GAY FRIENDLY PERU
Travel solutions with itineraries to discover all the wonders of this destination, places not to be missed, advice on where to sleep and what to eat, and above all special suggestions to make the most of your trip!
Welcome to Peru, one step away from heaven,
a country nestled in the mountains,
rich in colours, flavors and ancient traditions.
PERU GAY FRIENDLY
Peru is not the most innovative country in South America when it comes to LGBTQ rights. Discrimination against LGBTQ people has been banned since 2017 as the attitude of Peruvian society is still strongly influenced by the Catholic Church. There have also been considerable political battles over the anti-discrimination law, but so far the current president has prohibited any attempts to remove or change the law. We clearly advise you to use discretion but this should not discourage you from visiting fantastic Peru, especially because the country has two of the most gay-friendly cities in South America: Lima and Cusco.
We sincerely hope that this will change soon and that the Peruvian government will begin to support lesbian, gay, trans people and see LGBTQ+ rights as what they really are, simple human rights.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this destination at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - EUROPE / Lima
Day 2 - Lima / Cusco (domestic flight)
Day 3 - Cusco + Tour: Templo del Qorichanca, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Bosque de Qenqo, Comunidad de Alpaca & Mirador del Cristo Blanco - Google Maps
Day 4 - Cusco - Chinchero - Ollantaytambo - Moray - Pisaq - Cusco - Google Maps
Day 5 - Cusco (Bus to) Ollantaytambo + (Train to) Aguas Calientes - (Bus to) Machu Picchu (Back on the contrary) - Cusco - Google Maps
Day 6 - Cusco - Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) - Cusco - Google Maps
Day 7 - Cusco - Ruta del Sol (Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya e Pucara') - Puno - Google Maps
Day 8 - Puno - Uros Floating Islands - Taquile Island - Puno - Google Maps
Day 9 - Puno / ...
OPTION 1)
arrive at the Desaguadero border to continue the journey to BOLIVIA
Discover more - MAP'GUIDE • BOLIVIA
OPTION 2)
follow the tour in PERU towards AREQUIPA and return to LIMA
Day 10 - Puno - Cruz del Condor - Valle del Colca
Day 11 - Valle del Colca - Arequipa
Day 12 - Arequipa / Lima (domestic flight)
Day 13 - Lima / EUROPE
EXTRA - Ica Desert & Nazca Lines (can be inserted between Arequipa and Lima by adding extra days)
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
Click'n'Go - Click on the places to find them on the Map
WHAT TO SEE in PERU?
BEST THINGS TO SEE in PERU
Lima
Lima, the capital, represents the symbolic city of colonial and industrial history. It is the only city in South America that overlooks the sea and the only one to have earned the title of Gastronomic Capital of Latin America. In addition to discovering its fantastic historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, we recommend you take time to visit some of its most emblematic neighborhoods. It is a city always on the move and offers a variety of emotions, sensations and colours.
Don't miss the 10 THINGS TO SEE in LIMA:
1. Plaza de Armas de Lima & Cathedral of Lima
2. Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
3. Miraflores
4. Parque del Amor
5. Barranco neighborhood (Street Art) and Ponte dos Suspiros
6. Parque de la Reserva and Magic Water Tour
7. Huaca Pucllana archaeological site
8. Archbishop's Palace of Lima
9. Museo Pedro de Osma
10. Museo Larco
Cusco
Cusco is the historical capital of Peru and represents the initial seat of power of the Inca Empire. In 1983 it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and it is really worth visiting given its immense riches.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu has been one of the seven wonders of the world since 2007 and one of the most visited archaeological sites ever, as well as a cultural heritage of humanity. It is a fantastic and mysterious place. It's like a city surrounded by temples, palaces, set in a mountain with roads and water channels and built with large blocks of stones. The area was connected to the entire Inca Empire via the route called "Qhapaq Ñan". Its position allowed rainwater and water coming from melting ice to be directed directly but it also had a protective function from avalanches.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
One of the unmissable places in Peru is the Sacred Valley, which was once inhabited by small Andean communities until the conquest of the Incas. Here are some towns and places worth visiting such as:
Maras Salt Flats
The Maras salt flats are located in the province of Cusco. The landscape is absolutely desolate and is characterized by more than 3000 small tanks where the salt water coming from the “Qaqawiñay” mountain is stored. They form a breathtaking landscape and are really worth it!
Moray Archaeological Site
In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the archaeological site of Moray is worth a visit, with its agricultural terraces that almost look like amphitheatres. These concentric terraces were built by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory.
Pisac
This town is known as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and is famous throughout the world for its artisan market and its impressive archaeological remains, located in the upper part of the city.
Chinchero
The city of Chinchero is one of the points of the valley located at the highest altitude, with its 3,772 meters above sea level. The palace of Emperor Tupac Yupanqui was once located here, destroyed by the Spaniards. The colonial church of Nuestra Señora de Monserrat was built in its place.
Ollantaytambo
This town during the Inca period was a fortified city with temples, defense walls and urban and agricultural sectors. Ollantaytambo is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru and South America.
Puno
Puno is the founding city of the Inca dynasty and is considered the capital of Peruvian folklore. The port is important as it is from here that the main productions depart: tobacco, gold and cereals.
Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands & Taquile Island
Lake Titicaca is located at 3800 meters above sea level and is the highest navigable lake in the world. It extends for over 8500 square kilometers in different regions and between two states: Peru and Bolivia. It's a super quiet area full of natural beauty and biodiversity. A place rich in folklore and cultural traditions and is a stop not to be missed if you love nature! Lake Titicaca is also famous for a series of islands called Uros which were built with totora reeds, a plant that grows in the waters of the lake which you can also eat if you want, so it is used for almost everything. Another island not to be missed, the island of Taquile, a gem set in Lake Titicaca, one of the most beautiful islands in the lake with simply breathtaking scenery.
Rainbow Mountain
How can we forget the indescribable Rainbow Mountain? In Peru they also call them "mountains of seven colors" and they are one of the most famous attractions. There are seven colors and range from the red of iron oxide, to the pink of manganese, through the yellow of sulfur, up to the black of granite. To reach them you just need to travel for an hour but don't worry there are numerous horses or mules along the route and you can continue on your bike.
Arequipa
Arequipa, known as the 'Peruvian white city' is the second most inhabited city in Peru and is one of the most visited cities in all of Peru as its characteristic is that of being surrounded by three picturesque volcanoes and is located in the coastal region south of Village. It is characterized by the presence of multiple baroque buildings built in sillar, a white volcanic stone. Arequipa incorporates a rich mix of indigenous and colonial Spanish cultures and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Chimbote
Chimbote is a city on the coast north of Lima and is the most important fishing center in Peru, in fact in the past it was the most productive city in the world for the fish market but is also famous for the production of steel.
Trujillo
Trujillo is the heart of the second most populous metropolitan area in Peru. In its historic center there are refined palaces, convents and picturesque houses. It is also defined as the "city of eternal spring" due to its ideal climate which favors agricultural activities.
The most important thing is undoubtedly Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Sacsayhuamán Fortress
The Sacsayhuamán Fortress is an archaeological site two kilometers from Cuzco and extends for more than 3000 hectares. The characteristic of the area is given by the vastness of stones which were fitted with incredible precision.
Iquitos
Iquitos represents the hub for those who want to explore the fantastic Amazon Forest and in fact it is the largest city in the Peruvian forest and the main river port. In general it is not a city that can be reached by land. It is possible to define it as a metropolis in a jungle that alternates opposites and picturesque scenarios since in addition to the center and clubs, there is also the forest.
Huancayo
Huancayo is the city famous for the production of artisanal products for which, every Sunday, a peculiar market is held in the city center. It is also the terminus of two of the best rail routes in all of South America, as well as the second highest railway in the world.
Ruta del Sol (Andahuaylillas, Raqchi e Pukara)
The road that crosses southern Peru is called Ruta del Sol, and connects Cusco to Puno with plenty of wonders to visit. You can go from Cusco to Puno, or vice versa. These stops along the way are unmissable:
Andahuaylillas Village
In this village is the church of San Pedro Apóstol, known as the Sistine Chapel of America.
Raqchi
A famous archaeological site where it is possible to admire the remains of the ancient temple of the god Wiracocha, a divinity whose veneration in pre-Hispanic times is full of countless enigmas, legends and mysteries.
La Raya
Very famous viewpoint along the Ruta del Sol.
Pucara'
In this town the civilization of the same name flourished in 1,600 BC, here you can visit the small museum which displays sculptures made of stone and many ancient ceramics.
Ica Desert & Huacachina Oasis
Ica, very close to Lima, is known as the city of the eternal sun and is the center of renowned wine cellars. The Huacachina Lagoon, just 20 minutes from the city of Ica, is an ideal place to disconnect from the routine, relax and, why not, practice adventure sports. We can define it as a small tropical gem as it is surrounded by wonderful desert dunes of white sand and palm trees.
Nazca and the Lines
Nazca is a city famous for its desert and its lines, world-famous hieroglyphics composed of over 13,000 lines, for a total of 800 drawings. The theory of these lines is that they served to show pilgrims the way to the ceremonial city. Today they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Callao
Callao is the most important port in the country. In this city there is everything, from the sea to culture. It offers palaces and villas with wonderful balconies, as well as museums and numerous churches. One of the first places to visit is the historic center characterized by narrow cobbled streets, picturesque squares, wooden balconies, theme parks and lots of colours!
Pachacamac Archaeological Site
Also known as the "millennial citadel", it is located about forty kilometers from Lima. It is the most important archaeological site in Peru. Surrounded by desert and many remains of pyramid-shaped palaces and temples built with the Inca stone technique. You will surely be fascinated by the enormous stairs.
Puerto Maldonado
Puerto Maldonado represents a destination for those who need some time in contact with nature. It is about 45 minutes by plane from Cusco. In the area it is also possible to visit botanical gardens and learn about the properties of the plants and the use made of them by the Amazonian populations. It is becoming more and more famous thanks to the 'Mariposario', an area that brings together many colorful butterflies of all types!
Paracas & Ballestas Islands
Paracas is a protected area in the Ica region and the scenery it offers is that of endless beaches surrounded by rocky walls. Its name in the Inca language "Sandstorm" tells its foundations precisely because it is a very windy area where the strong wind happens to lift the sand. You might encounter sea lions and flamingos.
The Ballestas Islands are a group of small islands along the southern coast of Peru characterized by wonderful views with rocks and caves. These islands are an important home for marine wildlife, such as the blue-footed booby, Humboldt penguins and two varieties of pinnipeds.
Colca Valley
The Colca Valley is the second most visited destination after Machu Picchu. It is famous for its canyon, one of the deepest in the world. An immense scenario where the landscapes always change as the green combines with the wild colors of the mountains. The valley is located 4 hours from the city of Arequipa.
Amazon River
Describe this landscape in just two words? Peace and nature. The Amazon River is the longest river in the world and is surrounded by the Amazon rainforest. A true landscape outside of reality where cell phones don't work and the sounds of natural landscapes prevail.
Ancash & Cordillera Blanca
Ancash is a true paradise for trekking lovers. It is also nicknamed 'Peruvian Switzerland' for its breathtaking views reminiscent of Alpine landscapes. Its peculiarity is the Cordillera Blanca, a mountain range that is reflected in the waters of the Pacific.
Cajamarca
Cajamarca is the main city in northern Peru and is very famous for its cheese production and its carnival.
WHAT TO DO in PERU
Feed the Lamas
Can you go to Peru without seeing the amazing llamas? They are mainly found in the Andes but you may have more chances to encounter them in the countryside too.
Go to a Local Market
All Peruvian cities have a characteristic local market. In Peru, the markets stay open all day and you can find everything from foods to pure handicrafts. It is the ideal place for a true full immersion in contact with the local culture and to taste the best typical foods of the city.
Eating the "Cuy"
"Cuy" is a guinea pig served roasted, fried, or as a skewer. It's a different dish than usual that every tourist should try. If it makes an impression on you, we advise you to eat the skewer to avoid seeing it whole.
Discover Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is one of the best in the world. We recommend you try the restaurants and markets of the cities you visit to taste every specialty of the country.
Surfing in the Waves
Do you love surfing? What better place than Peru? Thanks to its 2500 kilometers of coastline with warm water and wonderful waves, it is much appreciated and requested by surf lovers.
Meeting Native Communities
Do you want an internal spiritual journey to get to know Peruvian culture better? Well the natives pass on their primitive knowledge and let yourself go and we are sure that you will have a lot to learn from them.
BEST EVENTS in PERU
Fiesta de la Virgén de la Candelaria (Febbraio)
The first 18 days of February, in Puno, this festival takes place which in 2014 was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is the biggest celebration as it is characterized by music, culture and popular dances and for this reason the protagonists wear clothes from the Inca period. February 2nd is the most important day because the Mamacha Calendaria, the statue of the Madonna, is transported throughout the country.
The International Harvest Festival (March)
It takes place in the city of Ica, the first days of March for more than a week. The aim is to make the world of Peruvian wine known firsthand. The vines are all collected together, which are then placed in baskets. Everything becomes a real folk festival with street artists, fire eaters and many other pastimes for the public. At the end of the festival, the Queen of the Harvest is also elected, who begins the "pisa de la uva", the beating of the grapes.
Holy Week of Ayacucho (April)
Holy Week is a period of full celebration in Peru. In Ayacucho the Catholic faith and the Ayacucho socio-cultural identity are celebrated with great passion. For some it is considered the most important in the world (after Seville)!
Señor de los temblores (April)
Literally "Lord of Tremors", this festival is dedicated to Taitacha Temblores, Lord of Earthquakes, and is celebrated on Easter Monday in Cuzco. Legend has it that a fresco of Christ prevented an earthquake in 1650 and for this reason the believers, to thank for this miracle, make a religious parade paying homage to the Inca gods Kon and Wiracocha with ñucchu flowers, a particular type of sage.
Inti Raymi (June)
Also called Festival of the Sun, it begins on June 24th and indicates the day of the winter solstice.
At the time it marked the beginning of the year and the mythological birth of the entire Inca population. Today, in the city of Cuzco, the impressive scene of the sacrifice of the Sun King is reconstructed and, to respect tradition, a white llama is sacrificed. The show is one of the most brilliant in terms of colors and solemnity.
WHERE TO STAY in PERU?
BEST LGBT FRIENDLY HOTELS, VILLAS & APARTMENTS in PERU
Lima - Best Western Plus Urban Larco Hotel **** ® Tested by World Mappers Lima - Holiday Inn - Lima Airport, an IHG Hotel ****
Lima - Girasoles Hotel *** Cusco - Sonesta Hotel Cusco **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Cusco - Hotel Royal Qosqo *** Cusco - Anden Inca Hotel *** Cusco - El Mariscal ***
Cusco - Intiwatana Hotel Boutique ** Cusco - Hotel Santa Maria ** Puno - Hotel Hacienda Puno Centro Histórico *** ® Tested by World Mappers
Aguas Calenties - Inti Punku MachuPicchu Hotel & Suites ***
Arequipa - Acolpacha Tambo Boutique Arequipa - Arequipa Inn ***
Arequipa - La Hosteria Boutique Hotel ****
WHERE TO EAT in PERU ?
BEST TYPICAL RESTAURANTS of PERU Quality / Price
Lima - €€€ - La Mar
Lima - €€€ - Mangos Restaurante
Lima - €€ - Mercado San Martín ® Tested by World Mappers
Lima - €€ - Cosme
Lima - €€ - El Mercado
Cusco - €€€ - Uchu Peruvian Streakhouse Cusco - €€ - Jack's Café ® Tested by World Mappers
Cusco - €€ - Andean Grill ® Tested by World Mappers
Cusco - €€ - La Quinta ® Tested by World Mappers
Cusco - €€ - Kion Peruvian Chinese
Cusco - €€ - Ciccolina
Cusco - € - Kusykay
Aguas Calientes - €€ - KAYMANKA Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers
Aguas Calientes - €€ - Chullos-Craft Beer & Homemade Food
Aguas Calientes - € - Restaurante Tupana Wasi
Puno - €€ - Mojsa Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers
Puno - €€ - Balcones de Puno
Arequipa - €€ - Zingaro Restaurante
Arequipa - €€ - Kao Thai and Peruvian Cuisine
Arequipa - €€ - Mumis
WHAT TO EAT in PERU?
BEST TYPICAL DISHES of PERU
Ceviche
Let's start with a food that you can't help but taste. Ceviche are a dish based on fish marinated with lime juice (or lime), chilli pepper and salt to which onion and coriander are added. It is accompanied by toasted corn and sweet potatoes which serve to tone down the acidity.
Papa a la Huancaina
It's a real treat! It is a thick sauce based on yellow chili pepper with which the potatoes are covered. This time the sauce is prepared with Aji amarillo, garlic, crackers, lemon juice cheese and oil mixed together. Trust me, once ready it will be served to you with black olives and hard-boiled eggs.
Aji de Gallina
Without a doubt this is one of the most loved dishes in the country. It is a thick cream of bread, milk and aji amarillo, or a sweet yellow chili pepper, which is mixed with strips of chicken and seasoned with slices of hard-boiled eggs, potatoes and black olives and served with white rice.
Lomo Saltado
In first position there is certainly the Lomo Saltado, a simple but rich dish based on beef cut into strips and sautéed in a pan with onions, peppers and chilli.
Anticuchos
You will find them in the stalls on the streets and they are skewers made with beef heart marinated in a sauce of garlic, oregano, pepper, cumin, chilli cream and wine vinegar. Excellent!
Rocoto Relleno
This is one of the spicy dishes, in fact it is a pepper filled with minced meat cooked with chilli pepper and bay leaves mixed with onion, peanuts, oregano, olives, hard-boiled eggs, parsley, raisins, salt and pepper and finally a slice of cheese. All served with an excellent potato gateau.
Pollo a la Brasa
Could you ever forget the dish recognized by the National Institute of Culture as a cultural heritage of the nation and which also has a celebratory day, every third Sunday of July? It's really a grilled chicken dish but with a marinade based on vinegar, beer, oregano, rosemary, ají panca, garlic, cumin, pepper, soy sauce and salt.
Pan con Chicharron
For lovers of meat sandwiches, the sandwich with fried and crispy pork belly is famous. Clearly there are various types but the most famous is that of Lima, served with slices of sweet potatoes and the very famous criolla sauce (onions, vinegar, tomatoes, garlic, chilli, peppers, olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs).
Picarones
It is a typical dessert of Peruvian cuisine and is made up of small sweet potato and pumpkin pancakes, cooked in water flavored with cinnamon, anise and cloves. After cooking in hot oil, they are sprinkled with honey.
Pisco Sour
Peru's national cocktail: the Pisco Sour. Made with pisco (Peruvian brandy made from muscat grapes), lemon juice, sugar syrup, egg white and 2 or 3 drops of angostura. It's excellent and refreshing.
TRAVEL TIPS about PERU by World Mappers
Could the high altitude cause problems? Yes, especially in the first days of your stay. Weakness, fatigue, headache, a slight nausea and tachycardia may be the first symptoms in Peru. But don't worry, it's all normal, these are usually mild symptoms that disappear in a couple of days. To prevent this it is good to avoid smoking, alcohol, strenuous walks and above all avoid eating a lot but it is good to drink lots of liquids, since the dry and windy climate can create small dehydration problems.
There are health and hygiene rules: never drink water from the taps, only consume bottled water, making sure it is well sealed. Avoid milk and its derivatives as long as they have not been pasteurized first. Peeling fruit is always the best safe alternative.
Are any vaccinations required in Peru? Yes, but only for the Amazon area yellow fever is required and antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended.
Pay attention to the power sockets: they are type A (American socket with two parallel outlets of thin blade type) and C (European two-pole socket sometimes also used in Italy). We recommend that you bring a universal adapter to avoid any inconvenience.
How to reach Machu Picchu? To reach it you start from the town of Aguas Calientes. It can be reached by private car, train, bus or on foot, following the Inca Trail, walking for about 3 days among the Andean landscapes. Or you can take a shuttle that leaves Aguas Caliente every 10 minutes or an uphill walk of about two hours. Machu Picchiu is located at 2430 meters above sea level while Aguas Calientes is at 2020 meters so the difference in altitude you will have to cover by bus or on foot will be around 400 metres.
What is the Inca Trail? It is the most famous hiking route to Machu Picchu. 43 kilometers in 4 days and 3 nights through an ancient network of paths. The beginning of the journey is in Pisqacucho while the end is at Intipunku (Puerta del Sol) in the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
How to best see the Nazca Lines? Flying over them is the best solution! The overflight is carried out with light planes with 3 to a maximum of 9 seats and it is recommended to do it early in the morning because there is no wind and the view is better. Another solution would be via the Mirador, a turret 20km north of Nasca. To reach it, just take any bus departing from Nazca towards the north. But personally from the mirador you can see little or nothing so we highly recommend you try the overflight experience!
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Consult the Practical Information for the trip
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CHEAP CAR RENTAL in PERU
To travel around Peru you need a rental car. We have chosen to rely on DiscoverCars.com, the best car rental website where you can search, compare and save up to 70%, a real bargain right? They will help you choose the perfect car for your next trip, without having surprises of car delivery surcharges, and where it suits you best. Then just download their App to manage your booking wherever you are.
TRAVEL INSURANCE for PERU
Before any trip it is good to take out insurance to cover any inconveniences that could ruin the experience. We always rely on HeyMondo which allows you to choose the right insurance for every need. We recommend that you always protect yourself with health insurance and coverage for any cancellations, delays and, if you use them, for theft or breakage of electronic equipment. Medical treatment in Peru can be very expensive. Health insurance in this country is not mandatory by law but is strongly recommended; without it, even a routine visit can make you shell out staggering amounts.
You will get an immediate 510% discount
INTERNET & PHONE CALL in PERU - eSIM CARD
How many times do we go abroad and the first thing we do is call home to say we have arrived. How often are we in a city on vacation and we need to find a place to eat using Google Maps or the internet. How many times do we need to send messages and photos on WhatsApp without spending a salary.
Tired of spending millions when abroad calling or using the internet?
Here is the SOLUTION we use: Holafly, a new technology with eSIM. Order your eSIM on the website and within minutes you will receive an email with a QR code. Just scan it and you'll be connected to the internet right away. You save time, stress and above all do something good for the environment by not having a physical SIM. If you are in a hurry and have to leave tomorrow and have not thought about the internet problem, you can solve it very quickly with this eSIM, and there is no problem that you could accidentally lose it or damage it while traveling. Most importantly, with the eSIM you don't have to change or remove your regular SIM card, you can leave it in the phone and use the eSIM instead of the physical one.
Don't waste time and above all don't spend millions, activate your Holafly eSim.
It is very easy, but how to do it? It only takes 3 steps and voila!
Holafly also offers data plans with unlimited data to many of the main destinations in the world: for example USA, Indonesia, Europe, Mexico, Thailand and many more.
This is a "new" technology and not all devices are compatible with it, but you can check which phones are already compatible with the eSIM at this link: https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones.
You will get an immediate discount of 5% with the "WORLDMAPPERS" Discount Code
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