rainforest – a good amount of time to discover what the Amazon is all about.

Once you make it to the jungle there are also a few options in terms of tours and accommodation. You can choose to stay at one of the many jungle lodges available in the rainforest – staying here will allow you to relax surrounded by some home comforts after a day of adventuring.

Some tour companies offer a night of camping in the forest if you’re looking to sleep under the leafy canopy, but beware, this is not for the faint hearted! Another option is to take a riverboat which stops along the way for day excursions to the rainforest.

Whichever way you choose to experience it the Amazon rainforest is definitely worth a visit as part of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The Andes

Once you’re finished exploring the Amazon don’t make plans to laze around for too long, as there is still so much to explore in Peru. Just a few hours from the tropical rainforest is the Andes mountain range.

Andes Mountains

With such a drastic change of scenery you’ll probably find it hard to believe that you’re still in the same country! The Andes has so much to offer, even if you are not the trekking type, as there are many towns and cities nestled in the mountains that are not to be missed on your trip to Peru.

Cusco

A trip to South America is not complete without visiting the world-renowned city of Cusco. This city is the gateway to Machu Picchu so it’s no wonder that it attracts millions of tourists each year. If you are travelling through Cusco to get to Machu Picchu be sure to leave a few days extra to explore the city first. The market-lined streets where locals sell traditional wares are the perfect place to wander around and pick up some souvenirs to take home to friends and family.

The Cathedral in Cusco, Peru

Within walking distance of Cusco lies the Sacred Valley. Saqsaywaman for example is a popular Inca ruin that visitors can visit free of charge if they choose to make their own way there. And if you don’t feel up to walking there are plenty of tour operators that offer bus transfers to the ruins. While you’re there be sure to take a selfie with ‘Cristo Blanco’, Peru’s answer to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

Machu Picchu

Onto Machu Picchu, probably one of the main reasons you have made a trip to Peru in the first place! The ancient citadel is sure not to disappoint.

Machu Pichu

There are so many options for getting to Machu Picchu. If trekking for days doesn’t sound like your type of holiday, then opt for the train that takes you from Cusco to Aguas Caliantes. The views along the tracks are nothing short of stunning and you can put your feet up while taking it all in.

If you are the more adventurous type, however, be sure to join a trekking tour to the Inca Empire. The ancient Inca Trail can be full up to a year in advance so be sure to plan ahead of time. If you are an adrenaline junkie, there are less traditional tours on offer where you can bike, zip-line and raft your way to Machu Picchu, an excellent option for younger tourists.

The main word of advice is, whichever way you choose to get to Machu Picchu, just be sure to go, a visit to Peru cannot be complete without visiting its most famous landmark.

Our trip is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience so we’ve been checking out the different Peru luxury tours available as we are mapping out our itinerary.  Everyone enjoys a little luxury no matter what part of the world they are in!

30 Comments Filed Under: Travel

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joanna says

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    I have been to Peru and covered quite a bit of the country. Whilst Machu Picchu is definitely one of the highlights of the trip, don’t miss Lake Titicaca, Arequipa or Islas Balestras, where you can see dolphins and sea lions in the wild.

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  2. Arya says

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    Love this! What was the most incredible insight you had while exploring Machu Pichu?

    Reply
  3. Emily Fata says

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    Oh my goodness, this place looks beautiful! Although I’ve never been to Peru before myself, I would love to make my way over in the near future. Thanks for sharing all of this! 🙂

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  4. Farah Al Zadjaly says

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    This is definitely a trip of a life and sooooo beautiful. I love traveling more and more.

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  5. Crickette, The Things I Have to Say says

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    My cousin had her honeymoon in Peru and her photos are magical! I’m sure your family will have an amazing time there…

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  6. Samar says

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    The view is breath taking. I am sure, it is the one of the best trips you had in years.

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  7. Kenneth says

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    This is a beautiful place to visit! So much wondrous to see. Would love to travel with my friends and family on this place.

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  8. Crystal says

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    These photos are just absolutely beautiful. I would love to take this trip!

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  9. Jasmine M says

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    The view is absolutely gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to visit and see the Andes Mountains! Hopefully I’ll be able to travel there soon.

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  10. Dominique Brooks says

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    All of these specific sites seem amazing! Planning this trip is going to be so much fun for you! Happy birthday to G and enjoy the trip!

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  11. Alysa says

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    Wow this sounds like an epic trip! Sad reading about the rainforest and knowing that trips like this won’t be viable for much longer unless we lessen our meat consumption though 🙁 I hope I still have the chance to see it in all its glory!

    Reply
  12. Olya AMANOVA says

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    I love mountaineas areas. When I read your article I felt the waves of fresh wind on my face. Photos made the impression even stronger. Beautiful place, absolutely heavenly.

    Reply
  13. Sushmita says

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    Peru has always been on my list but somehow I want to do it sometime later in my life! I am so glad you witnessed the Amazon 🙂
    Hope you are praying for them now 🙂
    Great post!

    Reply
  14. Anne says

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    Lovely post! One of the places we definitely would want to visit is Peru. With recent fire outbreaks in the Amazon, I wonder how much has it changed.

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  15. eli says

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    I’m going to Peru in about a week and I’m so excited! It’ll be my third time but there is so much to the country that I’ve yet to discover! Especially the Amazon!

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  16. Shannon Gurnee says

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    Wow – this sounds like an amazing journey! These all sound like beautiful places to visit.

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  17. Kuntala Banerjee says

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    Simply breathtaking. Amazing place. Excellent photos. Fell in love with the forest. Have read and watched about Amazon. I would love to visit. Your article made me more enticed towards the place.

    Reply
  18. Pati Robins says

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    wow that was a trip of a lifetime indeed ! i so would love to visit Andes and Peru

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  19. David Elliott says

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    Those are all some pretty spectacular and amazing trips out there. I would love to go visit the Amazon. I know my grandmother did and she raved about the experience.

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  20. Jenni says

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    I would love to visit Peru one day, it looks absolutely stunning

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  21. Elizabeth O says

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    Super nice view you got here..Lucky you to be able to experience them. They look very majestic.

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  22. Melanie Frost says

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    I’ve always wanted to go to the Amazon Rainforest. I do hope that there’s still some splendor left after all those fires though. Maybe someday!

    Reply
  23. tweenselmom says

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    We are all born to travel, that is what I believe and that’s why earth was created as beautiful as this.

    Reply
  24. Njkinny says

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    Havent been to Peru but it is on my bucketlist. Will keep your pointers in mind when I do. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Lasonia | Lasonia B Graves says

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    Oh, what gorgeous photos! Peru really sounds like an amazing place to visit.

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    • Dana says

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      I want to go so badly…trying to convince the family!

      Reply
  26. Akriti says

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    Loved reading the article and especially the pictures! I would definitely want to make this trip in my lifetime.

    http://www.itsasweetsweetworld.com

    Reply
  27. Bindu Thomas says

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    What a beautiful place! The Andes mountain almost looks like a painting! Out-worldly

    Reply
  28. Vasu Devan says

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    All of them are in my travel list.. (i dont call it a bucket list). We have been planning an extended trip to Latin America . Don’t know when it will see the light of day! 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    • Dana says

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      I hope you get to go! I’d love to hear about your trip!

      Reply

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