36 Hours in Peru: What Can We Do

 

Peru: A Country of Contrasts

Peru is one of those countries where geography and time come together in unique ways. Incas and their stunning ruins are only a small part of what Peru is today.

There are lively markets to browse, and the local and modern cuisine offers more than a traveler can enjoy in a single meal. So what can a traveler enjoy in a mere 36 hours in the country? A visit can never capture the true magic of this South American country, but a traveler can enjoy a small piece of the Peru’s stunning architecture, culture and history Peru has to offer.

Lima: Morning Time

Almost every traveler’s Peru experience begins in Lima. As it is the country’s capital, it is referred to as the “City of Kings.” As a new traveler to Lima, you should start your trip to the historic center of the capital.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. This area has remnants of colonial-era plazas and several baroque churches, all showing the country’s Spanish influence.

A visit to the Plaza Mayor, and the Monastery of San Francisco is guaranteed to make history come alive.

After soaking up the culture, make your way to the modern district of Miraflores. Named the Malecón, the boardwalk and its surrounding parks extend along the coast and offer views of the Pacific Ocean. Malecón is the ideal place to enjoy a morning walk.

For breakfast, enjoy a traditional Peruvian coffee with a side of tamales or a light fruit juice. In just a few hours, Lima shows why it is both cosmopolitan and deeply traditional.

Midday Flight to Cusco: The Heart of the Andes

To make the most of your 36 hours in Peru, take a quick flight to Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire.

Higher in the Andes, Cusco greets you with cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and Incan stonework that still supports many colonial buildings.

Take some time to roam the Plaza de Armas and take in the view of the Cathedral of Santo Domingo.

For lunch, enjoy traditional Andean cuisine at one of the many local eateries, perhaps, alpaca steak, quinoa soup, or the beloved, and iconic dish of Peru, ceviche.

Cusco is also a great place to sip coca tea, which the locals also recommend to relieve altitude discomfort. Even with a short visit, Cusco delivers a remarkable window to the soul of Peru.

Taking a few hours to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas is worth the time to go outside of Cuco. In the Sacred Valley, you will find plenty of beautiful villages, terraced landscaping, and plenty of archeological history.

In the town of Pisac, you will be greeted with artisan markets filled with textiles, jewelry, and ceramics. Not far from the town are the Pisac ruins, where you can get beautiful pictures of the valley and deep history of the Incas.

Afternoon in the Sacred Valley

If you have the time, you can go to Ollantaytambo. Plenty of people consider this place to be a preview of the beauty of Machu Picchu. It is also an awe-inspiring place with plenty of stone terraces.

In the evening, Cuco returns to a lively culture. The citiy’s resaurants and bars blend the old and the new.

For dinner you can have lomo saltado, stir-fried beef with a Chinese influence, or causa rellena, a layered potato with chicken or seafood. To top it off, you drink the national cocktail of Peru, the Pisco Sour.

Cusco Nightlife

Cusco offers a unique nightlife experience that includes traditional folkloric dance shows and contemporary clubs that play Latin American music.

Cusco is magical at night and walking the cobblestone streets that surround the Plaza de Armas in a perfectly clear night is a memorable experience.

Concluding the 36-Hour Journey

Your 36 hours in Peru may be quick but it includes amazing highlight experiences and captures the cosmopolitan vibe of Lima, the historical Cusco, and the scenic Sacred Valley.

36 hours in Peru does not diminish your appreciation for the country, in fact, it deepens it. Ancient civilizations, colonial history, and modern life all present at the same time makes Peru unique.

Whether it is the picturesque sunsets over the Pacific Ocean in Lima, coca tea in Cusco, or the quiet mystique of the Inca ruins, Peru is a country that will always beckon you for a longer journey.