Only In Peru

The Incas knew it: there’s no place like Peru. While Machu Picchu is one great reason to come, there are countless reasons to stay a little while longer, not the least of which are the lush beauty of the Amazon, the lively culture of Lima and the melt-in-your-mouth ceviche.

Only in Peru can you: hike through the Sacred Valley of the Incas… discover the lost city of Machu Picchu… be spellbound by the mystical Nazca Lines… take a dip in Lake Titicaca… and relax in thermal hot springs at Arequipa, home of the world’s deepest canyons.

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Ready to travel? Suggested itineraries here >

Meet Our South America Insiders

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  Andrea Minarcek

  When it comes to Argentina, Andrea has the answers. While stylish Buenos Aires is her home base, she’s trekked through Patagonia, ridden with gauchos, sipped wine in Mendoza… and everything in between.

  Favorite Buenos Aires café: Musetta Caffè
  Favorite Tango Spot: La Catedral
  Favorite Natural Wonder: Iguazu Falls
  Favorite Winery: Pulenta Estate

  Latest Question

  What is your opinion of closed door restaurants? Are they worth the price? Are they easy to get into? Which ones do locals like? Are there better places to eat for less money and less pretentious? Thank you!
  
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  Eileen Smith

  Since moving to Santiago eight years ago, Eileen has sat with huasos at a rodeo in Futaleúfu, eaten chancho en piedra near the river in Talca and bought olives in Punta de Choros. As a travel writer, she dispenses advice for a living, so feel free to ask a question!

  Favorite beach town: Pichilemu
  Best hiking near Santiago: Parque Mahuida, or Aguas de San Ramón
  Favorite spot for lunch in the Vega Chica: Tía Ruth’s
  Best place to buy souvenirs in Santiago: Pueblo Los Dominicos

  Latest Question

  What is the best time to visit Chile in terms of weather and what are the main attractions? Thank you.
  
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  Karina Davila

  A Lima native, Karina eats Peruvian adventure for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A travel guide in the Amazon and elsewhere, she loves helping people discover and appreciate what makes Peru, Peru.

  Favorite Amazonian flower: lobster claw (heliconia rostrata)
  Favorite type of ceviche: sea urchin
  Favorite place to surf: Los Organos

  Latest Question

  Hello. Where can I find a delicious cevichito?
  
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  Kevin Raub

  Co-author of Lonely Planet’s Brazil guide and coordinating author of the Brazil section of South America on a Shoestring guide, Kevin has–not surprisingly–traveled extensively across Brazil. He learned to dive in Fernando de Noronha, sought after the perfect moqueca from Espírito Santo to Bahia and swam with pink dolphins in the Amazon.

  Favorite São Paulo Restaurant: Maní
  Favorite Beach: Praia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha
  Favorite Bar Snack: Coxinhas at Bar Veloso, São Paulo
  Favorite Ecotourism Destination: Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul

   

  Latest Question

  In which stadium will the May 5 soccer (futbol) match in Rio be held?
  
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  Lance Andrew Brashear

  Having lived in Quito since 2003, Lance knows Ecuador inside and out, from the jungle to the coast to the Galapagos. When he’s not out there exploring, he’s relishing the joy of being a husband and dad.

  Favorite place to get lost: Quito historical district
  Favorite museum: City Museum in old town
  Favorite Galapagos animal: Blue-footed boobie

  Latest Question

  What's the best way to get from Quito to Cuenca without flying?
  
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  Natalie Southwick

  This Boston-raised and Chicago-educated journalist never felt so at home as she does in Bogotá. In just over a year, Natalie swam in the jewel-blue Caribbean near Santa Marta, chowed on ceviche in Cartagena, hiked through misty wax palms in Salento, ogled dinosaur fossils in Villa de Leyva and danced salsa into the wee hours in Cali.

  Favorite food: Ajíaco
  Favorite coffee shop: Juan Valdez Café
  Favorite hidden gem: José Celestino Mutis Jardín Botánico in Bogotá
  Favorite place to spend all my money: Usaquén Sunday market

  Latest Question

  What to wear in Colombia?
  

Our Top Picks

Machu Picchu: The must-see of all must-sees. It’s simply one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders–the Incas will leave you speechless.

Nazca Lines: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Nazca desert, the lines are one of archaeology’s greatest enigmas because of their quantity, nature, size and continuity.

Alpaca Sweaters: Don’t leave Peru without one! A millennial textile manufacturing tradition that you’ll love wearing. Check out Kuna by Alpaca 111, with locations in San Isidro, Miraflores or at the airport.

La Mar: A gastro hotspot where you can enjoy more than a dozen versions of ceviche, Lima’s signature dish.