From cultural history to natural beauty and culinary experiences; Peru is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. In order to give traveling wedding guests a guidance, we share our best recommendations for an unforgettable experience in Peru!
Stay 3-4 days
Lima is a the culinary capital of Latin America (and of the world?). With 10 million inhabitants it is also by far the biggest city in Peru. For the best experience we recommend staying in the following districts: Miraflores, Barranco or San Isidro.
Small scale and cozy boutique hotel in Miraflores. Quiet nights, solid breakfast. Our usual pick in Lima.
Arístides Aljovín 335, Lima 15074
Another solid boutique hotel. Rooms towards a quiet patio. Right next to the historic site of Huaca Pucllana.
C. Eduardo de Habich 185, Miraflores 15074
Simply the best ceviche in Peru. It doesn't get any better than this. The restaurant's concept is simple but clever: just point and choose your fish and get It prepared in 4 distinct styles.
Sta. Rosa 388, Surquillo 15047
A worldclass culinary experience in an unassuming restaurant with streetfood vibes. That's Clon. Don't forget to order the flan !
Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 203A, Barranco 15065
Other GREAT options:
Osaka: Delicious Nikkei cuisine in a metropolitan setting
Huaca Pucllana Restaurante: Delicious food with views on the archeological site
Cevicheria Punto Azul: Perfect ceviches 'a la Norteña'
La bodega de la Trattoria:
El Mercado: Fresh seafood and great vibes
Panchita: Top quality traditional 'criollo' food
For people who like fine dining:
Maido: currently the n°1 restaurant in the world
Central: Previously the n°1 restaurant in the world
Kjolle: rumored to be the future n°1 restaurant in the world
Mérito: the bigger and fancier brother of 'Clon'
Astrid y Gastón: Restaurant by the the chef who put Peruvian cuisine on the world map
Perfect for a romantic stroll or a morning run. There's something truly relaxing about just wandering around and enjoying the views over the Pacific with a lovely sea breeze. On the way you'll pass cute public parcs like "Parque del Amor" en "Parque China".
A pre-Inca cultural site and pyramid right in the heart of Miraflores. Don't forget to combine your visit with a dinner in the excellent Huaca Pucllana Restauante.
Ca. Gral. Borgoño cdra. 8, Miraflores 1507
More things to do in Lima:
Museo Larco: Stunning pre-Columbian museum
Parque Kennedy: A cat lovers dream
Paracas and Huacachina day trip: explore the volcanic island formations and its penguins! and an oasis in a picture perfect dessert landscape in a day trip from Lima
Stay 2-3 days
In the shadow of the mysterious volcano 'El Misti' (5.822m) lays Peru's second biggest city. Often called "la ciudad blanca" (earned from its colonial architecture in white volcanic stone), Arequipa is the perfect place to experience Peru's Andean culture and cuisine .
Beautiful and affordable boutique hotel in colonial architecture in the city center right next to the monastery.
Calle Melgar 108 Cercado, Areq 01
The perfect place to try alpaca meat. The restaurant's philosophy is to cook Alpine specialties in perfect harmony with the flavors and aromas of products from Peru’s coast, highlands, and jungle.
C. Zela 210, Cercado De Arequipa 04001
Also worth a try:
Eco Brunch: lovely place with volcano view
13 Monjas: Amazing food in colonial architecture
Mi Kcao: coffee and chocolate sweets with a view
A main city square doesn't get much better than the one in Arequipa. From traditional dances, concerts or markets; there is always something to see or do. The majestic views of the Basilica Cathedral and the volcano 'Misti' make the experience truly unique.
Incredibly photogenic monastery and colonial architectural masterpiece in the heart of Arequipa.
Stay 5-8 days
What the air in Cusco lacks in oxygen (altitude 3400m!) it makes up for in pure magic. What once was a dried up lake between the Andes mountain became the capital of the Inca Empire. And when the Spanish came, they literally rebuilt the city on the foundations of their ruins. Needless to say, this city is special, and it is no wonder that Luisa and Sander first fell in love in this very place.
A visit to Cusco is not complete without from exploring the sacred valley and witnessing one of the new 7 wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.
Gorgeous hotel in authentic colonial architecture. Pictures don't do justice how beautiful this place really is. The restaurant of the hotel 'Piedra & Sal' is also one of the best in Cusco.
Carmen Bajo 243
Small and cozy hotel tucked away in a quiet alley right in the city center. Delicious breakfast and not too pricey.
Santa Catalina Ancha 366-D-1, Cusco City Centre
The first restaurant you should go to when arriving in Cusco. Wonderful food and drinks, friendliest service and a view over the Plaza des Armas to die for. Make sure to make a reservation. They are often fully booked.
Esquina con, plaza de armas, Procuradores 320
Don't skip the dessert. the "Fondant" filled with lucuma will blow you away!
Calle Plateros 309 Esquina de la plaza de armas
Other places to stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley:
Casa Alba Ollantaytambo: beautiful house up to 8 people in Ollantaytambo (train to Machu Picchu)
The Glass House Calca: Magically romantic tiny house for two in the Sacred Valley
A structure so incredible that Spanish conquistadores believed it was created by extraterrestrial life rather than the Inca's. To this day, there is still a mysterious aura surrounding this gigantic stone formation as nobody quite understands the original purpose of its existence.
One of the seven modern wonders of the world. The n°1 destination in Peru and not easy to reach, but so so worth it. This place is the perfect harmony between nature and man made structures. It's almost a spiritual experience walking through the ruins. One can only really understand it by physically being there.
A visit to Machu Picchu has to be planned well in advance. Entrance tickets are usually sold out 1-2 months in advance. The world wonder is very remote and can only be reached by train (or by foot if you have 4 days). We recommend staying in or close to Ollantaytambo, a small city in the Sacred Valley where the train to Machu Picchu departs.