Just back from Peru with Maggie

Travel Expert Maggie Wilson reflects on her recent trip to Peru, visiting Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Colca Canyon and the jungle, where she was lucky enough to spot a jaguar.

How did you get there?
I flew from London to Madrid with Iberia, and then to Lima with Latam.

Where did you go?
I began in Lima, before flying to Puerto Maldonado for a few nights in an Amazon Lodge. From there I visited Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Colca Canyon, Arequipa and finally Iquitos in northern Peru for an Amazon cruise.

Have you been to Peru before?
Yes, I was last in Peru 10 years ago on a backpacking trip with my sister, so it was lovely to be back in some of my favourite spots.

Which was your favourite...?

Place: Arequipa is very much an underrated city in my opinion, with some beautiful colonial architecture including Santa Catalina Monastery (pictured above), lively local markets and fewer tourists than you tend to see elsewhere in Peru.

Hotel: Puqio, situated in the Colca Valley, was a unique place to stay. The luxurious tented accommodation offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, fantastic excursions, and to top it off the kitchen comes up with unique ‘concept’ meals, which allow you to try a huge variety of delicious Peruvian cuisine.

Excursion: I really enjoyed exploring the Sacred Valley by mountain bike. The landscape is beautiful, and you cycle through a lot of small villages, providing an insight into how some of the locals live. Although there are quite a lot of hills en route, the e-bikes provided ample assistance, making the experience as easy or challenging as you’d like.

What was your most memorable moment?
We were extremely lucky to see a jaguar during our time staying at Posada Amazonas. It was at dusk so we were using torches. We caught a glimpse of the green eyes from our boat and were able to watch an adolescent lounging on the bank of the river before wandering off.

Were there any surprises along the way?
Seeing a jaguar was the biggest surprise! (pictured below)

What tips do you have for travellers who would like to visit the same destinations?
If you have the time, I would really recommend spending time further south, exploring the Colca Valley and Arequipa.

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?
Light, long-sleeved clothing is very useful if going to the Amazon, and bug spray! Suncream is also essential, especially when at high altitude.

Any local snacks, dishes or drinks that should be sampled?
I would highly recommend tiradito, which is thinly sliced raw fish in a spicy, citrus-based sauce. And of course a Pisco Sour is not to be missed.

Sum up your trip in a sentence:
A combination of wonderful food, beautiful landscapes, interesting cultures and spectacular wildlife.

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