Llama Travel, a well-known London-based tour operator, partners with LimaTours to offer exceptional trips to Peru for UK travelers. Ben, Llama Travel's travel consultant, had the opportunity to visit Peru earlier this year. In this blog, we asked him to share his personal experience, as well as tips and recommendations based on his trip.

Ben's trip: Peru

Exploring Peru felt like stepping into a world where history, culture, and nature blend in amazing ways. From the busy streets of Lima to the quiet Sacred Valley, everything felt unique. I was constantly amazed by the diversity and richness of the country. Whether wandering through ancient ruins, tasting local cuisine, or enjoying the scenery, visiting Peru was an amazing experience. My trip was made even better by the remarkable services provided by LimaTours.

Downtown Lima 

Food

Peru is renowned for its cuisine, and it truly was incredible. My favourite dish was Lomo Saltado, a delicious fusion of Peruvian and Asian flavours. For dessert, I highly recommend trying Picarones (pumpkin and sweet potato Peruvian doughnuts)—they’re simply delightful!

Lomo Saltado 

Tipple 

When it comes to drinks, you can't visit Peru without trying a Pisco Sour. They are quintessential to the Peruvian experience (but you don’t want to have too many)! Additionally, I also had a lot of coca tea and muña tea, which helped with acclimatising to the high altitudes in Cusco and Puno.

Coca tea

Favorite destination

I can’t put my finger on which destination I like best. Every destination on this trip was amazing, each offering a unique perspective of Peru. Lima was a fascinating capital city whereas Cusco was more traditional and bursting with culture. The Sacred Valley offered a sense of serenity amongst the most stunning landscapes and Puno provided the perfect gateway to experience Lake Titicaca.

Titicacan Lake

Highlights of Peru: The Sacred Valley

The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley was the highlight. This cozy hotel was a great contrast to the hotels in the city as it really is in the heart of the Sacred Valley, meaning you feel immersed in the stunning natural landscape. The rooms are all so homely and the views of the Andes from both the rooms or at breakfast are breathtaking.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Machu Picchu 

Visiting Machu Picchu was a dream come true! It has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and it did not disappoint. The panoramic views of the ruins are so picturesque and exploring the site really makes you experience how advanced the Inca civilization was. I went just after they changed the regulations for visiting Machu Picchu, but it was simple to navigate.

Machu Picchu 

Peruvian Guides

All the guides from LimaTours were incredible and as they are local to each area, they really are so knowledgeable and passionate. They were so informative answering any questions I had and made sure everyone was well looked after.

LimaTours' Guides

Peru is for everyone!

Everyone should visit Peru! It has something for everyone—from food and culture to history and llamas, making it a perfect destination for any traveller. The locals were also incredibly lovely and passionate about sharing their culture. Visiting communities in the Sacred Valley was rewarding, especially when we got to enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by locals in their dining room which was wonderful to experience.

To sum up, Ben's trip to Peru was an enriching and fascinating experience, full of discoveries and unforgettable moments. Every aspect of the trip, from the exquisite cuisine to the majestic history of Machu Picchu, was exceptional. If you are looking for an adventure that combines culture, nature and unparalleled human warmth, Peru is the perfect destination. There is no doubt that this land of wonders will remain a special place in the memories and hearts of those who visit.